Chapter 11 - Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

In this chapter, application of different thermal analysis methods, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential fast scanning calorimetry (DFSC) and modulated temperature DSC (TMDSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and TGA hyphenated with FTIR and MS, thermomechanical analysis (TMA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), localized thermal analysis and dielectric thermal analysis (DETA) for studying of polymer nanocomposites has been described. Thermal analysis methods are useful tools that enable better understanding of the “nano-effects” observed in polymeric nanocomposites and are efficiently utilized in the determination of phase transitions and degradation processes of nanostructured polymeric materials. To describe the property changes of polymer matrix it is crucial to recognize macromolecules’ phase behavior and decomposition routes in the presence of nanoparticles of different size and shape, which may considerably change not only thermal, but also mechanical, barrier, and optical properties, as well as flame resistance. Recent developments in the area of new methods, such as DFSC, applied for studying phase transitions under the state far from thermodynamic equilibrium have been reported, too.