Enthalpy-Enhanced Janus Nanosheets for Trapping Nonequilibrium Morphology of Immiscible Polymer Blends

Janus particles are promising for self-assembly at the liquid/liquid interface due to coexistence of the Pickering effect and the different wettability of both sides. In this study, we synthesize a Janus nanosheet and evaluate its ability to trap nonequilibrium morphology by interfacial self-assembly. The Janus nanosheet was synthesized by selectively grafting polymer chains, polystyrene (PS) or polyisoprene (PI), on each side of a silica nanosheet. The selective grafting method endow the nanosheet with two different wettabilities, which make it ideal for self-assembly and further jamming at the PS/PI interface. The interfacial jamming of the nanosheet trapped the intermediate, nonequilibrium morphology during phase separation of the polymer blends. Compared to other Janus materials, the Janus nanosheet has higher interfacial activity and reduces the free energy of the system more effectively due to its 2D structure. Only 2 wt % of Janus nanosheet is required to break the threshold and reach the jammed state. The Janus nanosheet is easily scaled up and has potential as a compatibilizer in polymer materials.