This review presents an overview of the formulation, characterization and range of applications for
polymer nanocomposites. After explaining how material properties at the nanometre scale can vary
compared to those observed at longer length scales, typical methods used to formulate and
characterize nanocomposites at laboratory and industrial scale will be described. The range of
mechanical, electrical and thermal properties obtainable from nanocomposite materials, with examples
of current commercial applications, will be outlined. Formulation and characterization of
nanoparticle, nanotube and graphene composites will be discussed by reference to nanoclay-based
composites, as the latter are presently of most technological relevance. Three brief case studies
are presented to demonstrate how structure/property relationships may be controlled in a variety of
polymer nanocomposite systems to achieve required performance in a given application. The review
will conclude by discussing po…