3. Nanometric compounds

The transition of matter to nanometric dimensions gives rise to physico-chemical properties (chemical reactivity, mechanical resistance, etc.) that are often totally different from those of materials on a microscopic scale. In this case, the particles have dimensions of the same order of magnitude as the polymer chains, generating significant interactions. Nanometric fillers also feature a very high surface-to-volume ratio, making surface phenomena predominant. These new properties, and the resulting changes in material behavior, are the focus of research and development in a wide variety of industrial fields. Among the specific properties that interest us here, namely the thermal stability and fire behavior of polymers, we will see how the addition of nanofillers can improve them.