Synthesis of field-responsive PbTiO3 particle/polymer hybrids from metal-organics

A nanocrystalline PbTiO3 particle/polymer hybrid was synthesized through controlled polymerization and the in situ hydrolysis of metal-organics. A PbTiO3 precursor was synthesized from titanium isopropoxide, lead acetate, and 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl acetoacetate (MEAA). The PbTiO3 precursor was coordinated by MEAA according to nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy analysis. The precursor was polymerized and hydrolyzed, yielding the PbTiO3 particle/polymer hybrid. The polymer matrix was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy to include nanometer-sized crystalline particles that were confirmed to be lead titanate by electron diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The suspension of the hybrid in silicone oil exhibited increased yield stress for an increased applied field and hybrid content. The suspension containing the synthesized hybrid showed a significantly increased yield stress compared with fluids containing PbTiO3 ceramic particles and hydrolyzed PbTiO3 precursors without MEAA modification.