Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-q99xh Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T04:19:18.093Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Surface Modified Boehmite Aluminas: A Versatile Approach to Nano-scale Particle Dispersion and Nanocomposites

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 February 2011

Steven L. Baxter
Steven L. Baxter*
Affiliation:
Lake Charles Chemical Complex, SASOL North America Inc., 2201 Old Spanish Trail, Westlake, LA 70669, U.S.A.
Get access

Abstract

Certain forms of monohydrate aluminum oxide, commonly known as boehmite or pseudoboehmite alumina, are known to disperse in water at low pH to nano-scale dimensions. The upsurge of interest in nano-scale structures has prompted our study of the surface modification of nano-scale boehmite aluminas with organic acids in order to achieve dispersion of these materials in non-aqueous systems and alkaline aqueous systems.

This paper discusses the variety of modifiers used to achieve compatibilization and dispersion of nano-sized particles of these boehmite aluminas in aqueous and organic matrices. Organic modification of a variety of crystallite sizes (5-60 nm) and shapes (plates, needles, blocks) has been achieved, including materials of high aspect ratio. We describe the properties of these dispersions, including primary particle size, dispersed particle size, and surface charge. Finally, we present physical property data of polymer nanocomposites prepared from these materials. These materials are based on a commercial process which has been in operation for over 40 years and which has global production capacities of 70,000 tons per annum.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 879: Symposium Z – Chemistry of Nanomaterial Synthesis and Processing , 2005 , Z3.18
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2005

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Giannelis, E. P., “Polymer Layered Silicate Nanocomposites,” Adv. Mater. 8, 29–35 (1996).Google Scholar
2. Zilg, C., Mülhaupt, R., and Finter, J., “Morphology and Toughness/Stiffness Balance of Nanocomposites Base Upon Anhydride-Cured Epoxy Resins and Layered Silicates,” Macromol. Chem. Phys. 200, 661–670 (1999).Google Scholar
3. Schimanski, J., “Production of Dispersible Aluminas and their Use in Different Applications,” Key Engineering Materials 150, 161–170 (1998).Google Scholar
4. Leach, B. E. and Decker, L. B., “Process for Producing Water Dispersible Alumina,” U.S. 4,676,928, 30 June 1987.Google Scholar
5. Noweck, K., Schimanski, J., and Meyer, A., “Process for Producing Water-Dispersible Alumina Hydrates Having a Nanocrystalline Structure and Use Thereof,” U.S. 6,030,599, 29 February 2000.Google Scholar
6. Baker, B. R. and Pearson, R. M., “Water Content of Pseudoboehmite: A New Model for Its Structure,” J. Catal. 33, 265–278 (1974).Google Scholar
7. Hurlburt, P. K. and Plummer, D. T., “Method of Making Modified Boehmite Alumina,” U.S. 6,224, 846, 1 May 2001.Google Scholar
8. Bohnen, F. M., Siepen, K., Hurlburt, P. K., and Reitz, K., “Method for Producing Metal Oxides Dispersible in Organic Solvents,” U.S. 6,846,435, 25 January 2005.Google Scholar
9. Pettersson, A., Marino, G., Pursiheimo, A., and Rosenholm, J. B., “Electrosteric Stabilization of Al2O3, ZrO2, and 3Y-ZrO2 Suspensions: Effect of Dissociation and Type of Polyelectrolyte,” J. Colloid Interface Sci., 228, 73–81 (2000).Google Scholar
10. Hosseinpour, D., Guthrie, J.T., Berg, J.C. and Stolarski, V.L., submitted to Langmuir, Feb., 2005.Google Scholar