Synthesis, properties and applications of inorganic–organic copolymers (ORMOCER ®s)

Hybrid inorganic-organic polymers based on organically modified heteropolysiloxanes have found widespread attention and application as materials with adjustable properties using tailor-made precursors. The chemical structures of monomers and their modified sol-gel processing method are described. An overview is given for the control of various properties (mechanical, electrical, optical) of the materials on a molecular scale. Successful material developments and industrial applications are described.