Preparation and Cationic Photopolymerization of Organic−Inorganic Hybrid Matrixes

Surface modifications of colloidal silica by sol−gel techniques with trialkoxysilane coupling agents bearing cationically polymerizable epoxy and 1-propenyl ether groups were carried out under mild conditions. After dilution with difunctional epoxy and 1-propenyl ether monomers and the addition of an onium salt photoinitiator, the mixtures were irradiated with UV light to provide organic−inorganic hybrid matrixes. Photopolymerizations were uniformly rapid and proceeded to high conversions. Colorless, transparent, cross-linked films potentially useful as abrasion resistant coatings for plastic articles were produced.