Emerging trends in poly(methyl methacrylate) containing carbonaceous reinforcements—Carbon nanotube, carbon black, and carbon fiber

Poly(methyl methacrylate) is an important acrylic thermoplastic polymer. Poly(methyl methacrylate) is a transparent and rigid synthetic plastic. There has been growing interest in developing high performance poly(methyl methacrylate)-based nanocomposites. This article reviews a few important poly(methyl methacrylate)-based nanocomposites and composites. An extended account of the poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites with carbonaceous nanofillers and fillers is given. The physical properties and how to manufacture poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbon nanotube, poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbon black, and poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbon fiber materials are appraised. The research so far shows that the mechanical, thermal, conducting, and microstructural performances improved compared with pure poly(methyl methacrylate). In order to further enhance the poly(methyl methacrylate) material performance, chemically modifying the carbonaceous fillers and chemical affinity with the polymer matrix are necessary. The main challenges here are to obtain well-dispersed, aligned, and easily processable poly(methyl methacrylate)-based composites. Poly(methyl methacrylate)-based nanocomposite applications are also reviewed in an attempt to facilitate progress in this emerging area. These materials are potential candidates in electromagnetic interference shielding, gas sensors, separation membranes, tissue engineering, and drug delivery applications.