Preparation and Physicochemical Properties of Functionalized Silica / Octamethacryl-Silsesquioxane Hybrid Systems

Alkoxysilane-grafted silica/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with methacryl substituents (SiO 2 /silane/POSS) hybrid material was synthesized according to hydrolyzation and condensation reactions in the so-called “bifunctionalization process.” It is a new attractive system because of its physicochemical, especially thermal and structural, properties. This innovative method of preparation as well as specific physicochemical and useful properties determine the potential applications of such products in many industries. The structure and physicochemical parameters of obtained hybrid systems were characterized using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), C and Si solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (CP MAS NMR), and thermal analysis. The mechanism of bifunctionalization reaction was proposed. The chemical immobilization of silane coupling agent and Methacryl POSS onto silica support surface was noted during the study. Those changes caused a significant increase in the hydrophobic character of fillers obtained. Moreover, changes in thermal stability of SiO 2 /silane/POSS hybrid systems in comparison to pure POSS modifier were also observed.


Introduction
Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes have recently become the focus of much attention.This is a group of well-developed, symmetrical molecules characterized by small particle sizes (lower than 100 nm).In the present research investigations, the most common forms of POSS compounds are cubic R 8 Si 8 O 12 , the so-called T 8 structures, consisting of cages with total number of silicon atoms (n) equal to 8. The organic substituents R, with reactive functional groups compatible with (e.g.) a polymer, are attached to the inorganic fragment of each vertex of a silsesquioxane cage containing Si-O-Si groups [1][2][3].As regards polymer processing, the most popular are POSS compounds with amino, vinyl, epoxy, and methacrylate reactive groups [4][5][6][7][8].Silsesquioxanes with methacrylate groups are well described in the existing literature.Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes containing reactive methacrylate groups are mainly used as fillers of polymer matrixes [9][10][11][12][13] or in the preparation of dental materials [14,15].In the previous research articles, Methacryl POSS was used as a polymer filler acting as a cross-linking agent to the polymer or as an agent increasing the rate of the polymerization process.Changes in conversion degree increase were also noted [16].Introduction of oligomeric silsesquioxane to elastomer compounds does not always produce the desired results, such as improvement of mechanical parameters, which to some extent limits the possibility of replacing traditional fillers with POSS.
Experiments conducted with Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes seem very promising, although POSS compounds are still considered as a luxury and requiring nanofillers.For this reason, it was decided to combine the innovation and attractiveness of POSS with the functionality of traditional fillers such as silica.Attempts were made to obtain a new group of highly functional hybrid fillers.This type of material is economically interesting because of the possibility of covering a relatively cheap and easily obtainable filler [17][18][19] with a thin layer of expensive material [20].The described modification process reduces the costs associated with the more expensive materials through the use of a commonly available cheap filler.The properties of the materials obtained, especially chemical stability, thermal and/or mechanical strength, were maintained or improved.A bifunctionalization process has been used by, among others, Carniato et al. [21].The authors described the immobilization process of Ti-POSS compound onto a surface of ordered, mesoporous silica (SBA-15) and silica with unordered structure (SiO 2 -Dav).The final product (Ti-POSS-TSIPI) resulted from covalent bonding of monoaminosubstituted POSS with 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane in alkaline pH.The hybrid systems obtained were used as catalysts in the reaction of epoxidation of limonene.Another interesting example of a bifunctionalization process was presented by Bhagiyalakshmi et al. [22].A chlorofunctionalized mesoporous silica (SBA-15) surface was additionally grafted with octa(3-aminophenyl)octasilsesquioxane (OAPS).The Cl-SAB-15/OAPS systems obtained via the proposed mechanism were characterized by high heat resistance, which was used in a further research concerning the adsorption of CO 2 .Functionalized hybrid systems of silica/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (SiO 2 /POSS) were also prepared by a mechanical method [23], using spherical and hydrated silicas precipitated in an emulsion or water system.Monoand octasubstituted silsesquioxanes were used as silica surface modifying agents.The proposed mechanical method made it possible to obtain products with well-defined dispersive properties.Moreover, the products obtained had higher hydrophobicity, which is important for applications in polymer processing.
The possibility of bifunctionalization of an inorganic filler surface with alkoxysilanes and POSS compounds helps to increase their range of application, while also improving the mechanical properties of the polymer composites and reducing the costs of their production.All of these factors confirm the appropriateness of the ongoing research and further development of technology for next-generation hybrid filler production, especially since the number of existing reports on the surface bifunctionalization of inorganic supports using POSS compounds is quite small, and most of them appeared in the last decade.

