Preparation and Applications of a Polysilane-allyl Methacrylate Copolymer

Copolymers of polysilane and allyl methacrylate were prepared using the polysilane as a photoradical initiator. The polysilane block and allyl group were retained even after photopolymerization. The σ-conjugation of polysilane block in the copolymer allowed it to exhibit light absorption in the ultraviolet region. Subsequently, an ene-thiol reaction between the copolymer and mercapto-containing molecule was carried out by photocuring a thin film of the mixture. The photoreaction formed –CH–CH2–S– bonding between the organic component and a silica component that was formed by photolysis of the polysilane block in the copolymer. Therefore, the polysilane-allyl methacrylate copolymer successfully provided a silicon-rich organic–inorganic hybrid material.