Organic-inorganic hybrids with well-defined structures using synchronous polymerization methodologies

Conference · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996

OSTI ID:370640

Novak, B M; Schueneman, G; Lesser, A ^[1]

---

1. Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (United States)

A critical challenge in the design of inorganic/organic composites is control over the mixing between the two chemically dissimilar phases. Although general thermodynamic considerations tend to favor phase separation, this spontaneous bias can be preempted by kinetics. Along these lines, we have been interested in forming unusual composite morphologies using kinetically controlled routes. In particular we have used an adaptation of the sol-gel process that involves the replacement of the traditional aliphatic alkoxide groups with polymerizable alkoxides. Upon hydrolysis to form the inorganic SiO{sub 2} network, the liberated unsaturated alcohols can be polymerized to produce mutually interpenetrating organic-inorganic network materials. Under the right conditions, mixing near the molecular level can be achieved. By and large, the inorganic components formed using this synchronous polymerization process are amorphous silicates. Recently, we have been interested in developing in situ routes into molecular composites that possess inorganic phases with well-defined structures (fibers, tubes. spheres, sheets, etc.). Our progress in this area will be discussed.

• OSTI ID: 370640
• Report Number(s): CONF-960376--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ALCOHOLS
ALKOXIDES
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
FIBERS
HYDROLYSIS
MIXING
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
POLYMERIZATION
SILICATES
SOL-GEL PROCESS
SPHERES
SYNTHESIS