Theoretical study of twin polymerization – From chemical reactivity to structure formation

The special feature of thesynthesis termed as twinpolymerization(TP) is that out of asingle type of monomer the nanocomposite is obtained ina single step procedure via a mechanism in which bothnetworkformationreactionsarecloselycoupled.Whilethisapproach, that can yield the product as a powder frompolymerization in solution or as a monolith from poly-merization in the melt, is convenient from a technical pointof view, it is spectacular regarding the nanostructure of theresulting hybrid material. Not only are domain sizes for theorganic and inorganic components in the range of 2nmbut the approach is also quite general and can be used forthe synthesis of nanocomposites with a broad varietyof organic and inorganic components. Furthermore, theresulting material can be used to obtain porous carbon orporous oxide structures depending on the post-treatmentofthenanocomposite.Thisopensthepathtonewmaterialsbased on polymers and metal/transition metal oxides.