Abstract

This communication reports the preparation and characterization of poly(4-vinylbenzyl)-trimethylammonium chloride (PCIVBTA)-3-(trimethoxysilyl)propylmethacrylate (TMPM)-MxOy (M: Al, Ti or Zr) composites using a radical polymerization/sol-gel synthesis route. The results indicate that all of the materials form interpenetrating networks (IPNs) and that TMPM forms a bridge between the organic and inorganic networks. The polymer phase yield, with respect to the oxide, occurred in the following order: Al2O3 > TiO2 > ZrO2. The physico-chemical properties of the materials were dependent on the nature of the metal oxide that was incorporated in the network. All materials exhibited good thermal stability and morphologies that were typical for non-porous materials. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.