Synthesis and Swelling Properties of Crosslinked Poly(orthosilicate)s from Cyclohexanedimethanols

Condensations of cyclohexanedimethanol derivatives with tetraethyl orthosilicate in the proper stoichiometric ratio produce crosslinked poly(orthosilicate)s. Synthesized crosslinked polymers have swelling abilities in common organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran (THF), dichloromethane, benzene and acetone. All these polymers are moderately thermally stable and possess solvent uptake abilities that are not only good and fast but are also regenerable. FTIR, solid-state C-13, Si-29-NMR and thermal methods were used to characterize these synthesized polymers. The effects of different cyclohexanedimethanol derivatives on the properties of polymers were also examined. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1182-1189, 2011