UC Berkeley

Nanocomposites use nanomaterials with characteristic lengths in nanometers resulting in a high surface-to-volume ratio. Furthermore, the large filler/matrix interface reduces the interparticle distances lower than the radius of gyrations of polymers, thus changing the polymer chain conformation. Therefore, the incorporated nanofillers can fundamentally alter the characteristics of polymers and realize remarkable performances compared to conventional composites. However, ironically, the large interfacial area makes it challenging for the interplay of enthalpic and entropic contributions of the filler and polymer matrix. Unfortunately, this causes phase separation and agglomeration of nanoparticles, compromising the properties of nanocomposites. Therefore, it is essential to tailor the thermodynamic driving forces at the filler/matrix interfaces to achieve desired morphology and, ultimately, enhanced physical properties. Here, I introduced functional organic-inorganic nanocomposites consisting of nanoscopically dispersed functional nanoparticles through the design of filler/matrix interfaces. Thanks to the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles, the presented nanocomposites displayed multifunctionalities, such as electrical conductivity with mechanical flexibility, degradability with scalability, and simultaneous enhancement of strength and ductility, which are generally mutually exclusive.