Polymer nanocomposites from the surface energy perspective: A critical review

Polymer nanocomposites have received considerable emphasis in materials science and engineering research and development. Nanofillers are added to polymer matrices to create novel materials with the goal of enhancing specific material properties depending on the final application of the composite. Interfacial forces play an important role in the creation of polymer nanocomposites. The fundamental forces that influence adhesion interactions in polymer nanocomposites include: electrostatic forces, van der Waals interactions, donor-acceptor interactions, and repulsive forces. Polymer-filler interactions are also influenced by surface energetics and this may impact polymer processing characteristics including rheology, conformation and crystallinity. As such, the scalability of surface forces from the micro to the nanoscale is important in the production of polymer nanocomposites. The goal of this paper is to provide a concise, critical state-of-the-art review on polymer nanocomposites from the surface energy perspective with an emphasis on techniques and methodologies used to make adhesion force measurements in these material systems.