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Kong W, Neuman A, Zhang AC, Lee D, Riggleman RA, Composto RJ. Capillary filling dynamics of polymer melts in a bicontinuous nanoporous scaffold. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:044904. [PMID: 38270239 DOI: 10.1063/5.0184427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymer infiltrated nanoporous gold is prepared by infiltrating polymer melts into a bicontinuous, nanoporous gold (NPG) scaffold. Polystyrene (PS) films with molecular weights (Mw) from 424 to 1133 kDa are infiltrated into a NPG scaffold (∼120 nm), with a pore radius (Rp) and pore volume fraction of 37.5 nm and 50%, respectively. The confinement ratios (Γ=RgRp) range from 0.47 to 0.77, suggesting that the polymers inside the pores are moderately confined. The time for PS to achieve 80% infiltration (τ80%) is determined using in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry at 150 °C. The kinetics of infiltration scales weaker with Mw, τ80%∝Mw1.30±0.20, than expected from bulk viscosity Mw3.4. Furthermore, the effective viscosity of the PS melt inside NPG, inferred from the Lucas-Washburn model, is reduced by more than one order of magnitude compared to the bulk. Molecular dynamics simulation results are in good agreement with experiments predicting scaling as Mw1.4. The reduced dependence of Mw and the enhanced kinetics of infiltration are attributed to a reduction in chain entanglement density during infiltration and a reduction in polymer-wall friction with increasing polymer molecular weight. Compared to the traditional approach involving adding discrete particles into the polymer matrix, these studies show that nanocomposites with higher loading can be readily prepared, and that kinetics of infiltration are faster due to polymer confinement inside pores. These films have potential as actuators when filled with stimuli-responsive polymers as well as polymer electrolyte and fuel cell membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Kong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Anastasia Neuman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Aria C Zhang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Robert A Riggleman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Russell J Composto
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Kawaguchi D, Sasahara K, Inutsuka M, Abe T, Yamamoto S, Tanaka K. Absolute local conformation of poly(methyl methacrylate) chains adsorbed on a quartz surface. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:244902. [PMID: 38146829 DOI: 10.1063/5.0184315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymer chains at a buried interface with an inorganic solid play a critical role in the performance of polymer nanocomposites and adhesives. Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy with a sub-nanometer depth resolution provides valuable information regarding the orientation angle of functional groups at interfaces. However, in the case of conventional SFG, since the signal intensity is proportional to the square of the second-order nonlinear optical susceptibility and thereby loses phase information, it cannot be unambiguously determined whether the functional groups face upward or downward. This problem can be solved by phase-sensitive SFG (ps-SFG). We here applied ps-SFG to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chains in direct contact with a quartz surface, shedding light on the local conformation of chains adsorbed onto the solid surface. The measurements made it possible to determine the absolute orientation of the ester methyl groups of PMMA, which were oriented toward the quartz interface. Combining ps-SFG with all-atomistic molecular dynamics simulation, the distribution of the local conformation and the driving force are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kawaguchi
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Center for Polymer Interface and Molecular Adhesion Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sasahara
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Manabu Inutsuka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Abe
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Satoru Yamamoto
- Center for Polymer Interface and Molecular Adhesion Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Keiji Tanaka
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Center for Polymer Interface and Molecular Adhesion Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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Kim BQ, Füredi M, Venkatesh RB, Guldin S, Lee D. Water-Induced Separation of Polymers from High Nanoparticle-Content Nanocomposite Films. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2302676. [PMID: 37263985 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202302676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Polymer nanocomposites with high loadings of nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit exceptional mechanical and transport properties. Separation of polymers and NPs from such nanocomposites is a critical step in enabling the recycling of these components and reducing the potential environmental hazards that can be caused by the accumulation of nanocomposite wastes in landfills. However, the separation typically requires the use of organic solvents or energy-intensive processes. Using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-infiltrated SiO2 NP films, we demonstrate that the polymers can be separated from the SiO2 NP packings when these nanocomposites are exposed to high humidity and water. The findings indicate that the charge state of the NPs plays a significant role in the propensity of water to undergo capillary condensation within the PDMS-filled interstitial pores. We also show that the size of NPs has a crucial impact on the kinetics and extent of PDMS expulsion, illustrating the importance of capillary forces in inducing PDMS expulsion. We demonstrate that the separated polymer can be collected and reused to produce a new nanocomposite film. The work provides insightful guidelines on how to design and fabricate end-of-life recyclable high-performance nanocomposites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baekmin Q Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Máté Füredi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - R Bharath Venkatesh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Stefan Guldin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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Hwang U, Nam JD, Lee D. Dual Porosity-Enhanced Antireflection Coatings with Continuous Gradient. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:40913-40922. [PMID: 37585736 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The incorporation of porous structures into films and coatings can transform their properties for applications in optics, separation, electronics, and energy generation and storage. Packing nanoparticles (NPs) is a versatile approach for fabricating nanoporous films with a tunable structure and properties. The mechanical fragility of NP packing-based films and coatings, however, significantly impedes their widespread utilization. Although infiltrating a polymer into the interstices of these NP packings has been shown to enhance their mechanical durability, this method completely eliminates the porosity of the structures, compromising their properties and functionality. This study presents a new approach to fabricate highly loaded porous nanocomposite films with a gradient in the refractive index by infiltrating subsaturating amounts of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) into disordered packings of hollow silica NPs. We demonstrate that dual porosity is a critical feature that enhances their antireflection (AR) and mechanical properties. The hollow cores of NPs prevent a substantial increase in the refractive index of the resulting films. Moreover, the interparticle voids allow for mechanical reinforcement to occur when the NP packings are infiltrated with PMMA, making them even more suitable for AR coatings. The refractive index and gradient across the nanocomposites can be tailored by adjusting the amount of PMMA infiltrated into the NP packing, the shape of hollow NPs, and the annealing time. The nanocomposite coatings with a continuous gradient in refractive index exhibit excellent AR properties and enhanced mechanical durability. Combined with the unique structural tunability afforded by the dual porosity, this approach provides a scalable and effective way to create robust and graded nanoporous structures for various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uiseok Hwang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Do Nam
