Polymer Nanocomposites having a High Filler Content: Synthesis,
Structures, Properties, and Applications
Abstract
The recent development of nanoscale fillers, such as carbon nanotube,
graphene, and nanocellulose, allows the functionality of polymer
nanocomposites to be controlled and enhanced. However, conventional
synthesis methods of polymer nanocomposites cannot maximise the
reinforcement of these nanofillers at high filler content. Approaches to
the synthesis of high content filler polymer nanocomposites are
suggested to facilitate future applications. The fabrication methods
address design of the polymer nanocomposite architecture, which
encompass one, two, and three dimensional morphology. Factors that
hamper the reinforcement of nanostructures, such as alignment,
dispersion of filler as well as interfacial bonding between filler and
polymer are outlined. Using suitable approaches, maximum potential
reinforcement of nanoscale filler can be anticipated without limitations
in orientation, dispersion, and the integrity of the filler
particle-matrix interface. High filler content polymer composites
containing emerging materials such as 2D transition metal carbides,
nitrides, and carbonitrides (MXenes) are expected in the future.