Use Of Silane Coupling Agents Research Articles

Spearheading a new era in complex colloid synthesis with TPM and other silanes.

Colloid science has recently grown substantially owing to the innovative use of silane coupling agents (SCAs), especially 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate(TPM). SCAs were previously used mainly as modifying agents, but their ability to form droplets and condense onto pre-existing structures has enabled their use as a versatile and powerful tool to create novel anisotropic colloids with increasing complexity. In this Review, we highlight the advances in complex colloid synthesis facilitated by the use of TPM and show how this has driven remarkable new applications. The focus is on TPM as the current state-of-the-art in colloid science, but we also discuss other silanes and their potential to make an impact. We outline the remarkable properties of TPM colloids and their synthesis strategies, and discuss areas of soft matter science that have benefited from TPM and other SCAs.

Surface Treatment Effect on the Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of the Glass Fabric Reinforced Polysulfone.

The chemical structure of the surface of glass fibers, including silanized fibers, was studied. Highly efficient heat-resistant composites were obtained by impregnating silanized glass fiber with a polysulfone solution, and the effect of modification of the surface of glass fibers on the physical, mechanical and thermophysical properties of the composite materials was studied. As a result of the study, it was found that the fiber-to-polymer ratio of 70/30 wt.% showed the best mechanical properties for composites reinforced with pre-heat-treated and silanized glass fibers. It has been established that the chemical treatment of the glass fibers with silanes makes it possible to increase the mechanical properties by 1.5 times compared to composites reinforced with initial fibers. It was found that the use of silane coupling agents made it possible to increase the thermal stability of the composites. Mechanisms that improve the interfacial interaction between the glass fibers and the polymer matrix have been identified. It has been shown that an increase in adhesion occurs both due to the uniform distribution of the polymer on the surface of the glass fibers and due to the improved wettability of the fibers by the polymer. An interpenetrating network was formed in the interfacial region, providing a chemical bond between the functional groups on the surface of the glass fiber and the polymer matrix, which was formed as a result of treating the glass fiber surface with silanes, It has been shown that when treated with aminopropyltriethoxysilane, significant functional unprotonated amino groups NH+/NH2+ are formed on the surface of the fibers; such free amino groups, oriented in the direction from the fiber surface, form strong bonds with the matrix polymer. Based on experimental data, the chemical structure of the polymer/glass fiber interface was identified.

The influence of silane coupling agents on the properties of α-TCP-based ceramic bone substitutes for orthopaedic applications.

Biomaterials based on α-TCP are highly recommended for medical applications due to their ability to bond chemically with bone tissue. However, in order to improve their physicochemical properties, modifications are needed. In this work, novel, hybrid α-TCP-based bone cements were developed and examinated. The influence of two different silane coupling agents (SCAs) - tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) on the properties of the final materials was investigated. Application of modifiers allowed us to obtain hybrid materials due to the presence of different bonds in their structure, for example between calcium phosphates and SCA molecules. The use of SCAs increased the compressive strength of the bone cements from 7.24 ± 0.35 MPa to 12.17 ± 0.48 MPa. Moreover, modification impacted the final setting time of the cements, reducing it from 11.0 to 6.5 minutes. The developed materials displayed bioactive potential in simulated body fluid. Presented findings demonstrate the beneficial influence of silane coupling agents on the properties of calcium phosphate-based bone substitutes and pave the way for their further in vitro and in vivo studies.

Influence of silane coupling agent on the mechanical performance of flowable fibre-reinforced dental composites

