Silane coupling agents with imidazoles superficially modify titanium dioxide

ABSTRACTIn this work, the effect of surface modification on titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NPs) is presented in both the anatase and rutile phases with an alkoxysilane and an imidazole. Samples are characterized by Z-potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, colloidal stability, antioxidant activity, and thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, polylactic acid films were made using the NPs as a filler. These films were analyzed by atomic force microscopy, and their viscoelastic properties were obtained using a rheometer. The functionalization with the coupling agent silane and imidazole allows better dispersibility in the polymeric matrix, which translates into thermal stability accompanied by improved mechanical properties.KEYWORDS: Titanium dioxideimidazolesilane coupling agentcolloidal stability AcknowledgmentsThe authors thank CONACyT for the funding derived from project CF 2019 265239, with which this research could be carried out.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.Data availability statementThe authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/36abiab7i427xqgtfyown/h?rlkey=27gxxmqzab1ugm5bw7pu9zt45&dl=0.Additional informationFundingThe work was supported by the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología [CF 2019 265239]; CONACYT [CF 2019 265239].