Abstract
The application of nanotechnology has become inevitable in almost all sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, electronics, transport, etc. The continuous development in the area has led to the emergence of the polymer nanocomposites. The polymer nanocomposites due to their improved mechanical, thermal, electrical, optical, and magnetic properties are widely used in various fields and slowly they have become an integral part of our life. As the application of polymer nanocomposite is going to be inexorable in the near future, this review aims to provide some insight on the need for the polymer nanocomposites, their basic classification, and their manufacturing methods. The study also outlines the analyses that are required to characterize the polymer nanocomposites. Further, the study discusses the existing application of polymer nanocomposites in various fields. As the polymer nanocomposites are going to play a major role in the field of waste water treatment for the years to come, the study has also attempted to shed some light on the application of nanocomposites in water purification. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.