Emulsion polymer derived nanocomposite: a review on design and tailored attributes

ABSTRACT Recently, fabrication of polymeric nanocomposite via emulsion polymerization process has become a research spotlight. This review highlights the capability of emulsion polymerization technique to produce polymeric nanocomposite with tailored nanostructures, advanced properties, and high performance. Initially, overview on emulsion polymerization is presented. Afterward, advances in nanocomposites through the use of nanoparticles in emulsion polymerization have been elaborated. Main focus is given on the influence of graphene, carbon nanotube, carbon black, nanoclay, and inorganic nanoparticles on the essential features of emulsion polymerized nanocomposite. These materials have wide-ranging applications in coatings, adhesives, foaming/anti-foaming agents, packaging, paper/textiles, construction, and drug delivery fields.