Polymers, Vol. 18, Pages 323: Interphase-Centric and Mechanism-Driven Advances in Polymer Composites Reinforced with Nano-, Synthetic, and Inorganic Fillers

Polymers doi: 10.3390/polym18030323

Authors:
Sachin Kumar Sharma
Lokesh Kumar Sharma
Reshab Pradhan
Yogesh Sharma
Mohit Sharma
Sandra Gajević
Lozica Ivanović
Blaža Stojanović

Polymer composites reinforced with nanofillers, synthetic fibers, and inorganic fillers have progressed rapidly, yet recent advances remain fragmented across filler-specific studies and often lack unified mechanistic interpretation. This review addresses this gap by presenting an interphase-centric, mechanism-driven framework linking processing routes, dispersion and functionalization requirements, interphase formation, and the resulting structure–property relationships. Representative quantitative datasets and mechanistic schematics are integrated to rationalize nonlinear mechanical reinforcement, percolation-controlled electrical/thermal transport, and thermal stabilization and barrier effects across major filler families. The review highlights how reinforcement efficiency is governed primarily by interfacial adhesion, filler connectivity, and processing-induced microstructural evolution rather than filler loading alone. Key challenges limiting scalability are critically discussed, including dispersion reproducibility, viscosity and processability constraints, interphase durability, and recycling compatibility. Finally, mechanism-based design rules and future outlook directions are provided to guide the development of high-performance, multifunctional, and sustainability-oriented polymer composite systems.

Source link

Sachin Kumar Sharma www.mdpi.com