Binding Properties of Methyltrimethoxysilane-Modified Silica Sol Particle Surfaces and Their Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

Abstract

The surface bonding of silica sol particles modified by methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) at different temperatures was investigated. Following modification, MTMS hydrolysis products react with silica hydroxyl groups on the surface of silica particles to create a -Si-O-Si-network structure. Additionally, the hydrolysis products formed hydrogen bonds with the silica hydroxyl groups in the silica sol, which strengthened the bonding strength between the silica particles in a synergistic manner. Increasing the modification temperature accelerated the hydrolysis rate of MTMS, promoted the formation of -Si-O-Si-, and enhanced its binding properties. A silica sol model of grafted MTMS was established using molecular dynamics methods at different modification temperatures to explore the effect of hydrogen bonding on the surface bonding of silica sol particles. Ultimately, it was confirmed experimentally that MTMS modification significantly enhanced the bonding strength on the surface of silica particles in silica sols.