Abstract
Silica nanoparticles dispersed in polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(ethylene oxide) melts have been investigated using a density functional approach. The polymers are regarded as coarse-grained semiflexible chains, and the segment sizes are represented by their Kuhn lengths. The particle-particle and particle-polymer interactions are calculated with the Hamaker theory to reflect the relationship between particles and polymer melts. The effects of particle volume fraction and size on the particle dispersion have been quantitatively determined to evaluate their dispersion/aggregation behavior in these polymer melts. It is shown that theoretical predictions are generally in good agreement with the corresponding experimental results, providing the reasonable verification of particle dispersion/agglomeration and polymer depletion.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
