Thermally Reversible IPN Organic−Inorganic Polymer Hybrids Utilizing the Diels−Alder Reaction

Formation of an IPN (interpenetrating polymer network) of organic polymer and silica gel in the form of polymer hybrids was accomplished by utilizing the Diels−Alder reaction between maleimide and furan. Maleimide and furan groups were introduced in the side chain of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline), respectively. Polymer hybrids were prepared by acid-catalyzed sol−gel reaction of tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) in the presence of these polymers. The progress of the Diels−Alder reaction between maleimide and furan was confirmed by UV and FT-IR spectroscopy. The solvent resistance of the polymer hybrids was improved by the formation of the IPN structure. Retro-Diels−Alder reaction takes place at an elevated temperature, and these reactions can be cycled.