Polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) are a class of materials that consist of a polymer matrix embedded with nanoscale fillers or additives that enhance the inherent properties of the polymer. Since the PNC morphology dictates its macroscopic behavior/properties, in order to tailor PNCs for specific applications with target macroscopic properties (e.g. photovoltaics, photonics, automobile parts) it is important to have design rules that relate molecular features to the morphology of the composite. We use a combination of theory and molecular simulations to link molecular design features of the polymer grafted nanoparticles to particle assembly/dispersion in a polymer matrix. In the first part of the talk I will present our recent work on homopolymer grafted nanoparticles in chemically identical homopolymer matrix where we found that decreasing flexibility of the graft and matrix homopolymers increases the propensity for particle dispersion in the matrix. In the second part of the talk I will present our recent work elucidating the mechanism underlying the compatibilization effect imparted by diblock-copolymer grafted nanoparticles in homopolymer blend matrices.

Linking molecular design of the polymer functionalization to tune grafted particle assembly or dispersion within domains and interfaces of polymer matrices

249th National Meeting (2015)

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