Nanocomposites of Polymers and Inorganic Nanoparticles

Abstract

Composites of inorganic nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix are versatile materials that allow to introduce special properties of nanoparticles into polymer matrix systems. Due to the broad range of polymers and inorganic compounds, a plethora of combinations of these two classes allow reams of variations of characteristics of such nanocomposites. Accordingly, nanocomposites with a diversity of exceptional attributes have been created. Hence, nanocomposites have attracted attention in areas ranging from chemistry, physics or materials science to biology or medicine. Related materials are in the focus of this Special Issue. All types of polymers—not only synthetic but also natural polymers—and the full diversity of inorganic nanoparticles are addressed. As emphasis is put on scientific impact, the nanocomposites and their components should be properly characterized. On the other hand, while the development of products for innovative applications falls in the scope of this Special Issue, routine product optimization of nanocomposites should be considered rather for journals, which focus on industrial rather than on scientific aspects. Prof. Dr. Walter Remo Caseri - Guest Editor