Innovative self-responsive composites for aeronautical applications through Sol-Gel chemistry

Sol-Gel chemistry is a “bottom-up” synthesis route that starting from simple molecules allows to obtain films, particles (also nano), fibers, gels and bulk materials both glassy than crystalline. Silicatic materials are generally obtained from the following Si precursors: tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) or tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The chemistry is based on the very well-known hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions. In alkaline environment monodisperse silica particles may be easily obtained with sizes from a few nanometers till micron (“Stöber” method). The above reminded reactions occur at room temperature allowing matching their formation with polymer chemistry. In the “in situ” strategy, nanoparticles are produced in the presence of a monomer before polymerization is promoted. In this communication a series of innovative self-responsive materials for aeronautical applications produced by the research group using the Sol-Gel chemistry will be shown.