The main aim of this IP proposal is to develop innovative factory of the future with integrated technologies for the preparation of advanced specialty materials based on industrially important new polymer hybrids and nanocomposites whereby the synthesis and modification of the inorganic phase is achieved through the use of precursors that are to be made easily dispersible in the organic polymer matrix.
The objective-driven approach is the in-process tailoring of materials with successive validation of the approach through on-line characterisation of the process, characteristics and targeted performance of the newly produced nanomaterials.
Through this new process, it will be possible to improve performance of existing polymer blends and composite materials. Such improvements include : toughness/stiffness balance, higher heat distortion temperature, tear resistance of thermoplastic elastomers, lower matrix shrinkage, nanostructured surfaces for improving adhesion, pigment formation, nanoparticle-supported stabilizers as new additives, new blend compatibilizers giving control of polymer blend morphology etc.