Embedding Nanofibers in a Polymer Matrix by Polymerization of Organogels Comprising Heterobifunctional Organogelators and Monomeric Solvents

Abstract

We demonstrate the embedding of nanofibers in a polymer matrix through the polymerization of an organogel. A series of organogelators based on a biphenyl ester having two different polymerizable groups, namely, acryl and diacetylene groups, are prepared. The resulting heterobifunctional gelators show the ability to gelate various monomeric solvents. The photopolymerization of an organogel of a heterobifunctional gelator (1.5 or 10 wt %), formed in hexyl methacrylate (HMA), is carried out by UV irradiation in the presence of 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (photoinitiator, 4 wt %). The polymerization of HMA forms a polymer matrix, while the polymerization of the acryl and diacetylene groups of the gelator forms the nanofibers with a cross-linked structure. The copolymerization of a gelator and HMA at the interface will improve the adhesion between the nanofiber and the polymer matrix. The polymerized gels appear yellowish and exhibit strong fluorescence when irradiated with 365 nm UV light. This is due ...