Preparation of Au nanoparticles and end-functionalized poly(butadiene) composites via electrostatic interaction

Polymer-inorganic nanoparticle (NP) composites are prepared by immersing preformed end-functionalized poly (butadiene) (PB) films, which have a lower glass transition temperature than room temperature, in an aqueous dispersion of Au NPs. Depending on the viscosity of the PB matrix, the Au NPs show different distributions in the end-functionalized PB matrix. In the high viscosity matrix, the Au NPs are immobilized at the surface of the end-functionalized PB, whereas in the low viscosity matrix, the Au NPs are incorporated into the matrix and are well dispersed. This incorporation of Au NPs occurs dynamically in three steps: (1) adsorption of the Au NPs on the surface of the PB matrix through electrostatic interactions; (2) stabilization of the Au NPs by the end functional groups of the PB molecules; (3) the diffusion of the Au NPs into the PB matrix because of the low viscosity of the matrix. Polymer-inorganic nanoparticle (NP) composites are prepared by immersing preformed end-functionalized poly(butadiene) (PB) films, which have a lower glass transition temperature than room temperature, in an aqueous dispersion of Au NPs.