Molecular modelling of the structure and mechanical properties of clay-based polymer nanocomposites

纳米技术是世纪发展最快的领域之一。2014年，其全球市场预计将达到2.6万亿美元，占全球制造业产出的15%。使用粘土纳米填料作为聚合物增强材料是一项新兴的前沿研究，鉴于澳大利亚对矿业的严重依赖，这在澳大利亚至关重要。该项目将解决这一领域的核心问题。研究成果将导致高附加值的矿产品和更好的过程控制。此外，聚合物纳米复合材料在汽车和包装行业的应用将显着降低能源消耗和二氧化碳排放，并增加食品和饮料的保质期。

Nanotechnology is one of the most rapidly growing areas in the 21st century. Its world market is expected to reach US$2.6 trillions in 2014, valued at 15% of global manufacturing output. The use of clay nanofillers as polymer reinforcement is an emerging cutting-edge research and of paramount importance in Australia in view of its heavy dependence on mineral industries. The project will tackle the core problems in this field. The research outcomes will lead to highly value-added mineral products and better process control. Furthermore, the application of polymer nanocomposites in automotive and packaging industries will significantly decrease energy consumption and CO2 emission, and increase the shelf-life for food and beverage.