Constitution and Properties of Nanocomposites Prepared by Thermal Decomposition of Silver Salts Sorbed by Polyacrylate Matrix

Abstract

Constitution and dispersity of the products of thermal decomposition of silver nitrate ammonia complex sorbed by polyacrylate matrix are studied by the methods of small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, optical, photoelectron and Auger-electron spectroscopies. It is shown that, at temperatures of 140–150°C, the complete decomposition of the complex occurs with the formation of nanoparticles and charged silver clusters in polymer bulk. No initial or intermediate products were observed. The average size of obtained nanoparticles is equal to 5 nm. The particles with the size less than 5 nm are amorphous according to X-ray data. The stabilization of nanoparticles occurs due to the adsorption of acrylic copolymer (presumably, via oxygen atoms) on their surfaces. Upon long-term storage in air, the self-diffusion of silver particles and clusters takes place from the surface to composite bulk caused by the detachment of oxygen-containing groups occurring at the metal–polymer interface.