Abstract/Summary

The current work reviews the importance of engineering the interface between nanofillers and polymers to achieve unique dielectric properties in nanocomposites. Although many improved dielectric properties of nanocomposites have been attributed to the presence of the interface, the interface can also be an attractive location for water to accumulate, which may otherwise jeopardize the dielectric properties of nanocomposites. Consequently, the use of surface functionalization and calcination techniques in removing water-related moieties on nanofillers is highlighted. Specifically, the effects of nanofiller calcination on two exemplar oxide-based nanocomposite systems, namely, silica-based nanocomposites and zirconia-based nanocomposites, are discussed. Evidence suggests that nanofiller calcination influences not only the water-related chemistry, but also the structure of oxide-based nanofillers. Significantly, for detailed interfacial chemistry of nanofillers to become relevant in engineering the dielectric properties of nanocomposites, effective removal of interfacial water on nanofillers is crucial.