The effect of nanoparticle location and shape on thermal transitions observed in hydrated layer-by-layer assemblies.

Nanoparticles can have a profound effect on thermal transitions observed in polymer nanocomposites. Many layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies contain nanoparticles for added functionality, but the resulting effects of nanoparticles on an LbL film's thermal properties are not known. Previously, we have shown that a nanoparticle-free LbL film containing strong polyelectrolytes, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)/poly(styrene sulfonate) (PDAC/PSS), exhibited a single reversible thermal transition much like a glass-melt transition.