Poly(acrylic acid) nanocomposites: Design of advanced materials

Poly(acrylic acid) is a synthetic polymer that is polymerized from acrylic acid monomers. Poly (acrylic acid) is a high molecular weight polymer having good water solubility. Poly(acrylic acid) also exists in the cross-linked forms. Poly(acrylic acid) is an important polymer for making polymeric blends and nanocomposites. This state-of-the-art review is an endeavour to define the unique capabilities of poly (acrylic acid) to form high performance nanocomposites. The nanofiller nanomaterials including carbon nanotube, graphene, nanodiamond, and inorganic nanoparticles are promising nanofillers for a poly(acrylic acid) matrix. Consequently, the article discusses the following categories: poly(acrylic acid)/carbon nanotube, poly(acrylic acid)/graphene, poly(acrylic acid)/nanodiamond, and poly(acrylic acid)/inorganic nanoparticle nanocomposites. The nanocomposite characteristics are significantly enhanced with the added nanoparticles. Especially, the nanoparticles influenced the electrical conductivity, thermal stability, strength, biocompatibility, adsorption, and anti-bacterial features of the poly(acrylic acid) nanocomposites. Their high performance was related to the interface interactions between the matrix and the nanofillers. The poly (acrylic acid) derived nanocomposites have been used to form advanced hybrid materials for batteries, sensors, antibacterial, and water filters.