1
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Kumar S, Kohlbrecher J, Aswal VK. Competing Effects of Temperature and Polymer Concentration on Evolution of Re-entrant Interactions in the Nanoparticle-Block Copolymer System. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:14888-14899. [PMID: 38976366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
An interesting evolution of the re-entrant interaction has been observed in an anionic silica nanoparticle (NP)-block copolymer (P85) dispersion due to mutually competing effects of temperature and polymer concentration. It has been demonstrated that a rise in the temperature leads to an evolution of attraction in the system, which interestingly diminishes on increasing the polymer concentration. Consequently, the system exhibits a re-entrant transition from repulsive to attractive and back to repulsive at a given temperature but with respect to the increasing polymer concentration, within a selected region of concentration and temperature. The intriguing observations have been elucidated based on the temperature/concentration-dependent modifications in the interactions governing the system, as probed by contrast-variation small-angle neutron scattering. The initial transition from the repulsive to attractive system is attributed to the temperature-driven enhancement in the hydrophobicity of the amphiphilic triblock copolymer (P85) adsorbed on nanoparticles. The strength and range of this attraction are found to be more than van der Waals attraction while relatively less than electrostatic interaction. At higher polymer concentrations, the saturation of polymer adsorption on nanoparticles introduces additional steric repulsion along with electrostatic interaction between their conjugates, effectively reducing the strength of the attraction. However, with a significant increase in temperature (>75 °C), the attraction again dominates the system, which eventually leads to the particle aggregation at all the measured polymer concentrations (>0.1 wt %). Our study provides useful inputs to develop smart NP-polymer composites having capabilities to respond to external stimuli such as temperature/concentration variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugam Kumar
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400 094, India
| | - Joachim Kohlbrecher
- Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging, Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen CH-5232, Switzerland
| | - Vinod K Aswal
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai 400 094, India
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2
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Reda H, Tanis I, Harmandaris V. Distribution of Mechanical Properties in Poly(ethylene oxide)/silica Nanocomposites via Atomistic Simulations: From the Glassy to the Liquid State. Macromolecules 2024; 57:3967-3984. [PMID: 38911610 PMCID: PMC11190983 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.4c00537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a heterogeneous mechanical behavior that is strongly dependent on the interaction between the polymer matrix and the nanofiller. Here, we provide a detailed investigation of the mechanical response of model polymer nanocomposites under deformation, across a range of temperatures, from the glassy regime to the liquid one, via atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. We study the poly(ethylene oxide) matrix with silica nanoparticles (PEO/SiO2) as a model polymer nanocomposite system with attractive polymer/nanofiller interactions. Probing the properties of polymer chains at the molecular level reveals that the effective mass density of the matrix and interphase regions changes during deformation. This decrease in density is much more pronounced in the glassy state. We focus on factors that govern the mechanical response of PEO/SiO2 systems by investigating the distribution of the (local) mechanical properties, focusing on the polymer/nanofiller interphase and matrix regions. As expected when heating the system, a decrease in Young's modulus is observed, accompanied by an increase in Poisson's ratio. The observed differences regarding the rigidity between the interphase and the matrix region decrease as the temperature rises; at temperatures well above the glass-transition temperature, the rigidity of the interphase approaches the matrix one. To describe the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of polymer chains, the elastic modulus of the PEO/SiO2 systems is further calculated as a function of the strain for the entire nanocomposite, as well as the interphase and matrix regions. The elastic modulus drops dramatically with increasing strain for both the matrix and the interphase, especially in the small-deformation regime. We also shed light on characteristic structural and dynamic attributes during deformation. Specifically, we examine the rearrangement behavior as well as the segmental and center-of-mass dynamics of polymer chains during deformation by probing the mobility of polymer chains in both axial and radial motions under deformation. The behavior of the polymer motion in the axial direction is dominated by the deformation, particularly at the interphase, whereas a more pronounced effect of the temperature is observed in the radial directions for both the interphase and matrix regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilal Reda
- Computation-based
Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Ioannis Tanis
- Computation-based
Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Computation-based
Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
- Department
of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, Heraklion GR-71110, Greece
- Institute
of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Heraklion GR-71110, Greece
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3
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Moussavi A, Pal S, Wu Z, Keten S. Characterizing the shear response of polymer-grafted nanoparticles. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:134903. [PMID: 38573850 DOI: 10.1063/5.0188494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Grafting polymer chains to the surface of nanoparticles overcomes the challenge of nanoparticle dispersion within nanocomposites and establishes high-volume fractions that are found to enable enhanced material mechanical properties. This study utilizes coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to quantify how the shear modulus of polymer-grafted nanoparticle (PGN) systems in their glassy state depends on parameters such as strain rate, nanoparticle size, grafting density, and chain length. The results are interpreted through further analysis of the dynamics of chain conformations and volume fraction arguments. The volume fraction of nanoparticles is found to be the most influential variable in deciding the shear modulus of PGN systems. A simple rule of mixture is utilized to express the monotonic dependence of shear modulus on the volume fraction of nanoparticles. Due to the reinforcing effect of nanoparticles, shortening the grafted chains results in a higher shear modulus in PGNs, which is not seen in linear systems. These results offer timely insight into calibrating molecular design parameters for achieving the desired mechanical properties in PGNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Moussavi
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Subhadeep Pal
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Zhenghao Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sinan Keten
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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4
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Kumar S, Ganguly R, Nath S, Aswal VK. Pluronic Induced Interparticle Attraction and Re-entrant Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Charged Silica Nanoparticle Suspensions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023. [PMID: 37269303 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Tuning surface properties of nanoparticles by introducing charge, surface functionalization, or polymer grafting is central to their stability and applications. Here, we show that introducing non-DLVO forces like steric and hydrophobic effects in charged silica nanoparticle suspensions through interaction with a nonionic surfactant brings about interesting modulations in their interparticle interaction and phase behavior. The Ludox TM-40 negatively charged silica suspensions thus exhibit liquid-liquid phase separation driven by the onset of interparticle attraction in the system in the presence of the triblock copolymer Pluronic P123. The observed phase separations are thermoresponsive in nature, as they are associated with lower consolute temperatures and a re-entrant behavior as a function of temperature. The nanoparticle-Pluronic system thus undergoes transformation from one-phase to two-phase and then back to one-phase with monotonic increase in temperature. Evolution of the interparticle interaction in the composite system is investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), zeta potential, rheological, and fluorescence spectroscopy studies. Zeta potential studies show that the charge interaction in the system is partially mitigated through adsorption of a Pluronic micellar layer on the nanoparticle surfaces. Contrast-matching SANS studies suggest that hydrophobic interactions between the adsorbed micellar layer bring about the onset of interparticle attraction in the system. The results are unique and not reported hitherto in charged silica nanoparticle systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kumar
