Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
The synthesis, structure/property behavior of inorganic-organic hybrid network materials prepared by the sol gel process have been chronologically reviewed with emphasis on those systems prepared in the authors laboratory. Specific features of reactions as well as the nature of reactants are included. The morphological features of these “ceramer” systems formed have many features in common even though the reactants may be quite different. The mechanical properties of the final materials in conjunction with SAXS have proven beneficial in establishing the basics of their morphological texture. Finally, it is demonstrated how microwave radiation in some cases, can serve as an efficient way in processing the ceramer systems.