ABSTRACT
Achieving high-performance polymer nanocomposite requires upright nanoparticle dispersion in polymers. The inclusion of nanoparticles in the matrix of polymer intensifies and abates the complexation between the polymer and the nanocomposite. The perfect coordination between the polymer and nanocomposite is highly influential in defining its properties for various applications right from energy storage devices and food technology to pharmaceuticals. This chapter systematically discusses basic approaches to achieving excellent nanoparticle dispersion in polymers. It includes direct mixing of nanoparticles with polymers either as distinct phases or as polymer nanocomposite, via in-situ polymerization in the presence of nanoparticles and a method that includes in-situ nanoparticle production with in-situ polymerization to produce polymer nanocomposite. Methodologies from recent studies in which the conception of various nanoscale materials in the polymer skeleton is also been addressed. In addition, the chapter discusses how a simpler dispersion would have a greater impact on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposite polymer. More importantly, strategic methods to have appropriate or complete dispersion of nanocomposite in the polymer are necessary to understand. As this chapter comprises techniques on how to load and how not to load the nanocomposite, it forecasts a glimpse of successful dispersion for achieving homogeneity.
