Improving Interaction at Polymer–Filler Interface: The Efficacy of Wrinkle Texture

Abstract

One of the main issues in preparing polymer-based nanocomposites with effective properties is to achieve a good dispersion of the nanoparticles into the matrix. Chemical interfacial modifications by specific coupling agents represents a good way to reach this objective. Actually, time consuming compatibilization procedures strongly compromise the sustainability of these strategies. In this study, the role of particles' architectures in their dispersion into a poly-lactic acid matrix and their subsequent influences on physical-chemical properties of the obtained nanocomposites were investigated. Two kinds of silica nanoparticles, "smooth" and "wrinkled," with different surface areas (≈30 and ≈600 m 2 /g respectively) were synthesized through a modified Stöber method and used, without any chemical surface pre-treatments, as fillers to produce poly-lactic acid based nanocomposites. The key role played by wrinkled texture in modifying the physical interaction at the polymer-filler interface and in driving composite properties, was investigated and reflected in the final bulk properties. Detailed investigations revealed the presence of wrinkled nanoparticles, leading to (i) an enormous increase of the chain relaxation time, by almost 30 times compared to the neat PLA matrix; (ii) intensification of the shear-thinning behavior at low shear-rates; and (iii) slightly slower thermal degradation of polylactic acid.

Effect of interfacial modification on functional properties of polyethylene and polypropylene—Fibrous silica nanocomposites

“…7,8 However, the search for alternative processes for improving the adhesion between polymers and nanofillers, and thus avoiding time consuming nanoparticles surface modification and compatibilizer preparation, is still an active area of research. Recently, Russo et al 9 demonstrated that nanoparticle architectures play a major role in the physical interaction at the polymer-filler interface. Using "wrinkled" silica nanoparticles into polylactide favored more effective particle-particle interactions, due to the greater physical interaction with the surrounding polymeric matrix, than when smooth silica nanoparticles are used.…”

Hyper-Crosslinked Polymer Nanocomposites Containing Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Enhanced Adsorption Towards Polar Dyes

“…MSN, with their highly controllable pore size, geometry and surface properties, as well as their low cost, are one of the most versatile adsorbents for the removal of contaminants from water [ 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Indeed, the sol–gel methodology allows a fine tuning of their morphology [ 23 ], thus influencing the final properties of the systems [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Moreover, MSN can be easily functionalized in order to improve their adsorption properties [ 28 ].…”

Facile Synthesis of Large Wrinkled Gold Nanoparticles Using Anthracene‐Terminated Tripodal Amine Ligand and their Catalytic Efficiency

“…However, reports on such approaches are scarce in the literature. [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] On the other hand, AuNPs have attracted considerable attention in diverse research fields because of their interesting physical, chemical and biomedical applications. [30] The properties and hence the applications of AuNPs depend largely on their size, shape and surface properties.…”