GoingToMeet

Particles that are “nanosize” can be created using many different types of material. The symposia at Nanotech2006 reflect that diversity (see, for example, the symposium on Nanoparticles, or the one on Carbon Nano Structures). But in many cases the nanoparticles alone do not form useful materials. Their value is only seen when they are included in composite materials. This symposium focuses on the challenges of forming composites containing nano-sized structures, and on new technologies that have been developed to create these materials. Presentations on novel applications or properties of nano-composites are also encouraged.

Polymeric materials often serve as the matrix in nano-composites, the properties of the final materials depend on their intrinsic materials properties and on processing conditions. Unique effects in polymer nano-composites are driven not only by the small size, but also by the unusual shapes and aspect ratios of the additives. The addition of nano-particles to polymers can provide dramatic improvements mechanical and barrier properties along with optical transparency and other unique properties.