Materials World Network: In-situ NMR Studies of Processing and Deformation of Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites

• Applicant: Dr. Ulrich Scheler
• Subject Area: Polymer Materials
• Term: from 2007 to 2011
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 43803537

Nanocomposites offer a new range of materials properties (mechanical, electrical, permability). These properties result from a large interface and strong interaction between filler and matrix, which is achieved by dedicated processing. The process will be investigated for nanocomposites of poly(propylene) or poly(ethylene terephthalate) with synthetic fluorinated mica. Rheological NMR a combination of NMR imaging, and PFG NMR for the localized investigation of flow pattern provides insight into the processing in situ, where the mixing process and the ordering effects on the polymer are investigated simultaneously. Information about shear-induced ordering is provided by the residual dipolar coupling measured under shear, while the influence on molecular mobility is derived from relaxation times. Local variations in the shear rate permit the investigation of the relaxation of the polymer after high local shear. Since the inorganic part contains fluorine selective excitation across the interface is achieved with high sensitivity permitting the selective investigation of the polymer in direct interaction with the filler. The intercalation and delamination process on filler itself is monitored by fluorine and silicon solid-state NMR.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: USA
• Participating Person: Dr. Johannes Leisen