Generation of Polymer Nanocomposites through Shear-Driven Aggregation of Binary Colloids
Open access
Date
2017-11Type
- Review Article
Abstract
Design of polymer nanocomposites has been an intense research topic in recent decades because hybrid nanomaterials are widely used in many fields. Throughout their development, there has often been a challenging issue how one can uniformly distribute nanoparticles (NPs) in a polymer matrix, avoiding their agglomeration. In this short review, we first introduce the theory of colloidal aggregation/gelation purely based on intense shear forces. Then, we illustrate a methodology for preparing polymer nanocomposites where the NPs (as fillers) are uniformly and randomly distributed inside a matrix of polymer NPs, based on intense shear-driven aggregation of binary colloids, without using any additives. Its feasibility has been demonstrated using two stable binary colloids composed of (1) poly-methyl methacrylate fillers and polystyrene NPs, and (2) graphene oxide sheets (fillers) and poly-vinylidene fluoride NPs. The mechanism leading to capturing and distribution of the fillers inside the polymer NP matrix has been illustrated, and the advantages of the proposed methodology compared with the other common methods are also discussed. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000214069Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
PolymersVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
MDPISubject
Polymer nanocomposite; Binary colloids; Shear-driven; Aggregation; GelationOrganisational unit
03451 - Morbidelli, Massimo (emeritus) / Morbidelli, Massimo (emeritus)
Funding
165917 - Design of Aggregation Processes of Binary Colloids towards Preparation of Nano-Composite Materials (SNF)
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