Abstract: Crosslinked polyether siloxane block copolymers are obtained by reacting an alpha-omega hydrogen siloxane with at least one higher-order hydrogen siloxane and at least one polyether in the presence of a hydrosilylation catalyst. These are described, and also use thereof as additives for producing polyurethane foams, particularly mechanically foamed polyurethane foams.

Abstract: Provided is a curable composition having excellent workability and being capable of forming a cured product having excellent heat resistance. The curable composition of the present invention includes a compound represented by Formula (1) below and a solvent: In Formula (1) below, R1 and R2 each represent a curable functional group, and D1 and D2 each represent a single bond or a linking group. L represents a divalent group having a repeating unit containing a structure represented by Formula (I) below and a structure represented by Formula (II) below. In Formula (I) and Formula (II) below, Ar1 to Ar3 each represent a group in which two hydrogen atoms are removed from an aromatic ring structure or a group in which two hydrogen atoms are removed from a structure in which two or more aromatic rings are bonded through a single bond or a linking group. X represents —CO—, —S—, or —SO2—, and Y represents —S—, —SO2—, —O—, —CO—, —COO—, or —CONH—. n represents an integer of 0 or greater.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an acryloyloxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (AC-PDMS)-based thin-film composite (TFC) membrane, and a preparation method and use thereof. In the preparation method, a simple ultraviolet (UV)-induced monomer polymerization strategy based on high UV reactivity among acryloyloxy groups is adopted to prepare the AC-PDMS-based TFC membrane. The high UV reactivity among AC-PDMS monomers can induce the rapid curing of a casting solution to enable the formation of an ultra-thin selective layer and the inhibition of pore penetration for a substrate. By optimizing a UV wavelength, an irradiation time, and a polymer concentration, the prepared AC-PDMS-based TFC membrane has a CO2 penetration rate of 9,635 GPU and a CO2/N2 selectivity of 11.5. The UV-induced monomer polymerization strategy based on material properties provides a novel efficient strategy for preparing an ultra-thin PDMS-based membrane, which can be used for molecular separation.

Abstract: Additives for three-dimensional build materials or inks are described herein which, in some embodiments, can impart flame retardant properties and/or structural enhancements to articles printed from the build materials. In some embodiments, such an additive comprises a compound of Formula I herein, wherein L and Z are ring substituents comprising at least one polymerizable point of unsaturation, and wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkylene and alkenylene, and R3-R6 each represent one to four optional ring substituents, each one of the one to four ring substituents independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, heteroalkyl, haloalkyl, halo, hydroxyl, alkoxy, amine, amide, and ether, and wherein n is an integer from 1 to 7.

Abstract: A method is for manufacturing a laminated steel sheet comprising laminated a predetermined number of thin steel sheets formed by punching a belt-shaped thin steel sheet into a predetermined shape. This method includes the following steps 1 to 3: step 1: a step of sequentially punching the thin steel sheet into a predetermined shape with a metallic die; step 2: a step of applying a curable composition to a predetermined portion of the thin steel sheet; and step 3: a step of irradiating the curable composition with energy rays. The curable composition is a delayed curable composition which is cured after a lapse of a predetermined time after being irradiated with energy rays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermosetting electrolyte composition for a lithium secondary battery, a gel polymer electrolyte prepared therefrom, and a lithium secondary battery including the gel polymer electrolyte, and particularly, to a thermosetting electrolyte composition for a lithium secondary battery, which includes LiPF6 as a first lithium salt, a second lithium salt excluding the LiPF6, a non-aqueous organic solvent, and a polymer or oligomer containing a unit represented by Formula 1, a gel polymer electrolyte prepared therefrom, and a lithium secondary battery including the gel polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for producing polyurethanes containing alkoxysilane groups comprises the step of reacting a compound containing at least one NCO group with a compound containing at least one Zerewitinoff-active H atom in the presence of a catalyst component, wherein the compound containing at least one NCO group and/or the compound containing at least one Zerewitinoff-active H atom contain at least one alkoxysilane group, to obtain a polyurethane containing alkoxysilane groups. The invention also relates to a polymer containing alkoxysilane groups, a method for producing a curable polymer, a curable polymer, a cured polymer, and the use thereof. The polymers contain a complex of a lanthanide with at least one beta-diketonate ligand, preferably Yb(acac)3, and are free from organic tin compounds.

