Patent ID: 8344060
Filing Date: 2013-01-01
Classification: B82Y,C08J,C08K,C08L

Abstract:
1. A method for inducing a reversible modulus change in a polymer nanocomposite, comprising the steps of: providing a polymer nanocomposite comprising a nanoparticle network incorporated into a host matrix polymer, wherein the nanoparticle network is a substantially continuous three-dimensional network of substantially dispersed nanoparticles that exhibit at least some interactions among each other; and inducing a modulus change in the polymer nanocomposite by exposing the polymer nanocomposite to a stimulus that reduces interactions among the nanoparticles, wherein the modulus change exhibited is by a factor greater than 2.5 wherein the nanoparticles have particle to particle interaction due to hydrogen bonding, ionic charges, hydrophobic interactions or pi-pi stacking or a combination wherein said stimulus comprises a chemical stimulus, an electrical stimulus, or an optical stimulus, or a combination thereof.