Preparation and properties of thermosensitive organic‐inorganic hybrid gels containing modified nanosilica

Abstract A series of thermosensitive organic–inorganic hybrid gels containing nanosilica or modified nanosilica were prepared from N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), and N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (NMBA) and nanosilica (AE200) or modified AE200 (mAE200); and NIPAAm, NMBA, 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) as coupling agent and AE200 or mAE200 in this study. The effect of inorganic nanosilica on the swelling behaviors and mechanical properties were investigated by adding different amount of nanosilica and modified nanosilica. Results showed that the swelling ratios of the hybrid gels decrease with increasing nanosilica content. Existence of silane coupling agent would also reduce the swelling ratios of the hybrid gels. Adding coupling agent or nanosilica would improve the gel strength. Modification of nanosilica by grafting amino‐silane via sol–gel process was carried out and the effect of addition of modified silica on gel properties was also investigated. Results showed that the hybrid gels containing modified silica would have higher swelling ratios and moduli than those containing unmodified silica. Gels containing both silane coupling agent and silica would have higher crosslinking density because the silica would be better crosslinked with coupling agent. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1712–1721, 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers.