ABSTRACT
The National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) defines nanotechnology as involving “research and technology development at the 1-100 nm range.” The application of nanotechnology to polymers has produced polymeric nanocomposites in which polymers are intercalated in layered inorganic particles, such as layered silicates or admixed via exfoliation. Polymeric nanocomposites are prepared by admixing the different primary components in a polymer matrix, along with various secondary nanosize organic and inorganic components. Nanotechnology has grown to become wide-ranging in its applications. Of particular importance is the use of nanoparticles with a high aspect ratio that allows the structural characteristics of their molecule to be used in conjunction with their layered particle structures to maximize the strength of bonding between polymer and particles. By adding small amounts of these particles, 0.5-5 wt%, it has become possible to not only improve many of the original properties of the polymers, such as their strength, rigidity, and heat, ultraviolet, and flame resistance, but also to decrease their water absorption rates and gas permeability.
