An Investigative Study on the Progress of Nanoclay-Reinforced Polymers: Preparation, Properties, and Applications: A Review

Nanoclay-reinforced polymers have attracted considerable universal attention in academic and industrial research due to their outstanding properties and their ever-expanding utilization in diversified applications. In that regard, in the present review, the structure of layered silicate clay, as well as procedures for clay material modification, are outlined. We also discuss the general characterization techniques, synthesis methods, and various properties of polymer–clay nanocomposites (PCNs), and some examples likewise are depicted from the scientific literature. The study’s primary goal is to provide an up-to-date survey of polymer–clay nanocomposites and their specific applications in industries such as automotive, flame-retardant, and biomedical applications, coating, and packaging.