Hybrid nanocomposites based on interpenetrating organic-inorganic polymers as construction materials

Title: Hybrid nanocomposites based on interpenetrating organic-inorganic polymers as construction materials
Author(s): María José López-Tendero, Irene Beleña Pozo, Eduardo Martínez-Tamayo, Celia Guillem López
Paper category : conference
Book title: NICOM 2: 2nd International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction
Editor(s): Y. de Miguel, A. Porro and P.J.M. Bartos
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-87-X
e-ISBN: 2912143888
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2006
Pages: 195 - 201
Total Pages: 7
Nb references: 20
Language: English

Abstract: This is a biomimetic approach to obtain hybrid materials that meets together advantages of organic polymers and ceramics and involves sustainable processes with low energetic and environmental costs. Interpenetration of organic and inorganic polymers (1) is an emergent research line in the field of nanocomposites materials with high expectations as light building materials with high mechanical and durability performance.
The two groups involved in this work started four years ago to collaborate in the research of inorganic polysialate siloxo polymers, also called “geopolymers” (2). Recently people with experience in water borne polymers was also incorporated to this interdisciplinary team in order to develop interpenetrating networks of polysialate siloxo and epoxy polymers. The main innovation is that no alcoxisilane precursors in solution are used, and instead of this an aluminosilicate solid (metakaolin) is employed in alkaline media yielding polysialate siloxo oligomers that condensates producing an alternating network of Al and Si tetrahedrons. The simultaneous polymerization of the epoxy polymer yields an interpenetrating network or organic and inorganic polymers. As the geopolymerization takes place in water media and at ambient temperature, an epoxy resin based on bisfenol A and a water emulsionable amine (Anquamine) as crosslink agent were chosen. Obtained products were characterized by FTIR, and 27Al-29Si MAS-NMR. Mechanical and dinamolechanical characterization by DMA provided also the typical modulus of these new materials. It was showed that geopolymerization reaction is complete and no zeolitic byproducts are obtained. Additionally results from FTIR showed evidences of covalent bonds between the organic and inorganic moieties in formulations with highest Silica content. This justifies their homogeneous dispersion of phases and stability of the interpenetrating network that is also reflected in the improvement of stiffness and elastic modulus of the better formulations.

Online publication: 2005-11-17
Publication type : full_text
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