Synthesis of crosslinked poly(orthosilicate)s based on cyclohexanediol derivatives and their swelling properties

Condensations of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with cyclohexanediol derivative monomers at moderately high temperatures resulted in the creation of crosslinked poly(orthosilicate)s. The structural and thermal properties of the crosslinked poly(orthosilicate) s polymers were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state C-13 and Si-29 cross-polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The synthesized crosslinked polymers were found to be insoluble in common organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, benzene and acetone, although they displayed swelling abilities in these solvents. The swelling ability of the crosslinked polymers was examined by the swelling test, swelling kinetics and desorption kinetics. The results suggest that crosslinked poly(orthosilicate) s based on cyclohexanediols can find good use as absorbents for organic solvents. Polymer Journal (2010) 42, 706-710; doi:10.1038/pj.2010.62; published online 14 July 2010