Nanoclay-Reinforced Nanocomposite Nanofibers—Fundamentals and State-of-the-Art Developments

Nanoclays are layered mineral silicates, i.e., silicate nanosheets. such as montmorillonite, bentonite, kaolinite, etc., have been used reinforcements in the nanofibers. Numerous polymers to fabricate nanofibers, including poly(vinylidene fluoride), poly(vinyl alcohol), polycaprolactone, nylon, polyurethane, poly(ethylene oxide), and others. To develop better compatibility with polymers, nanoclays organo-modified prior reinforcement nanofiber matrices. This state-of-the-art review highlights fundamentals, design, fabrication, characteristics of polymer/nanoclay The nanoclay filled nanocomposite nanofibers fabricated using electrospinning other fiber processing techniques. technique has preferred form nanoclay-filled owing control parameters resulting properties. electrospun usually fine nanoparticle dispersions, microstructures, smooth textures, narrow diameters. physical properties designed depend upon technology used, solvent, solution/melt concentration, flow rate, spinning speed, voltage, process parameters. Hence, this attempts assess a literature-driven consequence embedding polymeric broad context application these fibrous materials. Conclusively, design montmorillonite observed nanofiller most studies, and, similarly, was fabrication technique. Almost all studied revealed dependences choice polymer matrix for formation well contents, modification, dispersion state. Accordingly, nylon/nanoclay investigated dispersion, mechanical properties, thermal profiles. antibacterial were among prominent features alcohol)/nanoclay fluoride)/nanoclay systems explored microstructure, crystallinity, piezoelectric polycaprolactone/nanoclay having microstructure capable forming tissue engineering scaffolds. drug delivery sound absorption noticeable polyurethane/nanoclay systems. Moreover, poly(lactic acid)/nanoclay found biodegradability low gas permeability features. potential technical applications sensors, packaging, engineering, wound healing. However, thorough research efforts be desirable find worth several concealed technological sectors energy, electronics, aerospace, automotives, biomedical fields.