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - R Ganguly
- Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - S Nath
- Radiation and Photochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
| | - V K Aswal
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India
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5
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Behboudi A, Mohammadi T, Ulbricht M. High performance antibiofouling hollow fiber polyethersulfone nanocomposite membranes incorporated with novel surface-modified silver nanoparticles suitable for membrane bioreactor application. J IND ENG CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2022.11.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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6
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Power AJ, Papananou H, Rissanou AN, Labardi M, Chrissopoulou K, Harmandaris V, Anastasiadis SH. Dynamics of Polymer Chains in Poly(ethylene oxide)/Silica Nanocomposites via a Combined Computational and Experimental Approach. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:7745-7760. [PMID: 36136347 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c04325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The dynamics of polymer chains in poly(ethylene oxide)/silica (PEO/SiO2) nanoparticle nanohybrids have been investigated via a combined computational and experimental approach involving atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS) measurements. The complementarity of the approaches allows us to study systems with different polymer molecular weights, nanoparticle radii, and compositions across a broad range of temperatures. We study the effects of spatial confinement, which is induced by the nanoparticles, and chain adsorption on the polymer's structure and dynamics. The investigation of the static properties of the nanocomposites via detailed atomistic simulations revealed a heterogeneous polymer density layer at the vicinity of the PEO/SiO2 interface that exhibited an intense maximum close to the inorganic surface, whereas the bulk density was reached for distances ∼1-1.2 nm away from the nanoparticle. For small volume fractions of nanoparticles, the polymer dynamics, probed by the atomistic simulations of low-molecular-weight chains at high temperatures, are consistent with the presence of a thin adsorbed layer that exhibits slow dynamics, with the dynamics far away from the nanoparticle being similar to those in the bulk. However, for high volume fractions of nanoparticles (strong confinement), the dynamics of all polymer chains were predicted slower than that in the bulk. On the other hand, similar dynamics were found experimentally for both the local β-process and the segmental dynamics for high-molecular-weight systems measured at temperatures below the melting temperature of the polymer, which were probed by DRS. These differences can be attributed to various parameters, including systems of different molecular weights and nanoparticle states of dispersion, the different temperature range studied by the different methods, the potential presence of a reduced-mobility PEO/SiO2 interfacial layer that does not contribute to the dielectric spectrum, and the presence of amorphous-crystalline interfaces in the experimental samples that may lead to a different dynamical behaviors of the PEO chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Power
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, Heraklion 70013, Greece.,Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Greece
| | - Hellen Papananou
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Greece.,Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Anastassia N Rissanou
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, Heraklion 70013, Greece.,Computation-Based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Massimiliano Labardi
- CNR-IPCF, c/o Physics Department, University of Pisa, Largo Pontecorvo 3, Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Kiriaki Chrissopoulou
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Greece
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, Heraklion 70013, Greece.,Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Greece.,Computation-Based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Spiros H Anastasiadis
- Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 70013, Greece.,Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, P.O. Box 2208, Heraklion 71003, Greece
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7
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Xu Q, Li K, Wang P, Tian R, Lu C. Fluorescence Technique Lighting the Particle Migration in Polymers. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Kaitao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Peili Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Rui Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Chao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Green Catalysis Center, College of Chemistry, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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8
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Kurian AG, Singh RK, Patel KD, Lee JH, Kim HW. Multifunctional GelMA platforms with nanomaterials for advanced tissue therapeutics. Bioact Mater 2022; 8:267-295. [PMID: 34541401 PMCID: PMC8424393 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymeric hydrogels are fascinating platforms as 3D scaffolds for tissue repair and delivery systems of therapeutic molecules and cells. Among others, methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) has become a representative hydrogel formulation, finding various biomedical applications. Recent efforts on GelMA-based hydrogels have been devoted to combining them with bioactive and functional nanomaterials, aiming to provide enhanced physicochemical and biological properties to GelMA. The benefits of this approach are multiple: i) reinforcing mechanical properties, ii) modulating viscoelastic property to allow 3D printability of bio-inks, iii) rendering electrical/magnetic property to produce electro-/magneto-active hydrogels for the repair of specific tissues (e.g., muscle, nerve), iv) providing stimuli-responsiveness to actively deliver therapeutic molecules, and v) endowing therapeutic capacity in tissue repair process (e.g., antioxidant effects). The nanomaterial-combined GelMA systems have shown significantly enhanced and extraordinary behaviors in various tissues (bone, skin, cardiac, and nerve) that are rarely observable with GelMA. Here we systematically review these recent efforts in nanomaterials-combined GelMA hydrogels that are considered as next-generation multifunctional platforms for tissue therapeutics. The approaches used in GelMA can also apply to other existing polymeric hydrogel systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal George Kurian
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Rajendra K. Singh
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Kapil D. Patel
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, London, WC1X8LD, UK
| | - Jung-Hwan Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science, School of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 NBM Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomaterials Science, School of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- UCL Eastman-Korea Dental Medicine Innovation Centre, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Cell & Matter Institute, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Department of Regenerative Dental Medicine, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
- Mechanobiology Dental Medicine Research Center, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea
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9
