Influence of interfacial engineering on properties of polymeric nanoarchitectures

ABSTRACT

A pertinent concept emerging from nanocomposites/nanoarchitectures is the sharp increment at the interfacial region existing between nanoreinforcements and the polymeric matrices on reduction of at least a single size of the fillers to the nanometric scale. The inclusion of minimal levels of nanoparticulates within polymeric melts has been established to notably enhance the properties of these polymeric nanoarchitectures (PNC) mechanically, thermally, electrically, and optically, in comparison with the unreinforced constituents. The enhancement in material features emanates from the interface created between the nanoreinforcement and bulk polymeric matrices, wherein the inherent chain dynamics varies when compared with the pristine material. Hence, the spatially arranged or nanoreinforcements organization influences the three-dimensional architecture of the interface, resulting in improved control of macroscopically affiliated features. From this perspective, this paper will elucidate on interfacial engineering and controlling in space of confinement as well as the linkage between the interface and the macroscopic features of polymeric nanoarchitectures (PNC). Furthermore, the influence of interfacial interactions on mechanical, thermal, electrical, and flame retardant properties of PNC is critically elucidated.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Electrical conductivity
• flame retardancy
• interface
• mechanical strength
• nanoparticulates dispersion
• polymer nanocomposites
• thermal conductivity

Acknowledgments

The Department of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, is acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christopher Igwe Idumah

Engr. Dr. Christopher Igwe Idumah holds a Ph.D. from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, M.Eng. from The Manchester University, England, United Kingdom, and B. Eng, from F.U.T. O. He is named amongst World’s Top 2 % scientists (2020-2022) by Stanford University, USA.