Experimental Section
2.1.Materials.Hydrated silica was obtained in the process of precipitation from aqueous solutions of sodium silicate and sulfuric acid, as it was described earlier [24].This inorganic filler surface was grafted with selected alkoxysilanes-see Table 1 (purchased from Sigma-Aldrich) and also Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture-see Table 2 (purchased from Hybrid Plastics Co.) in the amounts of 3, 5, or 10 weight parts by mass of SiO 2 .

Bifunctionalization of Silica
Surface.Modification of hydrated silica was performed by the hydrolysis and condensation method using selected alkoxysilanes and Methacryl POSS compound.Silane coupling agents were at first hydrolyzed in the methanol/water environment (4/1 v/v) and then sprayed directly onto the surface of silica.The silane coupling agents were used in the amounts of 3, 5, or 10 weight parts by mass.After deposition of a proper amount of the modifier on the SiO 2 surface, the solvent was distilled off and the sample was dried by a convection at 105 ∘ C for 1 hour.Removal of the solvent (methanol) was realized in a vacuum evaporator (made by Büchi Labortechnik GmbH) working under 337 mbar pressure and at 60 ∘ C-temperature of water bath.On the so prepared, functionalized filler, the Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture was deposited in an analogous way.POSS modifier, in the amounts of 3, 5, or 10 weight parts, prepared in the toluene solution, was introduced directly onto the surface of silanized silica.After deposition, the solvent was distilled off (pressure: 76 mbar, water bath temperature: 60 ∘ C) and the sample was drying by convection at 120 ∘ C for 48 hours.The proposed scheme of preparation of bifunctionalized SiO 2 is shown in Figure 1.
On the surface of silica filler modified with the selected organosilane and POSS compound, a reaction of condensation takes place between the functional groups of the silane and POSS and the silanol groups from the inorganic support; see Figure 2.

Evaluation of Physicochemical
Properties.Determination of certain physicochemical parameters was undertaken to verify the effectiveness of silica surface modification with selected organosilanes and POSS compound.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were conducted on an IFS 66v/S spectrophotometer (Bruker) at room temperature.The sample was prepared by mixing with KBr and then pressed into small flakes.FTIR spectra were obtained in the transmission mode between 4000 and 400 cm −1 .
29 Si NMR and 13 C CP MAS NMR measurements were carried out on a DSX spectrometer (Bruker).For the determination of NMR spectra, a sample of about 100 mg was placed in a ZrO 2 rotator with diameter 4 mm, which enabled spinning of the sample.Centrifugation at the magic angle was performed at a spinning frequency of 8 kHz. 29Si CP MAS NMR spectra were recorded at pulse duration 4.5 s, contact time 1.5 ms, and pulse spacing 6 s.The 13 C CP MAS NMR spectra were recorded at 100.63 MHz in a standard 4 mm MAS probe using a single pulse excitation with high power proton decoupling (pulse repetition 10 s, spinning speed 8 kHz).
The chemical composition of the functionalized SiO 2 systems was determined using a Vario EL Cube apparatus (Elementar Analysensysteme GmbH).A 25 mg portion of the sample was placed in an 80-position autosampler.The sample was placed in a system in which it was combusted in an oxygen atmosphere.After passing through appropriate catalysts in a helium stream, the resulting gases were separated in an adsorption columns and then recorded using a detector.The results are given to ±0.001%, and each is obtained by averaging three measurements.
The surface area  BET (calculated from the BET equation) was measured by low-temperature adsorption of nitrogen.The isotherms of nitrogen adsorption/desorption were measured at 77 K using an ASAP 2020 apparatus (Micromeritics Instrument Co.).On the basis of the isotherms, BET-specific surface area ( BET ) was calculated, and the pore size (  ) and volume (  ) were found from the BJH equation (Barrett-Joyner-Halenda).With regard to the high accuracy of the  instrument used (±0.0001m 2 /g), the surface area values were rounded up to whole numbers and the mean pore size (  ) and total pore volume (  ) to whole numbers and two decimal places, respectively.Dispersive characteristics of unmodified and bifunctionalized silica nanocomposites were determined by an apparatus Zetasizer Nano ZS and Mastersizer 2000, both made by Malvern Instruments Ltd., operating on the noninvasive back scattering method and laser diffraction method measuring particles of the sizes from 0.6 to 6000 nm and from 0.2 to 2000 m, respectively.Measurements of particle size were at least ten times repeated for each sample.
The morphology and microstructure of the hybrids obtained were analyzed using a Jeol 1200 EX II transmission electron microscope, at an accelerating voltage of 80 kV, and Zeiss EVO40 scanning electron microscope.
Thermogravimetric analysis was performed using a Jupiter STA 449 F3 (Netzsch GmbH).Samples weighing approximately 10 mg were placed in an Al 2 O 3 crucible and heated at a rate of 10 ∘ C/min from 30 to 1000 ∘ C in a nitrogen atmosphere, at a flow rate of 40 cm 3 /min.
To evaluate the hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface character of the fillers obtained, the wettability profiles with water were estimated Tensiometer K100 equipped with appropriate software (Krüss GmbH).The measurements were conducted over an equal time period, until a stable sample mass value was obtained (approx.10 min; the mass was 0.4 g).

