Synthesis of poly(vinyl pyridine)–silica nanocomposites using perhydropolysilazane

Poly(2-vinyl pyridine)/silica and poly(4-vinyl pyridine)/silica nanocomposites were synthesized by casting of blend solutions of perhydropolysilazane and poly(2-vinyl pyridine-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and poly(4-vinyl pyridine-co-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) random copolymers, respectively, and calcination of dried films at 100°C under steam. The structures of the separated phases and the thermal properties of the composites were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), DSC, and TGA. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 749–757, 2004