(666b) Processing Nanocomposites: Nanoparticle Loaded Bicontinuous Polymer Blends

We are investigating blends of poly(styrene-b-ethylene/butylene-b-styrene) with grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS-MA) and a polyamide, Nylon 6, for the cocontinuous morphology they exhibit. Bicontinuous 3D connected structures have been shown to exhibit interesting mechanical properties and electrical percolation effects. The initial focus of this study is to demonstrate the concentration range at which this morphology forms under certain conditions, and then to expand that to include different processing conditions like temperature, shear rate, and extrusion conditions. We will also introduce nanoparticles into each phase while maintaining the 3D connectivity of the phases. Rheology will be used to guide this investigation since the viscosity ratios of the phases are an integral aspect of creating a cocontinuous morphology. Including nanoparticles into the bicontinuous polymer blends gives them multi-functionality by altering their electrical, mechanical, magnetic, dielectric and/or optical properties. Formic acid can be used to etch the Nylon phase exposing the nanoparticles and the specific morphology to investigation with scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, these materials will be cryo-microtomed and investigated with transmission electron microscopy to confirm the morphology both parallel and perpendicular to the extrusion direction.