Polymer nanocomposites are materials that combine the advantageous properties of polymers with the exceptional characteristics of nanoscale fillers. These composites are designed to improve the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of traditional polymers, making them suitable for a wide range of high-performance applications.
As in traditional composite, the filler and the matrix do not mix, but generate a material that present both phases distinct. Compared to these latter, the use of well-dispersed fillers with nanoscale dimensions – thanks to their large surface-to-volume ratio – allows to maximize the enhancement of the desired properties at very low loadings (usually below 1%), thus affecting to a smaller extent the processability of the composite and resulting in a more effective use of the materials.
Our research focuses on the preparation of thermoplastic and elastomeric high-performance nanocomposites containing different types of filler, such as carbon based and graphitic materials, functional nanoparticles for anti-friction or capable to provide specific electrical/thermal conductivity, and also fillers from sustainable sources.
Examples of publications:
- “Invisible Thermoplasmonic Indium Tin Oxide Nanoparticle Ink for Anti-counterfeiting Applications” M. Carlotti, A. Mazzotta, A. Gabbani, Ruggeri M., Fantechi E., Ottomaniello A., Pineider F., Pucci A., Mattoli V., ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2022, doi: 10.1021/acsami.2c10864
- “Rapid self-healing in IR-responsive plasmonic indium tin oxide/polyketone nanocomposites” E. Araya-Hermosilla, A. Gabbani, A. Mazzotta, M. Ruggeri, F. Orozco, V. Cappello, M. Gemmi, R.K. Bose, F. Picchioni, F. Pineider, V. Mattoli, A. Pucci, Journal of Materials Chemistry A, 2022, 10, 12957-12967, doi: 10.1039/D2TA01286C
