Synthesis of Silica and Polymer Hybrids by Soft Chemistry Methods

A set of hybrid organic-inorganic materials have been synthetized using TEOS and different oligomers. These hybrids have been characterised and blended with polymeric matrices to provide them with good mechanical properties and durability in their final application. To reach this goal, we have explored two different strategies of synthesis and modification of organosilica. The first one based on Stöber method and the other consisting on the hydrolysis and condensation of silicon species in soft conditions: room temperature and neutral pH, and employing water and ethanol as solvents, the Fluoride method. The synthetized particles were introduced into a polystyrene matrix, using a particle/polymer weight ratio 70/30, and their hidrofobicity and mechanical properties were studied. In the case of hybrids obtained from fluorosilane (PTFPMS) we have achieved major incorporation of organic frameworks, showing higher hidrofobicity and hence potential applications in several industrial sectors.