Multifunctional hybrid nanocomposites

Abstract

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials represent a class of materials that show high technological applications. In this work we propose the development of new hybrid materials based on polymethylmetacrilate (PMMA), siloxane and montmorillonite. Three kinds of hybrids have to be developed, showing covalent bonds between the siloxane and the polymer and presenting intercalated or delaminated clay, or presenting ionic bonds between clays and the siloxane. The effect of the component proportions and of the hydrolysis and polymerization conditions on the hybrid nanocomposites structure will be analyzed aiming to establish correlation among process, structure and properties. So, we intend to produce coatings presenting high thermal and mechanical resistance, optical transparence and also resistant against chemical etching. Materials will be characterized by DSC, TMA, NMR, XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis, TEM and SAXS. The performance of selected coatings, functionalized to act as UV blockers, fragrances deliver and corrosion passivation agents, will be studied by UV-Vis, electrochemistry essays, cold-trap gas chromatography and XPS. To better understand the materials structure, it will be studied at the different scales, i.e., molecular, nano and micrometric ones by using m-XRF, m-EXAFS and m-Raman. Moreover the distribution profile of metallic elements on the depth of hybrid nanocomposites will be followed by TXRF. (AU)