Abstract: Fluids incorporated into intraocular lenses and their methods of use. In some embodiments the fluids are silicone oils, and in some embodiments they are used in accommodating intraocular lenses.

Abstract: Adhesive sealant composition comprising at least one moisture-crosslinkable prepolymer and, as plasticizing agent, an ester compound of formula (I): in which: R1, R2 and R3 represent an oxycarbonylalkyl radical of 4 to 20 carbon atoms; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, a methyl or ethyl radical or else a radical: —CH2—R5 in which R5 represents an oxycarbonylalkyl radical of 4 to 20 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Coating compositions for coating an oilfield operational component, and related methods, may include in some aspects a coating composition having a trifunctional silane, a silanol, and a filler. The coating composition may be applied to a surface of the oilfield operational component that is configured to be exposed to a fluid. The coating composition may be applied to at least partially cover or coat the surface. The coating composition may be configured to chemically bond with a cured primer composition that includes an epoxy.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a negative type photosensitive composition which can be developed with a low-concentration developer. [Means for Solution] A negative type photosensitive composition comprising (I) an alkali-soluble resin having a carboxyl group, (II) a polymerization initiator, (III) a compound containing two or more (meth)acryloyloxy groups, and (IV) a solvent, wherein the content of the compound containing two or more (meth)acryloyloxy groups is 40 to 300 mass % based on the total mass of the alkali-soluble resin.

Abstract: The invention relates to silane mixtures comprising a silane of the formula I ((R1)y(R2)3-ySi—R3—SH??(I) and a silane of the formula II (R1)y(R2)3-ySi—R3—(S—R4)z—Si(R1)y(R2)3-y??(II) where the molar ratio of silane of the formula I to silane of the formula II is 20:80-85:15. The silane mixture according to the invention can be prepared by mixing the silanes of the formula I and silanes of the formula II.

Abstract: There is provided an article that includes a polymeric layer disposed on and covering a first major surface of an porous layer, an adhesive layer disposed on a second major surface of the elastic layer opposite the polymeric layer; and a liner disposed on a major surface of the polymeric layer opposite the first major surface of the elastic layer. The polymeric layer and the porous layer together form an air and water barrier that is water vapor permeable. The liner is water vapor impermeable. In a preferred embodiment the polymeric layer comprises a polyoxyalkylene polymer having at least one end group derived from an alkoxy silane. A method of applying the article to a surface of a building component is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a carbinol-modified organosiloxane, which comprises steps (A) to (C), is an efficient production method whereby it becomes possible to reduce the production of a by-product of the reaction for the production of a terminal-carbinol-modified organosiloxane. (A) a step of supplying the following components (a) to (c) to a tubular reactor continuously: (a) an organohydrogensiloxane represented by formula (I) (wherein R1's independently represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and m represents an integer of 0 to 500); (b) a compound represented by formula (II): R2—Z—OH (wherein R2 represents a vinyl group or an allyl group; and Z represents a bivalent hydrocarbon group); and (c) a platinum catalyst in an amount of 0.005 ppm by mass or more and less than 1.

Abstract: An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a method of manufacturing a polymer film, the method including: preparing a first copolymer containing a first functional group; preparing a second copolymer containing a second functional group; preparing a first compound containing a third functional group; and performing a cross-linking reaction by mixing the first copolymer, the second copolymer, and the first compound, wherein the cross-linking reaction includes a reaction of the first functional group and the second functional group and a reaction of the second functional group and the third functional group, the first compound includes a polar group and any one group selected from among a vinyl group, an aryl group, and an acrylate group, and the third functional group has reactivity with respect to the second functional group, but does not have reactivity with respect to the first functional group.

