POLYMER COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH ALPHA-ALUMINA WHISKERS

摘要

The present invention relates to polymer nanocomposites and the method for preparing them, using α-Al₂O₃ whiskers as the reinforcing fiber material, and having the resulting polymer nanocomposites superior flexural properties and thermal stability. Said α-Al₂O₃ whiskers are prepared previously by vapor-liquid-solid deposition (VLS), and in some embodiments the whiskers are silica-surface treated, structurally branched or directionally aligned. The invention also relates to a shaped article compromising the polymer nanocomposites as defined above, as well as the use of them for application comprising aeronautic, optical, food or medical sectors.