ObjectivesThis experimental investigation explored the optimisation of silane treatment of surface-modified S-2 Glass fibres in restorative dental composites for improved mechanical performance. The influence of optimum amount of silane to improve the interfacial adhesion at the fibre-matrix interfaces and its effect on the mechanical properties of the restorative composites were explored. MethodsS-2 Glass fibres of 5 μm diameter and 250 μm length were surface modified using the acid etching technique. The etched fibres were then treated with either 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (3-MPS), 3-Glycidoxipropyltrimethoxysilane (3-GPS) or 8-methacryloxyoctyltrimethoxysilane (8-MOTS) at varying molar % / wt% concentrations. Fibres that were not silanised with any silane coupling agents were used as the control sample. The silanol content of each mixed silane was observed using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analysis. Fibres (5 wt%) with optimised molar% / wt% silane coupling concentration were added to UDMA/TEGDMA dental resin. Mechanical properties such as flexural strength, flexural modulus, and the breaking energy of the materials were evaluated using a comprehensive experimental programme. ResultsFTIR spectrum of glass fibre silanised with each silane coupling agent revealed many peaks from 3800 to 1400 cm−1, indicative of -CH3, -CH2, and CO bonding, suggesting the proper silanization of the fibre. The contact angle test revealed that optimum wt% concentration of 3-MPS, 3-GPS and 8-MOTS were 0.5%, 0.8% and 1.4% respectively. The flexural strength of the fibre-reinforced with optimum concentration of 3-MPS (DC-3-MPS_0.5%) increased by 7.0% compared to those of the 2 wt% concentration of 3-MPS fibre-reinforced composite (DC-3-MPS_2.0%). While the flexural strength of optimum concentration 8-MOTS grafted dental resin composites (DC-8-MOTS_1.4%) were 9.9% higher than that of 2 wt% concentration 8-MOTS grafted dental resin composite (DC-8-MOTS_2.0%) and the flexural strength of optimum concentration of 3-GPS (DC-3-GPS_0.8%) was 7.5% higher when compared to that of 2 wt% concentration 3-GPS grafted dental resin composites (DC-3-GPS_2.0%). A concurrent trend was found while investigating the fracture behaviour of the dental composite with optimum wt% concentration of each silane coupling agent against its corresponding higher wt% concentrations. The ANOVA results showed that the optimum fibre-reinforced dental composites grafted with 8-MOTS showed better mechanical behaviour when compared to 3-GPS and 3-MPS. SignificanceThe interfacial adhesion between the fibre and the resin due to silane coupling agents has helped to improve the mechanical properties of the fibre-reinforced dental composite. This is the first experimental study to provide a thorough investigation into the significance of the optimal use of silane coupling agents to treat the S-2 Glass fibres and subsequently the influence on the mechanical performance of the fibre-reinforced flowable dental composites.

Composite repair: On the fatigue strength of universal adhesives

ObjectivesTo determine whether the composition of universal adhesives and the use of silane coupling agents could affect the fatigue strength of composite repair. MethodsComposite samples were aged in water at 37 °C for 90 days and bonded to fresh composite to produce twin-bonded bar-shaped composite specimens (2 × 2 × 12 mm). Five universal adhesives, a multistep composite repair system and a hydrophobic solvent-free resin associated to a separate silane coupling agent application were used for bonding. Composite samples were tested under 4-pointflexure initially at quasi-static loading (n = 12) followed by cyclic loading (n = 25). The stress-life fatigue behavior was evaluated following the staircase method at 4 Hz. The unfractured side of cyclic loaded beams were evaluated under SEM to determine crack initiation sites. Fatigue data was analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test and Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test (α = 0.05). ResultsBonding protocols were unable to restore the cohesive strength of the nanofilled composite (p < 0.05). Fatigue testing was more discriminative to reveal discrepancies in composite repair than conventional quasi-static loading. While the composition of universal adhesives affected composite repair potential, the highest endurance limits occurred for the separate silane coupling agent application. Crack propagation sites were mostly located on the aged composite surface. SignificanceAlthough a trend for simplification invariably overruns current adhesive dentistry, composite repair using solely universal adhesives may result in inferior repair potential. The additonal use of silane coupling agents remains as an important procedure in composite repairs.

Defect passivation grain boundaries using 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane for highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells

The defects of grain boundaries and film surface are harmful to the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Defect passivation is an effective strategy to improve the performance of PSCs. In this work, a silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APMS) was used as an additive of perovskite light-absorbing layer to passivate defects, thereby significantly improving charge transport, reducing charge recombination and improving device performance. The amino group in APMS can not only form a coordinate bond with the uncoordinated Pb in the perovskite, but also form a hydrogen bond with I (N-H⋯I). The crystallinity and uniformity of perovskite grains were improved obviously. Therefore, the addition of APMS greatly reduces the defects of perovskite and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) increased from 18.85% to 20.72% with less hysteresis. Furthermore, a proper carbon chain can be hydrophobic to improve the moisture stability of the perovskite. The PCE of the device remains 60% of the initial device after being placed at a humidity of 50–60% for 400 h. Therefore, this work proves that the use of silane coupling agents as additives is a promising strategy to achieve efficiency and stable PSCs.