Results and Discussion
3.1.FTIR and 29 Si, 13 C CP MAS NMR Analysis.Figure 3 shows the FTIR spectra of hydrated silica (sample 0), the hybrids obtained after silica modification with 5 weight parts by mass of isocyanate silane and 10 weight parts by mass of POSS compound (sample 6C), and 5 weight parts by mass of aminosilane and 10 weight parts by mass of POSS compound (sample 6D).The spectra presented prove a high efficiency of modification and change in the chemical character of the SiO 2 surface.
Spectrum for sample 0 (hydrated silica) presents two characteristic absorption bands at 1100 and 595 cm −1 , which are assigned to Si-O-Si stretching and bending vibration, respectively.The spectrum of unmodified silica also shows absorption peak around 1640 cm −1 , which is assigned to the bending mode of physically absorbed water molecules, analogy to [25].By the way, the intensity of the band at 3600-3200 cm −1 was assigned to the stretching vibrations of -OH groups coming from physically absorbed water.
The spectra of bifunctionalized samples (6C and 6D) were observed to reduce the intensity of absorption bands assigned to -OH groups in the range of 3600-3200 cm −1 .Reduction of the intensity of this band confirms a chemical bonding of the modifier to silica surface and effective substitution of double vicinal groups by its molecules.In the same range (3600-3200 cm −1 ), the band assigned to stretching vibrations of -NH groups was also found, but it is effectively masked by the band assigned to silanol groups.The band at 1720 cm −1 arises from the carbonyl stretching vibrations (](=C=O)).This situation was especially observed for the hybrid modified with isocyanate silane (sample 6C).The presence of a weak absorption band at 1550 cm −1 , probably related with the appearing of ](C=C), also has to be mentioned.Besides, the spectrum of hybrids produced contains the stretching vibration band ](C-H) in the range of 2900-2850 cm −1 .For the verification of the proposed mechanism of SiO 2 /silane interactions, the FTIR spectrum of silica grafted with (3isocyanatopropyl)triethoxysilane (Figures 3(c), and 3(d)) was also obtained.The presence of an absorption band around 1640 cm −1 was noted, attributed to the bending mode of physically absorbed molecules of H 2 O, as well as a clear absorption band at 1695 cm −1 , attributed to bending vibrations of the N-H group related to the primary amine created in the hydrolysis reaction (in a methanol/water system).
29 Si and 13 C CP MAS NMR spectra of hydrated silica (sample 0) and silica modified with 5 weight parts by mass of aminosilane and 5 weight parts by mass of POSS compound (Sample 5D) are presented in Figures 4 and 5.
The This reaction will also result in the loss of ≡Si-OH groups and the formation of ≡Si−O−Si≡ linkages, which is demonstrated by the change in the intensity of the Q signals indicated in the 29 Si CP MAS NMR spectrum.In the spectrum of silica after modification process, T 2 (−67 ppm) and T 3 (−73 ppm) structures appeared analogical as described by Whitnall et al. [26], informing about the condensation of alkoxy and functional groups of a given modifier to the silica matrix, respectively, particularly well visible for sample 5Dmodified with 5 weight parts by mass of aminosilane and 5 weight parts by mass of Methacryl POSS.This is the evidence of the chemisorption of the modifiers applied and a proof of effective modification.Another proof of the chemisorption of the modifiers is given by the 13 C CP MAS NMR spectrum presented in Figure 5.
The range between 8 ppm and 21 ppm derives from the -CH 2 -groups, while that at 37 ppm to -CH 3 groups from the mixture of modifiers used.The signals appearing at 50 ppm are assigned to ≡C-N= groups, coming from carbon, occurring in the secondary amine, while the signal appearing at 65 ppm is assigned to the ≡C-C≡.Moreover, the signal at 112 ppm assigned to the =C=CH 2 group was observed, which unfortunately has been masked and is not observed on the FTIR spectra.The last signal appearing at 173 ppm is assigned to =C=O groups, derived from the POSS structure.

