Summary

Research during the last ten years, spurred by the development of new analytical techniques, has led to the general recognition that aspects of the nanoscale morphology (1-100nm) are critical in the manifestation of physical properties. Nanoscale fillers, synthesis approaches, processing techniques, and morphological characterization are important facets of the polymer industry. Polymer Nanocomposites: Synthesis, Characterization, and Modeling highlights the unique chemical and physical aspects associated with polymer based nanocomposite materials. Two nonexclusive themes are present throughout the book: 1) techniques to manipulate inorganic morphology in the presence of polymers on the nanometer length scale and 2) physical understanding and implications to properties of the surface absorbed and nanoscopically confined polymers. The volume discusses the development of high performance materials as well as possible future directions for research in the field.