Hydrophilic Nanosilica Research Articles

Dry gas–solid carbonation in fluidized beds of Ca(OH)2 and nanosilica/Ca(OH)2 at ambient temperature and low CO2 pressure

This work presents a study on the chemisorption of CO2 by a bed of Ca(OH)2 powder subjected to the flow of a dry CO2/N2 gas mixture (1vol.% CO2) at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The amount of CO2 and vapor water in the effluent gas from the fluidized bed is analyzed by means of FTIR spectrophotometry. The results obtained indicate that, even in an almost dry atmosphere (RH⪕0.01%), CO2 capture in the fluidized bed occurs by chemisorption on Ca(OH)2, as inferred from the rise of vapor water at the end of the fast carbonation phase. The use of nanosilica as an additive increases the gas–solids contact efficiency and, therefore, enhances CO2 chemisorption on Ca(OH)2 particles. This process is initially activated by free molecular water physisorbed on the material and becomes autocatalyzed by water produced from Ca(OH)2 carbonation. Accordingly, the addition of hydrophilic nanosilica, capable of retaining higher amounts of free molecular water, yields a further enhancement of the CO2 fast sorption capacity.

Utilizing Taguchi design of experiment to study the surface treatment of a nanosilica with an acrylic silane coupling agent and revealing the dispersibility of particles in a urethane acrylate resin

This work aims at investigating the dispersibility of a modified hydrophilic nanosilica using methacryloxy propyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) in an organic phase, which contains UV-curable urethane acrylate oligomers and monomers with different functionalities. Through a Taguchi design of experiment, the impacts of influencing parameters such as silane coupling agent to silica ratio, hydrolysis ratio as well as treating bath pH were investigated. The optimum condition in which the maximum percentage of modification occurred was observed at higher stoichiometric levels of silane:silica ratio and alkaline pH conditions. Furthermore, statistical analysis demonstrated that hydrolysis ratio was not very significant. Low amounts of turbidity of prepared hybrid coatings indicated that modified particles with higher grafting contents had better dispersion stability in the acrylate resin.

Effects of Thixotropic Agent and Storage Time on the Rheological Properties of Epoxy Resin

In order to modify the rheological properties of epoxy resin adhesive in casting moulding technology and improve its bonding quality, the effects of thixotropic agents of hydrophilic nano-silica, organic bentonite and the composite agent of the two thixotropic ones on the rheological properties of epoxy resin (E-44) were studied by the evaluation parameters of viscosity and thixotropic index in this paper. The variation regulation of rheological properties of epoxy resin (E-44) with different thixotropic agents as the storage time was also investigated. The results show that the two thixotropic agents play a significant role in thickening the density and modifying the thixotropy of the epoxy resin (E-44). Especially, the thickening and thixotropic effects of the composite agent of 3phr hydrophilic nano-silica with 6phr organic bentonite are the most remarkable and the storage stability is also excellent.

Control of morphology and properties by the selective distribution of nano-silica particles with different surface characteristics in PA6/ABS blends

The roles of nano-silica particles in the morphology, rheological, crystallization, and melting properties of polyamide 6/acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (PA6/ABS) blends were investigated. With the addition of nano-silica particles possessing different surface characteristics (hydrophilic or hydrophobic), the blends showed a notable difference in the morphology of the dispersed ABS phase in the melt or solid state, which is mainly caused by different distribution states for the two kinds of nano-silica particles. Particularly, it was found that the hydrophilic nano-silica particles tended to distribute in PA6 matrix, whereas the hydrophobic nano-silica particles were almost located at the PA6/ABS interface. Besides, the shear thinning behavior of the composites was significantly changed with the incorporation of hydrophobic nano-silica particles and the contribution from the interface was regarded as the dominated one to influence the rheological properties. Finally, with different surface characteristics and their distribution states, it was found that nano-silica particles can play different roles in crystallization and melting properties.

Photophysical properties of fluorescent PMMA/SiO2 nanohybrids for solar energy applications

This work concerning the photophysical properties of fluorescent nanohybrid films based on poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) doped with coumarin dyestuff and entrapped with different concentrations of hydrophilic nanosilica. Spectroscopic tools were applied in order to determine the optimum concentration of nanosilica for the best optical properties for a matrix used as fluorescent solar concentrator. The optical constants and photoluminescence spectra of fluorescent nanohybrid films showed an enhancement of the photon trapping efficiency and matrix stability by increasing the concentration of SiO2 nanoparticles.

