title: Preparation, characterization, and modeling of α-zirconium phosphonates with ether-functional surfaces.
abstract: Layered α-zirconium(IV) phosphonates were prepared from novel ether-terminal alkyl phosphonic acids, providing nanoplatelets with brush-like polar surfaces. The precursor materials were characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The derived nanoparticles were examined by XRD, TEM, TGA, and elemental analysis. The experimental compositions were slightly rich in organophosphorus content. In general, the layered materials had good crystallinity, with layer reflections appearing up to (005) and d-spacings consistent with the anticipated α-phase structure. Computer simulations suggest that tailored surface chemistries, including ether functionalities, will offer favorable thermodynamic interactions with polyester polymer matrices.
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Furman
authors.forename: Stephen T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Wellinghoff
authors.forename: Paul M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: Gary W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Beall
authors.forename: Richard M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Laine
authors.forename: H Ralph
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Rawls