Description:
Reference #: 01068
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for a method of functionalizing nanoparticles with polyolefin-like polymers and dispersing them in polyolefins.
Invention Description:
The subject invention is a method of grafting polyolefin-like poly(meth)acrylates on inorganic nanoparticles in a controlled manner. This invention demonstrates further how to mix the poly alkyl (meth)acrylates-grafted nanoparticles with polyolefins like polyethylene and polypropylene to create nanocomposites with good dispersion.
Potential Applications:
Packaging and plastics such as films, container, bottles, and automotive components
Advantages and Benefits:
This approach improves properties such as mechanical strength and thermal stability by dispersing silica nanoparticles in polyolefins.
Background:
Polyolefins have excellent chemical resistance, electrical insulation, toughness, and flexibility. Nanocomposites of polyolefins with nanoscale inorganic fillers have great potential since the presence of dispersed nanoparticles can improve their properties (such as mechanical strength or thermal stability). However, obtaining a high degree of dispersion of inorganic nanoparticles in a polyolefin matrix is challenging. The surface functionalization of inorganic nanoparticles with polymer brushes (especially polymers of the same type as the nanocomposite matrix) can drastically improve the dispersion of nanoparticles within the matrix. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an efficient method to prepare polyolefin-like polymer grafted nanoparticles for polyolefin modification with good dispersion.
Testing and Development:
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images (and the resulting clear films) indicate that the grafted chains prevent the gross agglomeration of the nanoparticles.