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ABSTRACT
Due to their outstanding mechanical, thermal, and durability properties, polymer matrix nanocomposites (PMCs) are currently a prominent area of research. The opportunity of applying PMCs in structural reinforcement and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructures, as well as working as a new structural material, justifies the increasing number of recent studies. In this review article, the effect of adding different reinforcements at nano-scale, such as carbon nanotubes, nanoclay, graphene, or nanosilica to polymer matrices, is discussed and the improvement in mechanical properties of PMCs is evaluated. Some concluding remarks and new perspectives on the use of PMCs in structures are given.
Funding
The corresponding author gratefully acknowledges the financial support given by FCT (Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia), in the context of the project “Modelling and Analysis of Nanostructures: Carbon Nanotubes and Nanocomposites” (PTDC/ECM/103490/2008). This work was supported by FCT, through IDMEC, under LAETA, project UID/EMS/50022/2013.