Evolving scientific aptitude of poly(ethylene glycol) filled with carbonaceous nanofillers

Abstract

There is rising interest in the development of poly(ethylene glycol) based nanocomposites. Poly(ethylene glycol) is a synthetic water soluble polyether polymerized from ethylene glycol monomer. Poly(ethylene glycol) matrix has been reinforced with various carbonaceous nanofillers such as graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotube, and nanodiamonds to form nanocomposites. In this state-of-the-art review, poly(ethylene glycol)/carbonaceous nanofiller nanocomposites and progress concerning the derived high performance nanomaterials are presented. The morphology, thermal, mechanical, electrical, and other characteristics are enhanced with the nanocarbon nanofillers. Modifying the poly(ethylene glycol) backbone and functionalizing the carbonaceous nanofiller improve the anticipated nanocomposite. Moreover, better nanoparticle dispersion and interaction with the poly(ethylene glycol) have been focused in this regard. Up till now, poly(ethylene glycol) nanocomposites have been researched for lithium ion battery, sensor, and biomedical applications particularly drug delivery and tissue engineering. Future research on poly(ethylene glycol)/carbonaceous nanofiller nanocomposites may help to overcome the challenges related to nanocomposite design and high performance, and may also open new application areas.