Adhesion of dry nano-coated microparticles to stainless steel: A physical interpretation

During the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, it is desirable to modify the surface of powder particles to alter their adhesion characteristics without changing their dissolution rates or their chemical or biological characteristics. In this study, dry silica nanoparticle coatings were applied to spheroidal micron-scale aluminum host particles to alter their surface morphology and adhesion behavior. The host particles were coated with either hydrophobic or hydrophilic fumed nanosilica using a magnetically assisted impact coating technique. The adhesion between polished or unpolished stainless steel and all three particle types, including uncoated aluminum and aluminum coated with either hydrophobic or hydrophilic nanosilica, was examined at 30% relative humidity. On both steel surfaces, the measured adhesion force towards the uncoated aluminum was greater than towards either type of coated aluminum. The uncoated aluminum adhered more strongly to the polished substrate than to the unpolished one. The hydrophobic- and hydrophilic-coated particles adhered to both substrates with roughly the same force, such that there was no effect of either the substrate type or the coating type on the adhesion. To confirm that capillary forces had no influence on the measured adhesion, the adhesion behavior between the uncoated aluminum particles and the steel was measured at 15 and 30% RH, and no change in adhesion force was observed.

Simultaneous micronization and surface modification for improvement of flow and dissolution of drug particles

Simultaneous micronization and surface modification of drug particles is considered in order to mitigate disadvantages of micronization, e.g., agglomeration, poor flowability, marginal increase in surface area and low bulk density. Particles of ibuprofen (102 μm), a model drug, pre-blended with hydrophilic nano-silica, are micronized down to 10 and 5 μm in a continuous fluid energy mill (FEM) to obtain fine surface modified particles. The solid feeding rate and the grinding pressure are shown as critical parameters for achieving the desired particle size and size distribution. The powder properties were characterized via SEM, laser scattering, powder rheometer with shear-cell, and dissolution test. Significant improvement in flow properties and dissolution rate was observed when micronization accompanied surface modification. Additionally, co-grinding with water-soluble polymer during micronization led to further increase in bulk density and more enhanced dissolution rate improvement, which is attributed to improved wettability. XRD, DSC and Raman were used to examine crystallinity, indicating minimal detectable physical transformation with FEM processed ibuprofen. The surface modified, micronized powders also showed improved dispersion, higher bulk densities (>0.4 g/ml), reduced electrostatic, and higher flowability (FFC ≥ 6) compared to just micronized powder (0.19 g/ml, FFC = 1.0), indicating they may be used in high drug loaded formulations amenable to direct compression.

Influence of silica and electron beam radiation on the properties of a high vinyl styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer

Radiation crosslinking of polymers has gained importance over conventional crosslinking because the system is fast, pollution free and relatively simple. In high energy electron beam curing, which is one of the radiation curing methods, the material to be cured is bombarded with electrons of specified energy to produce free radials. These radicals unite to give rise to chemical crosslinks. In the process, some unwanted chain scission may also occur. The mechanical properties of such electron beam crosslinked systems can further be improved by the incorporation of nanosilica. In this work, a high vinyl (~50%) S-B-S block copolymer incorporated with varying doses of specific hydrophilic nanosilica was irradiated with electron beam at 25 and 50 kGy. Mechanical properties were studied and compared with that of the unirradiated system. The influence of a silane coupling agent was also investigated. Morphological studies were done to understand the dispersion of nanosilica in the polymer matrix. Relatively moderate amounts of nanosilica along with an optimum dose of the coupling agent were found to be effective in improving the properties. Rheological properties were also studied in details to understand the possibility of recycling the polymer.

Effect of nanosilica content on properties of polyurethane/silica hybrid emulsion and its films

AbstractPolyurethane/silica hybrid emulsion (PUSi) was synthesized by the reaction of isophorone isocyanate, polyether polyol, hydrophilic nanosilica (A200), dimethylol propionic acid, trimethylol propane, and 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550). The films of the waterborne polyurethane (WPU) were prepared. The structure of the polyurethane was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The particle size distribution and morphology of emulsion were examined. Influence of nanosilica content on the mechanical properties and solvent absorption of the cast films were also measured quantificationally. FTIR indicates that NH2 of KH550 reacted with NCO of polyurethane. TG analysis indicates that nanosilica can improve thermal stability of polyurethane. There is no clear effect of nanosilica on the glass transition of soft segments. It was found that greater mechanical properties of WPU were obtained when chemical networks were formed by sol‐gel process. As the nanosilica content increases, water absorption and ethanol absorption decreased. The particle size increases with increase of A200 content. PUSi hybrid emulsions are endowed with pseudoplasticity. The apparent viscosity of emulsions increased and then decreased with addition of A200. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

Surface characterization of polyethylene terephthalate/silica nanocomposites

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) based nanocomposites containing hydrophilic (i.e. Aerosil 200 or Aerosil TT 600) or hydrophobic (i.e. Aerosil R 972) nano-silica were prepared by melt compounding. Influence of nano-silica type on surface properties of the resultant nanocomposites was investigated by the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurement (CAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reflectance spectroscopy (RS). The possible interaction between nano-silica particles and PET functional groups at bulk and surface were elucidated by transmission FTIR and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy, respectively. AFM studies of the resultant nanocomposites showed increased surface roughness compared to pure PET. Contact angle measurements of the resultant PET composites demonstrated that the wettability of such composites depends on surface treatment of the particular nano-silica particles used. SEM images illustrated that hydrophilic nano-silica particles tended to migrate to the surface of the PET matrix.

