Open AccessHow silanization influences aggregation and moisture sorption behaviours of silanized silica: analysis of porosity and multilayer moisture adsorption
Author(s) -
Jun Jiang,
Jinzhen Cao,
Wang Wang,
Jing Xue
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
royal society open science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.84
H-Index - 51
ISSN - 2054-5703
DOI - 10.1098/rsos.180206
Subject(s) - silanization , sorption , fumed silica , adsorption , chemical engineering , porosity , mesoporous silica , moisture , water content , chemistry , agglomerate , materials science , hydrophobic silica , silane , mesoporous material , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering , geotechnical engineering , catalysis
Based on the results of nitrogen adsorption and dynamic vapour sorption as well as analysis by the Hailwood–Horrobin (H-H) model, the effects of γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS) on the agglomeration and moisture sorption properties of fumed silica particles were investigated. After adding various concentrations (2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) of MPTS, different degrees of silanization were obtained by showing various ─OH group contents on the silica surface, which resulted in silica agglomerates with different porous structures. The bigger mesopores in the unmodified silica agglomerates became smaller and finally disappeared after MPTS modification and the Bruanuer–Emmett–Teller surface area decreased more gradually with an increase in MPTS concentration. The H-H model fitted the sorption isotherms very well, and both hydrated water and dissolved water showed decreasing trends with the increase in MPTS concentration, showing reduced hygroscopicity. Up to 6% MPTS, the ─OH groups decreased with increasing MPTS concentration, as indicated by reduced K h and W parameters, while at 8% MPTS an extensive self-condensation of MPTS occurred. Adsorption hysteresis appeared for moisture sorption on silanized silica, especially at low relative humidity values and at low MPTS concentrations, which could be explained by a synergistic effect of the surface ─OH group content and pore characteristics. These results could aid our understanding of the applications of silane-modified silica particles.