Advanced polymer materials

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Polymer nanocomposites are materials for which at least one dimension of the structure is less than 100 nm. They provide a new way to overcome the limitations of traditional microscale composites. The categories of nanocomposites that our research group has worked on include clays (montmorillonite) and nanopowders (nano-alumina, nano-titania and nano-silica). The challenge is in the discovery of new methods, which are commercially viable, to achieve the proper dispersion of those nanoparticles at the nanoscale level and to stabilize that dispersion at the nanoscale level after processing with a polymers. Because the nanoparticles are so small, the surface-to-volume ratio is considerable high as when compared to microparticles. This significantly increases the importance of controlling the interfacial interaction between nanoparticles and polymers; otherwise the final properties of the nanocomposites will not be better. Polymer nanocomposites have novel and attractive properties that are relevant to the automotive, building, packaging and energy sectors. For example, our previous research has developed coatings prepared with polymer nanocomposites that have improved scratch resistance and hardness, can be transparent and self-cleaning, and be more durable. We have previously investigated and developed effective methods for stabilizing nanoparticles within a polymer matrix using in-situ polymerization where the polymer chains are bonded to the nanoparticles. This research grant will investigate methodologies for manufacturing novel polymer nanocomposites. Contributions will be made on how to control the structure of the final nanocomposites by combining different types of polymers bonded to the surface of the nanoparticles using in situ polymerization. Polymer chains of distinct nature bonded to the surface of nanoparticles will allow self assembling and better control of the nanostructures. Training HQP in this research area will contribute to the industrial needs for expertise in processing and chemical modification of nanoparticles, manufacturing polymer nanocomposites and understanding the structure and properties of such novel materials.