Work

“Dead” Layer Dynamics of Poly(ethyl methacrylate) in Nanotubes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We report the segmental dynamics of poly(n-ethyl methacrylate) melts forming nanotubes inside cylindrical alumina nanopores (AAOs). Long nanotubes were fabricated at the inner pore walls by the polymer precursor film during the complete wetting transition at high temperatures. Using differential scanning calorimetry and dielectric spectroscopy, we show that the segmental dynamics in the nanotubes are bimodal and slower than in bulk with a broad distribution of relaxation times. These features reflect the dynamic properties of the "dead layer" formed by the adsorbed polymer chains at the pore walls.

Source: ACS Macro Letters

DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.6c00291

Authors: Jianwei Zhang, Jiajia Zhou, Hans-Jürgen Butt, George Floudas

Institutions: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, South China University of Technology, University of Ioannina

Language: English

Topic: Material Dynamics and Properties

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation