Synthesis and properties of an inorganic–organic hybrid prepared by the sol–gel method

Abstract An inorganic–organic hybrid material has been obtained by combining organic photopolymerization and the sol–gel process. The organic and inorganic phases are formed from two interpenetrating polymeric networks. The organic phase is a copolymer of acrylamide and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate while the inorganic phase is a silica polymer. Morphology, structure and properties of the inorganic–organic hybrid have been investigated via Raman and IR spectroscopies, N 2 -adsorption (77 K), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA).