Fibrillar Phase Research Articles

A Difluoro-Methoxylated Ending-Group Asymmetric Small Molecule Acceptor Lead Efficient Binary Organic Photovoltaic Blend.

Developing a new end group for synthesizing asymmetric small molecule acceptors (SMAs) is crucial for achieving high-performance organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Herein, an asymmetric small molecule acceptor, BTP-BO-4FO, featuring a new difluoro-methoxylated end-group is reported. Compared to its symmetric counterpart L8-BO, BTP-BO-4FO exhibits an upshifted energy level, larger dipole moment, and more sequential crystallinity. By adopting two representative and widely available solvent additives (1-chloronaphthalene (CN) and 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO)), the device based on PM6:BTP-BO-4FO (CN) photovoltaic blend demonstrates a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.62% with an excellent open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.933V, which surpasses the optimal result of L8-BO. The PCE of 18.62% realizes the best efficiencies for binary OPVs based on SMAs with asymmetric end groups. A series of investigations reveal that optimized PM6:BTP-BO-4FO film demonstrates similar molecular packing motif and fibrillar phase distribution as PM6:L8-BO (DIO) does, resulting in comparable recombination dynamics, thus, similar fill factor. Besides, it is found PM6:BTP-BO-4FO possesses more efficient charge generation, which yields better VOC-JSC balance. This study provides a new ending group that enables a cutting-edge efficiency in asymmetric SMA-based OPVs, enriching the material library and shed light on further design ideas.

Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation Mechanism in the Presence of Nanomaterials.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the toxic oligomeric and fibrillar phases formed by monomeric alpha-synuclein (α-syn). Certain nanoparticles have been demonstrated to promote protein aggregation, while other nanomaterials have been found to prevent the process. In the current work, we use nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in conjunction with isothermal titration calorimetry to investigate the cause and mechanism of these opposing effects at the amino acid protein level. The interaction of α-syn with two types of nanomaterials was considered: citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and graphene oxide (GO). In the presence of AuNPs, α-syn aggregation is accelerated, whereas in the presence of GO, aggregation is prevented. The study indicates that GO sequesters the NAC region of α-syn monomers through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, leading to a reduced elongation rate, and AuNPs leave the NAC region exposed while binding the N-terminus, leading to higher aggregation. The protein's inclination toward quicker aggregation is explained by the binding of the N-terminus of α-syn with the gold nanoparticles. Conversely, a comparatively stronger interaction with GO causes the nucleation and growth phases to be postponed and inhibits intermolecular interactions. Our finding offers novel experimental insights at the residue level regarding the aggregation of α-syn in the presence of various nanomaterials and creates new opportunities for the development of suitably functionalized nanomaterial-based therapeutic reagents against Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Unusual Structural Insights Revealed by Rheo-SAXS Studies of Nonaqueous Crystalline Gels.

Glycerol is a nonaqueous polar solvent and is of interest in many industrial areas due to its beneficial properties, such as green production and biocompatibility. Our previous works have shown the presence of a fibrillar phase on the microscale that consists of lamellar sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) crystals containing interstitial glycerol on the nanoscale. The phase is gel-like at room temperature and demonstrates shear-thinning behavior upon application of a shear. Initially, small-angle X-ray scattering coupled with rheology (rheo-SAXS) measurements were performed to elucidate the structural transition of the gel phase under an applied shear, but it became clear that the aging process of the gel has a profound impact on both the gel nanostructure and also the mechanical properties. For younger gels, both the dissolution of SDS crystallites and the alignment of the fibrillar phase were seen. However, in the aged gels, an unexpected foam was formed at shear rates > 700 s-1. The microscopic structure of the foam phase was imaged using polarizing light microscopy and brightfield and darkfield optical microscopy. The nanostructure of the foam phase was investigated using rheo-SAXS. The foam phase was shown to be stabilized by the presence of SDS crystallites at the air-liquid interface, and the stability of the foam is high with foam persisting even t = 3 months after formation. These results highlight the importance of investigating green nonaqueous media and the gel aging process, both of which are interesting not only on a fundamental level but also for a range of industrial applications, from personal care products and cosmetics to food science.

Cation-Induced Fibrillation of Microbial Glycolipid Biosurfactant Probed by Ion-Resolved In Situ SAXS.

