Synthesis of Ordered Mesoporous Methacrylate Hybrid Systems: Hosts for Molecular Polymer Composites

A functionalized, highly ordered mesoporous hybrid material based on the MCM-41 structure is synthesized through room temperature cocondensation of 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSiPMA) and tetramethyl orthosilicate (TMOS) in molar ratios of up to 1:3 in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium chloride. Successful template removal through solvent extraction results in highly ordered mesoporous materials, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Characterization with nitrogen sorption and IR spectroscopy shows that methacrylate groups are incorporated into the host channel system. The functional groups are stable to at least 200 °C under vacuum. The C C double bonds of the methacrylate groups are readily and completely accessible to bromination. Inorganic/organic composites coupled on the molecular level are prepared by efficient polymerization of adsorbed methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) with the intrapore grafted methacrylate groups.