Highly porous nanocoatings tailored for inverse nanoparticle‐polymer composites

Abstract

A novel nanoparticle‐polymer composite is proposed, named inverse nanocomposites in this work. First, a rigid percolating scaffold of nanoparticles is formed, which is filled with a matrix and then polymerized. Targeted for use in thin‐film applications, these mesoporous nanoparticle scaffolds are prepared by combining the sol–gel chemistry of functionalized silanes with nanoparticles in dispersions. The nanoparticle coatings have high porosity, low density, good adhesion to the substrate, and interesting non‐classical properties, such as absorbency of highly viscous fluids. The porosity, which can be adjusted by changing the composition and preparation parameters, reaches 75%. The porous scaffold can be infiltrated with various fluids, including acrylic and epoxy monomers and even highly viscous pressure‐sensitive adhesives. If the monomers are polymerized after imbibition, the inverse nanocomposite is formed, consisting of a percolating particle network surrounded by a polymeric binder. Hence, the morphology comprises an interpenetrating system of two co‐continuous phases and not merely particles dispersed in a polymeric phase, as is typical for conventionally prepared nanocomposites.

Fabrication and Impact of Fouling-Reducing Temperature-Responsive POEGMA Coatings with Embedded CaCO3 Nanoparticles on Different Cell Lines

“…The ultimate goal of such studies is to create materials and products, which are better suitable for diverse applications in biomedicine. In the past few years, such materials were created on the basis of the nanocoatings [ 1 , 2 , 3 ], grafted polymer brushes [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], nanotubes [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], hydrogels [ 12 , 13 ], organic and inorganic nanoparticles [ 14 , 15 ], and others. To improve biological action of polymeric materials, they are often modified in different manners.…”

In situ polymerization monitoring of a diacrylate in an electrically conducting mesoporous nanoparticle scaffold

“…[5,6] This approach has several disadvantages regarding material efficiency, percolation threshold and processing conditions. [7] A suitable class of inverse NPC is presented in this study in terms of the optical features and physical properties, enabling the material to be applied in optoelectronic devices or coatings.…”

“…New preparation modes were recently reported to overcome the various limitations seen in conventional blending regarding the arbitrary distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix, namely vapor condensation, capillary rise infiltration and ink-jetting. [6,7,[11][12][13][14] One of these new methods is based on the preparation of a highly porous nanoparticle scaffold formed by flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) [15] and the infiltration of the pores with a photo-curable monomer. [16] In a second step, the monomer is photo-polymerized under preservation of the initial particle network, forming an inverse NPC.…”

“…[16] In a second step, the monomer is photo-polymerized under preservation of the initial particle network, forming an inverse NPC. [7,11] This process requires a suitable monomer that has a low viscosity, for the proper imbibition into nanopores, as well as a high transparency for applications in the optoelectronics industry. [17] Meeting these demands and featuring fast photo-polymerization and high cross-linking density, 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) was selected as the monomer to infiltrate the ITO nanoparticle layer.…”

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Inverse Nanocomposite Made from Polylactide and Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles

“…Nanocomposites containing more than 25% by volume of nanofiller, i.e., 50% by weight, differ from conventional structures because the interactions adopted for polymer composites are modified with solid particles. They are called inverse materials [ 15 , 16 ].…”