Bottom-up Synthesis of Polymer Nanocomposites
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Release | : 2001 |
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There is increasing technological interest in polymers reinforced by nanoparticles because of their potential to provide enhanced mechanical properties, decreased permeability and flammability, as well as increased conductivity. The key to maximizing this performance is not only achievement of nanoparticle dispersion, but also the control of nanoparticle distribution and orientation on the nano-, meso-, and micro-scales by unique fabrication and processing techniques. Emulsion polymerization offers a viable, flexible route to meet these goals for polymer-based molecular and nanocomposites. Combining poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) emulsion that is ionically stabilized in aqueous solution with an aqueous dispersion of nanoparticles or molecular poly-ions of opposite charge via a 'bottom-up' technique results in an interfacial exchange reaction and co-precipitation that leads to controlled nanoparticle dispersion and arrangement. Fabrication and characterization of PMMA-based molecular and nanocomposites from emulsions with reactive and non-reactive emulsifiers containing sulfonated phenylene benzobisimidazole polymer (PS-PBI), carbon nanofibers, and layered silicates are discussed. These hybrids exhibit solution and melt processibility and corresponding enhanced thermomechanical properties.