Biological amphiphiles are molecules with a rich phase behavior. Micellar, vesicular, and even fibrillar phases can be found for the same molecule by applying a change in pH or by selecting the appropriate metal ion. The rich phase behavior paves the way toward a broad class of soft materials, from carriers to hydrogels. The present work contributes to understanding the fibrillation of a microbial glycolipid, glucolipid G-C18:1, produced by Starmerella bombicola ΔugtB1 and characterized by a micellar phase at alkaline pH and a vesicular phase at acidic pH. Fibrillation and prompt hydrogelation is triggered by adding either alkaline earth, Ca2+, or transition metal, Ag+, Fe2+, Al3+, ions to a G-C18:1 micellar solution. A specifically designed apparatus coupled to a synchrotron SAXS beamline allows the performing of simultaneous cation- and pH-resolved in situ monitoring of the morphological evolution from spheroidal micelles to crystalline fibers, when Ca2+ is employed, or to wormlike aggregates, when Fe2+ or Al3+ solutions are employed. The fast reactivity of Ag+ and the crystallinity of Ca2+-induced fibers suggest that fibrillation is driven by direct metal-ligand interactions, while the shape transition from spheroidal to elongated micelles with Fe2+ or Al3+ rather suggest charge screening between the lipid and the hydroxylated cation species.

In Situ Formation of Microfibrillar PBAT in PGA Films: An Effective Way to Robust Barrier and Mechanical Properties for Fully Biodegradable Packaging Films.

Poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) is a semicrystalline biodegradable polyester with high gas barrier properties. However, due to its poor processability and low ductility, PGA could hardly find applications in the packaging field. Here, a strategy was adopted for in situ generation of high-aspect-ratio flexible microfibrils with strong interface affinity for the PGA matrix. Because poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) possesses impressive ductility, it was selected as the “fibrillar toughening phase” to enhance the ductility of PGA. Moreover, a chain extender was used to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the two polymers. The extrusion blown film technique was then used to develop fully biodegradable PGA/PBAT films with a superior combination of excellent barrier performance and robust mechanical properties. The PBAT phase can in situ form microfibrils under the influence of extensional flow. Simultaneously, the synergetic function of the extensional flow field could effectively promote the motion of the PGA molecular chain to develop an oriented crystalline microstructure. Because of the aligned oriented lamellar crystal of PGA and oriented PBAT fibril structures serving as robust “barrier walls” 60PGA/ADR blown films demonstrated dramatically improved resistance to oxygen and water vapor, with 59 and 44 times lower oxygen permeability and water vapor permeability, respectively, when compared to the neat PBAT blown film. As a result, PGA/PBAT blown films offer a variety of benefits, including superior ductility, toughness, and a strong gas barrier property. The potential of these films to degrade makes them a viable contender for replacing classical nondegradable packing films.

Interfacial localization of organoclay enhances the peelability of polyethylene/polybutene-1/organoclay nanocomposite films

Premature failure in polymer blends originates mainly at interfaces between immiscible polymers which is deemed detrimental to mechanical properties in many applications. Here we exploit this phenomenon in developing a peelable film with a very wide peelable seal-temperature window (ΔTp) of over 90 °C. A melt-cast films of low-density polyethylene (PE) containing both 5 wt% isotactic polybutene-1 (PB-1) and 1 phr organoclay shows peel strength well within the peelable region (150–650 N/m), whereas the PE/5 wt% PB-1 blend, and PE/1 phr organoclay nanocomposite films are lock sealed similar to the neat PE film after the sealing process. Furthermore, the characteristic aging of the PE/PB-1 blends is eliminated by the addition of organoclay to the system. The results indicate a synergistic interaction between organoclay and PB-1 that plays a key role in the formation and consistent propagation of cracks throughout the system. The localization of organoclay at the interface of the PE/PB-1 blend significantly reduces the thickness of the fibrillar PB-1 phase more than three times to 60 nm. This suggests an increase in the interfacial area that can facilitate interfacial cracking and failure at the interface. The nanoconfinement induced by the PE matrix and organoclay at the interface also enhance the formation of the thermodynamically stable form I and form III PB-1 crystals rendering a consistent peel performance.

