Overview
Silanization is a process during which organosilanes react with a silica or glass surface. A siloxane (specifically the Si-O moiety) on the organosilane reacts with the hydroxyl on the silica surface. The reaction yields a hydrophobic surface. The highly hydrophobic surface is crucial in the formation of the tri-block brush layer. There are many forms of organosilanes, also referred to as silanes, each suitable for certain conditions. Previous laboratory work has shown that trichlorovinylsilane (TCVS) works well with the silica surfaces used.
- Sample preparation involves rigorously cleaning the surface. The cleaning treatment will vary for sample surfaces. Refer to proper sources on how to clean surfaces.
- Rinse surfaces with dry ethanol immediately before silanization. Surfaces need to be dehydrated before silanization. If surfaces are not completely dry, oil spill looking marks will be left. Be careful to wash surface where clamp may be held.
- Blow dry surface with nitrogen before placing in OSCAR. Notebook ref: JANB03-009
- OSCAR (organosilane carrier gas assisted reactor) should be set up like the diagram. Figure coming soon… issues with attaching file
- Switch value to bypass TCVS chamber.
- Flow nitrogen through system for 1 hr. This will equilibrate the system and remove any residual water on the surface. Notebook ref: JANB03-010
- Place a pipette tip on plastic syringe (1 mL). Cut off the wide part of the tip for a snug fit.
- Poke holes in a septum until the plastic tip can be forced through.
- Draw up TCVS into the pipette tip. Not much will be needed. Notebook ref: JANB03-011
- Stab tip through septum and inject the TCVS. Leave the syringe there for the reacton
- Switch valve to flow nitrogen through the TCVS chamber.
- Let reaction proceed for approximately 4 hr (could go longer with no negative complications).
- Cure samples in oven at 120 degrees C for 20 min.
- Clean up. Leave OSCAR set up in fume hood.
