abstract
Hybrids are a class of materials that enable the integration of organic and inorganic characteristics at the molecular level in a single material. In this way materials with unusual optical, mechanical or even bioactive properties are obtained, which are especially suitable for applications as sensors, non-linear optical (NLO) materials, lasers, selective membranes, catalysts and protective coatings. Sol-gel processing is often used for the preparation of hybrids, usually through the alkoxides method that leads to high purity products at relatively low temperatures. The authors have developed a new method for the preparation of these materials based on gamma irradiation of the precursors mixture. The precursors used are polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), tetraethylortosilicate (TEOS) and zirconium propoxide (PrZr). The irradiations were performed using the Co-60 source at the Portuguese Gamma Irradiation Facility (UTR) located in the ITN campus at Sacavem. The materials at room temperature are macroscopically transparent, relatively flexible and amorphous. The details of the preparation of these hybrid materials by gamma irradiation are presented. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
keywords
SOL-GEL PROCESS; NANOCOMPOSITES
subject category
Instruments & Instrumentation; Nuclear Science & Technology; Physics
authors
Gomes, SR; Margaca, FMA; Ferreira, LM; Salvado, MM; Falcao, AN
our authors
