An overview of polymer nanocomposites: Understanding of mechanical and tribological behavior
Qurat Ul Ain, Rakesh Sehgal, M.F. Wàňi, Manjesh Kumar Singh
Abstract
Polymer nanocomposites are polymeric materials reinforced with various types of nano-materials. Over last few decades, these materials have drawn a lot of attention particularly as a favorable alternative in extreme condition exposures. Polymer nanocomposites have potential applications in many fields such as automotive, high-barrier food packing films, extremely hard and wear resistant coatings/materials to eco-friendly composites. The main objective of this review article is to give current state-of-the-art of research activities on nanofiller-based-polymer-nanocomposites with particular focus on their application to improve tribological properties. Even an apparently simple object in reality is a technological marvel of nano-engineered materials. For example, a vehicle tyre is generally produced by mixing some specific polymers and nano-fillers. The tribological applications of polymer materials are likely to progress with the practice of polymer nanocomposites being applied to novel uses. The main motivation behind this review is to highlight the key mechanisms governing the effects of reinforcement on the mechanical and tribological behavior of polymer nanocomposites. It is observed that the improvement of one feature or characteristic may not interpret an enrichment of the other properties associated with the system. However, it is significant to comprehend the diverse elements or aspects accountable for performance of the material. To summarize, this overview presents basics of the complexities in the mechanical and tribological behaviour of polymer nanocomposites.