Advisor: M. Bockstaller, MSE.
Block copolymers, i.e. segmented polymers in which
different polymer chains are covalently connected
together to form a chain, have attracted the interest
of 'nanotechnologists' because of their ability
to self-organize into a hierarchy of periodic microdomain
structures with characteristic lengthscales in
the nanometer range. The functionality of these
materials can be further enhanced by addition of
nanoparticle additives that impart the particular
optical, mechanical or magnetic properties of nanosized
inorganic matter.
This
aim of this project is to discern the effect of
particle additives on the order formation in block
copolymer thermoplastic elastomers. Small
Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS) will be applied to
determine the order-disorder transition temperature
and to discern changes in block copolymer microstructure. In
particular, the effects of polydispersity, chain
connectivity, and nanoparticles on block copolymer
ordering will be studied. |
