Controlled assembly of silica microspheres in spherically confined polymer particles by using self-organized precipitation (SORP) method

Assembly of submicron-sized microspheres has received much attention due to its high potential for wide variety of applications. We have developed a preparation method of polymer particles by simple mixing of a poor solvent into the polymer solution followed by evaporation of a good solvent. By using this technique, silica nanoparticles and polymer composite particles were prepared. Preparation of three-dimensional assemblies of silica particles in polymer particles and composite Janus particles are shown.     

高分散性SiO2/PMMA复合材料的制备与表征——纳米SiO2在MMA中的分散

用硅烷偶联剂3-(甲基丙烯酰氧)丙基三甲氧基硅烷(MPS)对分散于乙醇中的纳米SiO2进行偶联改性,再通过介质置换和原位本体聚合制得SiO2/甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)单体分散液和SiO2/PMMA复合材料.红外光谱分析(FTIR)和热重分析(TG)结合洗提实验考察了SiO2表面MPS的偶联率和偶联效率,透射电镜(TEM...     

Field induced formation of mesoscopic polymer chains from functional ferromagnetic colloids

The assembly and direct imaging of ferromagnetic nanoparticles into one-dimensional mesostructures (1-D) are reported. Polymer-coated ferromagnetic colloids (19 nm, 24 nm) were assembled at a crosslinkable oil-water interface under both magnetic field induced and zero-field conditions and permanently fixed into 1-D mesoscopic polymer chains (1-9 mum) in a process referred to as Fossilized Liquid Assembly (FLA). In the FLA process, nanoparticle chains were fixed at the oil interface through photopolymerization, enabling direct visualization of organized mesostructures using atomic force microscopy. Using the FLA methodology, we systematically investigated different conditions and demonstrated that dispersed ferromagnetic colloids possess sufficient dipolar interactions to organize into mesoscopic assemblies. Application of an external magnetic field during assembly enabled the formation of micron-sized chains which were aligned in the direction of the applied field. This universal methodology is an attractive alternative technique to cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) for the visualization of nanoparticle assembly in dispersed organic media.     

Green synthesis of polymer nanofibers and their composites as flame‐retardant materials for polymer nanocomposites

Polyaniline nanofibers and their composites with carbon nanotubes were developed as an effective flame‐retardant material using a facile green method. Polyaniline nanofibers were used as a smart flame‐retardant for acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene polymer. The polyaniline nanofibers were dispersed in polymer matrix forming well‐dispersed polymer nanocomposites. Effect of polyaniline nanofiber mass ratio on the polymer nanocomposite properties was studied. Polyaniline nanofiber composites with carbon nanotubes were also dispersed in polymer matrix. The thermal stability and flammability properties of the polymer nanocomposites were investigated. The rate of burning of polymer nanocomposites achieved 82.5% reduction (7.32 mm/min) compared with virgin polymer (42.5 mm/min). The reduction in peak heat release rate and total heat release of the polymer nanocomposites containing nanofibers achieved 74 and 34%, respectively. Interestingly, the average mass loss rate was significantly reduced by 58% and the emission of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases were suppressed by 20 and 47%, respectively. The effect of polyaniline nanofibers composites on the flammability of polymer nanocomposites was also studied. Polyaniline nanofibers and their composites were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The dispersion of polyaniline nanofibers in polymer nanocomposites was characterized using transmission electron microscopy. The different polymer nanocomposites were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis, UL94 flame chamber, and cone calorimeter tests. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of UV-Cured Silicone Resin/Silica Nanocomposites from UV-Curable Polysilisiquioxane and Methacrylate-Functionalized Silica

A series of silicone resin/silica polymeric nanocomposites with 0–6 wt% silica content, comprising well-distributed silica nanoparticles in silicone resin matrix, have been synthesized from a UV-curable polysilisiquioxane (UV-PSL) and a methacrylate-functionalized silica via UV-curing in the presence of 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (Irgacure 184) as photoinitiator. To enhance the interfacial interaction, the silica surface was firstly treated with 3-(methacryloxy) propyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS), and its structure was analyzed by FTIR spectrophotometry. The thermal stability of nanocomposites was slightly enhanced with the addition of silica particles. SEM studies indicate that silica particles were dispersed homogenously through the polymer matrix. The physical and mechanical properties such as the thickness, hardness, adhesion, impact strength as well as gloss were examined.     

