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PUBLICATIONS

Surface Chemical Transformations of UV irradiated Silica-Epoxy Nanocomposites

Published

Author(s)

Justin M. Gorham, Tinh Nguyen, Deborah S. Jacobs, Coralie Bernard, Richard D. Holbrook

Abstract

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) incorporated into a polymeric matrix, or silica nanocomposites (SiNCs), are used in a wide variety of commercially available products in numerous natural and artificial environments. Environmental factors, such as light, may modify the SiNCs during their lifetime of service, giving rise to the possibility of degradation leading to nanoparticle (NP) release. Ultimately, light-induced modifications are most likely to occur at the SiNC-gas interface, which suggests that surface transformations will play a major role in the potential release of SiNPs throughout the lifecycle of this material. To better understand these surface transformations, we investigated the impact of high intensity simulated solar radiation (290 nm to 400 nm) on the surface and bulk properties of SiNCs created from unmodified SiNPs. Surface spectroscopic analysis (XPS) was employed to understand the chemical transformations that occur as a result of UV-aging of SiNCs. Results demonstrate that UV-induced transformations of SiNCs occurred via photo-oxidation of the epoxy matrix resulting in a subsequent loss of polymeric material and surface enhancements in the silicon and nitrogen concentrations.
Proceedings Title
Surface Chemical Transformations of UV irradiated Silica-Epoxy Nanocomposites
Volume
3
Conference Dates
May 12-16, 2013
Conference Location
Washington, DC
Conference Title
Surface Transformations of UV-Irradiated Polymer Nanocomposites
Pub Type
Conferences

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Keywords

silica, nanoparticles, nanoEHS, photodegradation, nanocomposites
Environmental health, Nanotechnology, Nanomaterials and Nanometrology

Citation

Gorham, J. , Nguyen, T. , Jacobs, D. , Bernard, C. and Holbrook, R. (2013), Surface Chemical Transformations of UV irradiated Silica-Epoxy Nanocomposites, Surface Chemical Transformations of UV irradiated Silica-Epoxy Nanocomposites, Washington, DC, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=913534 (Accessed October 17, 2025)

Issues

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Created May 15, 2013, Updated February 19, 2017
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