Mechanical and viscoelastic properties of polyethylene‐based microfibrillated composites from 100% recycled resources

AbstractIn this study, recycled polyethylene (rPE) based microfibrillated composites (MFCs) were developed while incorporating recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) and recycled polyamide 6 (rPA) as the reinforcing fibrillar phases at a given weight ratio of 80 wt% (rPE)/20 wt% (rPET or rPA). The blends were first melt processed using a twin‐screw extruder. The extrudates were then cold stretched at a drawing ratio of 2.5 to form rPET and rPA fibrillar structures. Next, the pelletized drawn samples were injection molded at the barrel temperatures below the melting temperatures of rPET and rPA. The tensile, three‐point bending, impact strength, dynamic thermomechanical, and rheological properties of the fabricated MFCs were analyzed. The effects of injection molding barrel temperature (i.e., 150°C and 190°C) and extrusion melt processing temperature (i.e., 250°C and 275°C) on the generated fibrillar structure and the resultant properties were explored. A strong correlation between the fibrillar morphology and the mechanical properties with the extrusion and injection molding temperatures was observed. Moreover, the ethylene/n‐butyl acrylate/glycidyl methacrylate (EnBAGMA) terpolymer and maleic anhydride grafted PE (MAH‐g‐PE) were, respectively, melt processed with rPE/rPET and rPE/rPA6 blends as compatibilizers. The compatibilizers refined the fibrillar structure and remarkably influenced mechanical properties, specifically the impact strength.

In-situ nano-fibrillation of poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) in isosorbide-based polycarbonate matrix. Relationship between rheological parameters and induced morphological and mechanical properties

Multiphase systems in which 30 wt% of ductile semi-crystalline polymer, namely poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), was homogeneously dispersed at the melt state in an amorphous bio-based poly(isosorbide carbonate co-cyclohexanedimethanol) (named PIC). Usually, for the manufacturing of in situ microfiber reinforced polymer composite (MFCs), the melting temperature of the reinforcing polymer must exceed that of the matrix by at least 30 °C, to allow fibril preservation during matrix consolidation step. Then, the blend is drawn at temperatures equal or slightly above the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of both components. Surprisingly, in our case, despite the low melting temperature of PBSA with respect to the (Tg) of PIC, it was demonstrated for the first time, the feasibility to create a nanosized fibrillar PBSA phase in the continuous PIC matrix. The development of a stable nanofibrillar morphology was promoted by controlling the viscosity and elasticity ratios between the dispersed and continuous phases as well as the time required for fiber breakup during processing. Interestingly, compared to the PIC matrix, the nanofibrillar PIC/PBSA composites exhibited outstanding mechanical and rheological properties. The elongation at break of the blend was increased by about 670% compared to that of the neat matrix without sacrificing the tensile strength. On the other hand, the energy to break of blends was found to be almost ten times greater than that of pure PIC matrix. Therefore, the methodology for the rheological and morphological control developed in the present study could find interesting applications in the design of novel bio-based polymer composites thin films dedicated for green packaging.

Novel Structure to Improve Mechanical Properties of Polymer Blends: Multilayered Ribbons

Ribbon-like dispersed phase in polymer blends can provide excellent mechanical properties for the matrix, compared with the fibrillar or spherical dispersed phase. However, it is difficult to contr...

Phase-field collagen fibrils: Coupling chirality and density modulations

To describe the interaction between longitudinal density modulations along collagen fibrils (the D-band) with the radial twist-field of molecular orientation (double-twist), we couple phase-field-crystal (PFC) with liquid-crystalline free-energies to obtain a hybrid model of equilibrium collagen fibril structure. We numerically compute the resulting axial and radial structure. We find two distinct fibrillar phases, `L' and `C', with a coexistence line that ends in an Ising-like critical point. We propose that coexistence between these phases can explain the bimodal distribution of fibril radii that has been widely reported within tendon tissues. Tensile strain applied to our model fibrils straightens the average fibrillar twist and flattens the D-band modulation. Our PFC approach should apply directly to other longitudinally-modulated chiral filaments, such as fibrin and intermediate filaments.

