TITLE:
Structure and Properties of Functionalized Porous Silica Hybrid Materials
AUTHORS:
Elena V. Todorova, Georgi E. Chernev, Stoqn P. Djambazov
KEYWORDS:
Sol-Gel, Silica Hybrids, Functionalization, Porosity, Biomaterials
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Inorganic Non-metallic Materials,
Vol.4 No.3,
July
23,
2014
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.