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。这个项目的结果可以用来指导未来的PNC设计。自1980年代第一批报告以来，国家规划国家引起了大量注意。在聚合物基体中，至少有一个维度低于100纳米的纳米填料以相对较低的体积添加量（5%）被包括在内，从而大大增强了聚合物的性能。为了更好地理解PNC系统的结构-性能关系，在粒径和粒径分布确定的PNC系统中获得可控的颗粒聚集体是至关重要的。在这项研究中，PI的目标是使用涂有聚合物刷的新型Janus纳米颗粒（JNPs）作为模型粒子系统来形成pnc。使用JNPs代替对称功能化纳米颗粒，可以在聚合物基体中实现定义良好的纳米颗粒集成；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来解耦界面和结构效应。因此，粒子系综结构与pnc力学性能之间的相关性将得到明确的确立。这项研究首次系统地研究了JNPs在聚合物基质中的聚集。此外，pnc的许多其他性质，如电学、光学性质也很大程度上取决于纳米颗粒的聚集。因此，这项研究也将有利于在其他高级应用中使用pnc。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带来更强，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的研究领域，因为它可以帮助以更可控和有效的方式设计和合成PNC。因此，可以制造性能增强的pnc。项目的教育内容包括：(1)指导研究生、本科生和博士后研究人员；(2)更新/发展研究生课程；(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.