Structural and dynamic study of block copolymer - Nanoparticles nanocomposites

Nanocomposites based on block copolymer (BCP) and gold nanoparticles (NPs) filler were measured in terms of their structure and polymer chain molecular dynamics. NPs were functionalized in order to gain selective affinity to one specific type of BCP domain. BCP directed NPs assembly was monitored using atomic force microscopy. Thin nanocomposite films were fabricated via spin-coating technique, annealed and subsequently subjected to reactive ion etching in order to expose inorganic NPs location within the BCP matrix. Selective NPs incorporation was confirmed. Furthermore, interesting NPs distribution in quasi-2D crystallites was revealed. Spectroscopic methods (nuclear magnetic resonance and dielectric spectroscopy) enabled investigation of polymer chain reorientations and estimation of the impact of nano-filler on polymer dynamics. Nanocomposite crystallinity was assessed via thermal analysis and supported by spectroscopic techniques.