(163av) Composite Materials of Thermo-Responsive Polymer Networks and Inorganic Nanoparticles

Hybrid materials that combine two or more constituents offer powerful avenues for tailoring the functional properties of materials. Our objective is the design of composite materials of inorganic nanoparticles embedded in a matrix of a responsive polymer. The goal is to use these novel materials in applications such as remediation of waste streams containing organic compounds. Towards this end, we have focused on two approaches. In one strategy, we have used temperature-responsive microgels produced by surfactant-free radical polymerization of N-isopropylacryalimide and incorporated titanium dioxide nanoparticles within the microgels. A second approach that we will focus on relies on the use of solid surfaces functionalized with thin films of polymer networks and inorganic nanoparticles embedded within the network. For characterization of the microgel composites, we have used dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Characterization of the thin films will be performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical spectroscopy. This poster will discuss the preparation of the composite materials, the experimental characterization, and preliminary work on their use in degradation of contaminants in aqueous solutions.