Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Nanoparticles:  Surface Characteristics and Interactions with a Polyester Resin

Abstract

Organic-inorganic hybrid nano-particles, derived from silica precursors with different organic functionalities (methyl, ethyl, vinyl and phenyl) synthesized via a modified Stöber method have been investigated. These particles are intended as modifiers for polymers and polymer matrix composites.Therefore the characteristics of a polyester matrix have also been determined and the likely interactions with the particles have been proposed. Particles have been characterized using inverse gas chromatography (IGC), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR).The particles show two different sets of characteristics, with methyl, ethyl, and vinyl modified silicas showing one type of behavior and the phenyl modified silica behaving rather differently. The methyl, ethyl and vinyl groups exhibit the appearance of uniform coverage, as they are comparatively small and tightly packed, which will prevent interaction of matrix resin with retained silanol groups. The phenyl group, which is comparatively large, is not able to pack as closely, which results in a reduction of the presence and availability of silanol groups, compared to an unmodified fumed silica, but not complete inaccessibility as far as the matrix resin is concerned.

Investigating the surface properties of polymer‐coated clay by IGC

“…[24] Conclusions IGC has been applied to investigate the composites and organic/inorganic systems very successfully. [17,25,26] Dispersive parameters are able to describe the differences between the surfaces of chemically similar polymers and the change occurring on such surfaces under the influence of various physical factors. [15] Investigating these properties by using IGC leads to the following conclusions.…”

Chemical Characterisation of the Fracture Surfaces of Polyester Resin and a Polyester-Based Nanocomposite

“…These interactions have previously been studied using inverse gas chromatography (IGC) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) [20]. A schematic of these interactions is shown in Figure 12.…”

The effect of ormosil nano-particles on the toughness of a polyester resin

“…Conclusions, from another paper [18] regarding the surface chemistry of the ormosils and their interaction with a polyester, were presented at the beginning of this paper. In particular there is a difference between the phenyl ormosil and the other modified silicas.…”

“…The present work is part of a programme to investigate the efficacy of a range of ormosils (in nano-particulate form) as modifiers for polymers and polymer matrix composites [14][15][16][17][18]. This paper considers the effects of these particles on the toughness of a polyester resin.…”

“…To understand the effect that the ormosils have on the matrix system it is important to appreciate the interaction between the ormosils and the matrix. This has been investigated in an associated paper [18] in which it has been shown that:…”