3 - Preparation of nanoparticle-based polymer composites

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based polymer composites are potential candidates for biomedical, energy storage, and photovoltaic applications. Applications of nanoparticle-based polymer nanocomposites depend on both the nanoparticles and the matrix. Applications of those materials can be modified with the physical modifications and functionalization of the surface (capping or stabilizing ligands) of nanoparticles and the sizes of the matrix. Usually, three separate steps comprise the preparation of nanoparticle-based polymer nanocomposites. Nanoparticles and matrix are prepared separately. In the final step, both of those raw materials are combined in various physical and chemical processes. In this chapter, the steps to prepare the nanoparticle-based polymer composites are described elaborately. As the application of nanocomposites is dependent on the constituent materials, so it is necessary to understand the preparation of the constituent materials (nanoparticles and matrix) and the composite alone. Aside from the discussions on matrix and filler materials, the popular approaches undertaken to produce ceramic, metal, and polymer nanocomposites are briefly overviewed. In the discussion of the methodologies, our focus was to highlight the general as well as specific applications of the approaches and associated thermal, mechanical, and process parameters to maintain for successful execution and realization of their particular advantages or customized utilization. In the end, there is a brief section where the potential drawbacks of the approaches are discussed. In short, this chapter provides a brief yet comprehensive overview of the process, applicability, and limitations of nanoparticle-based polymer composites.