Thermally reversible IPN organic-inorganic polymer hybrids utilizing the Diels-Alder reaction

Formation of an IPN (interpenetrating polymer network) of organic polymer and silica gel in the form of polymer hybrids was accomplished by utilizing the Diels-Alder reaction between maleimide and furan. Maleimide and furan groups were introduced in the side chain of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline), respectively. Polymer hybrids were prepared by acid-catalyzed sol-gel reaction of tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) in the presence of these polymers. The progress of the Diels-Alder reaction between maleimide and furan was confirmed by UV and FT-IR spectroscopy. The solvent resistance of the polymer hybrids was improved by the formation of the IPN structure. Retro-Diels-Alder reaction takes place at an elevated temperature, and these reactions can be cycled.