Strategies for the dispersion of inorganic nanoparticles in crosslinked polymer matrices

C. E. HOPPE

San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Workshop; US-Argentine Workshop on Nanomaterials, NANOMAT09; 2009

The rational design of advanced nanoparticle/polymer composites strongly relies on the possibility of controlling the distribution of the nanofiller in the polymer matrix.1,2 In this sense, one of the greatest challenges to face is to avoid the typical non-uniform particle aggregation process that takes place when polymers and nanoparticles (NPs) are mixed. Even when this problem could be solved, controlling the arrangement geometry of NPs in the matrix is not a trivial task. In this sense, several approaches based on the use of dendrimers, block copolymers, mesoporous matrices, etc. are currently the object of many research efforts. The use of crosslinked matrices as hosts widens the spectrum of potential applications of nanocomposites by adding their intrinsic properties to the final materials (chemical, mechanical and thermal resistance, swelling capacity, shape stability, etc.) and by offering new ways to control the distribution and arrangement of NPs.  Here we present our results concerning the distribution of inorganic NPs in crosslinked networks. Different strategies will be presented including the use of soluble or micelle-forming compatibilizers, use of monomers with structures similar to the organic ligands that stabilize the nanoparticles, and use of organic ligands bearing polymerizable groups. Basic aspects concerning the behavior of the NPs in the reactive medium as well as potential applications of the final systems will be discussed. References: 1- Balasz, A. C.; Emrick, A.; Russell, T. P. Science 2006, 314, 1107. 2-Vaia, R. A.; Maguire, J. F. Chem. Mater. 2007, 19, 2736.