Surface modification on nanoscale titanium dioxide by radiation: Preparation and characterization

Abstract

AbstractElectron beam mutual radiation to induce graft polymerization has been carried out respectively, between nanoscale anatase‐ or rutile‐titanium dioxide particles surface and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The composition and properties of surface modified titanium dioxide were investigated by a number of surface sensitive techniques: X‐ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS), FTIR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and NMR. Results of the technological measurements show how surface chemistry is affected throughout the surface modification process, finally leading to a complete and homogeneous vinyl compound overlayer on top of the titanium dioxide samples. In comparison with stereochemical structures of the graft molecular chains and the PMMA induced by radiation polymerization, the surfaces of the oxides are considered to provide a template for the graft polymerization. The grafted titanium dioxide is found to produce a stable colloidal dispersion, in good solvents for the grafted polymer, and the dispersibility of grafted dioxides is influenced by temperature. In addition, the wettability of the surface of titanium dioxide to water is readily controlled by grafting of hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymers. Based on the above results, it is concluded that MMA is covalently linked to the surface of titanium dioxide by a surface modification process. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 100: 3510–3518, 2006