Development of Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites and Hybrid Materials by Controlling the Nanostructures

Abstract

Preparation and properties of nanocomposite and hybrid materials based on poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and silica were reviewed. The materials are mainly prepared by intercalation, sol-gel and in-situ polymerization methods, and generally have improved thermal and thermo-oxidative stability, mechanical properties, and hardness by incorporating silica component into polymer matrix. Good transparency is obtained when silica nanoparticle is used and finely dispersed in polymer matrix or the strong interaction exists between organic and inorganic phases to enhance the phase miscibility. The strong interaction between two phases is caused by the formation of covalent bonds between PMMA and silica moieties and hydrogen bonds between carbonyl group in PMMA and silanol group in silica surface. The materials are defined as nanocomposites without any or week interaction and as hybrids with strong interaction between two components respectively.
Surface-functionalized silica is also prepared by reacting silica nanoparticle and silane coupling agents, followed by sol-gel or in-situ polymerization to afford hybrid materials. Properties of the materials varies by controlling the nanostructures and morphologies of the materials. These materials have potential for molding, coating, optical device, and separation applications, and are expected further new applications by controlling the nanostructure and introducing functionality into the molecule.