SYNTHESIS AND APPLICATIONS OF POLYMER CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES

Abstract

The term polymer nanocomposites (PNC) refers to a novel class of composite materials where at least one of the dispersed particle dimensions falls under the nanoscale (10–100 nm). They blend the ideas of composites and materials that are nanoscale in size. The properties of these nanosized materials differ from normal materials because grains, fibers, and plates with a surface area only a few nanometers across have a vastly enhanced surface area. They can be created using easy and affordable methods, and frequently exhibit qualities that are better than those of traditional microscale composites due to the high contact between the components. Clay minerals and layered silicates are widely employed nowadays as reinforcing elements to enhance numerous polymer characteristics. The primary advantages of minerals such as clay as reinforcing materials include their low density, wide availability, affordable price, high aspect ratio, and significant specific surface area, that greatly improves the characteristics of polymers. The detoxification of chromium from industrial effluents at various levels (ppb to μg) assumes considerable importance. In the current work, we discuss the synthesis and various uses of clay-based organic polymer nanocomposites made of polyurethane and poly (ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).