Effects of heat treatment on the properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/silica hybrid materials prepared by sol–gel process

In this research, hybrid materials based on poly(methyl methacrylate) and silica were synthesized via sol–gel process. Their glass transition behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimeter. In DSC measurement, 180°C heat-treated hybrid materials exhibited higher miscibility as compared to untreated materials. Relationship between miscibility variation of hybrid materials and heat treatment was discussed with the data from thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectra. It was found that degradation behavior and silica structure was affected by heat treatment. At the same time, content of hydrogen bonds were elevated at the organic–inorganic interface, which may enhance the phase miscibility.