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Delyanee M, Solouk A, Akbari S, Daliri M. Hemostatic Electrospun Nanocomposite Containing Poly(lactic acid)/Halloysite Nanotube Functionalized by Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimer for Wound Healing Application: In Vitro and In Vivo Assays. Macromol Biosci 2021; 22:e2100313. [PMID: 34644007 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202100313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The main challenge in treating injuries is excessive bleeding whereas intervention is required if the body's hemostatic systems fail to control the bleeding. Herein, a novel nanocomposite consisting of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer functionalized halloysite nanotube (HNT) with a highly porous structure via electrospinning is developed. HNT is functionalized by PAMAM via divergent synthetic routes from zero to third-generation numbers. The effect of different percentages and generation numbers of PAMAM dendrimer (G1, G2, and G3) functionalized HNT on PLA is studied using physicochemical nanocomposite characteristics. These resultant nanocomposites provide a nanofibrous structure with appropriate physicochemical characteristics such as mechanical properties, surface wettability, and water permeability. The hemostatic assays indicate that nanocomposite with PAMAM G3 functionalized HNT have the quickest blood clotting time due to the abundant amino functional group. Furthermore, the nanocomposites with 10 wt% of nanoparticles significantly promote cellular behavior in vitro. The in vivo study demonstrates that PLA/PAMAM G3 functionalized HNT promotes angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and re-epithelialization in the wound sites of the rat model, as well as inhibiting inflammatory response. The findings indicate that nanofibrous structure and the presence of dendrimer functionalized HNT have a synergetic effect on the enhanced nanocomposite wound healing performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Delyanee
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atefeh Solouk
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somaye Akbari
- Textile Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Daliri
- Department of Animal and Marine Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Li W, Jana PK, Behbahani AF, Kritikos G, Schneider L, Polińska P, Burkhart C, Harmandaris VA, Müller M, Doxastakis M. Dynamics of Long Entangled Polyisoprene Melts via Multiscale Modeling. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c01376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Pritam K. Jana
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alireza F. Behbahani
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion GR-71110, Greece
| | - Georgios Kritikos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Ludwig Schneider
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Craig Burkhart
- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio 44305, United States
| | - Vagelis A. Harmandaris
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion GR-71110, Greece
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, Heraklion GR-71110, Greece
- Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Marcus Müller
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Georg-August University, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Manolis Doxastakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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11
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Bačová P, Li W, Behbahani AF, Burkhart C, Polińska P, Doxastakis M, Harmandaris V. Coupling between Polymer Conformations and Dynamics Near Amorphous Silica Surfaces: A Direct Insight from Atomistic Simulations. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:2075. [PMID: 34443909 PMCID: PMC8401719 DOI: 10.3390/nano11082075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The dynamics of polymer chains in the polymer/solid interphase region have been a point of debate in recent years. Its understanding is the first step towards the description and the prediction of the properties of a wide family of commercially used polymeric-based nanostructured materials. Here, we present a detailed investigation of the conformational and dynamical features of unentangled and mildly entangled cis-1,4-polybutadiene melts in the vicinity of amorphous silica surface via atomistic simulations. Accounting for the roughness of the surface, we analyze the properties of the polymer chains as a function of their distance from the silica slab, their conformations and the chain molecular weight. Unlike the case of perfectly flat and homogeneous surfaces, the monomeric translational motion parallel to the surface was affected by the presence of the silica slab up to distances comparable with the extension of the density fluctuations. In addition, the intramolecular dynamical heterogeneities in adsorbed chains were revealed by linking the conformations and the structure of the adsorbed chains with their dynamical properties. Strong dynamical heterogeneities within the adsorbed layer are found, with the chains possessing longer sequences of adsorbed segments ("trains") exhibiting slower dynamics than the adsorbed chains with short ones. Our results suggest that, apart from the density-dynamics correlation, the configurational entropy plays an important role in the dynamical response of the polymers confined between the silica slabs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bačová
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Greece;
- Computation-Based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Constantinou Kavafi Str., Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (W.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Alireza F. Behbahani
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Greece;
| | - Craig Burkhart
- The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, OH 44305, USA;
| | | | - Manolis Doxastakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA; (W.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Institute of Applied and Computational Mathematics (IACM), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), GR-70013 Heraklion, Greece;
- Computation-Based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Constantinou Kavafi Str., Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, GR-70013 Heraklion, Greece
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12
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Skountzos EN, Karadima KS, Mavrantzas VG. Structure and Dynamics of Highly Attractive Polymer Nanocomposites in the Semi-Dilute Regime: The Role of Interfacial Domains and Bridging Chains. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:2749. [PMID: 34451287 PMCID: PMC8400934 DOI: 10.3390/polym13162749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are employed to study how the presence of adsorbed domains and nanoparticle bridging chains affect the structural, conformational, thermodynamic, and dynamic properties of attractive polymer nanocomposite melts in the semi-dilute regime. As a model system we have chosen an unentangled poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) matrix containing amorphous spherical silica nanoparticles with different diameters and at different concentrations. Emphasis is placed on properties such as the polymer mass density profile around nanoparticles, the compressibility of the system, the mean squared end-to-end distance of PEG chains, their orientational and diffusive dynamics, the single chain form factor, and the scattering functions. Our analysis reveals a significant impact of the adsorbed, interfacial polymer on the microscopic dynamic and conformational properties of the nanocomposite, especially under conditions favoring higher surface-to-volume ratios (e.g., for small nanoparticle sizes at fixed nanoparticle loading, or for higher silica concentrations). Simultaneously, adsorbed polymer chains adopt graft-like conformations, a feature that allows them to considerably extend away from the nanoparticle surface to form bridges with other nanoparticles. These bridges drive the formation of a nanoparticle network whose strength (number of tie chains per nanoparticle) increases substantially with increasing concentration of the polymer matrix in nanoparticles, or with decreasing nanoparticle size at fixed nanoparticle concentration. The presence of hydroxyl groups at the ends of PEG chains plays a key role in the formation of the network. If hydroxyl groups are substituted by methoxy ones, the simulations reveal that the number of bridging chains per nanoparticle decreases dramatically, thus the network formed is less dense and less strong mechanically, and has a smaller impact on the properties of the nanocomposite. Our simulations predict further that the isothermal compressibility and thermal expansion coefficient of PEG-silica nanocomposites are significantly lower than those of pure PEG, with their values decreasing practically linear with increasing concentration of the nanocomposite in nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N. Skountzos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras and FORTH-ICE/HT, GR 26504 Patras, Greece; (E.N.S.); (K.S.K.)
| | - Katerina S. Karadima
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras and FORTH-ICE/HT, GR 26504 Patras, Greece; (E.N.S.); (K.S.K.)
| | - Vlasis G. Mavrantzas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras and FORTH-ICE/HT, GR 26504 Patras, Greece; (E.N.S.); (K.S.K.)
