Modifying the Metal Oxide Filler with a Silicon-Organic Oligomer in a Solution of an Organic Solvent

Abstract

The use of tungsten dioxide as a filler for a non-polar polymer matrix is limited due to its high hydrophilicity and abrasiveness, which degrades the properties of the filled polymers. The paper presents the results of studies on the surface modification of tungsten oxide with organosilicon polyethylsiloxane. The mechanisms for modifying the surface of tungsten dioxide, based on the fixation of the modifier under the action of intermolecular forces of attraction and interaction of the hydroxyl groups of the oxide surface with the reactive bonds of the Si-H oligomer, have been established. To create additional active centers in the form of groups (–OH) on the surface of tungsten dioxide, it was boiled, which contributes to the forced hydroxylation of the surface. The adsorption of polyethylsiloxane with powdered tungsten dioxide from n-hexane solution was investigated. The results on determination of the wetting angle of unmodified and modified tungsten dioxide powder are presented. It has been established that modification with polyethylsiloxane leads to an increase in the wetting angle of tungsten dioxide to 121o, which indicates its hydrophobic properties.