Polyethylene three-dimensional nano-networks: How lateral chains affect metamaterial formation

Polymers occupy a central role in current society due to their utility and versatile properties. As part of the class soft materials, polymers have also been employed research through nanostructuration functionalization, looking for development new metamaterials with wide applicability science society. A particular polymer, Polyethylene, has widely used both commodities, ways nanostructure improve its functionality should be considered. Here, we report on polyethylene fabrication three-dimensional nanonetworks, by resorting 3 different variants polyethylene: low density, high ultra-high molecular weight. Through melt infiltration these into well-known interconnected anodic aluminum oxide templates (3D-AAO), study can performed understand effects chain length, structure, chain-branching stability integrity resulting polymeric nanonetworks. This was accomplished performing infiltrations presence excess bulk material quenching process access transient stages. The morphology networks analyzed SEM STEM-HAADF differences arising from polymer structure. observed results are interpreted use Lucas-Washburn equation capillary flow determination critical contact angle spontaneous infiltration. exhibit photonic responses, replication periodic nature templates.