7 - Thermal behavior and thermokinetic studies of functionalized polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

To improve the properties of polymer or copolymer, nanofillers are added that enhance the applicability and functionality of the polymeric nanocomposites (PNCs) formed, which has enormous applications in areas of reinforced PNCs, polymeric bionanomaterials, drug administration, automobiles, aerospace, packaging, and so on. As compared to conventional microfillers and polymers, the functionalized polymer nanocomposites result in unusual properties. Additives in nanosize range (1–100nm) can modify mechanical, electrical, optical, and thermal properties. Using apt methods, for instance, thermal analysis techniques, the changes occurring in various properties of functionalized PNCs are studied. Hence, this chapter will describe the employment of different thermal analysis methods, which include differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, thermochemical analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and dielectric thermal analysis, for the PNCs. As well as how these analysis methods are helpful in explaining the “nanoeffects” that appear in functionalized polymer nanocomposites and phase transitions of PNC materials in response to temperature will be reviewed. The impact of nanoparticles as nanofillers on glass transition temperature (Tg), fictive temperature (Tf), polymer melting, degradation, crystallization, thermal percolation behavior for thermal conductivity related to nanocomposites, and so on will also be discussed. The effect of various nanofillers like graphene, nanoplatelets, nanofiber, and nanoparticulate on PNCs will be reviewed. The thermokinetic analysis describing various properties and determining the path of the variations occurring at a constant or programmed temperature in a sample will be explained.