Hybrid Nanocomposites – A Review

Abstract

Since the last ten years, research happenings in the field of nanomaterials have been increased dramatically. Materials scientists and researchers have realized that the mechanical properties of materials can be altered at the fundamental level, i.e. at the atomic-scale. Carbon nanotubes have been well recognized as nanostructural materials that can be used to modify mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of polymer-based composite materials, because of their excellent properties and perfect atom arrangement. In geneal, scientific research related to the nanotubes and their co-related polymer based composites can be distinguished into four particular scopes: (i) production of high purity and well-regulated nanotubes, in terms of their size, length and chiral arrangement; (ii) enhancement of interfacial bonding strength between the nanotubes and their surrounding matrix; (iii) control of the dispersion properties and alignment of the nanotubes in nanotube/polymer composites and (iv) applications of the nanotube in real life. Research shows that addition of resin with nanoclays permits to retain stiffness without losing toughness, and also improving barrier and thermal properties. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) studies revealed that filling the carbon nanotube into epoxy can produce a 90% enhancement in storage modulus and a 22°C increase in Tg. Addition of nanoclay and epoxy with nanotubes forms a hybrid nanocomposite.