How to define a nanocomposite by the example of polymer/organoclay nanostructured composites

Abstract

Introducing the filler nanoparticles into a polymer matrix is shown to not necessarily favor the formation of a true nanomaterial (nanocomposite). For this, a certain nanofiller structure has to be achieved in the polymer matrix. In polymer/organoclay nanocomposites it can be attained only by forming an exfoliated organoclay structure. A transition from micro-to nanocomposite under other similar conditions is accompanied by a drastic increase (by several times) in the elastic modulus.