Surface and mechanical characterization of bionanocomposites for advanced applications: A review

Abstract

In recent years, nanocomposites prepared by dispersing biopolymer with nanofillers (bionanocomposites) have attracted a growing attention, since they present remarkable electrical, optical, mechanical and thermal properties, which make them useful for various technological applications. However, the understanding of the diversity of application areas of bionanocomposites can only be specified by advanced characterization techniques. As well known, the illumination of the main characteristics of bionanocomposites makes them more eligible for their potential use. Therefore, the characterization techniques given in this review fall into the two main categories: the morphological and mechanical characterizations. Morphological characterization techniques presented include the most popular techniques atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Mechanical characterization techniques presented here include tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis. Additionally, thermal stability bionanocomposites determined by thermogravimetric analysis is briefly touched. © IMechE 2022.