Tailoring block copolymer and polymer blend morphology using nanoparticle surfactants

Kang Hee Ku, Hyunseung Yang, Se Gyu Jang, Joona Bang, Bumjoon J. Kim

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Combining the functionality of nanoparticles (NPs) with the processability of polymers offers great promise for designing novel materials. In particular, NPs with tailored surface properties can effectively modify the interface between two distinct fluids and/or different polymer matrices which allows them to function as efficient surfactants. The efficiency of NP surfactants is strongly affected by their size and shape, which influences their adsorption energy to the interface, and the entropic contribution to the system. In this review, the assembly of size- and shape-controlled inorganic NPs at the interface of block copolymers (BCPs) and polymer blends has been focused. First, we discuss the design of size- and shape-controlled NP surfactants and we review the examples of NP surfactant-driven BCPs and polymer blend morphologies. In addition, we review the recent investigations of the morphological transition of BCP emulsion particles induced by NP surfactants.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)228-237
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Polymer Science, Part A: Polymer Chemistry
Volume54
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016 Jan 15

Keywords

  • block copolymer
  • emulsion
  • nanoparticle surfactant
  • polymer blend
  • polymer interface

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Tailoring block copolymer and polymer blend morphology using nanoparticle surfactants'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this