Commercial Applications of Sol-Gel Derived Hybrid Materials

The ability to understand and control synthesis of both inorganic and organic polymers has led to the design of a wide range of novel structures. Block polymer, interpenetrating polymer network, biomimetic, ormosil and nanocomposite approaches have been applied to generate materials with unique structure-property relationships. These properties allow applications in optical and automotive coatings, injection molding and extrusion grades of thermoplastics, and preceramic polymers. Examples of current industrial technology are provided in the context of an overview of hybrid organic-inorganic polymers