Preparation and characterization of film-forming raspberry-like polymer/silica nanocomposites via soap-free emulsion polymerization and the sol–gel process

Herein, we report on the synthesis of film-forming poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate-co-acrylic acid)/SiO₂ [P(St-BA-AA)/SiO₂] nanocomposites by in situ formation of SiO₂ nanoparticles from TEOS via sol–gel process in the presence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-functionalized poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate) [P(St-BA)] particles fabricated by soap-free emulsion polymerization. The formed silica particles could be absorbed by polyacrylate chains on the surface of PAA-functionalized P(St-BA) particles; thus, raspberry-like polymer/silica nanocomposites would be obtained. Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance infrared spectrum, ultraviolet–visible transmittance spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the resulting composites. The results showed that the hybrid polymer/silica had a raspberry-like structure with silica nanoparticles anchored on the surface of polymer microspheres. The thermal, fire retardant, and mechanical properties and water resistance of the film were improved by incorporating silica nanoparticles, while the optical transmittance was seldom affected due to nanosized silica particles uniformly dispersed in the film.

Acrylic polymer/silica hybrids prepared by emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization and the sol–gel process

Acrylic polymer/silica hybrids were prepared by emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization and the sol–gel process. Acrylic polymer emulsions containing triethoxysilyl groups were synthesized by emulsifier‐free batch emulsion polymerization. The acrylic polymer/silica hybrid films prepared from the acrylic polymer emulsions and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) were transparent and solvent‐resistant. Atomic force microscopy studies of the hybrid film surface suggested that the hybrid films did not contain large (e.g., micrometer‐size) silica particles, which could be formed because of the organic–inorganic phase separation. The Si? O? Si bond formed by the cocondensation of TEOS and the triethoxysilyl groups on the acrylic polymer increased the miscibility between the acrylic polymer component and the silica component in the hybrid films, in which the nanometer‐size silica domains (particles) were dispersed homogeneously in the acrylic polymer component. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 273–280, 2006     

Shear-thickening flow of nanoparticle suspensions flocculated by polymer bridging

The steady-shear viscosity, dynamic viscoelasticity, and stress relaxation behavior were measured for suspensions of silica nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The suspensions of silica with diameters of 8-25 nm show striking shear-thickening profiles in steady shear and highly elastic responses under large strains in oscillatory shear. Since the silica particles are much smaller than the polymer coils, one molecule can extend through several particles by intrachain bridging. Each polymer coil may remain isolated as a floc unit and the silica particles hardly connect two flocs. Therefore, the flow of suspensions is Newtonian with low viscosity at low shear rates. When the polymer coils containing several nanoparticles are subjected to high shear fields, three-dimensional network is developed over the system. The shear-thickening flow may arise from the elastic forces of extended bridges. But, the polymer chain is easily detached from particle surface by thermal energy because of large curvature of particles. As a result, the network structures are reversibly broken down in a quiescent state and the suspensions behaves as viscoelastic fluids with the zero-shear viscosity.     

Direct catalytic route to superhydrophobic polyethylene films

Polyethylene films grow on a flat silica surface modified by the bis(imino)pyridyl iron(II) catalyst during ethylene polymerization in toluene solvent. The resulting films show superhydrophobic properties. Advancing water contact angle as high as 169 degrees and sliding angles as low as 2 degrees are obtained on these films. SEM images reveal special surface structures of these films containing micrometer-sized islands, submicrometer particles on the islands, and stress nanofibers between the islands, which render superhydrophobicity to the polyethylene surfaces. After the submicrometer particles and stress nanofibers are removed by annealing, the superhydrophobic properties of the polymer films disappear.     

