For almost any application, nanoparticles can only unravel their attractive properties if uncontrolled agglomeration is avoided. Undefined lumps of nanoparticles rather worsen the properties of the materials they are added to. Therefore, it is highly desired to deal with nanoparticles in dispersion. That, however, means to handle and process liquid nanoparticle suspensions, so called sols. But, these liquid dispersions typically contain very low solids content. Especially when it comes to storage and shipment, this is very impractical. Dry powders would therefore be much more preferred. But unfortunately, typical nanoparticle dispersion systems have to be prevented from drying-out as then, irreversible agglomeration occurs, sometimes called “hard-agglomeration”.<br/>Herein, we report on an easy to handle powder consisting of nanostructured micron sized raspberries. These nanostructured micro-raspberries are composed of individual nano-particles which are equipped with molecules that introduce a separating effect or “spring” functionality. Thereby, a powder system is obtained that allows for an easy and complete redispersibility of the agglomerates down to the level of individual nanoparticles in solvents and polymers. Furthermore we want to create “secondary nanostructure” which has an important influence on many material properties in elastomer composites. Herein the nanoparticles are arranged with their neighbours to form slightly larger entities which consist of several tens to hundreds of nanoparticles.

Burstable nanostructured micro-raspberries: Toward redispersible, adjustable nanoparticles from dry powders

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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