(70e) Characterization of Nanosize Silica Particle Surface Designed on a Molecular Level

In fabrication of composite materials, the effects of loading particles into matrix can be expected. Recently, particle size has been controlled on nano scale, due to development of nanotechnology. Nanocomposite also has been studied owing their unique properties such as optical, magnetical, and electrical. In order to show these effects sufficiently, uniformity dispersion and primary particle dispersion are required. Therefore, interfacial energy between particle surface and matrix should be considered. However, nanosize particles aggregate easily because of their larger specific surface area. It is difficult to disperse uniformity into matrix. In this study, surface treatment technique was proposed to improve particle dispersability into matrix. This technique has two things expected. One is to diminish apparent interaction between particles and the other is to close interfacial energy between particle surface and matrix. From TEM images of nanocomposite, we have successfully improved particle dispersability into polymer using this technique.