Technical Specifications:
- Chemical Composition:
- Primary Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (ZnO)
- Coating: 1wt% Silane (used to enhance dispersion, compatibility with organic matrices, and surface properties)
- Purity: 99+% (high purity with minimal impurities)
- Nanoparticle Size:
- Particle Size: 20 nm (nanometers)
- Particle Shape: Typically spherical or irregular depending on the synthesis method.
- Surface Area:
- Due to the nanoscale size, ZnO nanoparticles exhibit a high surface area, which enhances their reactivity and compatibility in composites and coatings.
- Crystal Structure:
- Structure: Hexagonal wurtzite, known for its excellent optical and electronic properties.
- Density:
- Lower than bulk ZnO due to the nanoscale structure and surface modifications.
- Other Characteristics:
- Color: White or off-white.
- Surface Modification Benefits: The silane coating improves hydrophobicity, compatibility with organic systems, and dispersion in non-polar solvents or polymer matrices.
Applications:
- Polymer Composites:
- Purpose: The silane coating enhances the dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles in polymers.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are used in polymer matrices to improve mechanical strength, UV resistance, and antimicrobial properties. Common applications include automotive components, packaging materials, and construction products.
- Sunscreens and Cosmetics:
- Purpose: ZnO is widely used for UV protection, and the silane coating improves its dispersion in cosmetic formulations.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are added to sunscreens, lotions, and makeup products for broad-spectrum UV protection. The silane coating ensures smooth dispersion in formulations, improving texture and stability.
- Coatings and Paints:
- Purpose: Silane-coated ZnO improves UV resistance and antibacterial properties in coatings.
- Application: ZnO is incorporated into industrial coatings, automotive paints, and protective finishes. The silane coating helps in achieving uniform dispersion and strong adhesion to surfaces, providing long-lasting durability and protection.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Products:
- Purpose: ZnO’s intrinsic antibacterial properties are enhanced by the silane coating for better performance in various environments.
- Application: Used in medical devices, wound dressings, and antimicrobial coatings for textiles, surfaces, and public spaces to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
- Environmental Remediation:
- Purpose: ZnO’s photocatalytic properties are enhanced by silane surface modification for improved application in environmental cleanups.
- Application: Silane-coated ZnO is used in water and air purification systems to degrade organic pollutants, pesticides, and dyes under UV light.
- Adhesives and Sealants:
- Purpose: The silane coating improves compatibility with adhesive systems.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are used in adhesives and sealants for enhanced strength, thermal stability, and resistance to microbial growth.
- Energy Storage:
- Purpose: ZnO nanoparticles are used to improve the performance of energy storage devices, and the silane coating enhances compatibility in hybrid systems.
- Application: ZnO is incorporated into lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices to improve charge/discharge efficiency and cycle stability.
- Textiles:
- Purpose: To impart UV-blocking and antibacterial properties to fabrics.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles with silane coating are used in the textile industry to create UV-resistant and antimicrobial fabrics for clothing, hospital linens, and outdoor gear.
- Gas Sensors:
- Purpose: ZnO is highly sensitive to gases, and the silane coating can enhance the stability and longevity of sensors.
- Application: ZnO nanoparticles are used in gas sensors for detecting CO2, NOx, and VOCs. These sensors are used in environmental monitoring and industrial safety systems.
Key Benefits of Silane Coating:
- Improved Dispersion: The silane coating enhances the uniform distribution of ZnO nanoparticles in various matrices, particularly in hydrophobic or organic systems.
- Enhanced Compatibility: Improved interaction with polymers, resins, and coatings, ensuring better mechanical and functional performance.
- Increased Stability: The silane layer prevents agglomeration of nanoparticles, ensuring long-term stability in formulations and composites.
- Surface Modification: The silane coating enables better adhesion to substrates, making it ideal for use in coatings, paints, and adhesives.
- Reduced Agglomeration: Improved dispersion prevents clumping of nanoparticles, maintaining their nanoscale properties and reactivity.
Summary of Applications:
Zinc oxide nanoparticles coated with 1wt% silane are highly versatile, with applications in cosmetics, coatings, polymers, medical products, textiles, energy devices, and environmental remediation. The silane coating enhances their dispersion, compatibility, and overall performance in both organic and inorganic systems, making them a valuable material in modern technology.
