Nanoparticles in polymeric composites can impart unique properties or reinforce the mechanical properties of the composite. However, unfavorable thermodynamic interactions create barriers to mixing inorganic and polymeric materials. Consequently, NP/polymer composites have been limited to highly specific miscible pairings, limiting the feasibility of their applications. Some approaches involve grafting nanoparticles with ligands or polymers to improve solubility, but aggregation of the nanoparticles in specific regions of the composite remains an issue.

This research project has developed a means of controlling the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix by polymerizing monomer in the presence of nanoparticles. A reaction-induced phase transition resulting from the polymerization of the monomer traps the nanoparticles in the initial homogenous state. Therefore, the dispersion of the nanoparticles can be controlled during the reaction, as opposed to mixing polymers and nanoparticles, which will increase the potential for commercial NP/polymer composites.