Synthesis, structure and properties of a novel hybrid bimodal network elastomer with inorganic cross-links: The case of silicone–nanocrystalline titania

We describe an innovative concept of synthesizing a novel hybrid bimodal network elastomer with high strength–high ductility combination involving utilization of functionalized nanocrystalline titania as short-chain cross-links between neighboring elastomer chains. This subject is germane both fundamentally and from an application viewpoint. Silicone rubber is selected as the model elastomer. The short-chain cross-links are acrylic acid functionalized nanocrystalline titania that are an integral component of bimodal network structure of the elastomer. To delineate and separate the effects of functionalization from nanoparticle effects, a relative comparison is made between silicone rubber–titania nanocomposite (i.e. containing dispersion of titania as a reinforcement filler) and silicone rubber–titania hybrid network elastomer (i.e. titania as short chain cross-links). An important finding is that the effect of functionalized titania present as short chain cross-links is far more significant than non-functionalized titania present as reinforcement filler, on mechanical behavior. This is presently ascribed to the double bonds introduced to nanocrystalline titania via functionalization with acrylic acid that provide active sites for the cross-linking reaction resulting in inorganic bridging chains. The basic physical mechanisms that govern elastic recovery in hybrid bimodal network elastomer with short chain cross-links of functionalized nanocrystalline inorganic particles are discussed. The hypothesis of the study described here is that the hybrid bimodal network elastomer with short chain cross-links of functionalized nanocrystalline inorganic particles modifies the unimodal long chain network elastomer with consequent increase in modulus and high strength–ductility combination.