Nanocomposites have been of high research interest in the past decades and practical applications are now emerging. Although there have been previous works on nanocomposites, this book offers a current overview with a special emphasis on processing.
The processing of nanocomposite polymers is the most important stage bridging the technology between the composition of the nanocomposites and their final properties and derived applications, due to the structuring during processing of the polymer at the nanoscale. This book covers the fundamental aspects involved in the processing of thermoplastic and thermoset nanocomposites. The processing methods include extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, thermoforming, and compression molding. Also covered are nanoparticle dispersion, distribution, and compatibilization, and applications of polymer nanocomposites.
Edited and written by leading experts in the field, this book is a major contribution to a growing and exciting area of research, focusing on:
- Dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles using sonication, roll mixing, shear mixing, elongational mixing, solvent mixing, melt mixing, and in situ polymerization
- Functionalization of nanoparticles for compatibilization with various polymer systems
- Processing of polymer nanocomposites, including rheology as well as nanoparticles’ orientation development during extrusion and injection molding
- The effect of dispersion, functionalization, and processing technologies on orientation, morphology, and derived nanocomposite mechanical, thermal, electrical, and physical properties