- Particle Technology Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, CH 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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13
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Olson E, Liu F, Blisko J, Li Y, Tsyrenova A, Mort R, Vorst K, Curtzwiler G, Yong X, Jiang S. Self-assembly in biobased nanocomposites for multifunctionality and improved performance. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 3:4321-4348. [PMID: 36133470 PMCID: PMC9418702 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00391g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Concerns of petroleum dependence and environmental pollution prompt an urgent need for new sustainable approaches in developing polymeric products. Biobased polymers provide a potential solution, and biobased nanocomposites further enhance the performance and functionality of biobased polymers. Here we summarize the unique challenges and review recent progress in this field with an emphasis on self-assembly of inorganic nanoparticles. The conventional wisdom is to fully disperse nanoparticles in the polymer matrix to optimize the performance. However, self-assembly of the nanoparticles into clusters, networks, and layered structures provides an opportunity to address performance challenges and create new functionality in biobased polymers. We introduce basic assembly principles through both blending and in situ synthesis, and identify key technologies that benefit from the nanoparticle assembly in the polymer matrix. The fundamental forces and biobased polymer conformations are discussed in detail to correlate the nanoscale interactions and morphology with the macroscale properties. Different types of nanoparticles, their assembly structures and corresponding applications are surveyed. Through this review we hope to inspire the community to consider utilizing self-assembly to elevate functionality and performance of biobased materials. Development in this area sets the foundation for a new era of designing sustainable polymers in many applications including packaging, construction chemicals, adhesives, foams, coatings, personal care products, and advanced manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Olson
- Mateirals Science and Engineering, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Polymer and Food Protection Consortium, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Mateirals Science and Engineering, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Jonathan Blisko
- Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University Binghamton NY 13902 USA
| | - Yifan Li
- Mateirals Science and Engineering, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Ayuna Tsyrenova
- Mateirals Science and Engineering, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Rebecca Mort
- Mateirals Science and Engineering, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Polymer and Food Protection Consortium, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Keith Vorst
- Polymer and Food Protection Consortium, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Greg Curtzwiler
- Polymer and Food Protection Consortium, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
| | - Xin Yong
- Mechanical Engineering, Binghamton University Binghamton NY 13902 USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Mateirals Science and Engineering, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
- Polymer and Food Protection Consortium, Iowa State University Ames IA 50011 USA
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14
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Polyvinylidene fluoride as a neat and the synthesized novel membranes based on PVDF/polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer grafted with TiO2 nanoparticles through RAFT method for water purification. IRANIAN POLYMER JOURNAL 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s13726-021-00928-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Skountzos EN, Tsalikis DG, Stephanou PS, Mavrantzas VG. Individual Contributions of Adsorbed and Free Chains to Microscopic Dynamics of Unentangled poly(ethylene Glycol)/Silica Nanocomposite Melts and the Important Role of End Groups: Theory and Simulation. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N. Skountzos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras, GR 26504, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G. Tsalikis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras, GR 26504, Greece
| | - Pavlos S. Stephanou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, 30 Archbishop Kyprianou Str., 3036 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Vlasis G. Mavrantzas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras, GR 26504, Greece
- Particle Technology Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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16
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Bonini M. Physico-Chemical Challenges in 3D Printing of Polymeric Nanocomposites and Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 21:2778-2792. [PMID: 33653443 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2021.19063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing techniques (i.e., 3D printing) are rapidly becoming one of the most popular methods for the preparation of materials to be employed in many different fields, including biomedical applications. The main reason is the unique flexibility resulting from both the method itself and the variety of starting materials, requiring the combination of multidisciplinary competencies for the optimization of the process. In particular, this is the case of additive manufacturing processes based on the extrusion or jetting of nanocomposite materials, where the unique properties of nanomaterials are combined with those of a flowing matrix. This contribution focuses on the physico-chemical challenges typically faced in the 3D printing of polymeric nanocomposites and polymeric hydrogels intended for biomedical applications. The strategies to overcome those challenges are outlined, together with the characterization approaches that could help the advance of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Bonini
- Department of Chemistry Ugo Schiff & CSGI, University of Florence, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
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17
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Yue T, Li S, Zhang Z, Chen Y, Zhang L, Liu J. Optimizing the heterogeneous network structure to achieve polymer nanocomposites with excellent mechanical properties. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:4437-4452. [PMID: 33595012 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp06532c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Designing and optimizing the polymer network structure at the molecular level to manipulate its mechanical properties are of great scientific significance. Although heterogeneous multi-network structures have been extensively investigated, little effort has been devoted to investigating heterogeneous single-networks with a well-defined interface. Herein, through coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, we successfully fabricated a heterogeneous single-network, which was divided into several regions with different crosslink densities. Firstly, we found that there is an optimal crosslink density ratio between high and low crosslink density regions to obtain the best stress-strain behavior. Secondly, the effect of the regularity of the network topology (by changing the distribution of two-phase regions) on mechanical properties was also studied. It was clearly observed that the polymer network showed better elastic response and mechanical properties as the distribution of two-phase regions became uniform. Finally, we investigated the effect of the selective distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) on mechanical properties by introducing NPs into a pre-designed multiphase network. Results showed that the selective distribution of NPs in the high crosslink density region had a more significant effect on the mechanical reinforcement. Generally, our simulated results may provide some guidelines to design polymer network structures to achieve high-performance polymer nanocomposites with excellent mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongkui Yue
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sai Li
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yulong Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China. and Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Beijing City on Preparation and Processing of Novel Polymer Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China. and Beijing Engineering Research Center of Advanced Elastomers, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China and State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, People's Republic of China
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18
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Yu AC, Lian H, Kong X, Lopez Hernandez H, Qin J, Appel EA. Physical networks from entropy-driven non-covalent interactions. Nat Commun 2021; 12:746. [PMID: 33531475 PMCID: PMC7854746 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21024-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical networks typically employ enthalpy-dominated crosslinking interactions that become more dynamic at elevated temperatures, leading to network softening. Moreover, standard mathematical frameworks such as time-temperature superposition assume network softening and faster dynamics at elevated temperatures. Yet, deriving a mathematical framework connecting the crosslinking thermodynamics to the temperature-dependent viscoelasticity of physical networks suggests the possibility for entropy-driven crosslinking interactions to provide alternative temperature dependencies. This framework illustrates that temperature negligibly affects crosslink density in reported systems, but drastically influences crosslink dynamics. While the dissociation rate of enthalpy-driven crosslinks is accelerated at elevated temperatures, the dissociation rate of entropy-driven crosslinks is negligibly affected or even slowed under these conditions. Here we report an entropy-driven physical network based on polymer-nanoparticle interactions that exhibits mechanical properties that are invariant with temperature. These studies provide a foundation for designing and characterizing entropy-driven physical crosslinking motifs and demonstrate how these physical networks access thermal properties that are not observed in current physical networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C Yu
