Pinar Akcora1, Sanat Kumar1, Brian C. Benicewicz Sr.2, Yu Li2, and Linda S. Schadler3. (1) Chemical Engineering, Columbia University, 500 W. 120th St. Mudd 801, New York, NY 10027, (2) Chemistry Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis, 110 8th St., Troy, NY 12180-3590, (3) Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and Rensselaer Nanotechnology Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180
Particle-polymer and particle-particle interactions determine the state of dispersion of particles and mechanical behavior of polymer nanocomposites. I will present the unique self-assembly of polymer grafted nanoparticles in polymer melts and will couple the statics results with the microscopic particle dynamics measurements which show that particles form gels through different mechanisms. Gel-like behavior of particle dynamics underpins the mechanical reinforcement measured in these gel former nanocomposites. Additionally, local dynamics in the network, formed by the strong matrix-particle interactions, show that segmental grafted chain dynamics move slower than that of matrix as the composite forms a gel.