MCM-41 and related materials as media for controlled polymerization processes

The synthesis of mesoporous MCM-41 type materials based on transition metal oxides and the polymerization of several monomers within MCM-41 is presented with the aim to specifically investigate the effects of the interface and confinement on host-guest interactions. In addition to standard MCM-41, material based on transition metal oxides is obtained although template removal has been unsuccessful for such compounds until now. In situ polymerization of styrene, methyl methacrylate and vinyl acetate is possible within the mesopore system. The properties of some of the encapsulated polymers differ markedly with those obtained in the bulk.