Modification of Glass Surfaces by p-Nitrobenzyl Bromide

Abstract

IN the course of a study on the nature of the surface hydroxyl group of silicate glasses, it has been found that glass surfaces become permanently hydrophobic after being treated for 1 hr. with a dry, 30 per cent toluene solution of p-nitrobenzyl bromide at a temperature of 100° C. The effect was found with vitreous silica, borosilicate glasses and glasses of other composition. The most pronounced results were obtained with glass surfaces which had been freshly cleaved under distilled water and vacuum-dried before treatment with the above solution. The treated surfaces remained hydrophobic after prolonged exposure to common organic solvents and water.