Polymer Wrapping onto Nanoparticles Induces the Formation of Hybrid Colloids

Polymers stabilize the nanoparticles onto which they wrap, avoiding coagulation and undesired phase separation processes. Wrapping gives rise to hybrid colloids, is useful in bio-intended applications. In non-covalent interaction modes, polymers physically adsorb nanoparticles’ surface, NPs, some of their portions protrude outside. Both non-interacting parts free are contact with solvent, and/or dispersed it. Wrapping/protruding ratios were forecast a simple statistical thermodynamic model, related energy calculated. The wrapping efficiency controlled by different contributions, polymer/NP adducts. most relevant ones ascribed NP-polymer, polymer–polymer, polymer–solvent modes; energies quite from each other. Changes degrees freedom for surface-bound polymer control stability adducts form NPs. links between wrapped, free, protruding states also account depletion, system’s properties when surface adsorption hosts undesired. Calculations based on proposed approach applied PEO SiO2, silica, nanoparticles. energy, W, changes osmotic pressure associated binding NPs have been evaluated according model.