Low Energy Implantation of Carbon into Elastic Polyurethane

Ion modification of polymeric materials requires gentle regimens and subsequent investigation of mechanical and deformation behavior of the surfaces. Polyurethane is a synthetic block copolymer: A fibrillar hard phase is inhomogeneoulsy distributed in a matrix of soft phase. Implantation of carbon ions into this polymer by deep oscillation magnetron sputtering (energy—0.1–1 keV and dose of ions—1014–1015 ion/cm2) forms graphene-like nanolayer and causes heterogeneous changes in structural and mechanical properties of the surface: Topography, elastic modulus and depth of implantation for the hard/soft phase areas are different. As a result, after certain treatment regimens strain-induced defects (nanocracks in the areas of the modified soft phase, or folds in the hard phase) appear on the surfaces of stretched materials. Treated surfaces have increased hydrophobicity and free surface energy, and in some cases show good deformability without any defects.

Melt rheology and interfacial properties of binary and ternary blends of PS, EOC, and SEBS

ABSTRACTThis works systematically investigates the interfacial properties of the binary and the ternary blends based on polystyrene (PS), ethylene octene copolymer (EOC), and styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS) by analyzing the melt linear rheological behavior of the blends and neat components. Moreover, the relationship between rheology, phase morphology, and mechanical properties of PS/EOC ternary blends with various quantities of SEBS were studied. The surface shear modulus (β) and interfacial tension values obtained by Palierne model indicated that the EOC/SEBS blend has the best interfacial properties, while the lowest interaction was found for PS/EOC blend. Based on the Palierne model and Harkin's spreading coefficients a core–shell type morphology with EOC phase encapsulated by the SEBS shell dispersed in the PS matrix was determined for the ternary blends. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed that both fibrillar and droplet forms of dispersed phase could be developed during the blending of PS and EOC in presence of SEBS. The extent of fibrillar morphology and interfacial interactions in PS/EOC/SEBS ternary blends was dependent on the SEBS content. The improvement of the mechanical properties of PS/EOC blends in the presence of SEBS was evidenced by the tensile and impact resistance experiments. The tensile strength reinforcement was more pronounced for the ternary blends with more fibrillar dispersed phase. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48791.

Enhancing thermal conductivity and near‐infrared radiation reflectance of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid)‐based nanocomposites by incorporating hexagonal boron nitride

This work aims to develop multifunctional biodegradable ternary nanocomposites with heat dissipation capability. The effects of adding hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), regarding phase morphology, near‐infrared radiation (NIR) reflectance and thermal conductivity of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends were investigated. The hBN nanoparticles were selectively localized in the PCL phase. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the increased hBN concentration in the PCL/PLA blend led to a more fibrillar PLA phase and, after compression molding, its morphology presented a co‐continuous structure. Adding hBN nanoplatelets increased the reflectance in the NIR region by 184%, the thermal conductivity of the PCL/PLA by 400%, and increased the blend's thermal stability. The co‐continuous morphology could favor the heat flow, because it promotes the confinement of the hBN nanoplatelets in the PCL phase, favoring the conductive thermal pathway formation. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3464–3471, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Thermodynamic phase diagram of amyloid-β (16–22) peptide

The aggregation of monomeric amyloid β protein (Aβ) peptide into oligomers and amyloid fibrils in the mammalian brain is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Insight into the thermodynamic stability of the Aβ peptide in different polymeric states is fundamental to defining and predicting the aggregation process. Experimental determination of Aβ thermodynamic behavior is challenging due to the transient nature of Aβ oligomers and the low peptide solubility. Furthermore, quantitative calculation of a thermodynamic phase diagram for a specific peptide requires extremely long computational times. Here, using a coarse-grained protein model, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to determine an equilibrium concentration and temperature phase diagram for the amyloidogenic peptide fragment Aβ16-22 Our results reveal that the only thermodynamically stable phases are the solution phase and the macroscopic fibrillar phase, and that there also exists a hierarchy of metastable phases. The boundary line between the solution phase and fibril phase is found by calculating the temperature-dependent solubility of a macroscopic Aβ16-22 fibril consisting of an infinite number of β-sheet layers. This in silico determination of an equilibrium (solubility) phase diagram for a real amyloid-forming peptide, Aβ16-22, over the temperature range of 277-330 K agrees well with fibrillation experiments and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements of the fibril morphologies formed. This in silico approach of predicting peptide solubility is also potentially useful for optimizing biopharmaceutical production and manufacturing nanofiber scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Rapid Growth of Acetylated Aβ(16-20) into Macroscopic Crystals.

