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3.3.4 Additional demand for research

Nanocarbon-composites belong to the most promising nano-composite materials and offer a series of advantages over conventional materials. Recent years have seen first commercial applications. However, a remaining problem especially in large scale production is the achievement of a fairly homogeneous dispersion within the matrix material. additional effort has to be spent to improve appropriate processes.

Polymer-nanoclay composites often suffer from an incomplete delamination lowering the efficiency desired for the material. Various fabrication processes have been developed ranging from the intercalation of monomers followed by an in-situ polymerisation via intercalation starting from a polymer solution up to intercalation of polymer moulds. However, to optimize the delamination process additional effort has to be spent in R&D. Other issues in the development of nanoclays are the production od conductive clays and the reinforcement of clay nanocomposites by integration of fibers, especially glass fibers. Production processes for nanoclay-composites are still expensive.

The production of nanoscale metal matrix composites remains difficult and pricy. With respect to large scale production the transition from conventional MMC to nano-MMC fabrication currently still suffers from problems concerning the structure design as well as a reliable processing free of agglomeration.

On the core-shell side, the functionalization of nanoparticles is a crucial issue. A series of challenges remain until a more widespread use especially in diagnostics.