Abstract: Disclosed are a semiconductor photoresist composition including an organometallic compound including at least one selected from compounds represented by Chemical Formulae 1 to 3 and a solvent, and a method of forming patterns using the semiconductor photoresist composition on an etching-objective layer to form a photoresist layer, patterning the photoresist layer to form a photoresist pattern, and etching the etching-objective layer using the photoresist pattern as an etching mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of branched aliphatic hydrocarbons such as squalane in compositions based on thermoplastic polymer, in particular on polycarbonate, which are used for producing molded parts used in LED lighting units, such as covers for instance. According to the invention it has been found that the use of branched aliphatic hydrocarbons makes it possible to enhance the total transmission and the transmission in the range from 360 to 460 nm, thus making corresponding compositions particularly suitable for producing molded parts for use in combination with white LED light sources. It has additionally been shown that yellowing and haze are simultaneously reduced.

Abstract: A production method for obtaining a compound having an amide bond and also having an alkoxysilyl group by a reaction of a compound including a carboxy group with a compound having an amino group and an alkoxysilyl group, the production method comprising: a step of conducting the reaction using a triazine-based amidating agent and under a basic condition.

Abstract: SiOC-based polyethersiloxanes are prepared based on linear ?,?-hydroxy group-bearing siloxanes. In a first step, ?,?-acetoxy group-bearing linear polysiloxanes are prepared. In a second step, the ?,?-acetoxy group-bearing linear polysiloxanes are converted into the desired organosiloxane units, preferably shorter organosiloxane units, wherein the thus converted organosiloxane units have ?,?-acetoxy groups. In a third step, the ?,?-acetoxy group-bearing linear polysiloxanes from step 2 react with polyetherols to give SiOC-based polyethersiloxanes.

Abstract: The present application relates to an organic solar cell including: a first electrode; a second electrode which is disposed to face the first electrode; and an organic material layer having one or more layers which includes a photoactive layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, in which one or more layers of the organic material layer include two or more regions having different thicknesses.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing preferably trifluoromethanesulfonic acid-acidified, end-equilibrated, acetoxy-bearing siloxanes which comprises reacting cyclic siloxanes, in particular comprising D4 and/or D5, and/or cyclic branched siloxanes of the D/T type with acetic anhydride using preferably trifluoromethanesulfonic acid as catalyst and with addition of acetic acid, wherein the cyclic branched siloxanes of the D/T type are mixtures of cyclic branched siloxanes of the D/T type which may contain not only siloxanes comprising D and T units but also siloxanes comprising Q units.

Abstract: Described is a process for producing trifluoromethanesulfonic acid-acidified, end-equilibrated, acetoxy-bearing siloxanes which comprises reacting cyclic siloxanes, in particular comprising D4 and/or D5, and/or cyclic branched siloxanes of the D/T type with acetic anhydride using trifluoromethanesulfonic acid as catalyst and with addition of acetic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a moisture curable silane modified terpolymer comprising a polyether segment, a segment of polytetrahydrofuran or polycarbonate, a polysiloxane segment and terminal amino silane groups joined to the terpolymer via urethane linkages and wherein the polyether segment comprises at least 70% by weight based on the total weight of the silane modified terpolymer. Also disclosed is a method of forming moisture curable silane modified terpolymer.

Abstract: A compound containing at least one species of formula (I): where: Ax? is an anion of valency x equal to 1 or 2 chosen from sulfonate, sulfonylimide of —SO2—N?—SO2CyF2y+1 type with y being an integer between 0 and 4; borate, borane, phosphate, phosphinate, phosphonate, silicate, carbonate, sulfide, selenate, nitrate and perchlorate anions; Cx+ is a counter-cation of the anion Ax?, chosen from a proton H+ and alkali metal and alkaline-earth metal cations; p is an integer ranging from 1 to 10; E is an organic spacer comprising a linear sequence of at least two covalent bonds; n is an integer greater than or equal to 2; and G represents: (a) a group or (b) a group the anion Ax? being covalently bonded to the polycyclic group Ar.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel composition comprising a multi-ionic polyoligomeric silsesquioxane and a polyether solvent, optionally with an additional lithium salt. The composition of the invention allows for improved lithium ion transference over lithium salts alone by avoiding the problem of ion aggregation that reduces conductivity in single ion conductors. Also provided is a method for forming such a composition and a liquid electrolyte comprising a multi-ionic polyoligomeric silsesquioxane and a polyether solvent, optionally with an additional lithium salt.

