Eco-polymer and carbon nanotube composite: Safe technology

Abstract

Ecology-friendly or eco-friendly polymers are also known as green polymeric materials. Interest in green polymers is continually growing due to the increasing environmental concerns. Eco-friendly polymers are either biodegradable or obtained from renewable resources. Polyesters (polyhydroxyalkanoates), polycarprolactone, polylactic acid, polyglycols, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. form important classes of green polymers. Inherent advantages of these advanced materials have been enhanced by developing composite and nanocomposite to attain the properties as needed to target specific applications.Carbon nanotube (CNT) is important nanofiller frequently used in eco-friendly polymeric composite (green bio-composite) and nanocomposite (green bio-nanocomposite). By varying the type, functionalization, and CNT content, composite properties have been tailored to match the desired property requirement. Solution-casting, melt compounding, and in situ polymerization of eco-polymer in presence of CNT have been employed as processing techniques. Improved interfacial interaction between biodegradable polymer and nanofiller may provide enhanced physical properties for commercial and industrial relevance. Eco-polymers and polymer/CNT nanocomposites have found range of application in sensors, membranes, EMIshielding materials, and biomedical appliances.Undoubtedly, biodegradable eco-polymer/CNT green nanocomposite provides an attractive approach towards safe technology for environmental and health management.