Graft polymerization of vinyl monomers onto nanosized silicon carbide particles

For the purpose of preparing polymer composites filled with SiC nanoparticles to be used in tribological applications, grafting polymerization onto the particles was carried out as a way of surface modification. It is believed that the interfacial interaction in the composites can be tailored in this way. The SiC surface was pre-treated with a silane coupling agent, followed by radical grafting polymerization of acrylamide and styrene, respectively. Infrared spectroscopy and measurement of dispersiveness in solvent demonstrate that the desired polymer chains have been covalently bonded to the surface of the nanoparticles. In addition, the polymerization conditions were investigated and the controlling factors were established accordingly.