Film Forming Nanohybrids Obtained with Polyethers

Abstract

New hybrid materials based on polyether polyols were prepared by using a sol-gel reaction of alkyltriethoxysilanes, in the presence of propylenoxide-ethylenoxide trifunctional block copolymers. The resulting composites are transparent and have a filmogene behavior. Two types of filler systems were used: one based on silane precursors and one based on both the silane precursors and nanoclay (sodium montmorillonite). FT-IR spectra were evaluated to prove both the covalent interaction at the functional groups level and the presence of silica nanodomains formed by sol-gel process. The polarity changes were analyzed in the UV spectra, which shift according to the nature of different cationic dyes. Polyether hybrids were also obtained in the presence of some layered silicates. The X-ray diffraction reflects the changes in basal spacing of the Cloisite Na+, when it is added to different formulations. The modification of film morphology, depending on the reactants nature, can be observed in the SEM images.