Novel Multiphase Polymer Materials: Synthesis, Processing, Morphology and Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites and Polymer Blends

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There is little understanding about how chemistry and processing influences structure and the consequent final properties of multiphase polymer materials. Therefore, we will investigate all steps of the design and development of multiphase polymer materials, and understand the interrelations between the different steps. We will perform a fundamental and systematic study of process fundamentals, and find links between chemistry-processing-structure-properties. The research combines scientific challenges in inorganic and organic chemistry, polymer physics, process engineering and product design, weaving a rich fabric of scientific investigation for highly qualified personnel (HQP). We will start with synthesis of novel nanomaterials and specialty polymers, and then we will use polymer processing methods to create multi-component polymer blends (mixtures of two or more polymers) and polymer nanocomposites (polymers with nanofillers), and finally, perform property testing. We will synthesize custom nanomaterials: (1) Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with and without doping using Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD); (2) Copper nanowires (CuNW) using template-directed synthesis; (3) functionalized clays and (4) graphene nanoribbons using solution methods. Nano-structured materials are especially interesting since they have exceptionally high interfacial area and the structural features are comparable to the polymer molecular size. For example, organo-modified nanoclays would offer significant mechanical property enhancement due to the extraordinary amount of interfacial area and the high modulus of clay. CNTs, graphene and CuNWs enhance electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties at very low loadings. Since these novel nanomaterials are made on lab bench scale, we will use our custom miniature melt mixer (1mL capacity) to evaluate the best candidates. We will investigate the effect of nanofiller modification and polymer functionalization on, and the consequent improvement in electrical, EMI shielding, charge storage, thermal and mechanical properties. Key combinations of properties not available in single-phase materials are possible by choosing the right formulation and changing processing conditions and methods. Multiphase polymer materials have significant potential to be commercialized in a large number of applications such as in electronics, photovoltaics, biomedical, packaging, automotive, aerospace, catalysis, fuel cells, solar cells and other industries. Through this program, we will provide guidance and insight to manufacturers and users of multiphase polymer materials. This research will add key results to this field, and a multidisciplinary team of nine (9) material chemists, polymer scientists and engineers will be trained in this program (HQP: 2 PhD, 1 MSc, 2 Post-doctoral fellows and 4 undergraduates).