Controlling transparency in polyethylene (PEO)/silica gels

Lisa C. Klein; Christopher L. Beaudry

doi:10.1117/12.284122

2 October 1997 Controlling transparency in polyethylene (PEO)/silica gels

Lisa C. Klein, Christopher L. Beaudry

Proceedings Volume 3136, Sol-Gel Optics IV; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.284122
Event: Optical Science, Engineering and Instrumentation '97, 1997, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

One of the simpler organic/inorganic hybrids to prepare by the sol-gel process is polyethylene (PEO)/silica. The reason for its simplicity is that PEO is soluble in water. PEO contains ether oxygens -(O-CH₂-CH₂-)- that readily form hydrogen bonds. The refractive index of PEO is low, 1.4537, and its glass transition temperature can be as low as minus 65 degrees Celsius, generally making it a crystalline polymer at room temperature. Hybrids of PEO/silica were prepared with molecular weights 200, 1000, 2000, and 3400. The lower molecular weights (200 and 1000) produced transparent hybrids over a range of loadings. The higher molecular weights (greater than 2000) produced samples that were sensitive to the loading and especially the time of mixing before the samples were cast into closed containers. These trends indicate a competition between the reactions that lead to gelling and the tendency to phase separate. By following these trends, both the scale of the microstructure and the degree of transparency was adjusted.

Citation Download Citation

Lisa C. Klein and Christopher L. Beaudry "Controlling transparency in polyethylene (PEO)/silica gels", Proc. SPIE 3136, Sol-Gel Optics IV, (2 October 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.284122

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available