Advances in Nanocomposites: Moroccan Perspectives

International audienceRecent progress in the field of nanotechnology has increased the curiosity in new polymers reinforced with nanosized particles. These new polymers, called nanocomposites, are reported to exhibit strikingly improved mechanical, thermal, optical and physico-chemical properties, when compared to the pristine polymers or conventional (microscale) composites. Other exciting features of nanocomposites include increased moduli, strength and heat resistance, decreased gas permeability and improved flammability. While most of the work to date in literature has focused on nanocomposite property evaluation and synthesis, a full realization of these advantages critically relies on complete dispersion of nanosized particles in the polymer, which is still one of the most important and not fully resolved issues in the manufacturing of nanocomposites.Depending on how many dimensions of the dispersed particles are in the nanometer range, nanocomposites could be in various forms of which only two; nanoclays and carbon nanotubes, have been widely used. The latter has been recorded to possess remarkable thermal and electrical properties, exceptional stiffness and strength, extraordinary resilience and low density, in many studies. As a result of their exceptionally high aspect ratio, combined with specific stiffness and strength, carbon nanotubes are indicated as one of the most ideal candidates for reinforcing composites in many advanced technology applications, such as; computing and data storage technology, electronics devices, sensors, nanoelectromechanical systems and tips in scanning probe microscopy for imaging.Another promising nanoscale filler is the abundantly available layered silicate, a.k.a. nanoclay. Individual nanoclay particles are silicate platelets that typically range from 1 to 10 nm in thickness and 1 to 13 μm in length. Although nanoclay was first introduced to reinforce thermoplastics, its utilization has been expanded to reinforce thermosetting resins due to their wider industrial usage, higher strength, and lower viscosity. Nanoscale fillers have been also added to fiber-reinforced composites with wellestablished manufacturing processes in order to improve their mechanical and thermal properties, flame retardancy, as well as water absorption and gas permeability resistance. These improved properties are obtained only when nanoclay is intercalated and/or exfoliated into the polymeric matrix.In light of these promising results, nanocomposites can play a special role in vitalizing the economies of emerging countries by closing the technological gap with the West. Governments can invest in, or at least encourage, businesses and ideas that exploit these new materials in essential sectors of their economy. In the case of the kingdom of Morocco, the case of three industrial sectors inscribed in the Emergence Plan of the government are discussed: the Aerospace industry, the automotive industry and water management. Applications of nanocomposites can advance the added value of all three sectors, which are vital to the sustained development of the country