Elemental Analysis of Hybrid Systems Obtained.
In the next stage of the study, the chemical composition of received fillers was evaluated using elemental analysis (Figure 6 and Table 3).This analysis was performed to verify the effectiveness of the modification process performed and to estimate the degree of inorganic support surface coverage with selected modifying agents.The silica surface coverage degree was calculated according to Berendsen and de Golan equation [27].
Analysis of experimental data has shown the percentage increase in the content of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen together with increasing amount of silane coupling agents and Methacryl POSS compound used in the functionalization process of SiO 2 , which also determines the increase in the degree of support coverage (P).The degree of silica surface coverage increases from 0.38 mol/m 2 for the silica modified with 5 weight parts by mass of isocyanate silane and 3 weight parts by mass of POSS compound to 0.53 mol/m 2 for the silica modified with the same amount of the silane and 10 weight parts by mass of Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture (samples 5C, 6C, and 7C).Analogous situation was observed for samples 4D, 5D, and 6D, modified with 5 weight parts by mass of aminosilane and POSS compound in different amounts.The degree of coverage for those samples increases from the value of 0.35 mol/m 2 (the lowest amount of POSS compound used) to 0.69 mol/m 2 , after aminosilane-grafted silica functionalization with 10 weight parts by mass of Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture.

Characteristics of Porous Structure of Unmodified Silica
and SiO 2 /Silane/POSS Systems.At the next stage of the study, parameters of porous structure of modified SiO 2 samples were characterized.The fundamental parameters determining the surface activity of the modified samples are specific surface area ( BET ) and pore size distribution, evaluated according to nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms presented in Figure 7. Analysis of the data presented in Figure 7 shows that the greater the amount of the modifying agent is, the smaller the surface area ( BET ) is.Most probably, it is a consequence of blocking of the active centres (surface silanol groups) on the silica by the molecules of modifier.The isotherms estimated for SiO 2 -based fillers were classified as type IV and H3 type hysteresis loop, indicating the mesoporous character of the samples.The isotherms of samples obtained cover the relative pressure range / 0 = 0.6-1.0.A considerable decrease in the surface area (Table 4), relative to that of the unmodified sample, was observed for the sample 6C-modified with 5 weight parts by mass of (3-isocyanatopropyl)triethoxysilane and 10 weight parts by mass of POSS mixture as well as for the sample 6D-functionalized with 5 weight parts by mass of N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and 10 weight parts by mass of Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture (Table 5).The surface area of sample 6C was 11 m 2 /g.The effect of SiO 2 modification with N-2-(aminoethyl)-3aminopropyltrimethoxysilane was smaller as the specific surface area of the samples modified with 5 weight parts by mass of this silane and 3 and 5 or 10 weight parts by mass of POSS compound was 31, 22, and 17 m 2 /g, respectively.The nitrogen volume adsorbed on unmodified silica matrix reaches 250 cm 3 /g at / 0 = 1.0.For bifunctionalized SiO 2 samples (Figure 7), the nitrogen volume adsorbed at / 0 = 1.0 was much lower (125 cm 3 /g for sample 6C and 90 cm 3 /g for sample 6D).Addition of any of the modifiers also resulted in a decrease in the pore diameters as well as in their volume.The changes were more significant when a higher amount of a modifying compound was used.In the case of systems Chemical shift (ppm)  obtained with the use of isocyanate silane, pore volume decreases after silica functionalization from 0.37 cm 3 /g to 0.01 cm 3 /g.On the other hand, pore diameter increase after silica surface bifunctionalization was observed.

