Surface-Modified Nanodiamonds for Organic Solvent Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nanodiamond particles with surface modifications by trimethylsilyl groups exhibit poor steric hindrance, leading to aggregation and difficulty in dispersion in organic solvents, and poor re-dispersibility after solvent vaporization.
Innovation Solution
Surface modification of nanodiamond particles using a silane coupling agent with an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 6 or more carbons, particularly 14 or more, to enhance steric hindrance and affinity for organic solvents, achieved through ultrasonic treatment with grinding media, resulting in high dispersibility and re-dispersibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nanodiamond particles are modified with trimethylsilyl groups, then surface modification is achieved, but steric hindrance is insufficient leading to aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the surface modifying group from trimethylsilyl to long-chain alkylsilane groups (with 6 or more carbon atoms in the aliphatic hydrocarbon group). This parameter change increases the steric hindrance effect and improves dispersibility in organic solvents while preventing aggregation of nanodiamond particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite surface structure by combining nanodiamond particles with silane coupling agents having long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon groups. This composite approach integrates the mechanical strength and thermal conductivity of nanodiamond with the steric stabilization and organic solvent affinity of long-chain alkylsilane groups.
2Reliability
If nanodiamonds are dispersed in organic solvent, then initial dispersibility is achieved, but re-dispersibility after solvent vaporization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the surface group parameters to long-chain alkylsilane groups (6 or more carbon atoms) that provide sufficient steric hindrance. This parameter change ensures that even after solvent vaporization and powder formation, the particles remain separated and can be easily re-dispersed in organic solvents without significant re-aggregation.
3Reliability
If surface modification is performed to prevent aggregation, then dispersibility improves, but affinity for organic solvent and resin may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses silane coupling agents as intermediary composite structures that bridge nanodiamond particles and organic solvents/resins. The silane group bonds to the nanodiamond surface while the long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon group provides compatibility with organic solvents and resins, achieving both dispersibility and affinity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface chemistry parameters by introducing silane coupling agents with long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbon groups. This parameter change transforms the surface properties to simultaneously provide steric stabilization for dispersibility and hydrocarbon chain interactions for affinity with organic solvents and resins.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The surface-modified nanodiamonds demonstrate excellent dispersibility and re-dispersibility in organic solvents and resins, enabling efficient incorporation of nanodiamond characteristics into resins and use as antifriction agents or lubricants while maintaining resin transparency.
Implementation Method 1
reacting a silane coupling agent having an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 6 or more carbons with a nanodiamond particle
Implementation Method 2
while nanodiamond particles in an organic solvent are subjected to ultrasonic treatment in the presence of a grinding media
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is to provide a surface-modified nanodiamond having excellent affinity for an organic solvent and a resin and having high dispersibility in an organic solvent and in a resin. The surface-modified nanodiamond according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a surface of a nanodiamond particle is modified by a group represented by Formula (1) below. In Formula (1), R1 represents an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 6 or more carbons. R2 and R3 may be the same or different and are each a hydrogen atom, an aliphatic hydrocarbon group having from 1 to 3 carbons, or a group represented by Formula (2) below.