Synthesis and Characterization of Silica Aerogel-Polymer Hybrid Materials

Silica aerogel-based hybrid composites containing three different polymers such as poly(styrene) (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and PS-co-PMMA were synthesized by two steps: sol-gel reaction to form vinyl silica aerogels and radical polymerization to combine the silica aerogels with the polymers. The reactions were confirmed using FTIR and FE-SEM, showing successful polymerization in the surface of the silica aerogel network. Incorporation of the polymers into the silica aerogel allows for the enhancement of thermal stabilities. From dielectric measurement, the polymer hybridization leads to an increase in the static dielectric constant, compared to bare silica aerogel.