Free volume and mass transport in polymer nanocomposites

This review relates the free volume properties and the morphology to the mass transport coefficients of polymer nanocomposites. Direct, utilising the method of Positron Annihilation Life-time Spectroscopy (PALS), or indirect measurements of the free volume in the nanocomposites are discussed and the influence of spherical or anisometric nanoparticles on its properties is examined.

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► The free volume of polymers is altered by incorporation of nanoparticles.
► Free volume and tortuosity determine mass transport in polymer nanocomposites.
► Free volume hole size distribution affects the transport properties.