Developments in surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization have led to the ability to precisely control the characteristics of polymer chains grafted from particle surfaces. In this presentation we systematically analyze the role of polymer graft modification on the mechanical properties and structure (order parameter) of assemblies formed by polymer-grafted nanoparticles (also called particle brushes). Using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization methods, silica nanoparticles were surface grafted at high grafting densities with low dispersities over a wide range of chain molecular weights. Order formation and mechanical properties of assemblies of these particle brush systems will be interpreted on the basis of a scaling model and an inverse relationship between mechanical robustness (i.e. fracture toughness) and high degrees of order will be demonstrated. Conditions to realize concurrent order formation and toughness using SI-ATRP will be discussed.

Engineering nanoparticle interactions via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization

248th National Meeting (2014)

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