One limitation of using nanoparticles to modify the properties of a polymer matrix is achieving a homogenous dispersion of individual nanoparticles throughout the matrix.  In this work, we will discuss how the interactions between solvent, nanoparticle and polymer chain assist/hinder the realization of individually dispersed nanoparticles in a polymer matrix.  Results of this study show that the dispersion of C60 in a polyacrylonitrile matrix is a function of dispersing solvent and nanoparticle loading. In particular, under certain fabrication conditions, small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) exhibits a peak that indicates an ordering of the nanocomposite on a length scale of  ~ 150 �.  We have completed SAXS, wide-angle x-ray diffraction, and dynamic light scattering experiments to evaluate the dispersion of C60 in solvent before nanocomposite fabrication and in polyacrylonitrile in the final nanocomposite.  These results suggest that the interaction of the functional group on PAN with C60 is not sufficiently strong to overcome nanoparticle-nanoparticle interactions, but the presence of the nanoparticle does impact the crystalline ordering of the PAN.

How the interactions between solvent, nanoparticle, and polymer chain impact the dispersion of C<sub>60</sub> in a polyacrylonitrile matrix?

245th National Meeting (2013)

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How the interactions between solvent, nanoparticle, and polymer chain impact the dispersion of C60 in a polyacrylonitrile matrix?

How the interactions between solvent, nanoparticle, and polymer chain impact the dispersion of C₆₀ in a polyacrylonitrile matrix?