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Bioinspired Organic Porous Coupling Agent for Enhancement of Nanoparticle Dispersion and Interfacial Strength.

Qi JiaYanchuan Zhao
Published in: ACS applied materials & interfaces (2024)
Composite materials have significantly advanced with the integration of inorganic nanoparticles as fillers in polymers. Achieving fine dispersion of these nanoparticles within the composites, however, remains a challenge. This study presents a novel solution inspired by the natural structure of Xanthium . We have developed a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM)-based porous coupling agent, named PCA . PCA 's rigid backbone structure enhances interfacial interactions through a unique intermolecular interlocking mechanism. This approach notably improves the dispersion of SiO 2 nanoparticles in various organic solvents and low-polarity polymers. Significantly, PCA -modified SiO 2 nanoparticles embedded in polyisoprene rubber showed enhanced mechanical properties. The Young's modulus increases to 30.7 MPa, compared to 5.4 MPa in hexadecyltrimethoxysilane-modified nanoparticles. Further analysis shows that PCA -modified composites not only become stiffer but also gain strength and ductility. This research demonstrates a novel biomimetic strategy for enhancing interfacial interactions in composites, potentially leading to stronger, more versatile composite materials.
Keyphrases
  • ionic liquid
  • electron transfer
  • molecular dynamics simulations
  • perovskite solar cells
  • reduced graphene oxide
  • room temperature
  • water soluble
  • walled carbon nanotubes
  • visible light
  • highly efficient
  • energy transfer