~~Special Polymer Physics Seminar ~~
Dr. Jeff Meth
Nanocomposite Technologies
DuPont Experimental Station 400/5265
Wilmington, DE 19880-0400
10:00 AM Tuesday
March 1st, 2011
301 Steidle Bldg.
Structure in Colloidal Silica – Polymer
Nanocomposites and Interdiffusion
Experiments
This talk details recent work involving the characterization of
model nanocomposite systems. The process by which colloidal
silica – polymer formulations dry down into coatings is explored.
Using small angle x-ray scattering, we have examined how charge
stabilized colloids, mixed with polymers such that the size ratio is
not in the colloid limit and the polymer concentration is not dilute,
develop structure. This work provides guidelines for producing
well-dispersed nanocomposites. Basic properties, such as glass
transition temperature, are examined. In addition, we discuss the
interdiffusion of deuterated polystyrene into well-dispersed
phenyl-capped colloidal silica – polystyrene nanocomposites, and
interpret these results in terms of entropic barriers.