Janus Nanoparticle Nanocomposites

本研究项目的目的是更好地了解聚合物纳米复合材料（PNC）的结构-性能关系。 该项目的结果可以用于指导未来的PNC设计。 自20世纪80年代第一次报告以来，国家统计局引起了极大的关注。 具有至少一个低于100 nm的尺寸的纳米填料已经以相对低的体积添加量（5%）被包括在聚合物基质中，导致聚合物的显著性能增强。 为了更好地理解PNC中的结构-性质关系，关键是在PNC系统中获得具有限定尺寸和尺寸分布的受控颗粒聚集体。 在这项研究中，PI的目的是使用新的Janus纳米粒子（JNPs）与聚合物刷作为模型粒子系统，以形成PNC。 使用JNPs而不是对称官能化的纳米粒子，可以实现在聚合物基体中的定义良好的纳米粒子系综，因此JNP纳米复合材料提供了一个独特的和前所未有的模型系统，以解耦的接口和结构的影响。 因此，颗粒系综结构和PNC的力学性能之间的相关性将被明确地建立。 本研究首次系统地研究了JNPs在聚合物基体中的聚集行为。 此外，PNC的许多其他性质如电学、光学性质也在很大程度上取决于纳米颗粒的聚集。PNC是一个快速发展的领域，对我们的日常生活产生了巨大的影响。 PNC可以为从飞机到体育用品的各种应用提供更强，更轻，更便宜的材料。这项研究如果成功，将极大地影响纳米粒子和PNC研究领域，因为它可以帮助以更可控和更有效的方式设计和合成PNC。 因此可以制造具有增强性能的PNC。 该项目的教育部分包括：（1）指导研究生、本科生和博士后研究人员;（2）更新/开发研究生课程;（3）让高中学生和教师，特别是代表性不足的人群参与研究活动。

The objective of this research project is to better understand the structure-property relationship in polymer nanocomposites (PNCs). The results from this project can then be used to guide future PNC design. PNCs have attracted substantial attention since the first reports in 1980s. Nanofillers with at least one dimension below 100 nm have been included in polymeric matrices at relatively low volume additions ( 5%), leading to profound property enhancements of the polymer. To better understand the structure-property relationship in PNCs, it is critical to obtain controlled particle aggregates in a PNC system with defined size and size distribution. In this research, the PI aims to use novel Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) coated with polymer brushes as the model particle system to form PNCs. Using JNPs instead of symmetrically functionalized nanoparticles, well defined nanoparticle ensembles in the polymer matrix can be achieved; hence JNP nanocomposites provide a unique and unprecedented model system to decouple the interface and structural effects. The correlation between particle ensemble structure and mechanical properties of PNCs will therefore be unambiguously established. This research is the first to systematically study the aggregation of JNPs in polymeric matrixes. Furthermore, many other properties of PNCs such as electrical, optical properties are also largely dependent on nanoparticle aggregation. Therefore, this research will also benefit using PNCs in other advanced applications.PNC is a fast growing field which has dramatic impacts on our daily life. PNC can lead to stronger, lighter, less expensive materials for various applications ranging from aircraft to sporting goods. This research, if successful, will dramatically impact the nanoparticle and PNC research field because it could help design and synthesize PNCs in a more controlled and efficient way. PNCs with enhanced performance can therefore be fabricated. The educational component of the project includes: (1) mentoring graduate, undergraduate students and post-doc researchers; (2) updating/developing graduate courses; and (3) involving high school students and teachers, particularly under-represented populations, in the research activities.