ORMOCERs (organically moddified ramics) are inorganic-organic composites on a molecular or nano level. The inorganic backbone can be synthesize by sol-gel techniques from inorganic molecular precursors, for example alkoxides or soluble oxides. Organic components can be introduced by SiC bonds coordinative bonds, or ionic bonds. Introduction of organic polymeric chains leads to a second type of network. This network can be chemically linked to the inorganic backbone or act as an interpenetrating network. Properties of the materials can be varied in a wide range due to composition, reaction conditions and processing. They can reach from thermoplastic materials (e.g. sealings) to brittle coatings (hard coatings). Various functions such as photocuring, scratch resistance, special dielectric properties, or barrier functions can be introduced. Especially low permittivity constant in combination with thermal stability and low conductivities lead to the development of dielectric coatings for electronic applications. © 1990.
