Interfacial dynamics and mechanics of polymer nanocomposites through broadband dielectric spectroscopy and rheology

The inclusion of nanoparticles (NPs) to polymer matrices not only introduces mechanical modifiers but also brings hierarchical interactions between the polymer and NPs. The large surface area of the NPs and the strong nanoconfinement effect among NPs significantly modifies the structure and dynamics of the matrix polymer that are the key for the advanced macroscopic properties of PNCs. In this contribution, we present the recent development of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) on quantifying the dynamics of PNCs, spanning from the secondary relaxation to the chain dynamics. Special focus will be given to the dynamics of the polymers at the interface between the polymer matrix and NPs. Additionally, the recent studies of combining the BDS with rheology to unravel the desorption dynamics as well as the mechanical properties of the polymer at the interface will also be discussed.