БезымянныйThe international team of scientists using computer modeling techniques studied the structure and properties of the nanofiller, the surface is “sewn” other molecules. As a result of surface modification are formed “flat brush”, and properties were investigated in the detention center of the RAS. Such modification is important for improving the mixing of composite components. The work of scientists published in the journal Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science. Research supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation (RNF). In the study, researchers from Wageningen University (Germany) took part, the Institute of Macromolecular Compounds (IVS), Russian Academy of Sciences, University of ITMO University and Pau and Pays de L’Adur (France).

Flat brush polymer is a monolayer of the polymer chains (branched or linear), which are connected with the flat surface of the nanofiller end groups. Such surface modification of nanoparticles of polymer chains leading to the appearance at the boundary of the composite components (filler and polymeric binder) of the brush grafted molecules. The presence of such brushes helps to solve many applications.

Thus, when creating the surface modification of polymer nanocomposites polymer chains of the nanofiller inhibits aggregation of particles by improving the uniformity of distribution of nanoparticles. Formation of a brush on the surface also makes it possible to control the properties of the surface adsorbitsionnymi. Structure comprising polymeric brushes are used as the materials with adjustable properties, and also to transfer and gradual drug release.

“The scientific novelty of this work is coordinated combination of different approaches to the study of polymer brushes: the first time such systems were studied as a method for atomistic simulations of specific systems, which are of great practical importance and methods of analytic theory, self-consistent field and mesoscopic modeling” – said the head of the RNF grant doctor of physical and Mathematical Sciences Sergei Lyulin.

Russian scientists have studied the brush branched polymer molecules (dendrons, stars and others), “sewn” in one of its ends to a flat surface. It is shown that the more branched polymers are sewn to the surface, the smaller the thickness of the brush and the depth of their mutual penetration.

“This behavior should lead to reduction of the viscous friction between the brushes and can be used to improve the mixing of the components of composite materials, particularly to composites based on lactic acid bacterial cellulose filled nanocrystals” – Sergey Lyulin explained.