Mechanical characterization and optical properties analysis of organicallymodified silicates

SiO2-gamma-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GLYMO), SiO2-methyl methacrylat e monomers (MMA) and SiO2-PMMA gel glasses, based on microscopic toughening and embedding mechanism, respectively, were prepared through sol-gel route . The mechanical and optical properties of these hybrid materials were meas ured, and the effect of organic modification on the properties was discusse d. The results showed that, in comparison with MMA (PMMA)-modified silicate s based on organic embedding, the fracture toughness of GLYMO-modified sili cates based on microscopic toughening was efficiently increased, due to the direct chemical bonds between organic and inorganic components. The optica l absorption of these hybrid materials decreased in the visible region, and the luminescent property of sulfosalicylic acid doped SiO2-GLYMO gel glass es was greatly improved. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .