Non-Conventional Curing of Organic-Inorganic Hybrids

Infrared and microwave curing of organic–inorganic hybrid materials was studied, in order to achieve the maximum conversion without detrimental effects due to the overheating or to the long-time permanence at high temperature. Partially cured poly(ethylene oxide)/silica hybrids were prepared by hydrolysis and subsequent condensation of precursors for 30 minutes isothermal heat treatment at 70°C. The conversion after the preliminary treatment is still low and requires an additional heating to complete the reaction. Three different thermal treatments were investigated: conventional heating, infrared heating and microwave heating. DSC characterisation of the obtained samples evidenced a drastic reduction of the treatment time when microwaves were used, requiring only a few seconds, compared to the hours-lasting conventional treatments.