The effect of the shape, concentration and iron content of silica nanorods on the Phase Separation of the thermo-responsive polymer, Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)

Abstract

A polymer’s macroscopic properties can be manipulated and enhanced using nanoparticles. Shear, magnetic and electric fields can further increase this enhancement to improve the polymer’s tensile strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as color and optical activity. The use of thermo-responsive polymers with nanorods allows the researcher to control and manipulate these macroscopic properties and introduce complex flow and optical properties. This serves as a basis for flexible electronics which have grown in popularity and relevance in recent years. The purpose of this research is to synthesize silica nanorods with various aspect ratios, and to determine how their shape, concentration and iron content can be controlled.