Abstract
The silanization of nanodiamond (ND) was successfully carried out by using the esterification reaction of hydrolyzed vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTS) in alcoholic solution. The surface carboxylic group of ND was first enhanced by thermal oxidation to increase the degree of esterification reaction. The extent of silane functionalization of ND was controlled by varying the weight ratio of VTS and oxidized ND (oxND), from 2:1 to 10:1 (w/w) in the functionalization reaction medium. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the highest degree of silanization occurred at VTS/oxND of 5:1 (w/w), while more silane concentrations resulted in self-condensation of silane molecules and formation of polysiloxane layers around nanoparticles leading to agglomeration of nanoparticles. Silanized ND (sND) exhibited more stable suspension in hydrophobic medium compared to as-received ND and oxND. To investigate the influence of silane functionality on the polymer-filler interactions, the rheological properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)/ND suspensions were also investigated and the results discussed accordingly.
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