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Nanoporous membranes by cooperative self‐assembly of functionalized SEBS and titania
Author(s) -
Kausar Ayesha,
Zulfiqar Sonia,
Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
surface and interface analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1096-9918
pISSN - 0142-2421
DOI - 10.1002/sia.5263
Subject(s) - triethoxysilane , nanocomposite , membrane , nanoporous , materials science , chemical engineering , copolymer , ultimate tensile strength , nanostructure , nanoparticle , nanotechnology , polymer , polymer chemistry , composite material , chemistry , biochemistry , engineering
Sol–gel chemistry was adeptly exploited to fabricate nanoporous membranes by cooperative self‐assembly of modified triblock copolymer (SEBS‐NH 2 ) and titania network. Reinforcement of the matrix was achieved by hydrolytic condensation of tetraisopropoxytitanate without/with compatiblizing agent (3‐glycidyloxypropyl triethoxysilane), yielding two hybrid systems. Incorporation of different proportions of TiO 2 provoked well‐built variations in morphology of compatiblized SEBS‐NH 2 /TiO 2 nanocomposites. At low titania loading, spherical nanoparticles were found well‐dispersed in regimented triblock domains while addition of higher amounts of TiO 2 generated nanoporous membranes by mutual self‐assembling of matrix and the reinforcement. Relative improvement of tensile and thermal properties over uncompatiblized nanocomposites was observed owing to enhanced interfacial interactions. Eventually, a combination of the two phases (17.5 wt. % titania in SEBS‐NH 2 ) demonstrated ample mechanical reinforcement, thermal and morphological profiles, ensuing robust self‐assembled nanostructures. Forthcoming prospects are envisioned as well. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.