Nanocomposites with Interfaces Controlled by Grafted or Adsorbed Polymers

Polymer nanocomposites represent an innovative class of materials used for a great variety of applications. They are formed by dispersions of typically hard inorganic filler nanoparticles in soft polymer matrices. A large range of polymer nanocomposites, based on particles of different size, shape and chemistry can be generated using various fabrication processes. A striking feature of nanocomposites is their large interfacial area that is determined, e.g., by nanofiller size and concentration, polymer-nanoparticle interaction, and the resulting dispersion of particles in the polymer matrix. Design of the nanofiller surface by grafting or adsorbing polymer molecules can modify both the interfacial physics and the filler structure, giving access to improved macroscopic (mechanical, electrical, or optical) material properties. A topical collection of the recent research is currently lacking in this highly active and evolving area of research.

The goal of the Research Topic is to review and summarize recent investigations of polymer nanocomposite materials. This will include original approaches using experimental methods possibly combined with advanced chemistry, computer simulations, as well as those evidencing key aspects of material properties important for nanocomposite processing and novel applications. Any study of structure and dynamics on nano- and meso-scales, in particular those highlighting the role of interfacial polymer layers on macroscopic properties, shall contribute to this Research Topic aiming at a better understanding and control of the complex behavior of nanocomposites.

We welcome Original Research articles, Reviews and Mini-Reviews covering (but not strictly limited to) the following areas:
- polymer grafted nanoparticles
- interfacial polymer layer
- polymer dynamics in nanocomposites
- structure of the nanocomposites
- interfacial structure and dynamics in nanocomposites
- viscoelastic properties of polymer nanocomposites
- relationship between molecular interfacial and macroscopic properties of nanocomposites
- scattering methods applied to polymer nanocomposites
- computer simulations applied to polymer nanocomposites

Keywords: nanocomposites, polymer grafted nanoparticles, interfacial layer, polymer and nanoparticle dynamics, structure of nanocomposites, neutron scattering, X-ray scattering, computer simulations

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.