In situ Living Polymerization from Silicate Anchored Photoinitiator as a Versatile Method for Preparation of Exfoliated Polymer Silicate Nanocomposites
- Detailed Technology Description
- Cornell researchers have recently developed a method of creating nanocomposites that retain their composition and properties after melt and extrusion processing.
- Others
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Patent: 7,659,321
- *Abstract
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Cornell researchers have recently developed a method of creating nanocomposites that retain their composition and properties after melt and extrusion processing. The method is faster, more versatile, and more reliable than current practices and can operate efficiently at room temperature using simple reaction initiators. The technology is based on enabling polymer growth on silicate nanoparticles with the use of a specially designed photoinitiator. Polymer is grown on the initiator by combining a monomer with a base clay in a solvent at room temperature and exposing the mixture to ultraviolet light. The creation of block copolymers is possible by combining the prepared nanocomposite with a second monomer and repeating the process.
Figure 1. Schematic showing preparation of the dispersed polymer silicate nanocomposites.
Figure 2. STEM image showing dispersion of the silicate.
Potential Applications
- Nanocomposites
- Resin and plastic manufacture
Advantages
- Stable, full dispersion
- Rapid, efficient production of nanocomposites
- Allows creation of an enormous variety of nanocomposites
- *Licensing
- Carolyn A. Theodorecat42@cornell.edu(607) 254-4514
- Country/Region
- USA
