A covalently interconnected phosphazene-silicate hybrid network: Synthesis, characterization, and hydrogel diffusion-related application

Modified sol-gel precursors of bis(methoxyethoxyethoxy)phosphazene (MEEP) and its hybrid network were synthesized. Thus, the precursor polymers were prepared by combining MEEP with a triethoxysilane group, which was incorporated into the polymer side group by covalent bonding. A water-swelling behavior and dye-release study of the hybrid network was carried out as a first test for the utilization of the polyphosphazene-silicate network as a potential biomaterial, and for use in both passive and responsive membranes.