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Huada Lian
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Xian Kong
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Jian Qin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric A Appel
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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19
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Wang Z, Tian Y, Fang W, Shrestha BB, Huang M, Jin J. Constructing Strong Interfacial Interactions under Mild Conditions in MOF-Incorporated Mixed Matrix Membranes for Gas Separation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:3166-3174. [PMID: 33400502 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c19554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although mixed matrix membranes (MMM) possess remarkably improved gas separation performance compared to traditional polymeric membranes, membrane stability including CO2 plasticization and aging is still a serious issue due to the existence of interfacial defects. In this work, we report an efficient and less destructive route to cross-link the MOFs/polyimide (PI) MMM, where amine group-functionalized MOF (NH2-UiO-66) nanoparticles are thermally cross-linked with a carboxylic acid-functionalized PI (COOH-PI) matrix to form an amide bond at the interface at 150 °C under vacuum condition. Such a chemical cross-linking strategy conducted at a relatively mild condition improves membrane stability greatly while ensuring that the membrane structure is not destroyed. The resulting cross-linked MMM achieves enhanced mechanical strength with higher Young's modulus than a pristine polymer membrane. The CO2 antiplasticization pressure of the MMM after cross-linking is enhanced by 200% from ∼10 to >30 bar and the CO2 permeability of MMM only drops slightly from 995 to 735 Barrer after 450 days. At the same time, the separation performance of H2/CH4 gas pair surpasses the 2008 upper bound and that of CO2/CH4 gas pair nearly approaches the 2008 upper bound. The cross-linking strategy used herein provides a feasible and effective route for improving membrane stability and membrane performance in the MMM system for gas separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenggong Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yangyang Tian
- i-Lab, CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wangxi Fang
- i-Lab, CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Binod Babu Shrestha
- Institute of Natural Resources Innovation (INRI) Nepal, Kathmandu-13 44600, Nepal
| | - Menghui Huang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jian Jin
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- i-Lab, CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215123, China
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20
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Mapesa EU, Shahidi N, Kremer F, Doxastakis M, Sangoro J. Interfacial Dynamics in Supported Ultrathin Polymer Films-From the Solid to the Free Interface. J Phys Chem Lett 2021; 12:117-125. [PMID: 33307705 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.0c03211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Molecular dynamics in ultrathin layers is investigated using nanostructured electrodes to perform broadband dielectric spectroscopy measurements, and by atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Using poly(vinyl acetate) as the model system and taking advantage of access to the distribution of relaxation times in an extended temperature range above the glass transition temperature, Tg, we demonstrate that while the mean rates of the segmental relaxation remain bulklike down to 12 nm film thickness, modified molecular mobilities arise in the interfacial zones. Combining results from simulations and experiments, we show unambiguously that both the slow relaxations arising from adsorbed polymer segments and the faster modes attributed to segments in the vicinity of the free interface have non-Arrhenius temperature activation. These interfacial regions span thicknesses of ∼1.5 nm each just above the calorimetric Tg independent of molecular weight and film thickness. These deviations at interfaces are relevant for applications of polymers in adhesion, coatings, and polymer nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Urandu Mapesa
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1512 Middle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Nobahar Shahidi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1512 Middle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Friedrich Kremer
- Department of Molecular Physics, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, University of Leipzig, Linnéstr. 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Manolis Doxastakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1512 Middle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Joshua Sangoro
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville, 1512 Middle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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21
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Koh C, Grest GS, Kumar SK. Assembly of Polymer-Grafted Nanoparticles in Polymer Matrices. ACS NANO 2020; 14:13491-13499. [PMID: 33030334 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c05495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Leibler pioneered the idea that long enough matrix polymers of length P will spontaneously dewet a chemically identical polymer layer, comprising chains of length N, densely end-grafted to a flat surface ("brush"). This entropically driven idea is routinely used to explain experiments in which 10-20 nm diameter nanoparticles (NPs) densely grafted with polymer chains are found to phase separate from chemically identical melts for P/N ≳4. At lower grafting densities, these effects are also thought to underpin the self-assembly of grafted NPs into a variety of structures. To explore the validity of this picture, we conducted large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of grafted NPs in a chemically identical polymer melt. For the NPs we consider, in the ≈5 nm diameter range, we find no phase separation even for P/N = 10 in the absence of attractions. Instead, we find behavior that more closely parallels experiments when all of the chain monomers are equally attractive to each other but repel the NPs. Our results thus imply that experimental situations investigated to date are dominated by the surfactancy of the NPs, which is driven by the chemical mismatch between the inorganic core and the organic ligands (the graft and free chains are chemically identical). Entropic effects, that is, the translational entropy of the NPs and the matrix, the entropy of mixing of the grafts and the matrix, and the conformational entropy of the chains appear to thus have a second-order effect even in the context of these model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clement Koh
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
| | - Gary S Grest
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87185, United States
| | - Sanat K Kumar
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, New York 10027, United States
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22
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Dey P, Thurecht KJ, Fredericks PM, Blakey I. Stepwise Like Supramolecular Polymerization of Plasmonic Nanoparticle Building Blocks through Complementary Interactions. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c01149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Dey
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Kristofer J. Thurecht
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Peter M. Fredericks
- School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4001, Australia
| | - Idriss Blakey
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
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23
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Li W, Burkhart C, Polińska P, Harmandaris V, Doxastakis M. Backmapping coarse-grained macromolecules: An efficient and versatile machine learning approach. J Chem Phys 2020; 153:041101. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0012320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Craig Burkhart
- The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Akron, Ohio 44305, USA
| | - Patrycja Polińska
- Goodyear Innovation Center Luxembourg, Avenue Gordon Smith, L-7750 Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, and IACM FORTH, GR-71110 Heraklion, Greece
- Computation-Based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, Nicosia 2121, Cyprus
| | - Manolis Doxastakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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24
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David A, Pasquini M, Tartaglino U, Raos G. A Coarse-Grained Force Field for Silica-Polybutadiene Interfaces and Nanocomposites. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12071484. [PMID: 32630822 PMCID: PMC7407278 DOI: 10.3390/polym12071484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a coarse-grained force field for modelling silica–polybutadiene interfaces and nanocomposites. The polymer, poly(cis-1,4-butadiene), is treated with a previously published united-atom model. Silica is treated as a rigid body, using one Si-centered superatom for each SiO2 unit. The parameters for the cross-interaction between silica and the polymer are derived by Boltzmann inversion of the density oscillations at model interfaces, obtained from atomistic simulations of silica surfaces containing both Q4 (hydrophobic) and Q3 (silanol-containing, hydrophilic) silicon atoms. The performance of the model is tested in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. We expect the present model to be useful for future large-scale simulations of rubber–silica nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio David
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, 20131 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (M.P.)
| | - Marta Pasquini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, 20131 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (M.P.)
