Advances in Polymer-Filler Composites: Macro to Nano

It has been long known that polymers can be mixed with clay minerals, however, the ideas of microcomposites have been expanded recently to a new and emerging class of clay-filled polymers, called Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites (PCN), which has experienced the real breakthrough early in the past decade only. This is a novel class of composites that are particle-filled polymers for which at least one dimension of the dispersed particles is in the nanometer range with very low filler loading (usually 2-6% by weight). Due to the unique structure, specifically the high aspect ratio of these mineral fillers, the resultant high surface area provides similar reinforcing performance to that of traditional minerals and fibers used in polymers and yet does not increase density, since loading levels are low. Because of the nanometer size of the particles, which is smaller than the wavelength of visible light, the reinforced polymer remains transparent. Other characteristics of these composites include high barrier performance and improved thermal stability, which make these compounds suitable for many applications. This review aims to provide a brief current overview in exploring this new class of polymer composites.