Siloxane Modified Sio2-TiO2 Glasses Via Sol-Gel

Abstract

ABSTRACTPolydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]-modified SiO2-TiO2, glasses have been prepared via the sol-gel route. Polymer compositions varied between 17 and 67 wt% PDMS, using PDMS of molecular weights 1,700 and 36,000. Also varied was the Si/Ti ratio for a given polymer content and the nature of the Ti alkoxide.A general synthetic procedure was found which made optically clear samples. Dense monolithic structures were obtained at room temperature for all compositions. The room temperature densification is attributed to relaxation and flow in the sample due to the presence of the polymer. The effects on properties of the overall composition and molecular weight of the polymer are reported, and implications in terms of structural models are considered.