| | | | - Guido Raos
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering, “G. Natta”, Politecnico di Milano, 20131 Milan, Italy; (A.D.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Mapesa EU, Street DP, Heres MF, Kilbey SM, Sangoro J. Wetting and Chain Packing across Interfacial Zones Affect Distribution of Relaxations in Polymer and Polymer-Grafted Nanocomposites. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c00399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel U. Mapesa
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Dayton P. Street
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Maximilian F. Heres
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - S. Michael Kilbey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
| | - Joshua Sangoro
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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26
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Pasquini M, Raos G. Tunable interaction potentials and morphology of polymer-nanoparticle blends. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:174902. [PMID: 32384852 DOI: 10.1063/5.0004437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the results of molecular dynamics simulations of a family of polymer nanocomposite systems. The polymer is described by a generic bead-and-spring model, while the polymer chains and the nanoparticles (NPs) interact by Hamaker-style potentials. The potential describing NP-NP interactions is modified by a tuning parameter f, which can be changed continuously between f = 0 (for fully developed van der Waals attractions between the NPs) and f = 1 (for completely repulsive interparticle interactions). We explore systematically the effect of the f parameter on the blend morphologies, for two representative NP sizes. When the polymer-NP attractions are decreased, the systems undergo a transition from dispersed to aggregated morphologies. The sharpness of the transition gradually increases with the interparticle attractions (i.e., decreasing f).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Pasquini
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, via L. Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milano, Italy
| | - Guido Raos
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "G. Natta", Politecnico di Milano, via L. Mancinelli 7, 20131 Milano, Italy
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27
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Shahidi N, Chazirakis A, Harmandaris V, Doxastakis M. Coarse-graining of polyisoprene melts using inverse Monte Carlo and local density potentials. J Chem Phys 2020; 152:124902. [PMID: 32241142 DOI: 10.1063/1.5143245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bottom-up coarse-graining of polymers is commonly performed by matching structural order parameters such as distribution of bond lengths, bending and dihedral angles, and pair distribution functions. In this study, we introduce the distribution of nearest-neighbors as an additional order parameter in the concept of local density potentials. We describe how the inverse-Monte Carlo method provides a framework for forcefield development that is capable of overcoming challenges associated with the parameterization of interaction terms in polymer systems. The technique is applied on polyisoprene melts as a prototype system. We demonstrate that while different forcefields can be developed that perform equally in terms of matching target distributions, the inclusion of nearest-neighbors provides a straightforward route to match both thermodynamic and conformational properties. We find that several temperature state points can also be addressed, provided that the forcefield is refined accordingly. Finally, we examine both the single-particle and the collective dynamics of the coarse-grain models, demonstrating that all forcefields present a similar acceleration relative to the atomistic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobahar Shahidi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Antonis Chazirakis
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, Heraklion GR-71110, Greece
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Crete, Heraklion GR-71110, Greece
| | - Manolis Doxastakis
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
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28
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Kempfer K, Devémy J, Dequidt A, Couty M, Malfreyt P. Multi-scale modeling of the polymer-filler interaction. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:1538-1547. [PMID: 31939976 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01959f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We report mesoscopic simulations of the interaction between a silica nanoparticle and cis-1,4-polybutadiene chains with realistic coarse-(CG) grained models. The CG models are obtained with a bottom-up Bayesian method based on trajectory matching of atomistic configurations of the system. We then investigate the structural properties of the interfacial region as a function of the grafting density and polymer chain length. We take advantage of the realistic CG models to explore the dynamics of the nanoparticle over a period of 10 microseconds. We show that the dynamics of the nanoparticle is affected by the grafting density and the polymer chain length of the grafted chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Kempfer
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut de Chimie de Clermont-Ferrand, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France.
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29
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Luo D, Zhang F, Ding F, Ren B, Ren Z. Interactions between amphiphilic Janus nanosheets and a nonionic polymer in aqueous and biphasic systems. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:7472-7478. [PMID: 31513226 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm00994a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
It is of great significance to understand the interactions between nanoparticles and polymers since they guide the development of tremendous applications, for example, in optoelectronic devices, biomedicine, and enhanced oil extraction. However, few studies have probed into this fundamental science as the emerging amphiphilic Janus nanosheets have a more complicated structure than homogeneous nanoparticles, which makes their interactions more complex. In this work, we try to understand the interactions between amphiphilic Janus nanosheets and a model nonionic polymer, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), under different electrolyte and temperature conditions in both aqueous and biphasic systems by employing molecular dynamics simulations as well as experiments. It is found that the attachment of HEC onto the nanosheet surfaces exhibits ion-concentration-dependent behavior in the aqueous phase, helping to colloidally stabilize the nanosheets even in an environment with an extremely high salt concentration for a long duration. In the oil and water biphasic system, only elevated temperature promotes both Janus nanosheets and HEC to individually remain at the interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Luo
- Department of Physics and TcSUH, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA.
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Nanoparticle Dispersion and Glass Transition Behavior of Polyimide-grafted Silica Nanocomposites. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-019-2300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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31
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Wen X, Zhao W, Su Y, Wang D. Interfacial effects on crystallization behavior of polymer nanocomposites with polymer‐grafted nanoparticles. POLYMER CRYSTALLIZATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pcr2.10066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangning Wen
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular SciencesInstitute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular SciencesInstitute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Yunlan Su
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular SciencesInstitute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
| | - Dujin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular SciencesInstitute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China
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32
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Wang Y, Maurel G, Couty M, Detcheverry F, Merabia S. Implicit Medium Model for Fractal Aggregate Polymer Nanocomposites: Linear Viscoelastic Properties. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.8b02455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
- MFP MICHELIN 23, Place des Carmes-Déchaux, Cedex 9 63040 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Gaëtan Maurel
- MFP MICHELIN 23, Place des Carmes-Déchaux, Cedex 9 63040 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marc Couty
- MFP MICHELIN 23, Place des Carmes-Déchaux, Cedex 9 63040 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - François Detcheverry
- CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Samy Merabia
- CNRS, Institut Lumière Matière, Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69622 Villeurbanne, France
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33
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Zhao W, Su Y, Wen X, Wang D. Manipulating crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene oxide) by functionalized nanoparticle inclusion. POLYMER 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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34
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Trazkovich AJ, Wendt MF, Hall LM. Effect of Copolymer Sequence on Local Viscoelastic Properties near a Nanoparticle. Macromolecules 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.8b02136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alex J. Trazkovich
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W 19th Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, 701 Lima Ave., Findlay, Ohio 45840, United States
| | - Mitchell F. Wendt
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W 19th Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Lisa M. Hall
