title: The use of graft copolymers to bind immiscible blends.
abstract: Computer simulations and experimental studies were combined to design copolymers that enhance the strength of polymer composites. These copolymers contain side chains that associate across the boundary between phase-separated regions to form a "molecular velcro" that effectively binds the regions together. This behavior significantly improves the structural integrity and mechanical properties of the material. Because the side chains can be fabricated from a large class of compounds, the technique greatly increases the variety of copolymers that can be used in forming high-strength polymer blends.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gersappe
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Irvine
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Balazs
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sokolov
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rafailovich
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schwarz
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Peiffer