Quezon City PhilippinesThe stability of biphenyl-functionalized ethane-silica hybrid materials was investigated by a calcination process, a hydrothermal test and exposure to UV to determine the integrity of Its composition, structure, and morphology. The organosilicas were prepared via surfactant-mediated polymerization of 4,4'-bis(triethoxysilyl)biphenyl organosilane monomer and crosslinked with 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane and tetraethoxysilane. Infrared spectroscopic and gravimetric analyses showed that the material was thermally stable below 700 degrees C. Its hydrothermal stability could he accounted for by the strong covalent integration of the bifunctional organic bridging groups in the silica framework. No significant change was observed in the functional groups when the material was exposed to ultra-violet radiation. Post heat treatment of the materials did not significantly change the interplanar spacing of the (100) plane, but enhanced the spherical particle morphology.
Keywords: organosilica; Surfactant-mediated polymerization; Biphenyl moiety