PAA/PEO comb polymer effects on rheological properties and inter-particle forces in aqueous silica suspensions

The effects of a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-poly(ethylene) (PEO) comb polymer dispersant on the rheological properties and inter-particle forces in aqueous silica suspensions have been studied under varying pH conditions. The comb polymer was found to adsorb more strongly under acidic than basic conditions, indicating that the PAA backbone of the copolymer preferentially adsorbs onto silica surfaces with the PEO "teeth" extending out from the surface into the solution. In the presence of low concentrations of copolymer, the silica suspensions were stable due to electrostatic repulsions between the silica surfaces. At higher copolymer concentrations and under neutral and basic conditions, where the copolymer interacted only weakly with silica, the suspensions showed a transition from a dispersed to weakly flocculated state and attractive forces were measured between silica surfaces. Under acidic conditions, the silica dispersion also destabilized at intermediate copolymer adsorbed density and then was re-stabilized at higher adsorbed coverage. The silica suspensions were stable at high copolymer coverage due to steric repulsions between the particles. The destabilization at intermediate coverage is thought to be due to polymer bridging between particles or possibly depletion forces.     

Relationship between the polymer/silica interaction and properties of silica composite materials

Cast film composites have been prepared from aqueous polymer solutions containing nanometric silica particles. The polymers were polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and a blend of PVA‐HPMC polymers. In the aqueous dispersions, the polymer–silica interactions were studied through adsorption isotherms. These experiments indicated that HPMC has a high affinity for silica surfaces, and can adsorb at high coverage; conversely, low affinity and low coverage were found in the case of PVA. In the films, the organization of silica particles was investigated through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS). Both methods showed that the silica particles were well‐dispersed in the HPMC films and aggregated in the PVA films. The mechanical properties of the composite films were evaluated using tensile strength measurements. Both polymers were solid materials, with a high‐elastic modulus (65 MPa for HPMC and 291 for PVA) and a low‐maximum elongation at break (0.15 mm for HPMC and 4.12 mm for PVA). In HPMC films, the presence of silica particles led to an increase in the modulus and a decrease in the stress at break. In PVA films, the modulus decreased but the stress at break increased upon adding silica. Accordingly, the polymer/silica interaction can be used to tune the mechanical properties of such composite films. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1134–1146, 2006     

Superhydrophobic films of electrospun fibers with multiple-scale surface morphology

Superhydrophobic nanofiber films were created from electrospun nanofibers with undulated surfaces at multiple scales in micrometers and nanometers. The electrospun nanofibers were produced out of aqueous solutions which contained water-soluble polymers and different colloids: monodisperse silica or polystyrene microspheres for larger particles and monodisperse silica nanoparticles for smaller particles. Various types of fibrous films were produced depending on the properties of the dispersing medium, the effects of additives, and the compositions of the bidisperse colloids. When polystyrene microspheres were used as sacrificial templates, macropores were left behind in the nanofibers during the removal of polystyrene microspheres by calcination. The nonwoven films of electrospun nanofibers, which were decorated with silica microspheres or macropores, could be continuously produced with considerable ease under a relatively wide range of operating conditions. The surface properties of the films were characterized by contact angle measurement and an X-ray photoelectron spectrometer. Through the surface modification of the electrospun nanofibers with fluorinated silane coupling agents, superhydrophobic surfaces with low sliding angles were successfully prepared.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanostructural polymer-silica composite: positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy study

The swelling of poly(TRIM) spherical particles in TEOS is assessed as a potential way for obtaining polymer-silica nanocomposite materials. Silica deposition was achieved by simply stirring of swollen polymer particles in acidic hydrochloric-water solution. This procedure leads to spherical composite particles with dispersed silica gel within the polymer matrix. The resulting material exhibits the same morphology as the initial polymer. Nanocomposite particles are silica rich (about 17 wt.%). Characterization of the nanocomposites was performed using scanning electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, (29)Si CP MAS NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Moreover, the use of positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy PALS to characterize the structural properties of the nanocomposites is presented. This technique gave more realistic pieces of information about the pore structure of the investigated samples in contrast to nitrogen adsorption studies.     

