Technological aspects and problems of using nanoparticles as a modifier of composite materials

Abstract The article provides a comprehensive analytical review of the literature on the use of nanoparticles in polymer composite materials aiming at an in-depth analysis of technological approaches to their integration and influence on the structural and functional properties of the polymer matrix. Particular attention is paid to the systematization of modern approaches to the classification of nanofillers by chemical composition and morphological features, as well as to the identification of effective ways to incorporate nanocomponents into the polymer base. This paper deals with the actual problems related to the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles, ensuring stability and effective interfacial interaction in polymer systems, which are critical for achieving the specified performance characteristics of materials. A comparative analysis of nanocomposites using carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, nanodispersed silica, aerogels, and other nanostructured modifiers was performed. Optimal choice of nanofiller has been shown to significantly improve the mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical, conductive, and barrier characteristics of composites, which expands their application in fields such as biomedicine, electronics, energy, ecology, and construction. The technological challenges in the scaled-up production of polymer nanocomposites are generalized, and modern studies in nanochemistry and polymer synthesis are examined to outline the perspectives for their development.