Polymers As Natural Nanocomposites: The Missing Opportunities

The treatment of amorphous glassy polymers as natural nanocomposites is proposed within the frameworks of the cluster model of polymers amorphous state structure. In this case local order domains (nanoclusters) are considered as nanofiller and polymer structure loosely-packed matrix - as nanocomposites matrix. It has been shown that nanoclusters relative fraction change influences on polymer properties in the same way as micro- and nanofiller contents variation in polymer composites (nanocomposites). The interfacial (intercomponent) adhesion nanoclusters - loosely-packed matrix level is close to zero at temperatures T< T'g; (where T'g is glass transition temperature of loosely-packed matrix). At temperatures T< T'g the perfect adhesion between nanoclusters and loosely-packed matrix is observed. The indicated interactions type is defined by butt-end and cylindrical surfaces area ratio of nanoclusters simulated as cylinders. There is also a dimensional effect, which is typical for all nanocomposites - at nanoclusters with diameter reduction lower than 1 nm the fast growth of elasticity modulus is observed. At perfect adhesion realization in temperature range of T< T'g the polymers elasticity modulus may be increased 5-6 times. In case of intercomponent adhesion still higher level realization (nanoadhesion) linear coefficient of thermal expansion can be reduced to on order of magnitude. In Some practical ways of polymers nanostructure regulation has been considered with the citation of some recent patents.