Background

Polymer nano-composites are blends of different polymer matrices with nanometre sized functional fillers. The properties of such nanocomposites are remarkably different compared to conventionally filled polymers. These property improvements concern volume properties (modulus, strength), surface properties (hardness, abrasion resistance), dimensional stability, thermal stability, as well as optical and electrical properties. These composites exhibit also reduced permeability and chemical stability (UV resistance). The incorporation of only a few percent of nanosized particles can make both dramatic property changes and make formerly unachievable property combinations possible.

Despite such property improvements and despite a huge amount of research being undertaken in industry, research laboratories and universities, nanocomposites is still a nascent field of materials science and technology in development stage with huge growth prospects in the future.

Nanocomposites and nanotechnologies are “disruptive technologies” that will open up new exciting opportunities of growth, for SME and start ups. Accordingly more than 1200 start ups have appeared globally in the new field of nanocomposites. Since small companies usually do not have the power and critical mass to form a sufficient knowledge base and create a scientific network themselves, this COST action on this topic is the most appropriate and efficient way to strengthen this emerging field. The partners joined in the COST network will support SMEs, ensuring that they have the highest level of scientific know-how available for fast and efficient product development in the global race to exploit this enormous market potential.
The COST action will be embedded in and supported by a strong assembly of European funded research projects. There exists further a huge amount of nationally funded research within the field of Nanocomposites in the various participating member states of Europe. Our COST action will help to close the gap between European industry and academia, and the gap in technological leadership between the USA and Europe, by making faster and more efficient use of the scientific know-how in Europe through increased networking. Because of its enormous growth potential, this new emerging technology of nanocomposites will be a major provider of new employment opportunities in Europe based upon future international commercial success. Therefore this COST action will contribute to such a goal with high relevance for European society.