Progress in interface modifications:: from compatibilization to adaptive and smart interphases

Common consideration and classification of surface and interface phenomena in wide areas of material science are discussed through three examples: basalt fiber reinforced composite; flame retarded polypropylene and polyorganosiloxane nanocomposite. Interface-related characteristics of polymer composites and biomaterials are discussed using uniform principles. A new classification of the interphases is introduced including the compatible, adaptive and smart interfacial layers. In case of basalt fiber reinforced polypropylene reactive interface modification is performed in a new and economic way using reactive surfactants. These additives accomplish the compatibilization of the phases during reactive compounding/processing. The fire retardancy of polypropylene system containing ammonium polyphosphate and clay nanoparticles is enhanced by adaptive polysiloxane interphase. Clay additive provides thermal and pH responsive character to silicone based biomaterial thus it can be applied for forming smart interphases. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.