In situ preparation of compounds using silanized mPEG inspired by talc-like structures

Abstract

Composite materials show improved properties compared to pristine materials, in particular when the filler is dispersed homogeneously in the matrix. For polymer–clay composites, different strategies exist to improve clay mineral dispersion in the polymer matrix. In this study, an innovative approach is suggested which consists of forming a talc-like structure directly in a polymer matrix using a silanized polymer as the silicon source. Poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether of different average molar masses (M_n = 350, 500, 750, 1900 g mol⁻¹) were functionalized with (3-isocyanatopropyl)triethoxysilane and added to the ethanolic solutions of magnesium nitrate. ¹H–²⁹Si CPMAS solid state NMR experiments revealed partial condensation of silane compounds, and FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of both Si–O and Mg–O bonds, but an additional proof of the Si–O–Mg bond is needed to prove the formation of such a structure.