Abstract: Provided are a resin composition for an acoustic wave probe including, a polymer which has a structural unit having a siloxane bond and a structural unit having a urea bond, an acoustic lens using the same, the acoustic wave probe, acoustic wave measurement apparatus, ultrasound diagnostic apparatus, photoacoustic wave measurement apparatus, and ultrasound endoscope.

Abstract: There is provided a polymerizable composition suitable to produce a molded product in which high refractive index is maintained, and dimensional change and a transmittance change further caused by a high-temperature heat history can be suppressed. A polymerizable composition comprising (a) 100 parts by mass of a specific reactive silsesquioxane compound and (b) 10 to 2,000 parts by mass of a specific fluorene compound, and a cured product obtained by curing the polymerizable composition, and a resin lens manufactured from the polymerizable composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coating composition comprising a silsesquioxane component having one or more reactive functional groups that render it curable using ultraviolet radiation; where the one or more reactive functional groups are selected from the group consisting of an acrylate, a vinyl ether, or an epoxy; and optionally, a co-reactive non-silsesquioxane monomer and/or an oligomer having one or more reactive functional groups that are curable using ultraviolet radiation and are selected from the group consisting of free radically curable acrylates, cationically curable epoxies, and cationically curable vinyl ethers; where the coating composition is disposed and cured on an optical article; where the optical article is at least one of an optical fiber or an optical planar waveguide; and where the average functionality of the composition is greater than one.

Abstract: A curable organopolysiloxane composition comprises: (A) an epoxy group-containing organopolysiloxane represented by the average composition formula: XaR1bSiO(4?a?b)/2 wherein X represents at least one type of epoxy group selected from a glycidoxyalky group, an epoxycycloalkyl alkyl group, and an epoxyalkyl group; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, a hydroxyl group, or an alkoxy group; provided at least two X groups are present in a molecule; and “a” and “b” are numbers satisfying: 0<a<1, 0<b<3, and 0.8<(a+b)<3; (B) a compound having at least two mercapto groups in a molecule; and (C) an amine compound not having a N—H bond and/or a phosphine compound not having a P—H bond. The composition has favorable curability even at a relatively low temperature, and forms a cured film having excellent bonding with regard to an object to be coated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an admixture composition comprising a liquid suspension of colloidal silica, siloxane, and polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant for enhancing early age strength, finishability, and other properties in hydratable cementitious compositions such as concrete (e.g., shotcrete). An inventive method involves mixing the components together in a specific sequence, thereby to obtain a stable liquid suspension. This attainment of a stable liquid suspension is surprising and unexpected because (i) the polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant and siloxane components are incompatible and immiscible with one another; and (ii) that colloidal silica and siloxane compound are incompatible and immiscible with one another.

Abstract: A 2-cyanoethyl-containing organoxysilane compound having the formula: NC—CH2—CH2—X—Si(OR1)3 is heat resistant and compatible with organic solvents. R1 is a C1-C20 monovalent hydrocarbon group, and X is a C2-C20 divalent hydrocarbon group which contains a methylene and/or methine moiety, at least one of the methylene and methine moieties being substituted with a divalent heteroatom linking moiety NR (wherein R is hydrogen, C1-C20 monovalent hydrocarbon group or 2-cyanoethyl), a trivalent heteroatom linking moiety N, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A polymerizable composition provides a high brightness and suppressed decrease in brightness in an outer peripheral region when used in a wavelength conversion member, a wavelength conversion member, a backlight unit, and a liquid crystal display device. The polymerizable composition includes quantum dots having surfaces coordinated with a ligand, a polymerizable compound, and a dispersant, in which the ligand is a molecule that includes a saturated hydrocarbon chain having 6 or more carbon atoms and a coordinating group, a LogP value of the polymerizable compound is 3.0 or lower, the dispersant has a nonpolar and a polar portion in a molecule, and the nonpolar portion is at least one selected from the group consisting of a saturated hydrocarbon chain having 6 or more carbon atoms, an aromatic ring, and a saturated aliphatic ring. The wavelength conversion member, the backlight unit, and the liquid crystal display device include the polymerizable composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel polyorganosiloxane capable of producing a copolycarbonate having improved hardness and to a copolycarbonate prepared by using the same. The novel polyorganosiloxane according to the present invention can be used as a monomer of a copolycarbonate, and it can exhibit improved hardness and chemical resistance simultaneously while maintaining the intrinsic properties of copolycarbonate due to the alkylene or isosorbide-derived structure included in the formula thereof.

