ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the principal types of nanoparticles, and discusses some of the methods that may be used to disperse these particles in polymers. It introduces nanoparticle reinforcement, and summarises the types of nanoparticles which are typically used in polymers. The chapter explains some of the dispersion techniques used and shows that how the quality of dispersion can affect the properties of the nanocomposite produced. It suggests how the quality of the dispersion can be quantified by introducing the area disorder parameter. The degree of dispersion of nanoparticles can greatly affect the properties of nanocomposites. The shape and aspect ratio of the particles are important in determining the properties of nanocomposites. Nanoparticles can be classified by their shape, as equi-axed, rod-like and plate-like. Nanoparticles have been shown to improve the fatigue performance of thermoset polymers, as measured using linear elastic fracture mechanics.
