Nano-Composites

Question: Describe about Nano-composites. Answer: Introduction to Nano-composites In the field of nanotechnology there are various things which are yet unknown or are still in the development phase. The NANCOMPOSITES is also a topic which is still under research and development phase. Nanocomposites are those composites which have the dimension in the nanometric range. Although the preparation process of nanocomposites is difficult to control, yet the importance of it cannot be overlooked. The nanocomposites have provided a great alternative to the monolithic and microcomposites. It is considered that when a particle is made into a size which is known as critical size of that material then it changes the parental properties. This is because as the size decreases the property of interaction at different phases changes and so does the property of the material. In the recent past, various nanocomposites such as carbon nanotubes and polyester have been discovered possessing excellent mechanical, thermal and electric properties which added a new dimension to the field of nanotechnology (Schmidt, 2012). The main advantage of the nanocomposites is that they are environment friendly beside it offers new technology and development day by day. The nano-composites are broadly classified into three groups, and they are as follows: Polymer Matrix Nanocomposites Metal Matrix Nanocomposites Ceramic Matrix Nanocomposites Properties The Nanocomposites possess some amazing properties which can be found in the larger sized or parental components. The properties which the nanocomposites possess are mechanical toughness, chemical stability, high thermal stability and good wear resistance (Gleiter, 2012). However, it also comes to the low toughness of ceramics which have been considered as a stumbling block when it comes to the wider use of nanocomposites in the industry. This limitation of nanocomposites have been overcome by the ceramic matrix nanocomposites which posses higher mechanical properties. The nanocomposites have high strength when we consider either the compressive force or the tension force. Furthermore, the more and more mixing of several materials, the wider the scope of the nano technology becomes (Roy, 2013). Different approaches are followed to find out a new composite which have some unique electrical, mechanical, magnetic, catalytic and optical properties. They have the potential to find out the applications in the field of aerospace and automobile industries. The metal matrix composites and the ceramic matrix nanocomposites shows great challenge to be used in the aerospace and automobile industry, but when it comes to real success, its brings some difficulties. The nanocomposites doesnt have only the advantages to be discussed about, rather it has some disadvantages too, which needs to be discussed. It has some fairly low strength of modulus when it is compared to the ceramic and the metal (Braun, 2011). Conclusion Considering the fact that as the year passes by, researcher are in a search of finding more and more newer technologies which could take over the conventional process of living. The nanocomposite shows the perfect promise to deliver the same and gives an edge to the scientists and researcher working on newer material which posses different properties from their parent. References Roy, R. (2013). Alternative perspectives on "quasi-crystallinity": non-uniformity and nanocomposites. New York, NY: Materials Letters. Schmidt ,D. (2012). New advances in polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites.NC, USA. Gleiter, S. (2012). Materials with ultrafine microstructures: retrospectives and perspectives.Nanostructured Materials., Vol. 1, pp. 1- 19. Braun, T. (2011). Nanoscience and nanotechnology on the balance.Scientometrics, Vol. 38, pp. 21-325.