Advanced eva nanocomposites : developments and new opportunities

Abstract

The paper presents a complete conspectus of ethylene-co-vinyl acetate (EVA) nanocomposites based on different types of nanostructured materials incorporated into EVA polymers. The three types of nanostructured materials, namely zero-dimensional nanostructured materials [(0DNSM) (POSS)], one-dimensional nanostructured materials [(1DNSM) (carbon nanotubes or CNTs, sepiolite)] and two-dimensional nanostructured materials [(2DNSM) (clay)] with EVA are introduced and a detailed discussion is provided on the effect of nanostructured materials on EVA polymer. Simultaneously, we discuss the recent approaches in which CNTs, sepiolite, clay and POSS nanomaterials play a vital role in EVA polymers, in addition to elucidating the influence of composite structures on the thermal, mechanical, and fire retardant properties. On the basis of this review we present the varied and versatile current research on EVA nanocomposites. The whole range of effects on polymer nanocomposite properties is covered. The great progress being made in the preparation of EVA nanocomposites offers fascinating new opportunities for materials scientists.