ABSTRACT
Nanoparticles, nanocomposites and polymer nanocomposite foams are a remarkable class of tools with distinctive arrangements and properties. The shape, dimension and surface chemistry of nanoparticles are tailored to manage the structure and properties of the polymer nanocomposite foams. Polymer nanocomposite foams have attracted increasing attention in research and development with several current and potential industrial applications due to their varied margin of superiority over conventional materials. Polymer nanocomposites offer easily customizable product properties, flexible manufacturing processes, a higher strength-to-weight ratio, lower cost, and high resistance to corrosion or erosion. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites are also adding functionality to polymer foams. In this chapter, I have been concisely reviewing an overview of nanoparticles, polymer nanocomposites and emerging applications of polymer nanocomposite foams. Here I am aiming to gather some reported literature of researchers carried concerning the use of nanomaterial in polymeric nanocomposite foams for significant developments in their properties. Phenomenological and technical studies on polymer nanocomposites are continuing. Advanced explanations are required but the mechanisms leading to the formation of several polymer nanocomposite foams are still topics of examination in the material science community. An abundant scientific work requires ample investigation in this field.
