Influence of SiO₂ Nanoaddition on the Self-Organization via UV-Polymerization of Acrylate Nanocomposites

Abstract

In our research, we investigate a method of nanocomposite preparation based on self-organization processes due to the formation of a thick polymerizable shell around each nanoparticle and allowing one to get a uniform optical quasihomogeneous material.

In the present work, we will study changes of the optical and structural properties of polymer nanocomposites. An UV-curable active matrix was polymerized on the surface of SiO₂ nanoparticles. The set of structural modifications of polymeric nanocomposites were observed by using ASM, SEM, light scattering, and water sorption and by measuring the Brinell hardness. Hypotheses concerning the participation of nanoparticles in the photopolymerization are discussed.

Keywords:

• Filled polymer
• nanocomposite structure
• nanocrystal
• nanoparticle
• refractive index
• UV-curable nanocomposite

Acknowledgment

This work was supported by the Russian Ministry of Education, grant GK P995 under the Federal Program “Teaching and scientific personnel of innovative Russia” 2009–2013.