Effects of Silane Coupling Agents on the Adhesion Strength of a Printed Cu Circuit on Polyimide

It is difficult to maintain high adhesion strength between a printed metal circuit and polymer substrate due to the weak chemical bonding of metal and organic materials. Therefore, an additional process is necessary to improve the adhesion strength. Silane coupling agents (SCAs), which are capable of forming bonds with metals and organic materials, can provide a solution. Here, SCAs were placed on polyimide (PI) substrates and coated with various functional groups to compare the effects of various functionalized SCAs on the adhesion strength between a screen-printed copper (Cu) circuit and the PI substrate, where the printed Cu patterns were fabricated on the coated PI substrate. Chemical bonding between the coated silane coupling agent and the PI substrate interface was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The adhesion strength of the screen-printed Cu circuit and PI substrate interface was measured by a roll-type 90° peel test. The surface free energy was calculated using the contact angle. The failure mode was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The silane coupling agent containing an amine functional group significantly improved the adhesion strength because it facilitates a superior bond between organic substrates and metals via chemical reactions such as copolymerization and graft copolymerization. As a result, the adhesion strength between the printed Cu pattern and PI increased about 4.26 times with the use of SCAs.

The effects of fiber silane modification on the mechanical performance of chopped basalt fiber/ABS composites

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of silane coupling agent modifications on the mechanical performance of the basalt fiber (BF)-reinforced acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) composites. Three different silane coupling agents were used. The mechanical properties of the composites were determined by the tensile, flexural, impact tests, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). According to the test results, the tensile strength increased with the use of (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (AP) and 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propylmethacrylate (MA), while the use of (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GP) reduced the tensile strength. All the silane modifications improved the flexural strength and modulus and the highest improvement was achieved with the use of AP. No remarkable difference was observed in impact properties with the use of silane coupling agents. The addition of BF significantly improved the elastic modulus of the ABS regardless of the modification type, while the further improvements were achieved through the use of AP and MA. In brief, AP showed the highest performance among the studied silane coupling agents due to the covalent bond formation between the amino group of AP and the nitrile group of styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) matrix.

Modification of eucalyptus pulp fiber using silane coupling agents with aliphatic side chains of different length

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of three silane coupling agents with different aliphatic chain lengths on the hydrophobicity of eucalyptus pulp fiber. The three silanes coupling agents used (isobutyltrimethoxysilane, methyltrimethoxysilane, and n‐octyltriethoxysilane [OTES]) were each tested at three concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy revealed that the silane coupling agents markedly increased the Si content of the treated fibers. The Si distribution was not completely homogenous but was abundant in the treated samples. The treated fibers had higher contact angles for water and lower moisture adsorption than the control. Of the coupling agents tested, OTES treated fibers had the highest moisture resistance. This was likely due to the greater chain length of the aliphatic side group coupled to OTES. The use of silane coupling agents with alkyl side chains could improve the functional properties of pulp fiber and increase its compatibility with hydrophobic polymers. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1273ȓ1280, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Development of slate fiber reinforced high density polyethylene composites for injection molding

During the last decade the use of fiber reinforced composite materials has consolidated as an attracting alternative to traditional materials due to an excellent balance between mechanical properties and lightweight. One drawback related to the use of inorganic fibers such as those derived from siliceous materials is the relative low compatibility with conventional organic polymer matrices. Surface treatments with coupling agents and the use of copolymers allow increasing fiber–matrix interactions which has a positive effect on overall properties of composites. In this research work we report the use of slate fiber treated with different coupling agents as reinforcement for high density polyethylene from sugarcane. A silane (propyltrimethoxy silane; PTMS) and a graft copolymer (polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride; PE-g-MA) were used to improve fiber–matrix interactions on HDPE-slate fiber. The effect of the different compatibilizing systems and slate fiber content were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic thermomechanical analysis (DTMA) as well as mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact). The results show that the use of silane coupling agents leads to higher fiber–matrix interactions which has a positive effect on overall mechanical properties. Interesting results are obtained for composites containing 30wt.% slate fiber previously treated with propyltrimethoxy silane (PTMS) with an increase in tensile and flexural strength of about 16% and 18% respectively.

Grafting of titanium dioxide microspheres with a temperature-responsive polymer via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization without the use of silane coupling agents

Titania microspheres with narrow size distribution and diameters of about 1 µm were prepared and subsequently functionalized using surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of N-isopropylacrylamide. The ATRP initiator was immobilized on the particle surface via acylation of surface hydroxyl groups with α-bromoisobutyryl bromide. Subsequently, an established ATRP reaction system was used for the preparation of titania surface-grafted poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm). Characterization was performed with electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. It was found that the particle size in aqueous dispersions changed reversibly with temperature as expected for a shell of PNiPAAm, a polymer with a lower critical solution temperature at 32 °C. This confirmed the successful preparation of functional, stimuli-responsive TiO2 microparticles via a straightforward controlled surface-initiated polymerization method.

