Synthesis and properties of an inorganic-organic hybrid prepared by the sol-gel method

An inorganic-organic hybrid material has been obtained by combining organic photopolymerization and the sol-gel process. The organic and inorganic phases are formed from two interpenetrating polymeric networks. The organic phase is a copolymer of acrylamide and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate while the inorganic phase is a silica polymer. Morphology, structure and properties of the inorganic-organic hybrid have been investigated via Raman and IR spectroscopies, N-2-adsorption (77 K), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.