Methods for enhancing the processing of a polymer composite are provided herein. in some embodiments, a method for enhancing the processing of a polymer composite may include masking a at least one functional group on a surface of a particle by using a at least one protective group; mixing the particles into a polymer to form a composite; processing the composite; and applying a at least one stimulus to the composite during the processing of the composite or after processing of the composite is complete in order to remove the at least one protective group from the functional group.