Rheological characterization of nanoparticle filled polymeric systems

This study focuses on the effects of dispersion method of a nanoparticle in a polymer matrix such as melt mixing, solution blending, and in-situ polymerization on the physical properties of the nanocomposites. Introduction of a nanoparticle to a polymer resulted in some unusual physical properties. In some cases the nanoparticle played a role of a nucleating agent, leading to decreasing induction time to crystallization. In addition, the dispersion state of the nanoparticle in the polymer matrix also had a significant influence on the physical properties of the nanocomposites. Hence the method of introducing the nanoparticle to the polymer made contribution to the rheological properties of the nanocomposite systems.