Glass sealings by sol-gel derived organically modified silicates

Abstract

A new material structurally related to glass and containing an inorganic as well as an organic polymeric network is prepared by the sol-gel process. The inorganic backbone is built up by hydrolysis and condensation of metal alkoxides like Si(OR)4 and substituted silicoesters of the type R'R"Si(OR)2 achieved by use of photopolymerizable ligands R' and R". The moisture resistant seal to glass is due to reactive bonds and structural similarities of the new material to glass (organically modified silicate). Thus, it is possible to develop glass sealings which are applicable at temperatures between -30°C and +80°C.