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In the last several decades, there has been significant growth in research and development activities in nanomaterials. Nanotech has been used to improve the quality of several materials, including wood and polymer composites, for their application in various fields. Nanofillers, including metal particles, nano oxides, pyrogenic silica, and carbon black, have been employed as polymer additives. However, the value of natural, low-cost, and plentiful clay materials such as nanoclay becomes more apparent as environmental regulations and consumer awareness become more rigorous. This literature outlines the role of nanoclay on polymer composites, especially in the case of thermosetting resins, including epoxy, polyester, urea-formaldehyde, and phenol-formaldehyde resins. The current article is intended to provide a comprehensive source of recent studies and literature on nanoclay as filler, its classification, polymer modification processes using nanoclay, and comparing the performance of different thermosetting polymers based on their fabrication methods through physical and mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel formaldehyde free plywood was prepared by using bamboo polymer composite (BPC) as resin. • Superior strength properties and water absorption behaviour were found in hybrid plywood. • SEM images showed existence of mechanical interlocking between BPC and wood veneers. • Use of coupling agent provided better strength to the plywood prepared. • DMA test showed the elastic and viscous response of BPC and pure polymer as a function of temperature. This study aimed at preparing thermoplastic based hybrid wood veneer composite panels in which bamboo fiber reinforced thermoplastic (BPC) was used in granular form as one component and Melia dubia wood veneers as the second component. BPC was prepared using twin screw extruder and maleated polyethylene/ maleated polypropylene as a coupling agent. The effect of polymer type i.e., polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly butylene adipate- co -terephthalate (PBAT) and bamboo fiber content (10%, 30%, and 50%) on physical, mechanical and thermal properties of Melia dubia plywood has been investigated. Plywood prepared with BPC exhibited superior mechanical properties as compared to pure polymer irrespective of polymer type. The improvement in flexural strength at 30% bamboo content was 14.6%, 17.6% and 38% for PP, HDPE and PBAT based BPC, respectively. Volumetric swelling in panels on water absorption was not influenced by the presence of bamboo fibers in the polymer. The improvement in mechanical properties of BPC bonded plywood was due to manifestation of an improved interfacial adhesion between BPC and wood veneers via coupling agent. SEM images revealed pertinent bonding between BPC and wood veneers in the form of mechanical interlocking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]