Progress with the engineered self-assembly of polymer nanodielectrics

To-date, the fabrication of polymer nanodielectrics has largely not involved self-assembly steps, as researchers have struggled to understand the factors controlling the properties of such materials, in particular the role of the interface region. Methods for achieving self-assembly of polymer nanodielectrics will be presented and notable successes will be highlighted for nanodielectrics based on spherical inorganic particles, such as silicon dioxide, and intercalated and exfoliated clays and micas. The contrast is made with self-assembly practiced by nature and by the broad field of nanomaterials.