Polymer nanocomposites are materials that are prepared by incorporating nanoparticles into polymer matrices. In last few decades, polymer nanocomposites have been investigated extensively and had undergone tremendous advancements. Transparent nanocomposites are of particular interest among several polymer nanocomposites due to wide variety of applications. Therefore, this article aims to provide the consolidate and in-depth knowledge about the capabilities of transparent polymers when combined with various nanoparticles like metal oxide, metal, semiconductor, carbon-based nanocomposites, etc. Challenges and future scope are also covered along with the synthesis, characterization and applications. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

In Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process, choice of toolpath strategies affects the mechanical properties of the built parts. Present investigation deals with development of new toolpath strategy based on a fractal curve for FDM process and shows its effect on tensile strength of the built parts. An algorithm was developed using Boolean operations for generating fractal curve based toolpath. Tensile specimens were fabricated for the fractal as well as raster based toolpaths and strength had been compared. In order to carry out the part fabrication, an extruder head was developed and used on an existing CNC machine. Results show that parts made with fractal curve based toolpath have better tensile strength.