Preparation of novel hybrid inorganic-organic microspheres with active hydroxyl groups using ultrasonic irradiation via one-step precipitation polymerization

Monodisperse cyclotriphosphazene containing microspheres with active hydroxyl groups were prepared via a simple, economic and environmentally friendly route, one-step precipitation polymerization. The resulting polymer particles had spherical shapes and smooth surfaces with narrow particle dispersal. From the FTIR spectra and the result of elemental analysis, it was obvious that the content of the hydroxyl groups on the surface was depended upon the feed ratio. The successful esterification with benzoxy chloride demonstrated the high active of the hydroxyl groups on the poly (cyclotriphosphazene-co-4,4'-sulfonyldiphenol) (PZS) microspheres' surface. This interesting approach might open a novel, simple and economic route to preparing the functional microspheres. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.