Preparation, characterization, and infrared emissivity property of optically active polyurethane/TiO2/SiO2 multilayered microspheres

Optically active polyurethane/titania/silica (LPU/TiO2/SiO2) multilayered core–shell composite microspheres were prepared by the combination of titania deposition on the surface of silica spheres and subsequent polymer grafting. LPU/TiO2/SiO2 was characterized by FT-IR, UV–vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), SEM and TEM, and the infrared emissivity value (8–14 μm) was investigated in addition. The results indicated that titania and polyurethane had been successfully coated onto the surfaces of silica microspheres. LPU/TiO2/SiO2 exhibited clearly multilayered core–shell construction. The infrared emissivity values reduced along with the increase of covering layers thus proved that the interfacial interactions had direct influence on the infrared emissivity. Besides, LPU/TiO2/SiO2 multilayered microspheres based on the optically active polyurethane took advantages of the orderly secondary structure and strengthened interfacial synergistic actions. Consequently, it possessed the lowest infrared emissivity value.

Graphical AbstractOptically active polyurethane/titania/silica (LPU/TiO2/SiO2) multilayered core–shell composite microspheres were prepared by the combination of titania deposition on the surface of silica spheres and subsequent polymer grafting.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Optically active polyurethane based on tyrosine was used for the modification of nanoparticles.
► LPU/TiO2/SiO2 multilayered core–shell microspheres were prepared and characterized.
► Interfacial interactions and secondary structure affected the infrared emissivity of composite.