Fundamentals of Scalable Nanoparticle Assembly in Engineering Polymers

amorphous grafts on the other hand hinder crystallization. In addition, by organizing the fillers in the melt, we have shown we can alter the nucleation and crystallization rate when the sample is cooled below its melting point. Understanding the fundamentals of both these phenomena is critical to controlling NP organization and therefore properties.

• Zone Annealing: Manufacturing protocols require that polymers are extruded and then directionally crystallized in the presence of flow (and temperature) gradients. To mimic these practically more relevant synthesis protocols, we have designed a flow setup, modeled on the zone annealing (ZA) method to directionally solidify polymer nanocomposites. As expected, this protocol yields spherulites that are elongated in the flow direction. We will develop an understanding of how flow induced orientation impacts the crystallinity (initial results suggest it is higher) as well as use it as a method to create larger scale alignment of the lamella (and thus the filler sheets).