A novel surface designed technique to disperse silica nano particle into polymer

In order to synthesize highly functionalized organic/inorganic nanocomposites, it is important to improve particles dispersability by surface modification. In this study, a novel technique to design surface of particles on a molecular level was proposed. This new technique has the potential of decreasing an apparent van der Waals interaction between particles and reducing difference of surface interfacial energy between particles and matrix. The results of FT-IR indicated the successful modification of particle surface by designed reaction. TEM results verified the improvement of particle dispersability in the matrix. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.