Non-Equilibrium Effects in Polymer Nanocomposites

We have previously shown that the polymer nanocomposites, especially those that involve pure polymer-grafted nanoparticles,have a solid-like mechanical response with extraordinarily long relaxation times. In parallel with these efforts here we show that the structure and dynamics of these materials (and apparently for all nanocomposites) relax over similarly long times. The implications of these results for our understanding of this class of hybrid materials will be explored.