A critical review on the manufacturing processes in relation to the properties of nanoclay/polymer composites

Nanoclay/polymer composites can be prepared by various processing techniques such as solution process, in-situ polymerization and melt blending. Each technique has an influence on the final characteristics and properties of the composites. In this study, different processing techniques are reviewed in order to study the relationship between these techniques and the final characteristics and properties of nanoclay/polymer composites, i.e., the final structure formation, rheological perfection, thermomechanical and thermal properties. Thermodynamic and physical properties such as glass transition temperature, equilibrium melting point and crystallization temperature are also discussed. Moreover, the effect of ‘nanofiller’ on crystallinity phases of polymeric resin from a processing technique perspective is briefly reviewed to clarify the role of polymer-nanoclay interactions and nanoclay dispersion on the elastic-viscoelastic behaviour of composites. The current review concluded that altering processing technique (type and/or parameters) highly influences the final nanostructure morphology as well as the thermodynamic and mechanical properties of nanoclay/polymer composites.