Nanoscale Structure-Property Relations in Self-Regulated Polymer- Grafted Nanoparticle Composite Structures

Using a model system of poly(methyl methacry-late)-grafted silica nanoparticles (PMMA-NP) and poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile) (SAN), we generate unique polymer nano-composite (PNC) morphologies by balancing the degree of surface enrichment, phase separation, and wetting within the films. Depending on the annealing temperature and time, thin films undergo different stages of phase evolution, resulting in homogeneously dispersed systems at low temperatures, enriched PMMA-NP layers at the PNC interfaces at intermediate temper-atures, and three-dimensional bicontinuous structures of PMMA-NP pillars sandwiched between two PMMA-NP wetting layers at high temperatures. Using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), AFM nanoindentation, contact angle goniometry, and optical microscopy, we show that these self-regulated structures lead to nanocomposites with increased elastic modulus, hardness, and thermal stability compared to analogous PMMA/SAN blends. These studies demonstrate the ability to reliably control the size and spatial correlations of both the surface-enriched and phase-separated nanocomposite microstructures, which have attractive technological applications where properties such as wettability, toughness, and wear resistance are important. In addition, these morphologies lend themselves to substantially broader applications, including: (1) structural color applications, (2) tuning optical adsorption, and (3) barrier coatings.

Automated summary

By balancing the surface enrichment, phase separation, and wetting in poly(methyl methacrylate)-grafted silica nanoparticles (PMMA-NP) and poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile) (SAN) model system, unique polymer nano-composite (PNC) morphologies are generated. These self-regulated structures lead to nanocomposites with enhanced properties compared to analogous PMMA/SAN blends, and have various technological applications such as wettability, toughness, and wear resistance. Additionally, these morphologies have broader applications including structural color, tuning optical adsorption, and barrier coatings.