[nanoPost] Macromolecular engineering of synthetic polymers

University Belgium

Macromolecular engineering of synthetic polymers with the purpose to develop new organic materials in line with the emerging technologies. The expertise in synthesis of polymers has been extended to nanotechnology as exemplified hereafter:

• Preparation of silicate/polymer nanocomposites mainly by melt-blending and intercalative polymerization. Numerous publications attest for the important activity of CERM in this area. The use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2; green technology) for the preparation of polycaprolactone/silicate nanocomposites masterbatches (up to 50wt% silica) and other polymer/silicate nanocomposites is a topic of intensive research. A patent application has been filed in this area. These polymer/silicate nanocomposites are very promising materials because of improved barrier properties and flame resistance. A 50 L high pressure pilot reactor is available to the preparation of these masterbatches in scCO2.
  
• Preparation of carbon nanotubes/polymer hybrid materials for nanoelectronics, electromagnetic shielding, mechanical reinforcement, electrical conductivity (e.g. flexible plastic electronic displays). CERM is also involved in the synthesis of new carbon based nanomaterials and nanoobjects (carbon nanocapsules,…).
• Nanostructuring of plastics by reactive blending with precursors of block copolymers. Remarkable toughening of polyamide has been reported as result of the self-assembly of an in-situ formed ABC triblock copolymer. This strategy appears to be general for improving the mechanical properties of plastics.
• Preparation of metallic and organic nanoparticles for application in nanoelectronics, catalysis and coating. Conducting and/or magnetic nanoparticles are important nanomaterials for designing nanocoatings, such as nano barcodes and conductive nanocoatings.
• Reinforcement of rubbers by “in-situ” formed silica particles (sol-gel process)