Nanodiamond integrating poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites intending for technological innovations

ABSTRACT

In search of cutting-edge poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-based nanomaterials, nanodiamond (ND) nanofiller has been amalgamated. This article essentially appraises current state of poly(methyl methacrylate)/nanodiamond (PMMA/ND) nanocomposites. Relative to neat PMMA and other nanocarbon-based nanocomposites, PMMA/ND possess augmented thermal stability, mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, thermal transport, microstructure and other physical characteristics. Performance of PMMA/ND was enhanced through chemically modified nanodiamond and affinity with the matrix. Applications of PMMA/ND nanocomposites were observed for coatings (anti-corrosion, radiation shielding), lubricants, drug delivery, tissue engineering, bone cement and implants. In future, challenges for well-dispersed and processable PMMA/ND nanocomposites must be sought for novel opportunities in methodological fields.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• PMMA
• nanodiamond
• nanocomposite
• coatings
• lubricants
• drug delivery

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ayesha Kausar

Ayesha Kausar has experience of working at National Centre for Physics, Islamabad, Pakistan, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan, and National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan. She obtained her PhD from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad/KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology), Graduate School of EEWS, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. Her research interests include: synthesis, characterization and structure-property relationships of new polymeric materials; synthesis of nanomaterials including organic–inorganic nanocomposites/hybrid materials; polymeric blends via incorporating nanoparticles into thin polymer films; exploring practical and potential prospects of the novel synthesized materials (new polymers and nanomaterials) counting morphological, mechanical, thermal, electrical, conducting, etc.; flame retardant materials; proton conducting fuel cell membranes; nanocomposites for polymer Li-ion battery electrodes; composites based on electrospun nanofibers; production of various polymeric nanoparticles and their composites for solar cells; polymer/carbon nanotube/nanoparticle composites for water treatment; potential of polymer/graphite nanocomposites; polymer/graphene hybrids; polymer/fullerene nanomaterials; fabrication of epoxy-based nanocomposite for various applications; radar absorbing materials; aerospace relevance, and other technical relevances.