| We intend to use cross-linked, polymeric nanoparticles as a device to store information when they are deformed (1) or in their native undeformed (0) state. To do this, information about the interaction between the nanoparticles and different surfaces must be determined. The substrates tested include a high energy mica surface and a low energy silanized silicon wafer. The nanoparticles collapse on the mica substrate, but remain robust and structured on the silanized wafer, yet an extreme amount of crosslinking is required for the nanoparticles to retain their original spherical shape regardless of the substrate surface energy. The nanoparticle behavior was also observed at elevated temperatures to reveal that the height of the extremely cross-linked nanoparticles slowly decreases. The temperature where a rapid size change occurs was well below the bulk glass transition temperature, suggesting unique phenomena at the nanoscale. The formation of ordered nanoparticle arrays is another essential aspect of molecular technology and can be produced by using single-wall carbon nanotubes as a template. Single wall carbon nanotubes serve as nucleation sites to focus nanoparticles toward them through strong van der Waals forces that are enhanced from geometrical effects. This interaction drives the nanoparticles to collect onto the nanotubes, which creates an alignment of nanoparticles onto carbon nanotubes. In final studies the nanoparticles were robustly attached to the surface through polymer film embedment. Embedding the nanoparticles into a cross-linked thin polymer film locks the nanoparticles in place to prevent disruption of the nanoparticles during deformation. |
