A review on aerogel: 3D nanoporous structured fillers in polymer‐based nanocomposites

There have been a number of review papers on layered silicate and carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposites, in which the fillers have high aspect ratios. Particulate‐polymer nanocomposites containing aerogel with extremely low density, large open pores, and high surface area are also an important class of polymer nanocomposites. Thus, this article provides an overview on the effect of aerogel on mechanical and thermal properties of polymer‐based nanocomposites. Moreover, the preparation, history, classification, and characteristics of the aerogel are addressed. Among the polymer‐aerogel nanocomposites, various categories including silica and carbon aerogel‐polymer nanocomposites were discussed in detail. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3383–3408, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers