Reaction of poly(vinyl butyral) with tetraethyl orthosilicate: grafting of siloxane chains and new composites

New graft copolymers with side polysiloxane chains were synthesized by sol–gel reaction of acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate in the presence of poly(vinyl butyral). The grafting is realized by exchange reaction of the alkoxyl moieties in siloxane and acetal groups. When the reaction is carried out in non-hydroxylic solvent (1,1-dimethoxyethane) inter-etherification with participation of the residual hydroxyl groups of poly(vinyl butyral) is also important. The copolymers obtained contain free silanol groups which are active in complexing with polymeric bases by hydrogen bonds, with formation of new composites. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry