Metal oxide nanoparticles can significantly improve the mechanical and thermal properties of polymer nanocomposites, even when only small concentrations are introduced into the material. In recent years, the optical or magnetic properties of the nanoparticle core have also been exploited in the synthesis of functional nanocomposites to generate new material properties. A relatively new aspect is the application of nanoparticles to increase the durability or potential recyclability of nanocomposites.
In this presentation, various methods are discussed to increase the sustainability of the nanocomposite system. In our research group, nanoparticles are prepared using the so-called microjet process, a continuous wet chemical synthesis method. This approach allows the synthesis of various metal oxides as well as other types of particles. The obtained systems are surface functionalized with organophosphorus coupling agents and incorporated into a polymer matrix. Depending on the chemical functions attached to the particle surface and the complementary functions in the polymer backbone, self-healing properties can be implemented in the nanocomposites that dramatically increase the lifetime of the materials. In this case, external triggers such as inductive heating enable the materials to self-heal. In addition, such particles can also be used for on-demand detachment in composites to increase their recyclability.