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DOE OSTI · 2333787

Amplifying Nanoparticle Reinforcement through Low Volume Topologically Controlled Chemical Coupling

Kanbargi, Nihal·Damron, Joshua T.·Gao, Yawei·Kearney, Logan T.·Carrillo, Jan Michael·Keum, Jong K.·Sumpter, Bobby G.·Naskar, Amit K.
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Abstract

Here, we present a streamlined method to covalently bond hydroxylated carbon nanotubes (CNOH) within a polyphenol matrix, all achieved through a direct, solvent-free process. Employing an extremely small concentration of CNOH (0.01% w/w) along with topologically contrasting linkers led to a maximum of 5-fold increase in modulus and a 25% enhancement in tensile strength compared to the unaltered matrix, an order of magnitude greater reinforcement (w/w) compared to state-of-the-art melt-processed nanocomposites. Through dynamic mechanical analysis, low field solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations, we uncovered the profound influence of linker’s conformational degrees of freedom on the segmental dynamics and therefore the material’s properties.

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37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRYcarbon nanotubesmolecular dynamicsnanocompositespolymersstiffness

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Kanbargi, Nihal, Damron, Joshua T., Gao, Yawei, Kearney, Logan T., Carrillo, Jan Michael, Keum, Jong K., Sumpter, Bobby G., Naskar, Amit K.. 2024-02-12. Amplifying Nanoparticle Reinforcement through Low Volume Topologically Controlled Chemical Coupling. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00739

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