Silanization of organoclay nanoparticles

This paper is an account of the experiments on grafting of 3-tri methoxy silyl propyl methacrylate onto KT nanoparticles which are octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide modified nanoclays. KT was reacted with 3-tri methoxy silyl propyl methacrylate to replace its edge hydroxyl groups. The silanization was performed both in the presence and absence of dibutyl amine as catalyst. The reactions were followed using XRD and TGA analyses. The treatment provides nanoclays which are modified on both the surfaces and the edges of the platelets resulting in an increase in the interlayer spacing and reduced surface energy of the nanoclay providing good compatibility between the nanoclays and the organic matrices

Keywords:

Organoclay , silanization , modified nanoclay , grafting of silane