Abstract:
In their recent review ‘How Nano Are Nanocomposites?’ (Macromolecules, 40 (2007) 8501–8517) Schaefer and Justice concluded that: ‘Composite materials loaded with nanometer-sized reinforcing fillers are widely believed to have the potential to push polymer mechanical properties to extreme values. Realization of anticipated properties, however, has proven elusive… With the exception of reinforced elastomers, nanocomposites have not lived up to expectations. Although claims of modulus enhancement by factors of 10 exist, these claims are offset by measurements that show little or no improvement…’.