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, 140 W 19th Ave., Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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36
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Xu Q, Chen L, Yang F, Cao H. Integral Equation Prediction of the Structure of Alternating Copolymer Nanocomposites near a Substrate. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:11612-11628. [PMID: 30221946 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b01882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The packing structure and phase behavior of polymer-nanoparticle mixtures under confinement play an important role in developing strategies for rational design of nanomaterials. However, understanding the microscopic dispersion and aggregation mechanism of polymer nanocomposites is a great challenge through experimental techniques. In this work, the microscopic structure of alternating copolymer nanocomposites (ACNs) near a substrate is investigated systematically through extension of the inhomogeneous polymer reference interaction site model (PRISM) theory. In order to characterize the flexibility and internal chain stiffness of copolymers, a semiflexible chain model is introduced to describe the intramolecular correlations between different monomers. Based on the bridge functionals derived from the fluids density functional theory, the modified hypernetted chain closure is integrated with the PRISM equation to form a full theoretical framework to capture the density distributions of ACNs. The influence of the particle volume fraction, nanoparticle diameter, and adsorption strengths between different interaction sites on the packing structure of ACNs under confinement is analyzed and discussed in detail. With the increase of the particle volume fraction, the size asymmetry between nanoparticles and copolymer monomers can greatly influence the density profiles of ACNs near a substrate. Increasing the nanoparticle diameter, the density distribution of nanoparticles experiences a process from absorbing onto the solid surface to segregating from the wall to larger distances. With increasing the adsorption strength between copolymers and nanoparticles, the density distribution of nanoparticles decreases, which is similar to the case of nanoparticles containing attractive interactions. All these characteristics of ACNs show that the current inhomogeneous PRISM theory can give a detailed description of the packing behavior of different segments. Predictive approaches could be desired and developed for design control of alternating copolymer nanocomposites under confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinzhi Xu
- Institute of Microelectronics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029 , China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Three-Dimensional and Nanometer Integrated Circuit Design Automation Technology, Beijing 100029 , China
| | - Lan Chen
- Institute of Microelectronics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029 , China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Three-Dimensional and Nanometer Integrated Circuit Design Automation Technology, Beijing 100029 , China
| | - Fei Yang
- Institute of Microelectronics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029 , China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Three-Dimensional and Nanometer Integrated Circuit Design Automation Technology, Beijing 100029 , China
| | - He Cao
- Institute of Microelectronics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029 , China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Three-Dimensional and Nanometer Integrated Circuit Design Automation Technology, Beijing 100029 , China
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Skountzos EN, Mermigkis PG, Mavrantzas VG. Molecular Dynamics Study of an Atactic Poly(methyl methacrylate)–Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposite. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:9007-9021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b06631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel N. Skountzos
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras GR 26504, Greece
| | - Panagiotis G. Mermigkis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras GR 26504, Greece
| | - Vlasis G. Mavrantzas
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras & FORTH/ICE-HT, Patras GR 26504, Greece
- Particle Technology Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
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Trazkovich AJ, Wendt MF, Hall LM. Effect of copolymer sequence on structure and relaxation times near a nanoparticle surface. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:5913-5921. [PMID: 29972193 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm00976g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We simulate a simple nanocomposite consisting of a single spherical nanoparticle surrounded by coarse-grained polymer chains. The polymers are composed of two different monomer types that differ only in their interaction strengths with the nanoparticle. We examine the effect of adjusting copolymer sequence on the structure as well as the end-to-end vector autocorrelation, bond vector autocorrelation, and self-intermediate scattering function relaxation times as a function of distance from the nanoparticle surface. We show how the range and magnitude of the interphase of slowed dynamics surrounding the nanoparticle depend strongly on sequence blockiness. We find that, depending on block length, blocky copolymers can have faster or slower dynamics than a random copolymer. Certain blocky copolymer sequences lead to relaxation times near the nanoparticle surface that are slower than those of either homopolymer system. Thus, tuning copolymer sequence could allow for significant control over the nanocomposite behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Trazkovich
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, USA.
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39
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Incorporation of silica grafted silver nanoparticles into polyvinyl chloride/polycarbonate hollow fiber membranes for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment. Chem Eng Res Des 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cherd.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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40
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Theoretical Interpretation of Conformation Variations of Polydimethylsiloxane Induced by Nanoparticles. CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10118-018-2019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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41
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Rissanou AN, Papananou H, Petrakis VS, Doxastakis M, Andrikopoulos KS, Voyiatzis GA, Chrissopoulou K, Harmandaris V, Anastasiadis SH. Structural and Conformational Properties of Poly(ethylene oxide)/Silica Nanocomposites: Effect of Confinement. Macromolecules 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b00811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hellen Papananou
- Institute
of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas,
P.O. Box 1527, 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Manolis Doxastakis
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, USA
| | - Konstantinos S. Andrikopoulos
- Institute
of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas,
P.O. Box 1414, 265 04 Patras, Greece
| | - George A. Voyiatzis
- Institute
of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas,
P.O. Box 1414, 265 04 Patras, Greece
| | - Kiriaki Chrissopoulou
- Institute
of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas,
P.O. Box 1527, 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Vagelis Harmandaris
- Institute
of Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, P.O. Box 1385, 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Spiros H. Anastasiadis
- Institute
of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas,
P.O. Box 1527, 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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42
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Zuo B, Zhang S, Niu C, Zhou H, Sun S, Wang X. Grafting density dominant glass transition of dry polystyrene brushes. SOFT MATTER 2017; 13:2426-2436. [PMID: 28150841 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm02790c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of the grafting densities (σp), molecular weights (Mn) and thicknesses of dry polystyrene (PS) brushes on their glass transition temperature (T) were investigated by ellipsometry. The results show that T strongly depends on the grafting density of the PS brushes. The T of the PS brushes with σp > 0.30 increases with decreasing Mn (or brush thickness) and is mainly dominated by entropic effects, in which the grafted chains are highly extended along the film thickness direction resulting in a sharp reduction in configurational entropy. The T of PS brushes with σp < 0.30 decreases with decreasing Mn (or brush thickness) which is mainly dominated by surface effects. For intermediate-density brushes (σp = 0.30), T becomes independent of Mn or brush thickness. The reason for this grafting density dependence of T is attributed to the transition of the PS brush conformation from mushroom-to-brush.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biao Zuo
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology of Education Ministry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Shasha Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology of Education Ministry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Chen Niu
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology of Education Ministry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology of Education Ministry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Shuzheng Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology of Education Ministry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Xinping Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Materials and Manufacturing Technology of Education Ministry, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China.
