Nanoparticle Templating via Block Copolymer Self-Assembly

Many applications of polymer nanocomposites require an ordered configuration. To address this challenge, our group is studying the templating of nanoparticles by block copolymers within a thermoset resin. However, much remains to be understood about the fundamental phase behavior of block copolymers when blended with a thermoset. In this presentation, we will discuss our recent work characterizing the self-assembly behavior of an asymmetric block copolymer blended in an epoxy resin. The nanostructures formed as a function of block copolymer weight fraction within the thermoset resin are characterized by SAXS and TEM, and the evolution of these structures during epoxy curing is evaluated. The effect of increasing weight fraction of block polymer on the thermal characteristics of the cured network are probed using DSC. In addition, we present preliminary work on the abilities of these nanostructures to template gold nanoparticles. The suitability of these materials for high performance applications is also discussed.