Abstract: Polysiloxane-polycarbonates and improved methods for preparing the polysiloxane-polycarbonates are provided. Also provided are blend compositions including the polysiloxane-polycarbonates. The blend compositions can include one or more additional polymers. The blend compositions can include one or more additives. The blend compositions can be used to prepare articles of manufacture.

Abstract: A polymer preparation consisting of silane-functional polymers, including at least one polymer having at least one terminal group of formula (I) and at least one further silane terminal group, a method for producing the polymer preparation and a composition containing it. The polymer preparation has a surprisingly low viscosity, cross-links surprisingly quickly even without the use of EHS-critical catalysts such as organotin compounds or DBU, and hardens into a non-sticky material with good strength and elasticity. It is especially well suited as an elastic adhesive or sealant or as an elastic coating. The invention further relates to a method for lowering the viscosity of a polymer having at least one terminal group of formula (I) by introducing at least one further silane terminal group.

Abstract: Provided are a coating composition containing a silicon atom-containing resin and a defoaming agent, a coating film formed from the same, an in-water structure and a ship having the coating film. In the coating composition, the silicon atom-containing resin includes a constituent unit (A) derived from a monomer (a) having at least one kind of silicon atom-containing group selected from the group consisting of groups represented by the formula (I), the formula (II), the formula (III), and the formula (IV), the monomer (a) has a molecular weight of greater than or equal to 400 and less than or equal to 2500, and the content of the defoaming agent is greater than or equal to 0.7 parts by mass and less than or equal to 24 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the silicon atom-containing resin.

Abstract: Synthesis and electrochemical properties of a new class of polymer electrolytes based on polar polysiloxane polymerrs is described. Unlike ethylene oxide-based polymers, these materials are oxidatively stable up to at least 4.2 V, the operating voltage of high energy cells that use cathode materials such as lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) and lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM). Use of these polymers electrolytes as an alternative to PEO in solid-state lithium batteries is described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a curable resin composition comprising (A) an epoxy compound having three or more epoxy groups in one molecule and (B) an active hydrogen compound.

Abstract: An optical element having a substrate and a light-shielding film on part of an outer portion of the substrate further contains a coating on the light-shielding film, the coating containing a cured mixture of a melamine or benzoguanamine resin, and a phenolic resin, in proportions by mass of 1:5 to 7:5.

Abstract: Multicomponent crosslinkable compositions based on organyloxysilane-terminated polymers free of toxicologically objectionable catalysts and isocyanates exhibiting good tensile shear strength are useful for adhesive bonding and sealing of substrates.

Abstract: Cyclic siloxanes are prepared economically by reaction of an alkali metal siliconate having a mol ratio of alkali metal cation to silicon of less than one or their hydrolysis/condensation products or mixture thereof, with a halosilane.

Abstract: Provided is an aliphatic polycarbonate-co-aromatic polyester with long-chain branches. The copolymer includes repeating units represented by —OAO— and Z(O—)a, which are linked via carbonyl (—C(O)—) and —C(O)YC(O)— as linkers. Also provided is an aliphatic copolycarbonate including repeating units represented by —OAO— and Z(O—)a, which are linked via carbonyl (—C(O)—) linkers. The aliphatic copolycarbonate has a weight average molecular weight of 30,000 or more.

