Tandem cationic and sol–gel photopolymerizations of a vinyl ether alkoxysilane

Abstract

Abstract In the present study, a novel single hybrid monomer combining a vinylether and trimethoxysilane groups in the same molecule was synthesized by chemoselective hydrosilation and subjected to UV‐irradiation in the presence of a triarylsulfonium salt. Through the UV‐decomposition of this photoacid generator, two acid‐catalyzed processes occurred simultaneously: the cationic polymerization of the vinyl ether functions and the sol–gel polycondensation of the alkoxysilyl groups, leading to a type II polyvinyl‐polysilicate nanocomposite film. Both reaction kinetics were efficiently monitored by real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the influence of different key experimental parameters was investigated (laminated conditions, UV irradiation equipment, and film thickness). A particular attention was also given to the complete characterization of the hybrid microstructure by associating 29 Si and 13 C solid‐state NMR. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers