Synthesis and field-responsive properties of SrTiO3 nanoparticle/polymer hybrid

Nanocrystalline strontium titanate (SrTiO3) particle/polymer hybrid was synthesized from metal-organics and 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl maleate (MMEM). SrTiO3 precursor was prepared from strontium isopropoxide and titanium isopropoxide in 2-methoxyethanol. Nanocrystalline SrTiO3 particle/poly-MMEM hybrid was formed by hydrolysis followed by reaction with MMEM. The crystallinity of SrTiO3 particles depended on the amount of water for hydrolysis. The nanocrystalline particles were identified to be strontium titanate by x-ray diffraction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed the presence of the chemical bond between SrTiO3 particles and the organic matrix. The fluid consisting of SrTiO3 particle/poly-MMEM and silicone oil revealed a yield stress dependent on various conditions, such as hydrolysis conditions and applied field. The hybridization was found to have a pronounced effect on the electrorheological properties of the nanoparticle/ polymer-based system. © 2009 Materials Research Society.