Polymer-Clay Microcrystalline Composites:Identification of Unique Mechanical Properties

As a new emerging class of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, polymer nanocomposites ingeniously combine the toughness of polymer with the strength and nanostructures of clay fillers. The objectives of this project are to identify the unique mechanical properties of a polymer nanocomposite, and to provide a model for understanding the mechanical properties of the polymer nanocomposite due to the composition of the nanocomposite. This report is divided into Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology/Project Work, Results & Discussion, and Conclusion & Recommendation. In Chapter 1: Introduction, the background of polymer nanocomposite is detailed. Subsequently, the objectives and scopes of the project are listed down, which is to understand and identify unique mechanical properties of the produced polymer nanocomposites due to the processes and treatments of the polyethylene-clay nanocomposites and the intrinsic properties of the clay itself. In Chapter 2: Literature Review, relevant research data are reported and the discussions of the data are stated alongside the research data. In Chapter 3: Methodology/Project Work, the methodologies used to research, experiment, analyze and compile all data are stated and planned out. In Chapter 4: Results & Discussion, the results of tests done are tabulated and graphs displaying relationships are discussed. In Chapter 5: Conclusion & Recommendation, the conclusions derived from the literature review are listed and a few recommendations on how top improve this project are also stated. Finally, all the diagrams are listed down in the List of Illustrations in the order of their appearance