The role of a nanoparticle monolayer on the flow of polymer melts in nanochannels

Abstract

Understanding and controlling the flow properties of polymer melts at the nanoscale is of great relevance in fundamental research and in a variety of applications. In the present study we have analysed experimentally the flow behaviour of polymers in nanochannels of varying roughness, produced by gold nanoparticle absorption. The experimental results show that nanochannel roughness has a significant influence on surface energy and on the flow behaviour of polymer melts. These results provide fundamental information on the preparation of one-dimensional polymer nanochannels applicable in both micro- and nano-injection technology.