In situ synthesis of nanocrystalline BaTiO₃ particle–polymer hybrid

Nanocrystalline BaTiO₃ particle–polymer hybrid was synthesized by polymerization and hydrolysis of [2-(methacryloxy)ethoxy]triisopropoxytitanium (MEPT) and barium alkoxide. The precursor for hybrid was synthesized from prepolymerized MEPT and barium alkokide, which was then hydrolyzed to form BaTiO₃ particle–polymer hybrids below 100 °C. BaTiO₃ particles increased in crystallinity when the amount of water for hydrolysis increased. The nanocrystalline particles were identified to be BaTiO₃ by electron diffraction. Nanometer-sized BaTiO₃ particle–polymer hybrid was shaped to a film with a dielectric constant of 8.2 at 10 kHz. A suspension consisting of the hybrid and silicone oil responded to a direct-current field, exhibiting a typical electrorheological behavior.