Synthesis and characterization of boron-acrylate/Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 polymer composite

In the present work, boron-acrylate/Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA)-15 polymer composite was synthesized using free radical polymerization method. Firstly, SBA-15 was functionalized with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate to obtain chemically bonded boron acrylate (BAc) polymer on the SBA-15 surface. The structural analysis was evaluated via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance ¹³C. Samples were also characterized by using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, N₂ adsorption/desorption and thermogravimetric analysis. In order to examine the BAc polymers in the mesopores, the silica framework was removed via hydrofluoric acid etching process. The results indicated that the synthesis of boron-acrylate/SBA-15 polymer composite was performed successfully. Thermal stabilities of the composites were higher with greater amounts of BAc polymer in mesopores under oxidative conditions.