Self-assembled polymer nanocomposites and their networks

Abstract

This dissertation describes new routes to synthesize polymer nanocomposite networks via self-assembly. Polymerizable structure directing agents (referred to as surfmers) obtained by end-group functionalization preserves the structure-directing capabilities of the surfactant for templating ordered mesoporous silica particle growth, while simultaneously generating a reactive matrix for polymer network formation through reactive end groups in the presence of intimately mixed mesoporous silicates. A combination of small angle X-ray scattering, surface area, and microscopy experiments on mesoporous silica indicated the structure directing capabilities of surfmers. Free-radical polymerization of the surfmer leads to novel crosslinked nanocomposites networks. Multiple experiments, including gel permeation chromatography, swelling, and solid state NMR experiments on polymer nanocomposites gave evidence of the polymerization of surfmer leading to formation of crosslink networks. Polymer nanocomposites with varied silica content were prepared. Effects of silica content on polymer nanocomposites were studied on rheometer. Results obtained from rheological experiments indicate that the storage (G') and loss modulus (G") increases with increase in the content of mesoporous silica. In this way, the nanocomposites networks obtained via self-assembly shows independent behavior with respect to frequency in rheological experiments. Additionally, this self-assembled route was extended to synthesize biodegradable and biocompatible polymer nanocomposites networks. The nanocomposite networks obtained with 15% of silica content showed the increase in storage modulus by two orders of magnitude in rheological experiments.