Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry

Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites are composites in which at least one of the phases shows dimensions in the nanometre range (1 nm = 10-9 m)1. Nanocomposites are high performance material exhibit unusual property combinations and unique design possibilities. The properties of nano-composite materials depend not only on the properties of their individual parents but also on their morphology and interfacial characteristics. With an estimated annual growth rate of about 25% and fastest demand to be in engineering plastics and elastomers, their potential is so striking that they are useful in several areas ranging from packaging to biomedical applications. Nanocomposite materials have emerged as suitable alternatives to overcome limitations of microcomposites and monolithics, while posing preparation challenges related to the control of elemental composition and stoichiometry in the nanocluster phase. The possibilities of producing materials with tailored physical & electronic properties at low cost could result in interesting applications ranging from drug delivery to corrosion prevention to electronic/automotive parts to industrial equipment and several others. They are reported to be the materials of 21st century in the view of possessing design uniqueness and property combinations that are not found in conventional composites