Virgin and recycled polymers applied to advanced nanocomposites

Abstract

The study and development of nanostructured polymers is an expanding field. New strategies on advanced polymeric nanocomposites and hybrid materials have been created, to be used in different areas. Nanocomposites can improve characteristics of virgin and recycled polymers; they can also resemble biomaterials for medical or drug delivery applications. We studied some neat and modified materials that are seldom used as filler in nanocomposites - zinc oxide and zirconium phosphate - and added it to recycled polymers matrices - polycarbonate and poly(ethylene terephthalate). The use of nanoscaled fillers in polymer composites can improve properties like morphology, resistance to ultraviolet radiation, mechanical performance, crystallinity, and molecular mobility. Advanced nanocomposites can actually improve the effectiveness, sustainability, and performance of materials.