Review on polymer/layered silicates nanocomposites

Polymer/layered silicates nanocomposites exhibit improved mechanical and thermal properties as well as superior gas barrier and electrical properties and have been widely used since they combine strong toughness of polymers and strong mechanical properties of layered silicates nanofillers. This article briefly introduces the structure of polymer/layered silicates nanocomposites as well as their characterization techniques, fabrication and processing methods and properties and applications. In addition, recent research developments on polymer/layered silicates nanocomposites were reviewed, and trends of development of polymer/layered silicates nanocomposites were also represented. The further understanding of the structure from molecular scale, especially the impact of the structure and properties of the interface between polymer matrix and layered silicates nanofillers on predicting their macro properties, can favor the development and application of these materials.