Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a matrix-free polymer nanocomposite. The matrix-free polymer nanocomposite includes a plurality of polymer brush grafted nanoparticles, which form the nanocomposite in the absence of a polymeric matrix. The polymer brush grafted to the nanoparticles comprises a multimodal brush configuration having at least two different populations of polymer ligands of different lengths. The present disclosure also relates to an optic or optoelectronic component comprising a matrix-free polymer nanocomposite as described herein. The present disclosure further relates to a method of making a matrix-free polymer nanocomposite.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a matrix-free polymer nanocomposite. The matrix-free polymer nanocomposite includes a plurality of polymer brush grafted nanoparticles, which form the nanocomposite in the absence of a polymeric matrix. The polymer brush grafted to the nanoparticles comprises a multimodal brush configuration having at least two different populations of polymer ligands of different lengths. The present disclosure also relates to an optic or optoelectronic component comprising a matrix-free polymer nanocomposite as described herein. The present disclosure further relates to a method of making a matrix-free polymer nanocomposite.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a binary polymer functionalized nanoparticle are generally provided. In one embodiment, a first anchoring compound is attached to a nanoparticle, and a first plurality of first monomers are polymerized on the first anchoring compound to form a first polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the first anchoring compound. In another embodiment, a first polymeric chain can be attached to the nanoparticle, where the first polymeric chain has been polymerized prior to attachment to the nanoparticle. Thereafter, a second anchoring compound is attached to the nanoparticle, and a second plurality of second monomers are polymerized on the second anchoring compound to form a second polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the second anchoring compound. Nanoparticles are also generally provided having multiple polymeric assemblies.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a binary polymer functionalized nanoparticle are generally provided. In one embodiment, a first anchoring compound is attached to a nanoparticle, and a first plurality of first monomers are polymerized on the first anchoring compound to form a first polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the first anchoring compound. In another embodiment, a first polymeric chain can be attached to the nanoparticle, where the first polymeric chain has been polymerized prior to attachment to the nanoparticle. Thereafter, a second anchoring compound is attached to the nanoparticle, and a second plurality of second monomers are polymerized on the second anchoring compound to form a second polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the second anchoring compound. Nanoparticles are also generally provided having multiple polymeric assemblies.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a binary polymer functionalized nanoparticle are generally provided. In one embodiment, a first anchoring compound is attached to a nanoparticle, and a first plurality of first monomers are polymerized on the first anchoring compound to form a first polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the first anchoring compound. In another embodiment, a first polymeric chain can be attached to the nanoparticle, where the first polymeric chain has been polymerized prior to attachment to the nanoparticle. Thereafter, a second anchoring compound is attached to the nanoparticle, and a second plurality of second monomers are polymerized on the second anchoring compound to form a second polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the second anchoring compound. Nanoparticles are also generally provided having multiple polymeric assemblies.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a binary polymer functionalized nanoparticle are generally provided. In one embodiment, a first anchoring compound is attached to a nanoparticle, and a first plurality of first monomers are polymerized on the first anchoring compound to form a first polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the first anchoring compound. In another embodiment, a first polymeric chain can be attached to the nanoparticle, where the first polymeric chain has been polymerized prior to attachment to the nanoparticle. Thereafter, a second anchoring compound is attached to the nanoparticle, and a second plurality of second monomers are polymerized on the second anchoring compound to form a second polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the second anchoring compound. Nanoparticles are also generally provided having multiple polymeric assemblies.

Abstract: Methods of synthesizing a binary polymer functionalized nanoparticle are generally provided. In one embodiment, a first anchoring compound is attached to a nanoparticle, and a first plurality of first monomers are polymerized on the first anchoring compound to form a first polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the first anchoring compound. In another embodiment, a first polymeric chain can be attached to the nanoparticle, where the first polymeric chain has been polymerized prior to attachment to the nanoparticle. Thereafter, a second anchoring compound is attached to the nanoparticle, and a second plurality of second monomers are polymerized on the second anchoring compound to form a second polymeric chain covalently bonded to the nanoparticle via the second anchoring compound. Nanoparticles are also generally provided having multiple polymeric assemblies.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyester nanocomposite is presented. The method comprises coating nanoparticles with a dicarboxylic acid. Combining the dicarboxylic acid coated nanoparticles with a coupling agent resulting in a first mixture. Then combining the first mixture with a polyester to form a polyester nanocomposite. The resulting polyester nanocomposite has among other properties a glass transition temperature greater than the polyester itself and also a crystallization temperature less than the polyester itself.

Abstract: Polyester nanocomposites and methods of preparation thereof are presented.

Abstract: A process for producing microtubes from nanoparticles includes forming a dispersion of the nanoparticles in a liquid phase and freeze-drying the dispersion to produce microtubes. The nanoparticles have surface functionality capable of self-bonding and bonding with the liquid phase during freeze-drying, particularly surface hydroxy functionality.

Abstract: An ultrafast all-optical nonlinear switch. The switch has as components a substrate and a material disposed on the substrate. In one embodiment, the material includes a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes and a polymer forming a composite. Preferably, the polymer is polyimide. In another embodiment, the material includes a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes incorporated into a silica. The nanotube loading in the material is less than about 0.1 wt %. The material is a substantially transparent, third-order nonlinear optical material. The switch has a switching speed of less than 1 picosecond for light with a wavelength of about 1.55 micrometers. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the ultrafast all-optical nonlinear switch.

Abstract: An ultrafast all-optical nonlinear switch. The switch has as components a substrate and a material disposed on the substrate. In one embodiment, the material includes a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes and a polymer forming a composite. Preferably, the polymer is polyimide. In another embodiment, the material includes a plurality of single-walled carbon nanotubes incorporated into a silica. The nanotube loading in the material is less than about 0.1 wt %. The material is a substantially transparent, third-order nonlinear optical material. The switch has a switching speed of less than 1 picosecond for light with a wavelength of about 1.55 micrometers. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the ultrafast all-optical nonlinear switch.