Development of organic/inorganic composites by sol gel method - for tooling materials

Abstract

Organic/inorganic composites prepared by sol gel method have recently been exploited for tooling applications, but few research works are reported. In this project, crack-free and castable organic/inorganic composites were developed by incorporation of ceramics or stainless steel particles into combined sol gel matrix system based on methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and dimethyl-dimethoxysilane (DMDS). The composites offer a very high resistance against thermal degradation below 400 deg.C and moderate mechanical properties. Incorporation of metallic fillers into organic/inorganic sol gel matrix is a new approach to prepare sol gel composite. Electroless nickel (EN) layer was successfully deposited on the stainless-steel-filled composites with perfect adhesion between the EN layer and the composite. The composites prepared by the above method might be a good candidate for tooling materials.