Studying the Physical and Chemical Properties of Polydimethylsiloxane Matrix Reinforced by Nanostructured TiO2 Supported on Mesoporous Silica

Abstract

In this study, a reactive adsorbent filler was integrated into a polymeric matrix as a novel reactive protective barrier without undermining its mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. For this purpose, newly synthesized TiO2/MCM/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composites were prepared, and their various properties were thoroughly studied. The filler, TiO2/MCM, is based on a (45 wt%) TiO2 nanoparticle catalyst inside the pores of ordered mesoporous silica, MCM-41, which combines a high adsorption capacity and catalytic capability. This study shows that the incorporation of TiO2/MCM significantly enhances the composite’s Young’s modulus in terms of tensile strength, as an optimal measurement of 1.6 MPa was obtained, compared with that of 0.8 MPa of pristine PDMS. The composites also showed a higher thermal stability, a reduction in the coefficient of thermal expansion (from 290 to 110 ppm/°C), a 25% reduction in the change in the normalized specific heat capacity, and an increase in the thermal degradation temperatures. The chemical stability in organic environments was improved, as toluene swelling decreased by 40% and the contact angle increased by ~15°. The enhanced properties of the novel synthesized TiO2/MCM/PDMS composite can be used in various applications where a high adsorption capacity and catalytic/photocatalytic activity are required, such as in protective equipment, microfluidic applications, and chemical sensor devices.

Flexible Coatings Facilitate pH-Targeted Drug Release via Self-Unfolding Foils: Applications for Oral Drug Delivery

“…SUFs were produced in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a material recognized for its chemical stability and commonly used in biomedical applications [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. For that purpose, SUFs were fabricated as described in the literature [ 27 , 28 ] by casting a SYLGARD TM 184 kit, which is a two-component kit consisting of a PDMS base and a curing agent.…”

Enhancing Thermal, Viscoelastic, and Mechanical Properties of Silicone Rubber Matrix through Reinforcements for Use as a Medical Implant

“…Significant improvements in the mechanical properties of silicone rubber can be achieved by incorporating various additives. Covalent bonds can be formed with the matrix by including SiO2 nanoparticles, increasing tensile strength and elongation [18]. Similarly, the crosslinking density of silicone rubber can be increased by incorporating palm fibers, resulting in improved strength, elongation, and viscoelastic properties [19].…”

Functionalized TiO2/SBA-15 Polymer Composites for the Catalytic and Photocatalytic Decontamination of the Chemical Warfare Agent Sarin

“…Moreover, VX and Sarin were decomposed (≥99%) to nontoxic acids by a hydrolysis mechanism after 24 and 72 h, respectively. Furthermore, the incorporation of the reactive adsorbent enhanced the mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability properties of the composite material . In addition to its catalytic activity at room temperature, TiO 2 decomposes pollutants, pesticides, − and CWAs − via rapid photocatalysis mechanisms employing UV irradiation.…”

“…Furthermore, the incorporation of the reactive adsorbent enhanced the mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability properties of the composite material. 10 In addition to its catalytic activity at room temperature, TiO 2 decomposes pollutants, pesticides, 11−15 and CWAs 16−23 via rapid photocatalysis mechanisms employing UV irradiation. However, despite its extensive use as a photocatalyst to degrade pollutants, TiO 2 has several limitations that can reduce its effectiveness.…”