The sol-gel process as a basic technology for nanoparticle-dispersed inorganic-organic composites

Nanoparticles containing hybrid materials became of interest for many areas in the last decade. The reason for this is the fact that, in addition to the molecular inorganic-organic hybrid network, the physical, electronical, optical or catalytical properties of nanoparticles resulting from the inorganic crystalline, glassy or metallic properties also can be used for the material tailoring. For this reason, a survey is given over some interesting developments. Furthermore, in case studies, examples are given for the effect of nanoparticles on the two component Ormosil type of hybrids composed of ethyl ortho-silicate (TEOS) and methylethoxy(methoxy)triethoxy silane (MTEOS, MTMOS). It was shown that the 6 nm SiO2-containing nanocomposite hybrid sols can be dried in form of thick films up to 14 mum after a one step dip-coating process and densified crack-free. This is attributed to the increase of relaxation ability and flexibility. This nanocomposite based on TEOS, MTEOS and particulate SiO2 has been used to develop an industrial process for a new type of environmentally friendly glass fiber mat with a temperature resistance up to 600 degreesC.