Organically modified ceramics as new glass-like materials

New glasses can be synthesized by introduction of organic molecules into inorganic networks by sol-gel techniques. The new glasses have properties (structure, Tg, optical properties) which are glass-like, but other properties, like thermal resistance and free volume are similar to organic polymers. The organic groupings allow the introduction of chemical and other functions into the glasses. The materials can be applied as coatings on glass, organic polymers and metals for chemical and mechanical protection, special surface functions and as bulk materials.