Organic-inorganic hybrids derived from 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate and (3-methacryloyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane

Composites based on (3-methacryloyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane and 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate have been prepared and their properties are studied. Chemical structure of the materials made by a range of synthetic approaches was defined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. Thermal properties such as glass transition temperature of the systems were determined. The inorganic phase content was measured after the samples were decomposed at high temperatures in the furnace. The small angle X-ray scattering technique was used in an attempt to describe the possible morphologies of the systems. Density was measured using a Helium Pycnometer and hardness was determined using a Vickers hardness tester. Resistance of the surface to an abrasive material was studied by following weight and transmission loss during erosion testing. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.