Nanoparticle self-assembly: from interactions in suspension to polymer nanocomposites
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Updated: Feb 9, 2026

Application of a Coupling Agent to Improve the Dielectric Properties of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites
Published on: September 19, 2020
Anne-Caroline Genix1, Julian Oberdisse
1Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, F-34095 Montpellier, France. julian.oberdisse@umontpellier.fr.
Abstract:
Recent experimental results using in particular small-angle scattering to characterize the self-assembly of mainly hard spherical nanoparticles into higher ordered structures ranging from fractal aggregates to ordered assemblies are reviewed. The crucial control of interparticle interactions is discussed, from chemical surface-modification, or the action of additives like depletion agents, to the generation of directional patches and the use of external fields. It is shown how the properties of interparticle interactions have been used to allow inducing and possibly controlling aggregation, opening the road to the generation of colloidal molecules or potentially metamaterials. In the last part, studies of the microstructure of polymer nanocomposites as an application of volume-spanning and stress-carrying aggregates are discussed.
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