Study on modification and dispersion of nano-silica

The modification and dispersion of nano-silica particles were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Si-29 CP MAS NMR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, N4Plus particle size analyzer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) using methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTS) as the modification agent. It was found that MAPTS had grafted onto silica particles and existed in T-2 structure. TGA data showed that the nano-silica particles with higher specific surface area and hydroxyl content could be grafted with more MAPTS than those with low specific surface area and hydroxyl content. Increasing temperature has more impact than extending time for increasing modification effect. MAPTS modification was beneficial for decreasing particle size of nano-silica, improving its dispersion in resin.