Rheology And Processing of Nanoparticle Filled Polymer Blend Nanocomposites

Nanoparticles have been added to a wide range of polymer blends to control the morphology, rheology, and the mechanical and electrical properties of polymeric materials. It has been found that the interactions among particles and polymer components are decisive factors for the selective distribution of nanoparticles and the agglomeration of nanoparticles. Various methods have been suggested and tested to control these interactions by modifying the surface properties of nanoparticles and changing the geometry (size and shape) of nanoparticles and also the molecular weight of polymers. Selective distribution of nanoparticles in one polymer can alter the viscoelasticity of that component and then change the viscoelastic mismatch of polymer. Selective distribution of nanoparticle on interface has influence on the interfacial tension between two polymers and interfacial viscoelasticity. It helps to understand the effect of nanoparticles on the components' contribution and interfacial viscoelasticity. In addition, it serves as a sensitive tool to infer the structural change under shear.