Organic/inorganic polymer hybrids

A series of new materials, organic/inorganic polymer hybrids, are described, which are blends of molecular level dispersion between an organic polymer and a metal oxide such as silica. The new materials are transparent glassy solids, which are prepared by the sol‐gel reaction of a metal alkoxide in the presence of an organic polymer whose repeating unit contains carboxylic amide group. The structure of a molecular level dispersion has been disclosed by AFM, pore size distribution and surface measurements. The structure of interpenetrating network is realized by the hydrogen bonding between metal‐OH group (H‐donor) in the sol‐gel intermediate species and amide group (H‐acceptor) of polymer components. Preparative method, structural characteristics, scope and variations, and possible applications of these new materials are described.