Polyester nanocomposites via in situ sol-gel reactions

01.03.2008 - 31.05.2011
Research funding project
Inorganic-organic nanocomposites are an important materials class for a plethora of technological application. Particularly the combination of inorganic nanoparticles with organic polymers enables the preparation of new materials with novel mechanical, optical or electronic properties. The usual synthetic method for the preparation of such materials is the mechanical or thermal mixing of nanoparticles in polymer formulations. Applying this process an heterogeneous distribution of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix is often obtained and agglomeration of the nano building blocks shows negative influences on the properties of the nanocomposites. Furthermore, polymers such as polyesters allow only a limited incorporation of nano building blocks due to their harsh reaction conditions. The project will investigate a process for the in situ formation of nanoparticles via the sol-gel process. The inorganic component will be prepared during the polymerization from molecular precursors. Due to the fact that the polyester synthesis occurs at quite high temperatures, the molecular structure of the precursors for the sol-gel process as well as the reaction parameter for the polyester synthesis have to be well-controlled to avoid phase separations and the formation of inhomogenities during polymerisation. Structure-property relationships in teh obtained materials will be studied depending on the influence of the reaction parameters.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Contract/collaboration

  • Tigerwerk Lack- und Farbenfabrik GmbH. & Co KG

Grant funds

  • FFG - Österr. Forschungsförderungs- gesellschaft mbH (National) Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG)

Research focus

  • Composite Materials: 60%
  • Structure-Property Relationsship: 10%
  • Surfaces and Interfaces: 20%
  • Materials Characterization: 10%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
PolyesterPolyester
Sol-Gelsol-gel
NanopartikelNanoparticles

Publications