Block copolymer nanocomposite films containing silver nanoparticles

Thin nanocomposite films consisting of silver nanoparticles (100 nm) evenly dispersed in poly(styrene-b-2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-PVP) block copolymer were formed via melt incorporation. Block copolymer films of 30-250 nm thick were deposited on silicon and glass substrates by dip-coating from solution. First, the nanoparticles were attached to the PVP domains exposed to the surface of the block copolymer film. Next, the substrates covered with nanoparticles were annealed at 130°C in vacuum oven for different periods of time. The thermal treatment caused incorporation of the nanoparticles into the polymeric film. Level of the nanoparticles incorporation strongly depended on the thickness of the block copolymer film. The formation of the nanocomposite films was monitored by scanning probe microscopy, contact angle measurements, and different spectroscopic techniques.