Polymer nanocomposites, a mixture of polymer matrix and inorganic/organic nanoscale particles, have received tremendous attention over the last few decades. However, the role of surface energy and polymer crystal growth rate conditions on the hierarchical ordering of the NPs is nascent. In this paper, we graft C18 on silica nanoparticle (NP) and mix it into high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The C18 improves results in individually dispersed nanoparticles. By controlling the rate of crystallization, we can tailor the organization of the nanofillers. The particles either organize in the interlamellar, interfibrillar, and interspherulitic zones. The result depends on fractions of NPs and isothermal crystallization temperature. This talk will present our latest results in this area as well as the impact of the morphology on mechanical and dielectric properties.

Anisotropic self-assembly of spherical ligand grafted nanoparticles through polymer crystallization

2019 Spring National Meeting

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