The effect of surface modification on physicochemical properties of precipitated silica

The main goal of this study was to obtain hydrophobic silica whose properties would allow their application as plasto- and elastomer fillers. Thus, hydrated silica was modified by silane and titanate coupling agents. The modification procedure and appropriate modification apparatus were developed. The degree of silica surface modification was evaluated by different methods. As grounds for this evaluation, changes in the physicochemical properties, brought about by the condensation reaction of surface silanol groups with alkoxyl or hydroxyl groups of the molecules of coupling agents, were used. The degree of hydrophobicity of the silica surface was determined on the basis of the heat of immersion of this surface, and silanol groups were identified by the infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, changes in the tendency to form agglomerates and aggregates of molecules were studied by microscopy. It was found that modification with silane and titanate coupling agents leads to an increase in silica activity. Application of these agents results in the change of the hydrophilic character to the hydrophobic one.