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Vogiatzis GG, Theodorou DN. Multiscale Molecular Simulations of Polymer-Matrix Nanocomposites: or What Molecular Simulations Have Taught us About the Fascinating Nanoworld. ARCHIVES OF COMPUTATIONAL METHODS IN ENGINEERING : STATE OF THE ART REVIEWS 2017; 25:591-645. [PMID: 29962833 PMCID: PMC6003436 DOI: 10.1007/s11831-016-9207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Following the substantial progress in molecular simulations of polymer-matrix nanocomposites, now is the time to reconsider this topic from a critical point of view. A comprehensive survey is reported herein providing an overview of classical molecular simulations, reviewing their major achievements in modeling polymer matrix nanocomposites, and identifying several open challenges. Molecular simulations at multiple length and time scales, working hand-in-hand with sensitive experiments, have enhanced our understanding of how nanofillers alter the structure, dynamics, thermodynamics, rheology and mechanical properties of the surrounding polymer matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios G. Vogiatzis
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Heroon Polytechniou Street, Zografou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
- Present Address: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Doros N. Theodorou
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Heroon Polytechniou Street, Zografou Campus, 15780 Athens, Greece
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Bačová P, Lo Verso F, Arbe A, Colmenero J, Pomposo JA, Moreno AJ. The Role of the Topological Constraints in the Chain Dynamics in All-Polymer Nanocomposites. Macromolecules 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.6b02340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bačová
- Centro de Física
de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Federica Lo Verso
- Donostia International
Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel
de Lardizabal 4, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Arantxa Arbe
- Centro de Física
de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Juan Colmenero
- Centro de Física
de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Donostia International
Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel
de Lardizabal 4, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Departamento
de Física de Materiales, UPV/EHU, Apartado 1072, E-20080 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - José A. Pomposo
- Centro de Física
de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Departamento
de Física de Materiales, UPV/EHU, Apartado 1072, E-20080 San Sebastián, Spain
- IKERBASQUE - Basque
Foundation for Science, María
Díaz de Haro, E-48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Angel J. Moreno
- Centro de Física
de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Donostia International
Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel
de Lardizabal 4, E-20018 San Sebastián, Spain
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46
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Deng Z, Jiang Y, He L, Zhang L. Aggregation–Dispersion Transition for Nanoparticles in Semiflexible Ring Polymer Nanocomposite Melts. J Phys Chem B 2016; 120:11574-11581. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.6b07292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Deng
- Department
of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Yangwei Jiang
- Department
of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Linli He
- Department
of Physics, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Linxi Zhang
- Department
of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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47
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Mathioudakis IG, Vogiatzis GG, Tzoumanekas C, Theodorou DN. Multiscale simulations of PS-SiO2 nanocomposites: from melt to glassy state. SOFT MATTER 2016; 12:7585-7605. [PMID: 27532769 DOI: 10.1039/c6sm01536k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The interaction energetics, molecular packing, entanglement network properties, segmental dynamics, and elastic constants of atactic polystyrene-amorphous silica nanocomposites in the molten and the glassy state are studied via molecular simulations using two interconnected levels of representation: (a) a coarse-grained one, wherein each polystyrene repeat unit is mapped onto a single "superatom" and the silica nanoparticle is viewed as a solid sphere. Equilibration at all length scales at this level is achieved via connectivity-altering Monte Carlo simulations. (b) A united-atom (UA) level, wherein the polymer chains are represented in terms of a united-atom forcefield and the silica nanoparticle is represented in terms of a simplified, fully atomistic model. Initial configurations for UA molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are obtained by reverse mapping well-equilibrated coarse-grained configurations. By analysing microcanonical UA MD trajectories, the polymer density profile is studied and the polymer is found to exhibit layering in the vicinity of the nanoparticle surface. An estimate of the enthalpy of mixing between polymer and nanoparticles, derived from the UA simulations, compares favourably against available experimental values. The dynamical behaviour of polystyrene (in neat and filled melt systems) is characterized in terms of bond orientation and dihedral angle time autocorrelation functions. At low concentration in the molten polymer matrix, silica nanoparticles are found to cause a slight deceleration of the segmental dynamics close to their surface compared to the bulk polymer. Well-equilibrated coarse-grained long-chain configurations are reduced to entanglement networks via topological analysis with the CReTA algorithm, yielding a slightly lower density of entanglements in the filled than in the neat systems. UA melt configurations are glassified by MD cooling. The elastic moduli of the resulting glassy nanocomposites are computed through an analysis of strain fluctuations in the undeformed state and through explicit mechanical deformation by MD, showing a stiffening of the polymer in the presence of nanoparticles. UA simulation results for the elastic constants are compared to continuum micromechanical calculations invoked in homogenization models of the overall mechanical behaviour of heterogeneous materials. They can be interpreted in terms of the presence of an "interphase" of approximate thickness 2 nm around the nanoparticles, with elastic constants intermediate between those of the filler and the matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- I G Mathioudakis
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Heroon Polytechniou Street, Zografou Campus, GR-15780 Athens, Greece.
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48
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Influence of nanoparticle inclusion on the cavity size distribution and accessible volume in polystyrene – Silica nanocomposites. POLYMER 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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49
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Wu F, Zhang S, Chen Z, Zhang B, Yang W, Liu Z, Yang M. Interfacial relaxation mechanisms in polymer nanocomposites through the rheological study on polymer/grafted nanoparticles. POLYMER 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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50
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Kumar S, Aswal VK, Kohlbrecher J. Small-Angle Neutron Scattering Study of Interplay of Attractive and Repulsive Interactions in Nanoparticle-Polymer System. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2016; 32:1450-1459. [PMID: 26795459 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5b03998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The phase behavior of nanoparticle (silica)-polymer (polyethylene glycol) system without and with an electrolyte (NaCl) has been studied. It is observed that nanoparticle-polymer system behaves very differently in the presence of electrolyte. In the absence of electrolyte, the nanoparticle-polymer system remains in one-phase even at very high polymer concentrations. On the other hand, a re-entrant phase behavior is found in the presence of electrolyte, where one-phase (individual) system undergoes two-phase (nanoparticle aggregation) and then back to one-phase with increasing polymer concentration. The regime of two-phase system has been tuned by varying the electrolyte concentration. The polymer concentration range over which the two-phase system exists is significantly enhanced with the increase in the electrolyte concentration. These systems have been characterized by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments of contrast-marching the polymer to the solvent. The data are modeled using a two-Yukawa potential accounting for both attractive and repulsive parts of the interaction between nanoparticles. The phase behavior of nanoparticle-polymer system is explained by interplay of attractive (polymer-induced attractive depletion between nanoparticles) and repulsive (nanoparticle-nanoparticle electrostatic repulsion and polymer-polymer repulsion) interactions present in the system. In the absence of electrolyte, the strong electrostatic repulsion between nanoparticles dominates over the polymer-induced depletion attraction and the nanoparticle system remains in one-phase. With addition of electrolyte, depletion attraction overcomes electrostatic repulsion at some polymer concentration, resulting into nanoparticle aggregation and two-phase system. Further addition of polymer increases the polymer-polymer repulsion which eventually reduces the strength of depletion and hence re-entrant phase behavior. The effects of varying electrolyte concentration on the phase behavior of nanoparticle-polymer system are understood in terms of modifications in nanoparticle-nanoparticle and polymer-polymer interactions. The nanoparticle aggregates in two-phase systems are found to have surface fractal morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugam Kumar
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - Vinod K Aswal
- Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre , Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - Joachim Kohlbrecher
- Laboratory for Neutron Scattering, Paul Scherrer Institut , CH-5232 PSI Villigen, Switzerland
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