| Abstract: | Polymer Nanocomposites: chances, risks and potential to improve the mechanical and physical properties The development of nano‐particle reinforced polymer composites is presently seen as one of the most promising approaches of materials for future engineering applications. The unique properties of at least some types of the nano‐particles (e.g., Carbon Nanotubes or Carbon Black) and the possibility of combining them with conventional materials and reinforcements (e.g., carbon‐, glass‐ or aramid‐fibres), has led to an intense research in the field of nanocomposites. Especially Carbon Nanotubes have shown a high potential for an improvement of the properties of polymers. Besides an increase in the electrical conductivity even at an extremely low nanotube content the improvement of the mechanical properties is of special interest. The exceptionally high aspect ratio in combination with a low density and a high strength and stiffness make the carbon nanotubes a most interesting candidate for a reinforcement of polymeric materials. The electrical, mechanical and thermal properties of Carbon Nanotubes open up new perspectives also for their use as multifunctional materials, e.g. conductive polymers with improved mechanical performance. The problem, however, is to transfer the interesting potential regarding the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties to the polymer. Two main issues have to be addressed for a significant improvement of the properties of polymers by adding Carbon Nanotubes: the interfacial bonding and, especially also, a proper dispersion of the individual Carbon Nanotubes in the polymeric matrix. |
