Nanocomposites: Industrial opportunity or challenge?

Polymer nanocomposites based on organically modified layered silicates are an area of substantial scientific interest and of emerging industrial practice. Despite the proven benefits of nanocomposites such as mechanical properties, barrier properties and contribution to fire retardancy, polymer nanocomposites are used today only in niche applications. The reasons for the limited growth of nanocomposites are explained through the availability of alternative solutions, processing and dispersion challenges and inferior oxidative and photooxidative stability. Recent developments show the improved dispersion of unmodified nanoclays in polyolefins with the help of selected copolymer structures. The (photo)oxidative instability of nanocomposites is compensated with adjusted stabilizer systems.