One step synthesis of a novel copolymer directly from SiO2, catechol and hydroquinone

Most polymers are organic substances that decompose at relatively low temperatures. Inorganic/organic polymers are new alternative materials for industry that offer low cost and high-temperature resistance. The widespread availability and extremely low cost of silica (SiO2) serves as a primary feedstock for this research. The inorganic/organic copolymer developed is readily synthesized by reacting silica with both catechol and hydroquinone in the presence of an amine base. Copolymer synthesis requires only one step using silica, catechol and hydroquinone in ethylene glycol solvent and triethylenetetramine (TETA) as catalyst for the reaction. After purification, the product is a yellowish fine powder that was characterized by FT-IR, EI+-MS, DSC, TGA, and XRD. To optimize the synthesis/reaction kinetics the amount of catalyst, reaction time, and also optimum ratio of catechol to hydroquinone were studied.