Functional twin monomers and twin macro monomers as components for the synthesis of hierarchically nanostructured hybrid materials*

Abstract

Internal polymeric soft templates are used for the polymerization of twin monomers (TM) to achieve nanostructured hybrid materials of desired morphology. For this purpose, oligomeric groups such as oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) or polymerizable ethenyl‐substituents were covalently linked to the silicon atom of TMs of the 4H‐benzo‐1,3,2‐dioxasiline type. These functionalized TMs are used in simultaneous twin polymerization in combination with the ideal TM 2,2'‐spirobi[4H‐1,3,2‐benzodioxasiline]. Nanostructure dimension can be adjusted in the range from 2 to 20 nm by the composition of the components used in hybrid material synthesis. Inorganic/organic hybrid material disks of interpenetrating networks with hierarchical nanostructures are available by polymerization in the melt which are potentially suitable as membrane devices. Physical properties such as brittleness, transparency, electrolytic stability, and barrier properties of the hybrid material could potentially be adjusted by changing both monomer composition and monomer structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2312–2320

Twin Polymerization—a New Principle for Hybrid Material Synthesis

“…Contrary, mesostructures might be generated from the synthesis of an organic polymer bearing side groups which are able to undergo TP (twin prepolymers). [ 58 ] As a consequence of the discovery of TP, a variety of related and associated synthetic methods has been developed which did require an adaption of the nomenclature. Therefore, the several types of TP processes have been classifi ed in terms related to IUPAC recommendations of polymer chemistry [ 7,45 ] in a glossary which is included in the appendix.…”

“…Accordingly, the mutual template effect of the two polymers generated during TP can serve as a seed for nanostructure formation in combination with other polymerization reactions. Contrary, mesostructures might be generated from the synthesis of an organic polymer bearing side groups which are able to undergo TP (twin prepolymers) …”

Design of nanostructured hybrid materials: twin polymerization of urethane-based twin prepolymers

“…types of so-called twin monomers (TMs) are suitable for the TP. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Depending on their molecular structure, two of these monomers can be polymerized simultaneously to generate ternary organic-inorganic HMs (see Scheme 1b). 17,25,26 Polyurethanes (PUs) are outstanding materials due to their versatility and ability to generate tailor-made properties.…”

High‐density polyethylene/expanded graphite nanocomposites produced by polymerization‐filling technique using an industrial heterogeneous catalyst

“…Within the PE family, the high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) stands out for its high tensile strength, which results from its crystalline structure, high molecular weight, and low branch content. In addition, some improvements in the mechanical properties, stiffness, thermal stability, chemical resistance, high barrier properties, and flame retardancy have been achieved with the use of organic and inorganic nanomaterials as fillers into the polymer matrix …”