Chemistry and applications of inorganic-organic polymers : organically modified silicates

Abstract

The conbination of inorganic polymeric networks with organic components leads ot inorganic-organic polymers. A convenient method for the introduction of organic radials into an inorganic backbone is the use of aorganosubstituted silico esters in a polycondensation process. This leads to ≡Si-O-Si≡ network containing materials, so-called organically modified silicates (ORMOSILs). For the synthesis of the inorganic backbone, in opposition to the high temperature preparation of non-metallic inorganic materials like ceramics, "Soft chemistry" methods have to be applied in order to preserve organic groupings to be incorporated. Therefore, the sol-gel process is a suitable technique [1-5]. A review over basic synthesis principles and chemical methods, their effect on special material properties and the application potential will be given.