Aberrant assembly of the amyloid-β (Aβ) is responsible for the development of Alzheimer's disease, but can also be exploited to obtain highly functional biomaterials. The short Aβ fragment, KLVFF (Aβ16-20), is crucial for Aβ assembly and considered to be an Aβ aggregation inhibitor. Here, we show that acetylation of KLVFF turns it into an extremely fast self-assembling molecule, reaching macroscopic ( i.e., mm) size in seconds. We show that KLVFF is metastable and that the self-assembly can be directed toward a crystalline or fibrillar phase simply through chemical modification, via acetylation or amidation of the peptide. Amidated KLVFF can form amyloid fibrils; we observed folding events of such fibrils occurring in as little as 60 ms. The ability of single KLVFF molecules to rapidly assemble as highly ordered macroscopic structures makes it a promising candidate for applications as a rapid-forming templating material.

Stable Aqueous Foams from Cellulose Nanocrystals and Methyl Cellulose.

The addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) greatly enhanced the properties of methylcellulose (MC) stabilized aqueous foams. CNC addition decreased air bubble size, initial foam densities and drainage rates. Mixtures of 2 wt % CNC + 0.5 wt % MC gave the lowest density foams. This composition sits near the onset of nematic phase formation and also near the overlap concentration of methylcellulose. More than 94% of the added CNC particles remained in the foam phase, not leaving with the draining water. We propose that the nanoscale CNC particles bind to the larger MC coils both in solution and with MC at the air/water interface, forming weak gels that stabilize air bubbles. Wet CNC-MC foams were sufficiently robust to withstand high temperature (70 °C for 6 h) polymerization of water-soluble monomers giving macroporous CNC composite hydrogels based on acrylamide (AM), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), or polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA). At high temperatures, the MC was present as a fibrillar gel phase reinforced by CNC particles, explaining the very high foam stability. Finally, our CNC-MC foams are based on commercially available forms of CNC and MC, already approved for many applications. This is a "shovel-ready" technology.

Morphological evolution and mechanical property enhancement of natural rubber/polypropylene blend through compatibilization by nanoclay

ABSTRACTNanocomposites of natural rubber (NR)/polypropylene (PP) (80/20 wt %) blends filled with 5 phr pristine clay were prepared by melt‐mixing process. Effects of clay incorporation technique via conventional melt‐mixing (CV) and masterbatch mixing (MB) methods on nanostructure and properties of the blend nanocomposites were investigated. The XRD, SAXS, WAXD, and TEM results showed that the clays in the NR/PP blend nanocomposites were presented in different states of dispersion and were locally existed at the interface between NR and PP as well as dispersed in the NR matrix. The presence of clay caused unique morphological evolution such as fine fibrillar PP domains. The tensile strength was improved over the unfilled NR/PP blends by 53% and 224%, and the storage modulus at 25 °C was increased by 78% and 120% for the NR/PP/clay nanocomposites prepared by CV and MB methods, respectively. Significant improvement in both properties was particularly obtained from the MB method due to finer dispersion fibrillar PP phase in the NR matrix and stronger interfacial adhesion between NR and PP fibers, as suggested from DMA. The oil resistance of blend nanocomposites was also improved over that of the unfilled NR/PP blend, and this property was further progressed by the masterbatch mixing method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 44574.

Exploring the Transition of Human α-Synuclein from Native to the Fibrillar State: Insights into the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease.

The etiology of Parkinson's disease involves the interplay between the environmental and genetic factors. Here in this study human α-synuclein upon exposure to 100μM pendimethalin for 12h in vitro passes through a partially folded state which proceeds to the aggregated state and terminally ends in the fibrillar phase. Variations in the ANS fluorescence intensities led to the detection of intermediate and aggregated states at 6 and 10h respectively. Far-UV CD analysis depicted significant α-helical content for intermediate state at 6h in presence of 100μM pendimethalin. Further increasing the incubation time to 12h resulted in a predominant β-sheet content which was confirmed to be fibrillar by TEM. Turbidity, Rayleigh scattering analysis, Congo red assay and ThT measurements supported the TEM data i.e. the formation of fibrillar structure of human α-synuclein upon 12h incubation. Thus, our observation could suggest a possible underlying molecular basis for Parkinson's disease. Graphical Abstract Schematic elucidation of the factors involved in the fibrillation of α-Synuclein during Parkinson's pathogenesis.

