The mild reaction conditions of the sol-gel process allow incorporation of an inorganic component into organic materials, making it very favorable for the synthesis of organicinorganic nanocomposite materials. However, researchers still strive to produce materials with the unique properties of inorganic compounds which also possess the mechanical properties of organic polymers. We have developed several sol-gel derived nanocomposite silicate materials using both inorganic precursors and organic-inorganic precursors, which show superior mechanical properties due to nanoscale structural reinforcement. The materials reported were developed in three separate investigations, although the synthesis techniques are relatively similar. STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF PARTICLE REINFORCED ORGANIC-INORGANIC WATER-BASED NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS We present for the first time, the use of Al(ClO4)3, an effective catalyst for synthesis of 3-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS) - based nanocomposite materials via sol-gel chemistry. Aluminum perchlorate (Al(ClO4)3) simultaneously serves as catalyst for epoxy polymerization and methoxysilane hydrolysis at room temperature. Catalytic effects of Al(ClO4)3 were demonstrated through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of precursor sols and structural investigation of resulting films by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our method incorporates nanophase particulate reinforcement; Ludox® TMA colloidal silica, which possesses surface silanols (Si-OH), further activate the epoxy groups and expedite organic polymerization. The silica nanoparticles chemically link with the organic-inorganic network through Si-O-Si and Si-O-C bonds. Nanoparticles reinforcement serves to strengthen the network and enhance mechanical properties such as microhardness and abrasion resistance while maintaining the unique optical properties of these materials. Furthermore, the synthesis is water-based, providing for an environmentally friendly synthetic route.

Keywords: nanoparticle, sol-gel, coating, organic-inorganic, nanocomposite.

This book provides comprehensive coverage of nanocomposite materials obtained by the sol-gel method, from synthesis to applications and including design tools for combining different properties. Sol-gel nanocomposites are of great interest in meeting processing and application requirements for the development of multifunctional materials. These materials are already commercialized for a number of applications from scratch-resistant and anti-adhesive coatings to optical materials with active and passive properties. Biomedical applications, holographic recordings, fuel cells and hydrogen storage, resists and catalysts are among the potential uses. The novel mechanical, optical and electronic properties of nanocomposite materials depend not only on the individual component materials, but also on their morphology and nanoscale interfacial characteristics. Sol-gel is a highly versatile method for obtaining both the matrix and the filler of the nanocomposite and for chemically adjusting the interface to optimize structure and properties. Although nanocomposites are widely discussed in the literature, the focus has been mainly on polymer nanocomposites. This book addresses nanocomposites based on inorganic or hybrid organic-inorganic matrices, with an emphasis on the scientific principles which are the basis for nanocomposite sol-gel synthesis and applications. A didactic approach is followed, with different topics developed from a fundamental point of view together with key examples and case studies. First comprehensive treatment of nanocomposites obtained by sol-gel methods Focuses on nanocomposites with inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic matrices Describes design tools to optimize structure and properties for various applications Covers synthesis, processing, characterization, and modeling Uses first principles to describe the influence of interfacial characteristics on materials properties Presents case studies for both films and bulk applications Provides examples of products on the market, with descriptions of the scientific principles at the base of their success Includes contributions from recognized leaders in this multidisciplinary area.

This comprehensive three-volume handbook brings together a review of the current state together with the latest developments in sol-gel technology to put forward new ideas. The first volume, dedicated to synthesis and shaping, gives an in-depth overview of the wet-chemical processes that constitute the core of the sol-gel method and presents the various pathways for the successful synthesis of inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic materials, bio- and bio-inspired materials, powders, particles and fibers as well as sol-gel derived thin films, coatings and surfaces. The second volume deals with the mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic properties of sol-gel derived materials and the methods for their characterization such as diffraction methods and nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The third volume concentrates on the various applications in the fields of membrane science, catalysis, energy research, biomaterials science, biomedicine, photonics and electronics.

Materials with nanometer size particles exhibit unique chemical and physical properties. In particular, nanocomposite materials, composed of nanometric metal and metal oxide particles embedded in vitreous matrices, present a variety of interesting magnetic, electric and catalytic properties, that are strongly size-dependent. Among the different preparation methods which can be used to obtain this kind of materials, the sol-gel process is particularly interesting because it is affected by several parameters which allow a versatile control of the structural, textural and chemical properties of the final products. The present volume focusses on the preparation of metal-silica and metal oxide-silica (Me=Ni, Fe, Zn) nanocomposites by the sol-gel method and the characterization of their structural and magnetic properties.

This comprehensive three-volume handbook brings together a review of the current state together with the latest developments in sol-gel technology to put forward new ideas. The first volume, dedicated to synthesis and shaping, gives an in-depth overview of the wet-chemical processes that constitute the core of the sol-gel method and presents the various pathways for the successful synthesis of inorganic and hybrid organic-inorganic materials, bio- and bio-inspired materials, powders, particles and fibers as well as sol-gel derived thin films, coatings and surfaces. The second volume deals with the mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic properties of sol-gel derived materials and the methods for their characterization such as diffraction methods and nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and Raman spectroscopies. The third volume concentrates on the various applications in the fields of membrane science, catalysis, energy research, biomaterials science, biomedicine, photonics and electronics.

This completely updated and expanded second edition stands as a comprehensive knowledgebase on both the fundamentals and applications of this important materials processing method. The diverse, international team of contributing authors of this reference clarify in extensive detail properties and applications of sol-gel science and technology as it pertains to the production of substances, active and non-active, including optical, electronic, chemical, sensor, bio- and structural materials. Essential to a wide range of manufacturing industries, the compilation divides into the three complementary sections: Sol-Gel Processing, devoted to general aspects of processing and recently developed materials such as organic-inorganic hybrids, photonic crystals, ferroelectric coatings, and photocatalysts; Characterization of Sol-Gel Materials and Products, presenting contributions that highlight the notion that useful materials are only produced when characterization is tied to processing, such as determination of structure by NMR, in-situ characterization of the sol-gel reaction process, determination of microstructure of oxide gels, characterization of porous structure of gels by the surface measurements, and characterization of organic-inorganic hybrid; and Applications of Sol-Gel Technology, covering applications such as the sol-gel method used in processing of bulk silica glasses, bulk porous gels prepared by sol-gel method, application of sol-gel method to fabrication of glass and ceramic fibers, reflective and antireflective coating films, application of sol-gel method to formation of photocatalytic coating films, and application of sol-gel method to bioactive coating films. The comprehensive scope and integrated treatment of topics make this reference volume ideal for R&D scientists and engineers across a wide range of disciplines and professional interests.