Novel poly(<i>n</i>‐butyl methacrylate)/titanium oxide alloys produced by te sol–gel process for titanium alkoxides

Abstract

Abstract A method has been developed to cast novel organic/inorganic hybrid films from multicomponent solutions containing titanium alkoxides, poly( n ‐butyl methacrylate), water, and isopropanol of prescribed compositions. The sol–gel reactions and controlled drying procedure yielded materials of mechanical integrity for which the multistep thermal degradation profile of the organic polymer has been significantly modified. A crystallization exotherm, presumably due to anatase formation, is seen for tetraethyl titanate‐derived films beyond the organic degradation temperature. The trend of mechanical tensile parameters with increasing Ti oxide content depicts progressive material strengthening. FT‐IR as well as the thermal and mechanical studies of these films suggest a highly unconnected and heterogeneous Ti oxide phase.