ABSTRACT
Polymer nanocomposites are polymer matrix composites in which the
reinforcement has at least one of its dimensions in the nanometer range
(1 nanometer (nm)¼ 103 mm (micron)¼ 109 m). These composites show great promise not only in terms of superior mechanical properties, but also in
terms of superior thermal, electrical, optical, and other properties, and, in
general, at relatively low-reinforcement volume fractions. The principal reasons
for such highly improved properties are (1) the properties of nano-reinforce-
ments are considerably higher than the reinforcing fibers in use and (2) the ratio
of their surface area to volume is very high, which provides a greater interfacial
interaction with the matrix.
