PMMA-BASED COMPOSITE-MATERIALS WITH REACTIVE CERAMIC FILLERS .1. CHEMICAL MODIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CERAMIC PARTICLES

Polymerisable organic silane molecules [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl meth acrylate, gamma-MPS] have been grafted onto the surface of ceramic oxi de powders (Al2O3, ZrO2, TiO2), via hydroxy groups of the latter oxide s, in order to obtain organic-inorganic hybrid 'macromonomers'. Densit ies of surface hydroxy groups have been determined using thermogravime try (TG) and chemical titration. Quantification of gamma-MPS grafting has been determined by FTIR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and TG. T ypical grafting yields up to 6 mu mol m(-2) were obtained. The influen ce of the relative amount of silane used has been studied. Silane mult ilayers and/or aggregates are formed as observed in Si-29 CP MAS NMR s pectroscopy.