Fabrication of spherical colloidal crystals using electrospray

We demonstrated the use of electrohydrodynamic atomization to prepare uniform-sized emulsion droplets in which equal spheres of silica or polystyrene were dispersed. The size of the emulsion droplets was easily controlled by the electric field strength and the flow rate, independently of the diameter of the nozzles. During the evaporation of solvent in the droplets, spherical colloidal crystals were formed by self-assembly of the monodisperse colloidal spheres. The diameter of the spherical colloidal crystals was in the range of 10-40 microm. Depending on the stability of colloidal particles, the morphology of the self-assembled structure was varied. In particular, silica spheres in ethanol droplets were self-assembled into compactly packed silica colloidal crystals in spherical shapes, whereas polystyrene latex spheres in toluene droplets self-assembled into spherical colloidal crystal shells with hollow cores. The silica colloidal assemblies reflected diffraction colors according to the three-dimensionally ordered arrangement of silica spheres.     

高分散性SiO_2/PMMA复合材料的制备与表征——稀释分散性

以高无机含量SiO2/聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)接枝复合材料为预分散母料,与PMMA树脂进行熔融共混,制得低无机含量的SiO2/PMMA复合材料.通过切片透射电镜(TEM)观察熔融共混过程中预分散母料内堆积SiO2粒子分散状态的演化.发现预分散母料接枝状态对其影响最为显著,不经接枝修饰的SiO2粒子经熔融共混后,不可避免地会在熔体中产生大量亚微米级的立体团聚体;复杂接枝预分散母料内构成以SiO2粒子为交联点的立体交联结构,其中的堆积SiO2粒子不能在剪切场中得到有效解离和释放;只有在使用简单接枝预分散母料时,基体高分子链才能不断地渗透扩散进入预分散母料内,而预分散母料可被不断地溶胀和撕裂,因而其中的堆积SiO2才可不断地向基体相迁移和扩散,并最终在整个复合材料内实现初级粒子形式的高度均匀稳定分散.     

One-, two-, and three-dimensional organization of colloidal particles using nonuniform alternating current electric fields

We demonstrate here the use of nonuniform alternating current (AC) electric fields, generated by planar electrodes, for the organization of num-sized particles into one-, two-, and three-dimensional assemblies. The electrodes, with separations that vary from 35 to 300 num, are made of gold deposited on glass substrata. Latex, silica and graphite particles have been examined inside organic or aqueous media in order to illustrate the general applicability of the technique. Theoretical predictions of the particle response under the electric fields are experimentally confirmed for all the above particle/media combinations and can thus be used as a valuable design tool. The size and shape of the final structures are mainly dependent on the electrode shape and dimensions, but are also subject to the particle type and operating conditions. Particle organization in one dimension (strings) is achieved under conditions of positive or negative dielectrophoresis in the space between two energized electrodes. Two-dimensional particle organization (ordered, planar particles assemblies) was observed under conditions of negative dielectrophoresis, when quadrupole electrodes were employed. Moreover, when negative dielectrophoresis and stronger electric fields are applied (of the order of 50 kV(rms) m(-1)), three-dimensional, pyramid-like structures with a vertical dimension 1000-fold higher than that of the corresponding (planar) electrodes can be assembled. These 3-D structures can grow as free-standing assemblies, or inside templates etched in the substratum. The dielectrophoresis (DEP)-organized particle assemblies can subsequently be rendered permanent via the in situ fixing (cross-linking) of the individual particles.     

