Use of micelle-forming linear copolymers for the dispersion of alkyl-coated nanoparticles in an epoxy network

J. PUIG; ILEANA A. ZUCCHI; MARÍA J. GALANTE; CRISTINA E. HOPPE

Los Cocos- Córdoba (Argentina)

Congreso; V Congreso Binacional Argentino-Chileno de polímeros-ARCHIPOL 09; 2009

An important issue in the design of advanced nanoparticle/polymer composites is the control of dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer hosts (Balazs et al., 2006). In this sense, one of the greatest challenges to face is to avoid the typical nonuniform particle aggregation process that takes place when polymers and nanoparticles (NPs) are mixed (Balazs et al.,2006). The excellent mechanical, dielectric and chemical properties of epoxy resins make them ideal polymer matrices for the development of advanced nanocomposites (Tess, 1988). However, the hydrophilic nature of this resin makes them very incompatible with common hydrophobically-coated NPs that can be obtained by high yield, easy procedures (e. g. alkyl-coated gold NPs). This work proposes a new strategy for the dispersion of alkyl-coated nanoparticles in an epoxy network. The idea consists in using a linear copolymer with amphiphilic properties that allows compatibility between the particles and the network. To enhance compatibilization we prepare this copolymer with a chemical structure very similar to that of NPs coating and epoxy monomer. This copolymer works as stabilizer of the NPs and soluble modifier of the epoxy system enabling proper dispersion of NPs in the matrix.