Abstract
In this paper, we explore the thermodynamic and
dynamic properties of polymer nanocomposites using Stochastic
Molecular Dynamics simulation in the canonical ensemble. One of
the major parameters that determines the properties of nanocomposites
is the filler-monomer interfacial interaction strengths.
By varying the interaction strengths as well as temperature
of the system we could capture the dynamical response of
the system from a fluid-fluid to bridging induced �network�
states The structural properties when analyzed show a strongly
networked �solid-like� transition which has been augmented
using dynamical analysis. Calculations show the slowing down
of nanoparticle diffusion in the network phase due to �jamming�
of the nanoparticles. At certain parameter range, the equilibrium
stress-stress autocorrelation function does not decay confirming
the existence of �solid-like� behavior. The change in mechanical
properties is supported by the morphological observations.