3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane-functionalized manganese doped ZnS quantum dots for room-temperature phosphorescence sensing ultratrace 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in aqueous solution

New strategies for silica coating of inorganic nanoparticles became a research hotspot for enhancing the mechanical stability of colloidal particles and protecting colloidal particles against oxidation and agglomeration, and so on. In this paper, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized Mn doped (AF MnD) ZnS QDs was prepared to be firsyly through the use of silane coupling agents to form an active layer of silica, then sol–gel reaction of TEOS co-deposited with APTES on the surface of resultant active layer of silica. The emitted long lifetime room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) of the resultant nanomaterials allows an appropriate delay time so that any fluorescent emission and scattering light can be easily avoided. The APTES anchored on the layer of silica can bind 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) species to form TNT anion through acid–base pairing interaction, the TNT anion species may increase the charge-transfer pathways from the nanocrystals to nitroaromatic analytes, therefore further enhance the quenching efficiency of RTP. Moreover, APTES as capped reagents can enlarge the spectral sensitivity and enhance RTP response of nanocrystals to the electron-deficient nitroaromatic and nitrophenol species. Meanwhile, AF MnD ZnS QDs also exhibited a highly selective response toward TNT analyte through significant color change and quenching of 4T1 to 6A1 transition emission. This AF MnD ZnS QDs based sensor showed a very good linearity in the range of 0.05–1.8μM with detection limit down to 50nM (quenching percentage of phosphorescence intensity of 8%) and RSD of 3.5% (n=5). The reported QDs-based chemosensors here open up a promising prospect for the sensitive and convenient sensing of TNT explosive.

Effect of flyash content, particle size of flyash, and type of silane coupling agents on the properties of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/flyash composites

AbstractRecent time's polymer waste disposal is a challenging task as the quantity of polymer waste is increasing day by day. Here particulate composites have been developed from recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) filled with flyash. Flyash of different particle sizes have been used, and effect of particle size and flyash content on the mechanical properties of composites has been analyzed. Tensile and flexural properties of the composites are found to increase with increase in filler content up to 15% and after that decreases due to the agglomeration of flyash particles. SEM studies also showed good dispersion at lower loadings. The use of silane coupling agents was found to increase the flyash/WPET interaction there by increase in mechanical properties is observed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011

Surface modification of bagasse fibers by silane coupling agents through microwave oven and its effects on physical, mechanical, and rheological properties of PP bagasse fiber composite

AbstractPolypropylene/bagasse fiber composites were prepared by compounding polypropylene (PP) with bagasse fibers as reinforcing filler. Surfaces of fibers were modified through the use of silane coupling agents (Vinyltrimethoxysilane and γ‐Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane). The fiber coating was performed by mixing of silane with fibers and cured through microwave oven in presence of catalyst. It was found that modification of surface fiber will change the physical, mechanical, morphological, and rheological properties of composite. It was observed from scanning electron microscopy that fiber adhesion to matrix has been improved and so as dispersion. Addition of fibers increases the melt viscosity in unmodified fibers but reduced the melt viscosity for modified fibers and even the viscosity is lower at higher loading compared with unmodified fibers. The tensile strength and tensile modulus increased in modified fibers compared with the unmodified on the same loading, but elongation at break decreased. The effect of coupling agent on properties of filled PP depend on the content of coupling agents and optimum amount was achieve through measurement of water absorption. Two types of coupling agents were used, one as A‐171 [CH2CHSi (OCH3)3] and second one as A‐187 [CH2OCHCH2O (CH2)3Si(OCH3)], the first one shows better adhesion to the fibers and improvements in mechanical properties are much better compared with the second one. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:713–721, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers

エラストマーにおけるフィラーの最近の技術動向 シリカ／シランフィラーシステムの化学とゴム補強性

It is demonstrated that the use of silane coupling agents in silica-filled rubber compounds results in a strong increase in reinforcement1). This increase in reinforcement is due to the formation of silica-silane-rubber bonds. The mixing is a key process for the optimized bond formation. Both the silica-rubber coupling and the matrix crosslinking proceeds during the vulcanization of compounds. Therefore, the two crosslinking networks are formed, which cannot be varied independently. In the case of the silica-rubber coupling, this immobilization of rubber on the surface of the silica results in the formation of“in-rubber structure”. In addition to these chemical networks, which result in high moduli at all strains, the physical silica-silica networks also contribute to the modulus at low strains.The major application of the silica-silane filler system is modern passenger tread compounds for reduced fuel consumption and strongly improved wet traction. Besides tire applications, this unique filler system is also used in various industrial rubber goods. The system will continuously contribute to further improvement in the performance of rubber compounds.

