Abstract
SynopsisThe synthesis and characterization of epoxy/silica hybrids are reviewed based on our recent works. We synthesized epoxy/silica hybrids through the in situ polymerization of silane alkoxide in the epoxy curing process. The hybrids obtained through this in situ process exhibit no clear glass transition phenomenon and have high surface hardness and low refractive index. The epoxy/silica hybrids were also prepared from the epoxy resin with silsesquioxane backbone moiety. This type of hybrids has low dielectric constant and low refractive index because of their high free volume fraction.
