What are Nanocomposites??

—A Solid Combination of a Bulk Matrix & Nano-

Dimensional phase(s) differing in Properties due to
Dissimilarities in structure and chemistry.
— Mechanical,Chemical,Thermal,optical,Electrochemical,Cat
alytic Properties will differ Markedly.
— Size Limits:
1. < 5nm: Catalytic activity
2. < 20 nm: Hard magnetic material soft.
3. <50 nm : Refractive Index changes.

{Refractive index or index of refraction of a substance or

medium is a measure of the speed of light in that medium. It
is expressed as a ratio of the speed of light in vacuum relative
to that in the considered medium}
4. <100 nm: Super Paramagnetism
Nanocomposites…….
— In nature they are found in a shell of snail and ‘Maya
Blue ‘ paint used since 800 A.D.
— In Mechanical Terms They differ from Conventional
Composites due to high surface to volume ratio Or
High aspect ratio.
— Reinforcing Material used :
Particles ( Minerals).
Sheets(Exfoliated clay Stacks).
Fibres( Carbon nanofibres/Carbon nanotubes)
Contd ….
Three most imperative types of Nanocomposites:

q Cermaic-Matrix Nanocomposites. (The important

commercially available CMCs are : fibre/type of matrix,
e.g. carbon-fibre-reinforced carbon (carbon/carbon),
or C/SiC for carbon-fibre-reinforced silicon carbide. C/C,
C/SiC, SiC/SiC)
• Properties:
ü Elongation to rupture up to 1%
ü Strongly increased fracture toughness
ü Extreme thermal shock resistance
ü Improved dynamical load capability

q Metal-Matrix Nanocomposites.

q Polymeric-Matrix Nanocomposites.
polyphenylene oxide Poly(methyl methacrylate)
vCarbon nanofibers with graphene layers wrapped into
perfect cylinders are called carbon nanotubes
ØPyrolysis is a thermo chemical
decomposition of organic material
at elevated temperatures without
the participation of oxygen. It
involves the simultaneous change
of chemical composition and
physical phase, and is irreversible
Future Uses of PNCs
— Using heat-resistant PNCs
to make fire fighter — Replacing corrosion-
protective clothing. prone metals in the
— Building new structures out building of bridges and
of fire retardant PNCs
other large structures
— Using light weight PNCs in
high temperature/stress with potentially lighter
situations such as under the and stronger Polymer
hoods of automobiles and Nanocomposites.
in the skins of jet aircraft, as
opposed to heavier and
costlier metal alloys.
Thank You.