Abstract
A novel technique for the synthesis of cationic polymers containing ultrafine metal particles is being developed. In the experiments, laser vaporization of metal targets is used to generate ultrafine metal particles and cations which are capable of catalyzing the cationic polymerization of isobutylene. High molecular weight polymers containing submicron metal particles have been obtained. This method can lead to the generation of new polymeric materials with unique properties. In another study, a novel method which combines laser vaporization of metal targets with controlled condensation in a diffusion cloud chamber is used to synthesize nanoscale metal oxide, carbide and nitride particles (5 – 10 nm) of homogeneous size and well- defined composition. The following oxides have been synthesized: ZnO, Si02, Fe203, Bi203, PdO, NiO, AgO, TeO, Sb203, Ti02, Zr02, A1203, CuO, In203, SnO, V205, MgO. The microscale structures of the Si02 and Al203 particles exhibit interesting web-like matrices with a significant volume of voids. Raman, IR, XPS, Mass Spectrometric and electron microscopic studies of these particles will be presented. These materials may have special applications in catalysis and as reinforcing agents for liquid polymers.