Abstract
Functionalized silica hybrid materials are extensively studied and applied materials in the field of science and technology. Functionalization is an approach, which allows for the application of organic components in the improvement of the design, properties and potential application of silicate materials. Silica hybrid materials, functionalized via incorporation of organic components (chitosan and methacrylic acid) were synthesized by the sol-gel method. The base silica structure of the hybrids was obtained via hydrolysis and condensation of the silicate precursor, tetraethyl orthosilicate. The investigations of synthesized hybrids are focused on the influence of the nature and quantity of functional organic components on their final structures and properties. The structural characteristics of obtained hybrid materials were investigated using XRD, FTIR, SEM and DTA/TG analysis. The obtained results presented the formation of amorphous porous structure and the organic components are evenly distributed into the silica network. The functional radicals of chitosan and methacrylic acid (amine, hydroxyl groups) exist in the hybrid structure as free reactive centers, as their quantity increases with increasing the organic amount. The swelling behavior in acidic and neutral solutions of the synthesized materials is investigated and the results presented, that the silicate materials exhibit hydrophilic character.
Highlights
Science and technology leads to the improvement of materials, which are able to cater for present and pressing needs
The state of the synthesized hybrid materials was evaluated via XRD analysis
Preparation of hybrid materials based on TEOS and using sol-gel synthesis at room temperature lead to the formation of a silica network in an amorphous state
Summary
Science and technology leads to the improvement of materials, which are able to cater for present and pressing needs. Combinations of acrylate with silica components allow for the formation of hybrids with improved long-term stability and durability [16] The application of these hybrid materials is connected to the free reactive groups of the acrylate. Methacrylic acid is a suitable acrylate which in combination with silica material will lead to the realization of a hybrid with improved stability, resistance and available functional groups. The structure of this organic material contains carboxylic group, which can be dissociated into C3H5COO− anion and H+ cation. Preparation of silica hybrid material with improved functionalized surface and the ability to interact with different types of external molecules can be obtained with a combination of another organic component [22]. Characterization of the structure by XRD, FTIR, SEM and DTA/TG analysis was conducted to determine the structural nature of the hybrid material, as well as the influence of the used components
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