Liquid Crystalline Polymers Compatibilization and Adhesion Enhancement by Reactive Blending in Post-Consumers PET’s

A method for PET mechanical properties enhancement by reactive blending with HBA/HNA Liquid Crystalline Polymers for in situ highly fibrillar composites preparation is presented. LCP/PET blends were reactive extruded in presence of Pyromellitic Di-Anhydride (PMDA) and then characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Thermally Stimulated Currents and tensile mechanical properties. The formation of specific macromolecular structures, where the PET, the LCP and the reactive additive are involved, has been hypothesized in the reactively extruded blends from TSC analysis evidences. The use of a reactive additive improved the matrix LCP compatibilization and adhesion as indicated by the SEM analysis and mechanical testing. Moderate amounts of LCP in the PET (0.5 and 5%) and small amounts of thermo-active and reactive compatibilizer in the blend (0.3%) were found to significantly improve LCP melt dispersion, melts shear transfer and LCP fibril formation and adhesion. Blends of PET and LCP containing the compatibilizer favored the formation of a well dispersed and homogeneous fibrillar phase whose particle size distribution did not show great coarsening and coalescence leading to significant elastic properties improvements from 0.8 for not compatibilized to 3.1 GPa for compatibilized 0.5% LCP loaded PET blends that was even higher than those expected from ordinary theoretical calculation. This unexpected improvement was probably due to the presence of two distinct phases' supra-molecular structures involving PET-LCP and PMDA.

Interfacial dynamics in complex fluids

Complex fluids refer to those with internal microstructures whose evolution affects the macroscopic dynamics of the material, especially the rheology [7]. Examples include polymer solutions and melts, liquid crystals, gels and micellar solutions. Such materials often have great practical utilities since the microstructure can be manipulated via processing flow to produce outstanding mechanical, optical or thermal properties. A good example is main-chain liquid-crystalline polymers (LCPs). Their molecular backbone is rodlike, with a degree of rigidity, such that the polymer assumes an anisotropic orientational order due to spontaneous alignment of the molecules. This order, further enhanced by extensional flows, leads to exceedingly high strength and modulus in the Kevlar fiber, a commercially successful product of du Pont. An important way of utilizing complex fluids is through composites. By blending two immiscible components together, one may derive novel or enhanced properties from the composite, and this is often a more economical route to new materials than synthesis. Moreover, the properties of composites may be tuned to suit a particular application by varying the composition, concentration and, most importantly, the interfacial morphology. Take polymer blends for example [11]. Under optimal processing conditions, the dispersed phase is stretched from drops into a fibrillar morphology. Upon solidification, the long fibers act as in situ reinforcement and impart great strength to the composite. The effect is particularly strong if the fibrillar phase is liquid crystalline [2]. The dispersed phase may also be solid as in colloidal dispersions, or gas as in thermoplastic foams. From a scientific viewpoint, the essential physics in all such composites is the coupling between interfacial dynamics and complex rheology of the components. Despite their practical importance, our current knowledge of two-phase complex fluids is very limited. The main difficulty is that these materials have a myriad of internal boundaries, which move, deform, break up and reconnect during processing. This leads to a seemingly intractable mathematical problem, and also hampers experimental observation and measurement. A secondary difficulty is that the rheology of each component alone is highly complex, with the internal microstructure coupled with the flow field. Thus, these materials feature dynamic coupling of three disparate length scales: molecular conformation inside each component, mesoscopic interfacial morphology and macroscopic hydrodynamics. An understanding of the interfacial dynamics in complex fluids is a major fundamental challenge as well as a significant practical need. The problem involves several traditional disciplines: mathematical modeling, numerical computation, soft-matter physics, fluid mechanics, material science and engineering. An objective of the workshop is to explore new research directions in the context of multi-disciplinary interactions.