Study of thermal stability of (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxy silane-grafted titanate nanotubes for application as nanofillers in polymers

Abstract

Protonated titanate nanotubes (TiNT-H) were surface-modified with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxy silane (APTMS) by novel method suitable for syntheses of large amounts of materials with low costs. Usage of prepared nanotubes for polymer reinforcement was studied. Since the thermal stability of nanofiller was important to preserve their functional properties, stability was studied by in situ high temperature measurements. The most thermally stable nanotubes, silanized for 20 min, were used for preparation of epoxy-based nanocomposites. The nanofiller formed smaller (few hundreds of nm) and larger (few μm) aggregates in polymer matrix, and the amount of aggregates increased with increasing nanofiller content. APTMS modified titanate nanotubes bonded well with the epoxy matrix since amine groups on the TiNTs surface can react with epoxy group to form covalent bonds between the matrix and the nanofiller. Very small addition (0.19 -1.52 wt%) of nanotubes significantly increased the glass transition temperature and the modulus in rubbery state of the epoxy based polymer. Smaller nanofiller content lead to larger increase in these parameters and therefore better dynamic mechanical properties due to the smaller amount of large aggregates. APTMS-modified titanate nanotubes were proven as promising nanofiller in epoxy based nanocomposites.

Preparation of tungstic acid functionalized titanium oxide nanotubes and its effect on proton exchange membrane fuel cell

“…But these properties were inferior to that of Nafion. Hence, to improve the overall properties of the SPEEK, nano inorganic fillers like TiO 2 [15], ZrO 2 [16] and SiO 2 [17], SnO 2 [18], WO 3 [19] were incorporated into the SPEEK membrane. From these research studies it was revealed that the addition of nano particles increases hydrophilic nature and provides a preferential path for protons transfer through water molecules (Grotthuss mechanism).…”

Controlling Oriented Attachment and in Situ Functionalization of TiO2 Nanoparticles During Hydrothermal Synthesis with APTES

“…photocatalysis 4,5 and photovoltaics, 6 but also because of the intrinsic advantages of the method, simplicity and cost efficiency. 7 Surface functionalization of nanoparticles with organic molecules such as silane coupling agents, [8][9][10][11][12] brings additional properties and better dispersion in organic solvents and polymers. [12][13][14][15] The effect of the synthesis conditions on the morphology of TiO2 nanoparticles has been the focus of numerous works.…”

“…7 Surface functionalization of nanoparticles with organic molecules such as silane coupling agents, [8][9][10][11][12] brings additional properties and better dispersion in organic solvents and polymers. [12][13][14][15] The effect of the synthesis conditions on the morphology of TiO2 nanoparticles has been the focus of numerous works. Dinh et al studied solvothermal synthesis of anatase TiO2 in ethanol reporting different shapes such as rhombic, truncated rhombic, spherical, and dog-bone, by tuning the oleic acid and oleylamine surfactants molar ratio.…”

NiMoO4-modified MnO2 hybrid nanostructures on nickel foam: electrochemical performance and supercapacitor applications

“…Sodium titanate nanotubes (NaTiNTs), as one-dimensional TiO 2 related nanomaterials, exhibit some distinct advantages, including high specific surface area, high density of surface -OH groups, ion-exchange and semiconducting properties 27 . NaTiNTs have a structure similar to a rolled-up carpet, in which sodium plays an important role in the formation of the nanotubular structure.…”