Dispersive and Morphological Properties of the Fillers
Obtained.In the next stage of the research, the particle sizes of grafted and bifunctionalized hybrid fillers were estimated.The experimental data collected were used to determine the influence of the quantity of modifying agents on the degree of agglomeration of the particles.SEM and TEM images  of the initial hydrated silica and selected systems functionalized with alkoxysilanes are presented in Table 5.The application of 5 weight parts by mass of organosilane was found to be the most suitable.Larger quantities of alkoxysilanes cause primary particles to combine into large agglomerates.SEM images show that fillers obtained using N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane display a higher tendency towards agglomeration than (3-isocyanatopropyl)triethoxysilane.In the case of sample 2A, (modified with 5 weight parts by mass of isocyanate silane) 10% of particles [(0.after silica surface functionalization with 5 weight parts by mass of aminosilane, isocyanate silane, and 5 weight parts by mass of Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture. For hydrated silica (sample 0), the process of decomposition begins at a temperature of 30 ∘ C, and it can be stated to be a one-stage process.The observed mass loss in the temperature range 30-125 ∘ C is relatively rapid, as it is indicated by the intense fall in mass recorded on the thermogravimetric curve.After the temperature exceeds ∼700 ∘ C, the sample stabilizes, and its mass remains almost unchanged.The analysis showed that within the aforementioned temperature range, pure hydrated silica loses only 10% of its total mass.Thermogravimetric analysis of hybrid systems was performed to evaluate their thermal stability.Sequentially obtained thermograms were compared with the diagram obtained for the pure POSS modifier.For selected hybrid systems (samples 5C and 5D), a two-step degradation process was noted.The first mass loss observed in the range from 30 to about 300 ∘ C is most likely related to dehydration (loss of chemically and physically bonded water).In this temperature range, the filler mass loss is just over 7%.Subsequent TGA curve inflection occurs at a temperature ∼325 ∘ C.This mass loss is probably related with the decomposition of functional groups of modifying agent.Mass of tested fillers stabilizes at 700 ∘ C, and the total loss of weight in the temperature range 30-1000 ∘ C is 13%.It was observed that the change of modifier virtually has no effect on changes in the thermogravimetric curves, and thus on the thermal stability of different hybrid fillers.The TGA curve of pure POSS revealed a mass loss of about 43% at 550 ∘ C. The process continued until total degradation of the organic groups substituted at the silicon atoms of the POSS skeleton.Application of silica filler as a support for hybrid systems preparation caused a significant decrease in the total mass loss and thermal stability shift, which is very important in terms of using such systems in the polymer processing and other useful materials.
3.6.Evaluation of Hydrophilic/Hydrophobic Surface Character of Hybrid Systems Obtained.The wettability with water of the initial silica and the hybrid systems was tested to evaluate the hydrophobic or hydrophilic character of the products obtained.According to the data shown in Figure 9(a), the mass increase in time is smaller for the modified silica, so it has lower affinity to water than the unmodified one.Thus, modification process (using (3isocyanatopropyl)triethoxysilane and Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture in different amounts) has resulted in hydrophobization of the silica surface.Figure 9(b) presents the mass increase in time for the fillers obtained after silica modification with N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and different amounts of Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture.The mass increase is smaller once again for the modified silica, which proves its hydrophobic character.

Conclusions
The proposed methacrylate substituents support surface bifunctionalization should be classified as an innovative chemical method.The research obtained through the evaluation of the elemental composition and FTIR as well as 13 C and 29 Si CP MAS NMR spectroscopies also confirmed the effectiveness of the bifunctionalization process.
It was also confirmed that an incorporation of the silane coupling agents and Methacryl POSS on the support surface contributed to an increase in the hydrophobic nature of the filler obtained together with a decrease of the values of their surface area, as compared to the unmodified silica.
29 Si CP MAS NMR spectrum of the unmodified hydrated silica shows two signals at −100, −110 ppm.The main signal at −100 ppm is assigned to a structure of three siloxane groups and one silanol group-isolated silanols (Q 3 ), while the signal at −110 ppm-to four siloxane bridges (Q 4 ).After silica surface treatment with N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and Methacryl POSS, the Q signals decreased.This could be caused by the reaction of the modifiers with the surface silanol groups.

Figure 6 :
Figure 6: The degree of silica surface coverage with selected alkoxysilanes and different amounts of Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture.

Table 2 :
POSS compound used to inorganic filler surface functionalization.

Table 3 :
Elemental content of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen in silica-based fillers grafted with alkoxysilanes and different amounts of Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture.

Table 4 :
Characteristics of porous structure of hydrated silica and hybrid fillers obtained using different amounts of silanes and Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture.

Table 6 :
Dispersive and morphological characteristics of hybrid fillers obtained after silica surface modification with (3-isocyanatopropyl)triethoxysilane and Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture in different amounts.

Table 7 :
Dispersive and morphological characteristics of hybrid fillers obtained after silica surface modification with N-2-(aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane and Methacryl POSS Cage Mixture in different amounts.