Received June 13, 2007

Revised Manuscript Received October 11, 2007

Abstract:

It is demonstrated that nanocomposites exhibiting reduced viscosity and multifunctional performance enhancements may be fabricated using simple processing procedures. These behaviors are elucidated by analysis of the effects of dispersed organic (fullerene) nanoparticles and inorganic (magnetite) nanoparticles on the behavior of polystyrene, demonstrating that simple spherical nanoparticles can induce a range of unexpected behavior due to nanoscale effects. In general, multifunctional performance improvements including enhanced mechanical, electrical, magnetic and thermal degradation properties as well as reduced viscosity are promoted when simple design guidelines are followed. These guidelines are tabulated.

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