Polyether block amide as host matrix for nanocomposite membranes applied to different sensitive fields

The cornerstones of sustainable development require the treatment of wastes or contaminated streams allowing the separation and recycling of useful substances by a more rational use ofenergy sources. Separation technologies play a prominent role, especially when conducted by inherently environmentally friendly systems such as membrane operations. However, high-performance materials are more and more needed to improve the separative performance of polymericmaterials nanocomposites are ideally suited to develop advanced membranes by combining organicpolymers with suitable fillers having superior properties. In this area, polyether block amide copolymers (Pebax) are increasingly adopted as host matrices due to their distinctive properties in termsof being lightweight and easy to process, having good resistance to most chemicals, flexibility andhigh strength. In this light, the present review seeks to provide a comprehensive examination of theprogress in the development of Pebax-based nanocomposite films for their application in severalsensitive fields, that are challenging and at the same time attractive, including olefin/paraffin separation, pervaporation, water treatment, flexible films for electronics, electromagnetic shielding, antimicrobial surfaces, wound dressing and self-venting packaging. It covers a wide range of materialsused as fillers and analyzes the properties of the derived nanocomposites and their performance.The general principles from the choice of the material to the approaches for the heterogeneous phasecompatibilization as well as for the performance improvement were also surveyed. From a detailedanalysis of the current studies, the most effective strategies to overcome some intrinsic limitationsof these nanocomposites are highlighted, providing guidelines for the correlated research