Nanocomposites Preparation Through Aggregation and Controlled Breakage

Nanocomposites find application in different research and industrial fields ranging from food and cosmetic, electronics up to pharmaceutical products. Even if they present large interest, in the literature understanding of the physical processes involved in their production is still lacking. In this work we present an experimental study of production of nanocomposites prepared through aggregation and breakup process. Polymeric primary particles of different composition (different polymer) and inorganic nanoparticles (magnetite) represent building blocks used for nanoclusters (NCs) synthesis. Selected key parameters, such as NPs size and composition, type of surface charge groups and their density, inter-particles interactions and system fluid dynamics, and their effect on the final NC properties is systematically investigated. Developed methodology with proper tuning of inter-particle interaction during aggregation and breakage process and hydrodynamic conditions allow us to prepare NC of various sizes and compositions and therefore represent powerful tool for tailor made production of NCs for specific applications.