Role of Polymer Graft Architecture on the Acoustic Eigenmode Formation in Densely Polymer-Tethered Colloidal Particles

The concurrent evaluation of the vibration eigenfrequencies in densely polymer-tethered particle systems ("particle brushes") by Brillouin light scattering and elastodynamic theory reveals a distinctive change of acoustic eigenmode formation associated with polymer graft modification of colloidal particles. The eigenfrequencies of particle brushes reveal a characteristic red-shift compared to uniform core-shell particles that can only be rationalized by assuming imperfect boundary conditions and anisotropic elastic properties of the graft layer. The distinct characteristics of vibration modes in particle brush materials provide direct evidence for the implications of chain confinement on the nanomechanical properties of tethered chains. The results highlight a rich and hitherto unexplored parameter-space for controlling properties and interactions in particle-brush based systems that could spur the development of hybrid materials with novel functionalities.