How to modify the surface of nano-zinc oxide?

Nano-zinc oxide is a new type of functional fine inorganic chemical material. Due to its small particle size and large specific surface area, it has unique physical and chemical properties in chemical, optical, biological and electrical aspects. It is widely used in antibacterial additives, catalysts, rubber , dyes, inks, coatings, glass, piezoelectric ceramics, optoelectronics and daily chemicals, etc., the development and utilization of broad prospects.

However, due to the large specific surface area and specific surface energy of nano-zinc oxide, the surface polarity is strong, and it is easy to agglomerate; it is not easy to disperse uniformly in organic media, which greatly limits its nano-effect. Therefore, the dispersion and surface modification of nano-zinc oxide powder has become a necessary treatment method before nano-materials are applied in the matrix.

1. Surface coating modification of nano-zinc oxide

This is the main surface modification method of inorganic fillers or pigments at present. Surfactant is used to cover the surface of particles to give new properties to the surface of particles. Commonly used surface modifiers include silane coupling agent, titanate coupling agent, stearic acid, silicone, etc.

2. Mechanochemical modification of nano-zinc oxide

This is a method of using pulverization, friction and other methods to activate the particle surface with mechanical stress to change its surface crystal structure and physicochemical structure. In this method, the molecular lattice is displaced, the internal energy is increased, and the active powder surface reacts and attaches to other substances under the action of external force, so as to achieve the purpose of surface modification.

3. Nano-zinc oxide precipitation reaction modification

The method uses organic or inorganic substances to deposit a layer of coating on the surface of particles to change their surface properties.

At present, some breakthroughs have been made in the preparation technology of nano-zinc oxide, and several industrialized manufacturers have been formed in China. However, the surface modification technology and application technology of nano-zinc oxide have not been paid much attention, and the development of its application field has been greatly restricted. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the research on the surface modification and application of nano-zinc oxide products, develop high-performance products, and broaden the application fields of products to meet the demand for nano-zinc oxide products in different fields.