Nanostructure polymeric systems: processing and properties

Abstract

Nanostructure polymeric systems are materials composed of two phases: one disperse phase with nanometric dimensions and one polymeric matrix phase. Within these systems the polymeric nanocomposites and the nanoblends can be included. The polymeric nanocomposites are composite materials in which the matrix is a polymer and the disperse inorganic phase has at least a dimension in the nanometric scale. The nanoblends are immiscible mixtures of two or more polymers in which the polymeric disperse phase has dimensions in the nanometric scale. Both materials has two distinct phases which need or not to be compatibilized for a better tension transference; the disperse phase, inorganic or polymeric, needs to be exfoliated or broken until it acquired nanometric dimensions; after that it needs to be dispersed and distributed in the matrix phase, which therefore requires an optimization of the mixing process. Finally, this disperse and biphasic structure, with nanometric dimensions needs to be kept stable during the whole confirmation process in order to finally obtain a product with optimum end properties. Therefore, the main objective of this project is to obtain polymeric nanocomposites and nanoblends with good mechanical and transport properties, thru the optimization of the mixing process in a twin screw extruder and the conformation process by injection molding and film blowing. Secondary objectives will be the establishment of routine methodologies for the rheological, physical and chemical characterization and long term mechanical behavior of these materials and the study of their crystallization kinetics and molecular orientation. (AU)