- gives a comprehensive review of polymer nanocomposites and their properties

- a standard reference on this area

- written by distinguished editors and a international team of authors

Polymer nanocomposites are a class of reinforced polymers with low quantities of nanometric-sized clay particles which give them improved barrier properties, fire resistance and strength. Such properties have made them valuable in components such as panels and as barrier and coating materials in automobile, civil and electrical engineering as well as packaging. Polymer nanocomposites provides a comprehensive review of the main types of polymer nanocomposite and their properties.

Part I reviews the range of layered silicates and discusses such properties as flammability and thermal stability, barrier properties, wear resistance and biodegradability. Part II considers nanotubes, nanoparticles and inorganic-organic hybrid systems, and analyses elasticity and strength as well as magnetic and light-emitting properties.

With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Polymer nanocomposites will be a standard reference on this important new range of materials for R&D managers in such sectors as automotive and civil engineering.