Process induced alignment of gold nano-rods (GNRs) in thermoplastic polymer composites with tailored optical properties

摘要: Abstract Manipulation of the electronic and optical properties plasmonic nanomaterials offers unique exciting opportunities for several fields including opto-electronics, bio-medical engineering photovoltaics. In particular, gold nanorods (GNR) represent a class that provide tunable from visible to near infrared regime. Herein, we have developed highly effective method prepare polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) doped with GNR additives utilizing extrusion injection molding. A key outcome is process amenable scalable manufacturing can produce reproducible PNCs excellent properties. The resultant display good particle dispersion, minimal aggregation high retention as confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy transmission electron microscopy. nano-additives are incorporated into different thermoplastics demonstrate versatility this matrices stability over processing temperature range (235–335 °C). Furthermore, tractability demonstrated incorporating GNRs morphologies (aspect ratio, stabilizing layer, etc.). Finally, partial flow-induced alignment demonstrated, degree which modulated length monodispersity nano-additive. Ultimately, report an optimized methodology quality GNR-PNCs tailorable be adapted manufacturing.