Abstract: Processes for increasing the chemical resistance of a surface of a formed article are disclosed. The formed article is produced from a polymeric composition comprising a photoactive additive containing photoactive groups derived from a monofunctional benzophenone. The surface of the formed article is then exposed to ultraviolet light to cause crosslinking of the photoactive additive and produce a crosslinked surface. The crosslinking enhances the chemical resistance of the surface. Various means for controlling the depth of the crosslinking are also discussed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a mixture: of hydrophobic silica aerogel particles having a specific surface area per unit of mass (SM) ranging from 500 to 1500 m2/g and a size expressed as the volume-average diameter (D[0.5]) ranging from 1 to 1500 ?m, and of at least one first linear silicone oil having a viscosity greater than 50 mm2/s and of at least second and third linear silicone oils having a viscosity less than or equal to 50 mm2/s. The present invention also relates to a cosmetic composition comprising a mixture: of hydrophobic silica aerogel particles having a specific surface area per unit of mass (SM) ranging from 500 to 1500 m2/g and a size expressed as the volume-average diameter (D[0.5]) ranging from 1 to 1500 ?m, and of at least one first linear silicone oil having a viscosity less than 10 mm2/s and of at least one second linear silicone oil having a viscosity greater than or equal to 10 mm2/s.

Abstract: A composition that includes at least one silane-functional polymer P and 20 to 60% by weight of aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide or mixture thereof, is disclosed. The composition has a viscosity of 500 to 20,000 mPa·s measured according to DIN 53018 at a temperature of 20° C. The composition is suitable as a liquid membrane and has very good flammability properties, i.e., it is difficult to ignite and is self-extinguishing.

Abstract: A composition that includes at least one silane-functional polymer P and 20 to 60% by weight of aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide or mixture thereof, is disclosed. The composition has a viscosity of 500 to 20,000 mPa·s measured according to DIN 53018 at a temperature of 20° C. The composition is suitable as a liquid membrane and has very good flammability properties, i.e., it is difficult to ignite and is self-extinguishing.

Abstract: Disclosed are a curable polysiloxane composition for an optical device including at least one kind of a first siloxane compound represented by Chemical Formula 1, at least one kind of a second siloxane compound having hydrogen bound to silicon (Si—H) at the terminal end, and at least one kind of a third siloxane compound having an alkenyl group bound to silicon (Si-Vi) at the terminal end, an encapsulating material obtained by curing the curable polysiloxane composition for an optical device, and an optical device including the encapsulating material. (R1R2R3SiO1/2)M1(R4R5SiO2/2)D1(L1-O)D2(L2-O)D3(R6R7SiO2/2)D4(L3-O-L4-O)D5(R8SiO2/2—Y1—SiO2/2R9)D6(R10R11Si—Y2)D7(R12SiO3/2)T1(R13SiO3/2)T2(SiO3/2—Y3—SiO3/2)T3(SiO4/2)Q1??[Chemical Formula 1] In Chemical Formula 1, R1 to R13, Y1 to Y3, M1, D1 to D7, T1 to T3 and Q1 are the same as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention describes chemical systems and methods for silylating heteroaromatic organic substrates using at least alkoxide base, preferably a potassium alkoxide base and at least one organodisilane and (b) at least one alkoxide base. Both methods and compositions for affecting these transformations are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for modified silicone resins of Formula (II) are presented. Formula (II) comprises at least one of each of the following subunits: The R1, R2, R3, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 are each independently selected from a group consisting of H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and aryl. The X is selected from a group consisting of arylene, transition metal, inorganic oxide, and silsesquioxane. The values oft ranges from 1 to 10, y ranges from 1 to 200 and z ranges from 1 to 1,000. The elastomeric materials prepared from modified silicone resins display robust mechanical properties following prolonged exposure to high temperatures (e.g., 316° C. or higher).

Abstract: A hybrid bioactive glass comprising a plurality of POSS-cages each having at least one flexible arm radiating from an Si atom of the POSS-cage, each POSS-cage being covalently linked to another POSS-cage through an Si—O—Si linkage between two flexible arms. A method of forming a hybrid bioactive glass comprising the steps of providing a plurality of POSS-cages, each having at least one reactive flexible arm radiating from an Si atom detailed by —X—Si[R1,R2,R3], wherein X is an arm extension located between the Si—O—Si linkage and an Si atom of the POSS-cage, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are also the same or different, and at least one of the R1, R2 and R3 is an alkoxide, and reacting the plurality of POSS-cages through a sol-gel method to form a covalently-linked network and incorporating Ca+2 ions therein, the sol-gel process comprising hydrolysis and polycondensation reactions of the plurality of POSS-cages.