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Electrospun Polymer Nanocomposites

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Processing of Polymer-based Nanocomposites

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Materials Science ((SSMATERIALS,volume 278))

Abstract

The present chapter gives an overview of the electrospinning process for producing nanofibers and developments in their application as polymer nanocomposites. Firstly, the electrospinning parameters (solution and process conditions), along with their effect on fiber morphology and properties, is elaborated. Thereafter, the incorporation of nanofibers (as nanofillers) into a (bulk) polymer matrix to generate electrospun polymer nanocomposites is described. The potential use of nanofibers as reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites, as well as their role as secondary reinforcements, is discussed. Morphology–property relationships provide an understanding of the effect of nanofiber dimensions and properties on the performance of such advanced functional materials. The nanofiber composite materials offer superior structural properties compared to their microscale counterparts, including a high modulus, and improved thermal and optical properties. Furthermore, the morphological properties of electrospun nanofiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposites are correlated with the structural properties along with their performance and applications. The various challenges, opportunities, and future trends are also highlighted.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Department of Science and Technology, South Africa, for financial support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. DST-CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa

    Koena Selatile, Prasanna Kumar S. Mural & Suprakas Sinha Ray

  2. Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa

    Suprakas Sinha Ray

Authors
  1. Koena Selatile
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  2. Prasanna Kumar S. Mural
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  3. Suprakas Sinha Ray
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Correspondence to Suprakas Sinha Ray .

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  1. DST-CSIR National Centre for Nanostructured Materials, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Pretoria, South Africa

    Suprakas Sinha Ray

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Selatile, K., Mural, P.K.S., Sinha Ray, S. (2018). Electrospun Polymer Nanocomposites. In: Sinha Ray, S. (eds) Processing of Polymer-based Nanocomposites. Springer Series in Materials Science, vol 278. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97792-8_7

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