Synthesis of ordered mesoporous methacrylate hybrid systems: Hosts for molecular polymer composites

A functionalized, highly ordered mesoporous hybrid material based on the MC M-41 structure is synthesized through room temperature cocondensation of 3- (trimethoxysilyl)-propyl methacrylate (TMSiPMA) and tetramethyl orthosilica te (TMOS) in molar ratios of up to 1:3 in the presence of cetyltrimethylamm onium chloride. Successful template removal through solvent extraction resu lts in highly ordered mesoporous materials, as confirmed by X-ray diffracti on and transmission electron microscopy. Characterization with nitrogen sor ption and IR spectroscopy shows that methacrylate groups are incorporated i nto the host channel system. The functional groups are stable to at least 2 00 degrees C under vacuum. The C=C double bonds of the methacrylate groups are readily and completely accessible to bromination. Inorganic/organic com posites coupled on the molecular level are prepared by efficient polymeriza tion of adsorbed methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) with the intrapore graft ed methacrylate groups.