The crucial role of hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the sintering of fused silica glass using ultraviolet-cured silica nanoparticle slurries: dispersing nanoparticles

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology 2024-11, Vol.112 (2), p.553-567
• Main Authors: Hu, Youwang, Wang, Guilin, Zhang, Qinglong, Sun, Xiaoyan, Chen, Haikuan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ceramics; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Electron microscopy; Fourier transforms; Functional groups; Fused silica; Glass; Hydrogen bonding; Infrared analysis; Inorganic Chemistry; Materials Science; Microscopy; Nanoparticles; Nanotechnology; Natural Materials; Optical and Electronic Materials; Original Paper; Polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate; Rheological properties; Rheology; Rotational spectra; Shear stress; Silica glass; Sintering; Slurries; Solvation; Thickness; X-ray scattering
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1007/s10971-024-06540-4

Fused silica glass is prepared by dispersing silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) through the hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The dispersion of SiNPs was characterized using transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering. The rheological properties and functional groups of SiNP slurries were analyzed utilizing a rotational rheometer and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The sintering quality of the fused silica glass was characterized through scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The research results show that HEMA adsorbs on the surface of SiNP through hydrogen bonding to form a solvation layer of a certain thickness, thereby hindering the agglomeration of SiNPs. The SiNP slurry system exhibits bi-fractal properties. The viscosity and shear stress of the SiNP slurry initially decrease and then increase with increasing HEMA content. Achieving a homogeneous dispersion of SiNPs in the slurry is essential for sintering high-quality silica glass. The internal voids of agglomerates are the origin of crack formation. Graphical Abstract Highlights The mechanism of dispersing silica nanoparticles by hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was deeply investigated. The microstructure and rheological properties of silica nanoparticle slurries were analyzed. The effect of HEMA content on the sintering quality of fused silica glass was studied. The formation and origin of cracks during the sintering of fused silica glass were revealed.