Synthesis of IPN polymer hybrids of polystyrene gel and silica gel by an in-situ radical polymerization method

Abstract

Homogeneous IPN polymer hybrids of polystyrene gel and silica gel were prepared by applying an in-situ polymerization method to styrene monomer and divinylbenzene. The monomers were mixed in the sol–gel reaction mixture of tetramethoxysilane and subjected to radical polymerization, resulting in transparent glassy materials. The homogeneity was confirmed by nitrogen porosimetry methods. The organic part was found to be dispersed at the nanometer scale. The obtained IPN polymer hybrids are highly solvent resistant.