Organic–inorganic hybrid materials based on the incorporation of nanoparticles of polysilicic acid with organic polymers. 1. Properties of the hybrids prepared through the combination of hydroxyl-containing linear polyester and polysilicic acid

A transparent organic–inorganic hybrid material, HLP/PSA, was prepared through incorporating the nanoscaled polysilicic acid (PSA), prepared through hydrolysis and condensation of metasilicate salt, directly into a hydroxyl-containing linear polyester (HLP). The particle size of PSA in THF, measured by dynamic light scattering technique, ranged from 12 to 25 nm. The interfacial force, microstructure and properties such as tensile strength, glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermal effect of the hybrid were studied and were compared with those of the hybrids prepared by the traditional sol-gel process.