Project title:

Exploring the versatility of silatranization: molecular engineering of silatrane coupling agents toward facile surface functionalization of nanomaterials in diverse media

Principal investigator:

Dr Myong Joon Oh

Obtained funds:

1 007 610PLN

Project duration:

Start day: 2026-04-01

End day: 2029-03-31

Funding institution:

NCN-National Science Center

Short description of the project:

The main objective of this project is to develop efficient, solution-processed surface treatment protocols for inorganic nanoparticles, using C-substituted silatranes as next-generation SilCAs with improved solubility. To this end, SilCAs bearing selected organofunctional groups will be equipped with appropriate hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic solubilizing substituents on the silatranyl cage via chemical modification. The synthesized coupling agents will then be applied to surface treatment of inorganic nanofillers for free-radical photocurable resins. Finally, the prepared resin mixtures will be examined in 3D printing applications. Through these steps, the effect of SilCA structure on the properties of the resulting composite materials can be evaluated, including photopolymerization kinetics, cross-link density, and mechanical properties.