acrylate

Proton conductive organic-inorganic membranes were synthesized based on acrylic monomers and silica inorganic component, derived as a result of sol-gel transformation of precursor – 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MAPTMS). Kinetics of polymerization in situ was investigated by laser interferometry. Membranes characterization includes water and methanol uptake, contact angle and proton conductivity at different temperatures. Activation energy values for proton conductivity in prepared membranes were evaluated.

Hybrid polymer-inorganic membranes with varied composition of polymeric matrix were synthesized by UV-curing of a mixture of acrylic monomers with simultaneous formation of inorganic network via sol-gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane. Composition of polymeric counterpart was varied by changing the ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, whereas the content of inorganic counterpart was maintained constant. Morphology, thermal behavior and water uptake of membranes were investigated.