This book covers the developments in fundamental aspects as well as applications in the area of immiscible polymer nanocomposites during the last five years. The large number of figures, images of materials, equations, and references are helpful for the reader to gain a comprehensive view of the topic. The authors depict the great potential of nanomaterials in constituting multifunctional immiscible polymer nanocomposites and the underlying mechanisms.
The introductory chapter discusses immiscible polymer blends and the factors governing their rheological behavior and compatibilization. Nanostructured materials are introduced, and developments in the area of polymer nanocomposites are briefly discussed along with the scope of the book.
Chapter 2 begins with the definition of nanomaterials based on different standards and their classification schemes based on the dimensionality of the crystallites and further division based on their chemical composition. Chapter 3 discusses the synthesis, structure, and properties of the three widely used nanofillers—nanoclays, carbon nanotubes, and graphene—for immiscible polymer blends. Clear and concise pictures depicting the structure and formation mechanism as well as the spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of different nanofillers are included.
Chapter 4 describes the difference between melt blending and solvent casting techniques in preparing polymer composites. The conditions for miscibility, as well as theoretical aspects of phase diagrams of the blends, are also discussed. The authors evaluate the parameters affecting the morphology of final polymer nanocomposites and discuss the theory behind morphology evolution. Chapter 5 introduces processing techniques for the preparation of immiscible polymer blends and discusses the advantages of melt blending over solution blending, as well as the measures needed to maintain the integrity of nanoparticles during the melt blending process.
The localization or particle positioning in multiphase polymeric systems is important to tune the desired end-use application of the composite. Chapter 6 presents major migration mechanisms of particles inside an immiscible polymer blend. Chapter 7 discusses the contribution of processing conditions such as mixing sequence, mixing time, and shear force on the final localization of particles in immiscible polymer blends.
In an attempt to design a nanocomposite in line with the optimization of processing conditions, Chapter 8 discusses component-related (nanoparticle or the polymer) parameters such as the contact angle, shape, and size of the nanoparticles, and viscosity of the polymer pairs and their effect on migration.
Chapter 9 presents the migration-assisted localization of nanoparticles and the relationship between nanoparticle localization and electrical, mechanical, and rheological properties of immiscible polymer blends. Chapter 10 outlines the potential current and future applications of nanostructured immiscible polymer blend composites. Chapter 11 provides general conclusions and deep insights into future directions of immiscible polymer nanocomposites.
Overall, this book is well written and contains relevant information regarding the field of nanostructured immiscible polymer blends. Although it does not contain any problem sets, with up-to-date information and adequate bibliographical references, the book will be a valuable resource for undergraduate and graduate student researchers studying the field of polymers, as well as scientists and engineers from industry.
