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Title: Effect of nanoparticle loading and magnetic field application on the thermodynamic, optical, and rheological behavior of thermoresponsive polymer solutions
Abstract

Although processing via external stimuli is a promising technique to tune the structure and properties of polymeric materials, the impact of magnetic fields on phase transitions in thermoresponsive polymer solutions is not well‐understood. As nanoparticle (NP) addition is also known to impact these thermodynamic and optical properties, synergistic effects from combining magnetic fields with NP incorporation provide a novel route for tuning material properties. Here, the thermodynamic, optical, and rheological properties of aqueous poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) solutions are examined in the presence of hydrophilic silica NPs and magnetic fields, individually and jointly, via Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), magneto‐turbidimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and magneto‐rheology. While NPs and magnetic fields both reduce the phase separation energy barrier and lower optical transition temperatures by altering hydrogen bonding (H‐bonding), infrared spectra demonstrate that the mechanism by which these changes occur is distinct. Magnetic fields primarily alter solvent polarization while NPs provide PNIPAM–NP H‐bonding sites. Combining NP addition with field application uniquely alters the solution environment and results in field‐dependent rheological behavior that is unseen in polymer‐only solutions. These investigations provide fundamental understanding on the interplay of magnetic fields and NP addition on PNIPAM thermoresponsivity which can be harnessed for increasingly complex stimuli‐responsive materials.

 
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Award ID(s):
2011401
NSF-PAR ID:
10431342
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology
Volume:
29
Issue:
4
ISSN:
1083-5601
Page Range / eLocation ID:
p. 795-812
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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