Reference #: 00918
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for improved methods for synthesizing nanoparticles with multiple polymer assemblies attached.
Potential Applications:
This technology can be used in composites with improved mechanical properties or optically clear composites. It may also be used in biological and antibacterial applications.
Advantages and Benefits:
Problem:
Controlled radical polymerization has been widely used to synthesize polymer architectures, including polymer brushes. One interesting application is the synthesis of polymer brushes on nanoparticles for incorporation into polymer nanocomposites. While single component monodisperse polymer brushes have been successfully grafted, there are very few methods for the synthesis of mixed polymer brush grafted surfaces. Furthermore, the current methods are limited in the types of monomers required for separate polymerization and necessarily form a particle with a 50/50 percentage of each polymeric chain. Therefore, a need existed for improved methods for synthesizing nanoparticles with multiple polymer assemblies attached.
Invention Description:
Dr. Benicewicz has developed two techniques that allow nanoparticles to be created with multiple polymeric assemblies. Each nanoparticle can have at least two different polymeric chains extending from it. These grafted polymer chains can improve the dispersion of the nanoparticles in an organic polymer matrix. Nanoparticles with multiple assemblies of polymer chains may be used in polymer nanocomposites. These polymer composites can be used in composites with improved mechanical properties or optically clear composites, and may enhance dielectric or conducting properties. The nanoparticles may also have specific and targeted biological activity, such as antibacterial properties.