Influence of Particle-Polymer Interface on Chemical Transport in Polymer Composites
Abstract
Protective coatings on military assets are complex polymer composites consisting of a high loading of several different particle types to achieve desired coating performance attributes, including resistance to toxic compounds. Chemical mass transport properties at particle-polymer interfaces can differ significantly from those in the polymer bulk, and when interfacial regions overlap at sufficiently high loading, undesirable, interconnected, fast-transport pathways can result. In this work, polyurethane silica composite films are used as model systems to investigate how interfaces can be tuned to improve the transport properties using particle surface-chemistry modifications. Specifically, silica particles are modified by salinization to alter the interaction with a polyurethane matrix. Atomic force microscopy-based colloidal force spectroscopy on single particles and imaging of cross-sectioned composites were used to assess changes in the particle polymer interface. Breakthrough measurements for different probe molecules exposed to the composites were performed using Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. Comparing how specific modifications to the particle surface influence the nature of the interface and chemical transport is an important step in developing structure property relationships for chemical transport in polymer composites and rational approaches to controlling transport properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1216823
Entities
People
- Adam R. Hinkle
- Alice M. Savage
- Brent A Mantooth
- Jonathan Ligda
- Kenneth E Strawhecker
- Mark J. Varady
- Matthew A. Browe
- Melissa L. Sweat
- Melissa S. Hulet
- Thomas P. Pearl
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command