The method of surface modification of potassium titanate whiskers with nanometer calcium carbonate

Abstract

In the study potassium titanate whiskers (PTW, K₂Ti₆O₁₃) coated with nanometer calcium carbonate (C-PTW) were firstly prepared by adding carbon dioxide into the solution of calcium chloride and PTW; then coupling agent KH550 was used to modify the surface of C-PTW. The surface properties of the modified PTW were characterized by methods of SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis absorption spectra, and surface contact angle measurement. The results indicated that the appropriate coating ratio of CaCO₃ to PTW was 0.07: 1, and that the ideal ratio of KH550 to C-PTW was 0.035: 1 by maximum settlement time. The surface of the modified C-PTW (K-C-PTW) showed excellent lipotropic properties and mobility because the surface of PTW coated by calcium carbonate possessed more hydroxyl groups than that of PTW, so the reaction between C-PTW and KH550 proceeded easier. It could be expected that the simple method may contribute to solve the problem of agglomeration for PTW in the application of composite material.