Thermal Stability and Degradation of Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites are a growing field of research that aims at developing new nanostructured materials with enhanced properties. Structure–property relationships are sought as certain phenomena at nanoscale still need to be explained. Thermal stability and degradation behavior of polymer nanocomposites are of paramount importance due to fundamental reasons and for future practical applications. Hence, this chapter presents discussion on the thermal stability and degradation of polymer nanocomposites with special attention paid to the influence of different types of nanofillers on the thermal stability of polymer nanocomposites. Novel approaches in stabilization of polymer nanocomposites using synergistic effects between nanofillers and classical stabilizers are also presented.