The use of silane coupling agents in the design of electrically stable interfaces of 6061 T6 aluminum alloy surfaces and epoxy-based electrically conductive adhesives

Electrically conductive interfaces between metal surfaces, including aluminum, are commonly formed by means of bonding with an electrically conductive adhesive. Humid environments induce an increase in electrical resistance between aluminum objects bonded in this manner. However, joints that are electrically stable through stress testing in environments of elevated temperature and humidity (85°C and 80% RH for up to 137.5 h) have been obtained by treating the aluminum surface with a thin layer (less than 50 A) of an organo-silane coupling agent, that is, a material capable of bonding chemically with the aluminum oxide surface layer and potentially bonding with the polymer binder in the adhesive. The present study shows that besides their traditional use as surface modifiers for adhesion improvement, organo-silanes can act as corrosion inhibitors of aluminum surfaces to stabilize electrical performance. Whereas other treatments used for preparation of metal surfaces for bonding, using electrically-insulating structural adhesives, typically do not ensure reliable electrical performance, minimal and reproducible increase in resistance has been observed for joints prepared using the procedure described here. Application of this method does not require any significant investment in equipment and the surface pretreatment of the metal surface is quite simple.

Use of silane coupling agents to improve epoxy–rubber interface

Scrap car tyre particles can be used as filler or toughening agent in rigid epoxy matrices if the resultant interface is adequate. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of use of different silane coupling agents (SCAs) to improve the interface between the epoxy resin and recycled rubber particles. For this purpose, seven different SCA were used to modify surfaces of the rubber particles. After the preparation of epoxy–rubber specimens, tensile Charpy impact and plane-strain fracture toughness tests were conducted. Mechanical tests and fractographic studies revealed that some of the SCA can improve of the interface between the epoxy matrix and the rubber particles leading to increases in strength while slight decreases in toughness of the samples.

Preparation of Silica-Based Rubber Compounds without the Use of a Silane Coupling Agent through the Use of Epoxidized Natural Rubber

The present study represents a new concept: the possibility of preparing a rubber compound filled with silica without the use of a silane coupling agent. For this purpose two different types of silica have been compounded with two different grades of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) without the use of a silane coupling agent. The mechanical and other properties of the resulting compounds have been compared with two reference compounds prepared from natural rubber (NR) and silica with and without the addition of a silane coupling agent bis-(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfane (TESPT). It is shown that by using ENR as rubber component together with silica, it is possible without the use of coupling agents to achieve significantly improved mechanical properties with respect to similar NR compounds without coupling agents. The reason for these improvements lies in the polar nature of ENR which interacts strongly with the silica surface by hydrogen bonding mechanism. This does not happen when NR or another non-polar rubber component is used. Thus, in this latter case the use of silane coupling agents to make the silica surface more non-polar and hydrophobic is needed to have a good reinforcing effect and overall performances from the composite studied.

New polymer mortars containing polymeric wastes. Part 2. Dynamic mechanical and dielectric behaviour

Abstract A promising application for polymer mortars and concretes is for machine tool structures: for this purpose, composite materials with good mechanical properties and high damping characteristics are required. Accordingly, four recycled fillers (powdered rubber, tyre rubber, micronized tyre fibres and milled electrical cable waste) have been used to formulate new polymer mortars. The internal energy dissipation and relaxation processes of the different materials, studied by the combined use of both dynamic mechanical and dielectric analysis, are compared thus showing the effect of the powdered rubber based filler as a damping promoter. The use of silane coupling agents has also been investigated and its effect in leading to stiffer materials is reported and discussed.

Studies of Silane Adhesion Promoters on Silica Filler Particles for use in Microelectronic Packaging

ABSTRACTTo avoid delamination which often occurs in microelectronic packaging as a result of widely varying thermal expansion coefficients, epoxy underfill is often loaded with particulate silica filler. This filler typically complicates the fracture behavior of the epoxy and surrounding layers. However, delamination of interfaces within the composite may contribute to toughening if the fracture path is adhesive between the epoxy and surrounding layers or otherwise removed from filler-epoxy delamination regions. In this work, the interface between silica filler and epoxy is altered with the use of silane coupling agents to elucidate the fracture and toughening mechanisms of filled epoxies. Two model epoxies are investigated, and coupling agents were chosen to encourage chemical reaction with each system. For the aliphatic epoxy system, coupling agents were identified which both augment and degrade the interface between filler and epoxy. In composite structures, it was observed that those coupling agents which degrade the filler-epoxy interface act as toughening agents. SEM indicates that most deformation is not at the filler-epoxy interface, but rather through the epoxy, very close to the filler particle surfaces. In contrast, no coupling agents were identified which act as toughening agents in the bisphenol-f system. Further, no variation in fracture toughness of composite structures was observed with the use of coupling agents, indicating that filler-epoxy delamination does not occur in this system. With few exceptions, SEM supports this interpretation.