Synthesis of anionic polymer–silica hybrids by controlling pH in an aqueous solution

Abstract

Optically transparent organic–inorganic polymer hybrids with anionic polymers such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PSSA) could be easily synthesized by controlling pH in an aqueous solution. It is well known that the conformation of the anionic polymer depends on pH in an aqueous solution. Therefore, it is thought that the electrostatic repulsion between organic polymer chains should deter the aggregation of the organic polymer during the preparation of the polymer hybrid. The miscibility of anionic polymer–silica hybrids was examined by SEM, tapping-mode AFM and nitrogen adsorption porosimetry studies. The thermal properties of anionic polymer–silica hybrids were checked by TGA and DSC. The hygroscopicity of polymer hybrids with anionic polymers was also investigated.