However, in most cases, such composites are close to a zero-dimensional state; some
of those with a polymer matrix possess exciting mechanical and thermal properties,
and are used to a wide extent in the automotive industry.
In general, nanosized platelets are energetically not favorable and therefore not
often observed. However, a thermodynamically stable variety of this type of nanocomposite using polymer matrices is realized using delaminated layered silicates
(these nanocomposites are discussed in connection with their mechanical properties in Chapter 11). In addition to the composites shown in Figure 2.3, nanocomposites with regular well-ordered structures may also be observed (see
Figure 2.4). In general, this type of composite is created via a self-organization
processes. The successful realization of such processes require particles that are
almost identical in size.
Figure 2.4 Perfectly ordered zero-dimensional nanocomposite; this type of composite is
generally made via a self-organization processes.
Figure 2.3 Three basic types of
nanocomposite. (a) Composite consisting of
zero-dimensional particles in a matrix; ideally,
the individual particles do not touch each other.
(b) One-dimensional nanocomposite
consisting of nanotubes or nanorods
distributed in a second matrix. (c) Twodimensional nanocomposite built from stacks
of thin films made of two or more different
materials.
2.1 Introduction j7
of those with a polymer matrix possess exciting mechanical and thermal properties,
and are used to a wide extent in the automotive industry.
In general, nanosized platelets are energetically not favorable and therefore not
often observed. However, a thermodynamically stable variety of this type of nanocomposite using polymer matrices is realized using delaminated layered silicates
(these nanocomposites are discussed in connection with their mechanical properties in Chapter 11). In addition to the composites shown in Figure 2.3, nanocomposites with regular well-ordered structures may also be observed (see
Figure 2.4). In general, this type of composite is created via a self-organization
processes. The successful realization of such processes require particles that are
almost identical in size.
Figure 2.4 Perfectly ordered zero-dimensional nanocomposite; this type of composite is
generally made via a self-organization processes.
Figure 2.3 Three basic types of
nanocomposite. (a) Composite consisting of
zero-dimensional particles in a matrix; ideally,
the individual particles do not touch each other.
(b) One-dimensional nanocomposite
consisting of nanotubes or nanorods
distributed in a second matrix. (c) Twodimensional nanocomposite built from stacks
of thin films made of two or more different
materials.
2.1 Introduction j7