A Geometrical Model for Chemically Bonded TMS and PDS Phases

Abstract

A geometrical model is developed for monomeric TMS and PDS phases that are chemically bonded to silica. Using experimental data for maximum surface coverage and considering amorphous silica as a collection of distorted crystals, we calculate that each nm² of the silica surface contains 2.3 modified hydroxyl groups, 1.3 free hydroxyl. groups and 0.6 pairs of bonded hydroxyl groups, respectively. From the dimensions of the silane molecule it is concluded that for maximum coverage the TMS and PDS molecules are rigidly attached to the silica surface with an Si-O-Si bond angle between 120 and 140 degrees. The unreacted hydroxyl groups are not completely screened but will be quite inaccessible on either phase. Very little free surface area remains on the silica surface.