Development of high-temperature silicon/polymer nanocomposites utilizing melt-blending technique

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Applied Quantum Materials Inc. - the industrial partner of this project - has recently developed a novel**synthesis method to engineer nanoparticles with unique optical properties. These nanoparticles have a variety**of potential commercial applications, however potential customers require the particles to be immobilized in a**polymer matrix to form a bulk optical material.**The purpose of the proposed work is to develop a method to embed these materials in a polymer matrix. It can**be challenging to achieve good mixing and to preserve the optical properties of the nanomaterials. It is very**important to achieve good dispersion of the nanomaterials, and also to ensure that the mixing conditions do not**lead to degradation of the nanoparticles. In this work we will develop a process based on melt-mixing and**compare the properties of composites formed under conditions. We will characterize the optical, thermal, and**mechanical properties of the resulting composites, and determine the minimum concentration of nanoparticles**required to achieve the desired properties. Finally, we will develop methods for patterning and shaping these**materials on the macroscale.**The results of this work will lead to new commercial products for our partner.