Preparation of polypropylene/silica composites by in-situ sol–gel processing using hyperbranched polyethoxysiloxane

Based on a volatile-free silica liquid precursor polymer—hyperbranched polyethoxysiloxane (PEOS), an industrial compatible in situ sol–gel process for the preparation of polymer/silica nanocomposites has been developed. It has been shown that in the presence of a catalyst water vapor induced a fast conversion of liquid PEOS to solid silica in polypropylene (PP) melt in a twin-screw microcompounder. Solid state NMR showed that the in situ conversion of PEOS proceeded to a large extent. With small amounts of PEOS this procedure yielded PP/silica composites with particle size less than 100 nm. The particle size increased with the PEOS amount blended with PP. Nevertheless, the particles were observed to be homogeneously dispersed within the polymer matrix. PP/silica composites prepared by in situ sol–gel technology showed improved thermal properties, but almost not affected mechanical properties in comparison with pure PP.     

Silica encapsulation by miniemulsion polymerization: distribution and localization of the silica particles in droplets and latex particles

The impact of including hydrophobically modified silica on the morphology of miniemulsified monomer mixtures and that of the resulting polymer particles was investigated, with emphasis placed on the distribution and localization of the inorganic phase. Silica nanoparticles with diameters of 20 and 78 nm were first modified with γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (γ-MPS) to favor their dispersion in methyl methacrylate (MMA)/n-butyl acrylate (BuA) and mixtures of varying MMA to BuA weight ratios. The monomer-silica dispersions were then emulsified by ultrasonication, and the resulting silica-loaded droplets were examined using cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). This represents the first time such silica-loaded nanodroplets were examined in this way. The results of the cryo-TEM show that whereas the silica particles could easily be dispersed in MMA or a mixture of MMA and BuA to produce stable dispersions, the emulsification step promotes the (re)localization of the silica at the oil-water interfaces. It was also shown that not all droplets are equal; some droplets and particles contain no silica whereas others contain many silica particles. After the subsequent polymerization step, the silica was buried inside the latex particles.     

Preparation and characterization of polymer/silica nanocomposites via double in situ miniemulsion polymerization

Polymer/SiO₂ nanocomposite microspheres were prepared by double in situ miniemulsion polymerization in the presence of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, γ‐methacryloxy(propyl) trimethoxysilane, and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). By taking full advantage of phase separation between the growing polymer particles and TEOS, inorganic/polymer microspheres were fabricated successfully in a one‐step process with the formation of SiO₂ particles and the polymerization of organic monomers taking place simultaneously. The morphology of nanocomposite microspheres and the microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and optical properties of the nanocomposite films were characterized and discussed. The results showed that hybrid microspheres had a raspberry‐like structure with silica nanoparticles on the shells of polymer. The silica particles of about 20 nm were highly dispersed within the nanocomposite films without aggregations. The transmittance of nanocomposite film was comparable to that of the copolymer film at around 70–80% from 400 to 800 nm. The mechanical properties and the fire‐retardant behavior of the polymer matrix were improved by the incorporation of silica nanoparticles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3128–3134, 2010     

Inorganic reinforcement in PET/silica electrospun nanofibers

PET/silica nanocomposite fibers of high quality were fabricated from electrospinning by choosing appropriate surface modification of inorganic fillers, solution properties, and processing conditions. The existence of an immobilized layer around silane-modified silica particles in PET fibers was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the results of which confirm previous thermal analysis studies. The influence of silica particles on the crystal growth during isothermal crystallization as well as the phase structure of the crystallized nanocomposite fibers were examined using differential scanning calorimetry. The PET crystallization rate increases significantly with increasing silica content, which indicates that the silica nanoparticles act as an efficient nucleating agent to facilitate PET crystallization. Using Avrami analysis, for the first time, preferred 1-D crystal growth was confirmed for geometrically confined nanocomposite fibers. Addition of silica particles makes the crystal growth more likely to occur in a 1-D manner.