Investigating changes in electrochemical properties when nano-silica is incorporated into an acrylic-based polyurethane clearcoat

Two different types of nano-silica (i.e., hydrophilic Aerosil 200 and hydrophobic Aerosil R805) were employed in the preparation of 2-pack acrylic polyol polyurethane nano-coatings so that the electrochemical properties of the resultant coatings could be investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to evaluate the corrosion performances of such nano-coatings applied onto mild steel substrates that were immersed in 3.5% (w/w) NaCl solutions. It was observed coatings that contained nano-silica increased the barrier properties of the binder, as well as the coatings’ electrochemical resistance compared with pure polyurethane coatings. The surface tension of pure polyurethane was measured by a tensiometer. Rheological properties were also determined at various shear rates by a rotaviscometer. Results showed that the surface tension of hydrophobic nano-silica is very close to the pure polyurethane matrix, giving the better compatibility of the two. This was further confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and by the fact that the hydrophobically filled nano-silica coatings showed shear thinning behavior in the fluid state. Also observed was better corrosion performance of the resultant hydrophobic nano-coatings compared to coatings embedded with hydrophilic nano-silica.

Deterministic performance parameters for an automotive polyurethane clearcoat loaded with hydrophilic or hydrophobic nano-silica

In this study, two different nano-silica particles (hydrophilic, Aerosil TT600 and hydrophobic, Aerosil R972) were selected in order to provide the most transparent, UV-absorbent nano-clearcoats. These nano-silica particles were used to improve and optimize properties of 2-pack polyurethane clearcoats based on acrylic polyol. Micro-PIXE analysis was employed to illustrate distribution of nano-silica in the polyurethane matrix. Physical and chemical degradations were investigated via spectrophotometry and FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, thermal stability and the ability of the clearcoats to resist simulated car wash conditions were also studied. Contrary to belief, coatings loaded with hydrophilic nano-silica which are more UV-absorbent had less durability in UV-B/H 2O accelerated tests.

Kinetics of Isothermal Degradation Studies in Adhesives by Thermogravimetric Data: Effect of Hydrophilic Nanosilica Fillers on the Thermal Properties of Thermoplastic Polyurethane-Silica Nanocomposites

The kinetics of thermal degradation process on thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) adhesives with hydrophilic nanosilicas was studied using isothermal thermogravimetric analysis within the temperature range from 360 degrees C to 460 degrees C in nitrogen. The effect of nanosilicas with different hydrophilic degree in the thermoplastic polyurethanes was investigated. It was found that the thermoxidative degradation of polyurethane-silica nanocomposites takes place in one step. An analysis of the isothermal methods to evaluate kinetic parameters of decomposition of solids from isothermal thermogravimetric data is presented. Patents WO07146353A2 and US20070292623A1 have some relevant information about the topic develop in this study, because the principle in both cases relies on the interactions between reactive groups in the polymer (TPUs) and the silanol in the silica nano-particles.

Investigating the variations in properties of 2-pack polyurethane clear coat through separate incorporation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic nano-silica

In the present study, a 2-pack polyurethane clear coat curable at ambient conditions was selected. Two different types of nano-silica (i.e. hydrophilic and hydrophobic nano-silica) were employed as fillers in order to vary the properties of the resultant nano-composite polyurethane coatings. Various morphological, mechanical, rheological and optical properties of such coatings were investigated. The results showed that coatings based on hydrophilic nano-silica gave a less transparent more UV absorbent coating. However, coatings based on hydrophobic nano-silica gave more miscible, transparent coating having improved mechanical properties especially scratch resistance. In the fluid state these coatings showed shear thinning behavior. The optimum range of adding 4–8% by weight of hydrophobic nano-silica to the chosen 2-pack acrylic polyol polyurethane clear coat gave optimal morphological, rheological, mechanical and optical properties to the final nano-composite coatings.

Addition of nanosilicas with different silanol content to thermoplastic polyurethane adhesives

Three nanosilicas with different silanol contents were prepared by treatment of hydrophilic fumed silica with dimethyldichlorosilane. This treatment reduced the silanol content and produced the particle agglomeration of the nanosilicas. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) adhesives containing nanosilicas were prepared and characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), plate–plate rheology, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and stress–strain testing. Adhesive strength was obtained from T-peel tests of PVC/polyurethane adhesive joints. The addition of hydrophilic nanosilicas favoured the degree of phase separation between the hard (i.e. isocyanate+chain extender) and soft (i.e. polyol) segments in the TPUs; the higher the silanol content on the surface of silica, the higher the degree of phase separation, and the crystallinity of the polyurethane (due to the soft segments) was also increased. Hydrogen bonds between the ester carbonyl groups in the TPU and the silanol groups on the silica surface were created and more favoured by increasing the silanol content. The tensile strength increased and the elongation at break of the polyurethane decreased by increasing the silanol content of the nanosilica. Addition of nanosilica increased the immediate adhesion of the polyurethane adhesives to PVC, irrespective of the silanol content on the nanosilica. The higher the mechanical and the rheological properties of the polyurethanes containing nanosilicas with different silanol content, the higher the final adhesive strength.