Effect of Filler Particle Size on the Properties of Model Nanocomposites

Revealed architectures of adsorbed polymer chains at solid-polymer melt interfaces

We report the chain conformations of polymer molecules accommodated at the solid-polymer melt interfaces in equilibrium. Polystyrene "Guiselin" brushes (adsorbed layers) with different molecular weights were prepared on Si substrates and characterized by using x-ray and neutron reflectivity. The results are intriguing to show that the adsorbed layers are composed of the two different nanoarchitectures: flattened chains that constitute the inner higher density region of the adsorbed layers and loosely adsorbed polymer chains that form the outer bulklike density region. In addition, we found that the lone flattened chains, which are uncovered by the additional prolonged solvent leaching (∼120 days), are reversibly densified with increasing temperature up to 150 °C. By generalizing the chain conformations of bulks, we postulate that the change in probabilities of the local chain conformations (i.e., trans and gauche states) of polymer molecules is the origin of this densification process.

Elastic stiffness and filler size effect of covalently grafted nanosilica polyimide composites: molecular dynamics study

The filler size-dependent elastic stiffness of nanosilica (α-quartz)-reinforced polyimide(s-BPDA/1,3,4-APB) composites under the same volume fraction and grafting ratio conditions was investigated via molecular dynamics(MD) simulations. To enhance the interfacial load transfer efficiency, we treated the surface oxygen atoms of the silica nanoparticle with additional silicon atoms attached by a propyl group to which the aromatic hydrocarbon in the polyimide is directly grafted. As the radius of the embedded nanoparticle increases, the Young's and shear moduli gradually decrease, showing a prominent filler size effect. At the same time, the moduli of the nanocomposites increase as the grafting ratio increases. The contribution of different nanoparticles to the filler size dependency in elastic stiffness of the nanocomposites can be elucidated by comparing the normalized adhesive interaction energy between the particle and matrix which exhibits prominent filler size dependency. Because of the immobilization of the matrix polymer in the vicinity of the nanoparticles, which was confirmed by the self-diffusion coefficient, the highly grafted interface is found to bring about a greater reinforcing effect than the ungrafted interface.

COMPUTATIONAL SIMULATION OF ELASTOMER NANOCOMPOSITES: CURRENT PROGRESS AND FUTURE CHALLENGES

In the field of elastomer nanocomposites (ENCs), computational simulation technique is becoming more and more essential, as a result of its ability to provide important and clear information at the molecular level, which is always difficult to obtain or not accessible through experimental investigations. We focus on summarizing the progress achieved in the simulation research of three critical topics of ENCs, namely, (i) the dispersion mechanism (particularly polymer-mediated interparticle interaction, the “many-body” effect at high filler loading), (ii) the characterization of the nanoscale/microscale structure and dynamics [the modified chain configuration in the presence of nanoparticles (NPs), the interfacial binding strength determining the efficiency of the stress transfer, the possibly altered interfacial chain structure, interfacial segmental dynamics leading to the shift of the glass transition temperature Tg, the formation of the filler network and its structure, the chemical cross-linking process], and (iii) the macroscopic viscoelasticity (the Payne effect), mechanical reinforcement, and physical property (thermal conductivity). Since recently only limited simulation work has been carried out pertaining to ENCs, we discuss these three topics in light of the simulation and theoretical achievements of polymer nanocomposites (mainly polymer melts filled with NPs). Meanwhile, some relevant experimental studies are also included for better illustration. Furthermore, for each topic, three typically different reinforcing fillers, such as three-dimensional spherical, two-dimensional sheet, and one-dimensional rod NPs, separately corresponding to carbon black or silica, clay sheets, and carbon nanotubes intensively used in the practical applications of ENCs, are illustrated in order. In order to realize a comprehensive understanding of the structure–property relation and in the meantime to provide more practical guidelines for the engineering applications of ENCs, we investigate future simulation opportunities and difficulties.

Molecular dynamics method to locally resolve Poisson's ratio: Mechanical description of the solid-soft-matter interphase

A method based on "small-deformation mechanical response" has been developed to locally resolve the Poisson's ratio via molecular dynamics simulations. The approach can be used for simple and composite materials to characterize systems with two or more continuous phases in the framework of periodic boundary conditions. The proposed technique represents a simple method to obtain a local mechanical description of complex systems. A polystyrene bulk, a silica bulk, and a polystyrene-silica heterogeneous composite material have been characterized under imposed strain. The results show the effects of local material inhomogeneities which are present in the glassy material and in the composite system. The Poisson's ratio spatial profiles for silica, the polystyrene bulk, and in the interphase region between the soft polymer bulk and the hard surface have also been calculated. The obtained local mechanical description can be employed in micromechanical models developed to predict the overall mechanical properties of multicomponent materials.

Mechanical behavior and interphase structure in a silica-polystyrene nanocomposite under uniaxial deformation

The mechanical behavior of polystyrene and a silica-polystyrene nanocomposite under uniaxial elongation has been studied using a coarse-grained molecular dynamics technique. The Young's modulus, the Poisson ratio and the stress-strain curve of polystyrene have been computed for a range of temperatures, below and above the glass transition temperature. The predicted temperature dependence of the Young's modulus of polystyrene is compared to experimental data and predictions from atomistic simulations. The observed mechanical behavior of the nanocomposite is related to the local structure of the polymer matrix around the nanoparticles. Local segmental orientational and structural parameters of the deforming matrix have been calculated as a function of distance from nanoparticle's surface. A thorough analysis of these parameters reveals that the segments close to the silica nanoparticle's surface are stiffer than those in the bulk. The thickness of the nanoparticle-matrix interphase layer is estimated. The Young's modulus of the nanocomposite has been obtained for several nanoparticle volume fractions. The addition of nanoparticles results in an enhanced Young's modulus. A linear relation describes adequately the dependence of Young's modulus on the nanoparticle volume fraction.

Nanocomposites: structure, phase behavior, and properties

It is well recognized that nanocomposites formed by adding nanoparticles to polymers can have significantly enhanced properties relative to the native polymer. This review focuses on three aspects that are central to the outstanding problem of realizing these promised property improvements. First, we ask if there exist general strategies to control nanoparticle spatial distribution. This is an important question because it is commonly accepted that the nanoparticle dispersion state crucially affects property improvements. Because ideas on macroscale composites suggest that optimizing different properties requires different dispersion states, we next ask if we can predict a priori the particle dispersion and organization state that can optimize one (or more) properties of the resulting nanocomposite. Finally, we examine the role that particle shape plays in affecting dispersion and hence property control. This review focuses on recent advances concerning these underpinning points and how they affect measurable properties relevant to engineering applications.