Oligomer-grafted nanofillers and advanced composite materials

Abstract

Oligomer-grafted nanofiller compositions and composites including oligomer-grafted nanofillers are disclosed. An oligomer-grafted nanofiller composition for disposition in a polymer matrix, the polymeric matrix comprising polymers derived from a plurality of polymerizable units, can include a nanoparticle, one or more coupling groups bonded to the nanoparticle; and one or more oligomers bonded to the one or more coupling groups. In an embodiment the oligomer is derived from two or more polymerizable units, at least one polymerizable unit being at least substantially similar to at least one of the polymerizable units of the polymer matrix. In another embodiment the oligomer comprises two or more polymerizable units and improves dispersion, interfacial strength, or both dispersion and interfacial strength between the nanoparticle and the polymer matrix. Composites and methods are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] Cross references to related patent applications

[0002] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 791,132, filed March 15, 2013. technical field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of composite materials and nanomaterials for improving the properties of polymeric materials. Background technique

[0004] Polymer composites are used in a wide variety of applications ranging from transportation vehicles to sports equipment and various mechanical components. Due to their relatively low density and high strength, polymer composites can advantageously replace heavier metallic materials. However, polymer composites lack certain desirable properties compared to metals, such as high impact strength (eg, "toughness"), electrical conductivity, and resistance to molecular transport. Previous attempts have been made to add filler particles to polymer composites to improve these properties. However, the mechanical properties o...

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