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Wang L, Wang Q, Rosqvist E, Smått JH, Yong Q, Lassila L, Peltonen J, Rosenau T, Toivakka M, Willför S, Eklund P, Xu C, Wang X. Template-Directed Polymerization of Binary Acrylate Monomers on Surface-Activated Lignin Nanoparticles in Toughening of Bio-Latex Films. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207085. [PMID: 36919307 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Fabricating bio-latex colloids with core-shell nanostructure is an effective method for obtaining films with enhanced mechanical characteristics. Nano-sized lignin is rising as a class of sustainable nanomaterials that can be incorporated into latex colloids. Fundamental knowledge of the correlation between surface chemistry of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) and integration efficiency in latex colloids and from it thermally processed latex films are scarce. Here, an approach to integrate self-assembled nanospheres of allylated lignin as the surface-activated cores in a seeded free-radical emulsion copolymerization of butyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate is proposed. The interfacial-modulating function on allylated LNPs regulates the emulsion polymerization and it successfully produces a multi-energy dissipative latex film structure containing a lignin-dominated core (16% dry weight basis). At an optimized allyl-terminated surface functionality of 1.04 mmol g-1 , the LNPs-integrated latex film exhibits extremely high toughness value above 57.7 MJ m-3 . With multiple morphological and microstructural characterizations, the well-ordered packing of latex colloids under the nanoconfinement of LNPs in the latex films is revealed. It is concluded that the surface chemistry metrics of colloidal cores in terms of the abundance of polymerization-modulating anchors and their accessibility have a delicate control over the structural evolution of core-shell latex colloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Wang
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Qingbo Wang
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Emil Rosqvist
- Physical Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Jan-Henrik Smått
- Physical Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Qiwen Yong
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Lippo Lassila
- Turku Clinical Biomaterials Centre, University of Turku, Itäinen Pitkäkatu 4b, Turku, FI-20520, Finland
| | - Jouko Peltonen
- Physical Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Thomas Rosenau
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU University), Konrad-Lorenz-Strasse 24, Tulln, AT-3430, Austria
| | - Martti Toivakka
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Stefan Willför
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Patrik Eklund
- Organic Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Science and Engineering, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Chunlin Xu
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
| | - Xiaoju Wang
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, Henrikinkatu 2, Turku, FI-20500, Finland
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Qiang Y, Turner KT, Lee D. Role of Polymer–Nanoparticle Interactions on the Fracture Toughness of Polymer-Infiltrated Nanoparticle Films. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Qiang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Kevin T. Turner
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Daeyeon Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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Heil CM, Jayaraman A. Polymer solution structure and dynamics within pores of hexagonally close-packed nanoparticles. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8175-8187. [PMID: 36263835 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01102f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we examine structure and dynamics of polymer solutions under confinement within the pores of a hexagonally close-packed (HCP) nanoparticle system with nanoparticle diameter fifty times that of the polymer Kuhn segment size. We model a condition where the polymer chain is in a good solvent (i.e., polymer-polymer interaction is purely repulsive and polymer-solvent and solvent-solvent interactions are attractive) and the polymer-nanoparticle and solvent-nanoparticle interactions are purely repulsive. We probe three polymer lengths (N = 10, 114, and 228 Kuhn segments) and three solution concentrations (1, 10, and 25%v) to understand how the polymer chain conformations and chain center-of-mass diffusion change under confinement within the pores of the HCP nanoparticle structure from those seen in bulk. The known trend of bulk polymer Rg2 decreasing with increasing concentration no longer holds when confined in the pores of HCP nanoparticle structure; for example, for the 114-mer, the HCP 〈Rg2〉 at 1%v concentration is lower than HCP 〈Rg2〉 at 10%v concentration. The 〈Rg2〉 of the 114-mer and 228-mer exhibit the largest percent decline going from bulk to HCP at the 1%v concentration and the smallest percent decline at the 25%v concentration. We also provide insight into how the confinement ratio (CR) of polymer chain size to pore size within tetrahedral and octahedral pores in the HCP arrangement of nanoparticles affects the chain conformation and diffusion at various concentrations. At the same concentration, the N = 114 has significantly more movement between pores than the N = 228 chains. For the N = 114 polymer, the diffusion between pores (i.e., inter-pore diffusion) accelerates the overall diffusion rate for the confined HCP system while for the N = 228 polymer, the polymer diffusion in the entire HCP is dominated by the diffusion within the tetrahedral or octahedral pores with minor contributions from inter-pore diffusion. These findings augment the fundamental understanding of macromolecular diffusion through large, densely packed nanoparticle assemblies and are relevant to research focused on fabrication of polymer composite materials for chemical separations, storage, optics, and photonics. We perform coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to understand structure and dynamics of polymer solutions under confinement within hexagonal close packed nanoparticles with radii much larger than the polymer chain's bulk radius of gyration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Heil
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 150 Academy St., University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
| | - Arthi Jayaraman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 150 Academy St., University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, 201 DuPont Hall, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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