1. What is a nanocomposite?

The idea of improving the properties of materials by combining two phases with different properties is not new. Throughout history, there are examples of materials that can be considered nanocomposites; certain colors in Mayan paints come from inclusions of metal and oxide nanoparticles in an amorphous silicate substrate. More recently, in 1917, carbon black was introduced into the composition of tires, which resulted in a fivefold increase in their lifespan. This reinforcement consists of particles ranging from 10...