Field-responsive BaTiO3 nanoparticle/organic hybrid synthesized from metal alkoxide

Abstract

Field-responsive BaTiO3 nanoparticle/organic hybrid-based fluids were synthesized from BaTi double alkoxide under controlled hydrolysis conditions. Nanocrystalline BaTiO3 particles chemically modified with polarizable ligands were synthesized through hydrolysis of modified metalorganics below 100°C. The modified BaTi alkoxide was hydrolyzed, yielding BaTiO3 particles modified with organics. A heterogeneous fluid consisting of modified BaTiO3 particles and silicone oil revealed a typical electrorheological (ER) behavior on application of a direct current (DC) field. The ER behavior was found to be dependent on the type of ligand. Among the 4-substitued benzyloxy ligands examined in the ER measurement, 4-fluorobenzyloxy modifier revealed the highest yield stress. A transparent BaTiO3 particle/dimethylsiloxane hybrid fluid was prepared by adding carbinol-modified dimethylsiloxane to a solution of solgel- derived BaTiO 3 nanoparticles. The transmittance of the fluid showed a response to an external electric field. The curve of shear stress versus shear rate for the hybrid fluid was varied by applying both DC and alternating current (AC) fields. The behavior of the nanoparticle-based fluid was attributed to the interfacial polarization between the BaTiO3 nanoparticles and the functional modifiers. © 2011 The Ceramic Society of Japan.