Silicon Matrix Research Articles

2D Printing of Piezoresistive Auxetic Silicone Sensor Structures

In this letter, we developed a piezoresistive auxetic sensor structure based on a silicone elastomer and carbon-based conductive thermoplastic elastomer fiber sensor (CTPE fiber). Liquid silicone has been used as the matrix material. In addition silicone has been mixed with silica filler to tailor the stiffness of an auxetic elastic structure that improved the sensor behavior of silicone-based CTPE fiber composites. The 2D auxetic structures with and without silica fillers have been successfully printed with the direct ink writing method. The piezoresistive fiber was integrated and the auxetic structure were embedded in the silicone matrix in a second step, via casting method. To detect the electrical signal behavior of the integrated fiber sensor, the hybrid manufactured auxetic fiber sensor composite was investigated using dynamic cycle testing between 0 and 20% strain. Using silicone with silica filler for the printing of the auxetic structure, the sensor behavior of the piezoresistive fiber elastomer composite was improved and a secondary peak of the sensor signal could be avoided at low strains. Unfortunately, a constant gauge factor between 0 and 20% strain could not be obtained by implementing the auxetic structure element inside the CTPE fiber composite. However, this structure can already be integrated into a watchband and used for gesture-controlled applications.

Evaluation of the Impact of Organic Fillers on Selected Properties of Organosilicon Polymer.

Eco-friendly composites are proposed to substitute commonly available polymers. Currently, wood–plastic composites and natural fiber-reinforced composites are gaining growing recognition in the industry, being mostly on the thermoplastic matrix. However, little data are available about the possibility of producing biocomposites on a silicone matrix. This study focused on assessing selected organic fillers’ impact (ground coffee waste (GCW), walnut shell (WS), brewers’ spent grains (BSG), pistachio shell (PS), and chestnut (CH)) on the physicochemical and mechanical properties of silicone-based materials. Density, hardness, rebound resilience, and static tensile strength of the obtained composites were tested, as well as the effect of accelerated aging under artificial seawater conditions. The results revealed changes in the material’s properties (minimal density changes, hardness variation, overall decreasing resilience, and decreased tensile strength properties). The aging test revealed certain bioactivities of the obtained composites. The degree of material degradation was assessed on the basis of the strength characteristics and visual observation. The investigation carried out indicated the impact of the filler’s type, chemical composition, and grain size on the obtained materials’ properties and shed light on the possibility of acquiring ecological silicone-based materials.

Nonlinear Permeability Measurements for Nickel Zinc Ferrite and Nickel Zinc Ferrite/Barium Strontium Titanate Composites From 1 to 4 GHz

Nonlinear transmission lines (NLTLs), which exhibit permittivity as a function of electric field and/or permeability as a function of magnetic field strength, are of increasing importance for sharpening pulses to less than 100 ps and serving as radio frequency (RF) sources; however, NLTLs often are not easily modified to achieve different output parameters. One method under investigation involves combining nonlinear dielectric [barium strontium titanate (BST)] and/or magnetic [nickel zinc ferrite (NZF)] inclusions to tune the NLTL properties by adjusting the inclusion loading fractions. This article focuses on measuring the nonlinear permeability and magnetic loss tangent of composites comprising various volume loadings of NZF or NZF and BST inclusions encapsulated in a silicon matrix. We measured the relative permeability from 1 to 4 GHz using a coaxial airline while biasing the samples in an external dc magnetic field from 0 to 171 kA/m. The permeability decreased from 1 to 4 GHz for each volume fraction but increased with increasing magnetic field strength at low-magnetic field strengths with sufficient NZF volume loading. The magnetic loss tangent of the composites increased with increasing frequency and/or NZF volume fraction but was suppressed by increasing the external magnetic field strength. Adding BST to NZF composites did not cause a significant change in permeability compared to NZF alone, based on an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multiple comparison test. These results elucidate the frequency dependence of NZF volume loading at microwave frequency and provide initial information for simulating NLTLs and examining more comprehensive RF system behavior.

Laue X-ray diffraction studies of the structural perfection of Al-doped thermomigration channels in silicon

Si(111) wafers patterned with an array of vertical 100 µm-wide Al-doped (1 × 1019 cm−3) p-channels extending through the whole wafer were studied by X-ray Laue diffraction techniques. The X-ray techniques included projection topography, and measurement of rocking curves and cross sections in the vicinity of the 02\overline 2 reciprocal space node in the double- and triple-crystal geometry, respectively. The channels are uniform along the depth of the wafer, and their structural perfection is comparable to that of the silicon matrix between the channels. Simulation of the rocking curves was performed using the methods of the dynamical theory of X-ray diffraction. The rocking-curve calculations both taking into account and neglecting the effect of the instrumental function were carried out using the Takagi–Taupin equations. The calculated angular dependences of intensities of both diffracted and transmitted X-rays correspond well to the experimentally obtained rocking curves and demonstrate their high sensitivity to the structural distortions in the channel. An unambiguous reconstruction of strain and structural distortions in the Si(Al) channel using the Laue diffraction data requires further development of the theoretical model.

Mechanisms and Product Options of Magnesiothermic Reduction of Silica to Silicon for Lithium-Ion Battery Applications

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been one of the most predominant rechargeable power sources due to their high energy/power density and long cycle life. As one of the most promising candidates for the new generation negative electrode materials in LIBs, silicon has the advantages of high specific capacity, a lithiation potential range close to that of lithium deposition, and rich abundance in the earth’s crust. However, the commercial use of silicon in LIBs is still limited by the short cycle life and poor rate performance due to the severe volume change during Li++ insertion/extraction, as well as the unsatisfactory conduction of electron and Li+ through silicon matrix. Therefore, many efforts have been made to control and stabilize the structures of silicon. Magnesiothermic reduction has been extensively demonstrated as a promising process for making porous silicon with micro- or nanosized structures for better electrochemical performance in LIBs. This article provides a brief but critical overview of magnesiothermic reduction under various conditions in several aspects, including the thermodynamics and mechanism of the reaction, the influences of the precursor and reaction conditions on the dynamics of the reduction, and the interface control and its effect on the morphology as well as the final performance of the silicon. These outcomes will bring about a clearer vision and better understanding on the production of silicon by magnesiothermic reduction for LIBs application.

Effects of magnetic field and particles content on rheology and resistivity behavior of magnetorheological elastomer with embedded cobalt particles

In most studies, carbonyl iron particles were merged with carbon-based particles such as graphite or carbon black particles as fillers to enhance the electrical properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs). These combined fillers can be replaced by using a single material in order to reduce brittleness due to the high amount of composition. Therefore, in this research, cobalt particles having dual properties, magnetic and electrical, have been employed as a filler in MRE. A total of three anisotropic MREs containing 53, 60, and 67 wt% of cobalt were fabricated through the mixing process method. The characterization related to morphological and magnetic properties of MRE samples was analyzed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. Then, the rheological properties of the MRE in various strengths of magnetic field intensity between 0 and 0.8 T were conducted by using a rheometer. Afterward, the effect of the cobalt on the electrical properties was investigated and compared with different applied forces towards the MRE. The outcome showed that the rheological and electrical properties of MRE were improved with the increase of cobalt content embedded in the silicone matrix. Higher cobalt content in MRE contributed to a higher magnetorheological (MR) effect and simultaneously lower the electrical resistivity. Therefore, the addition of cobalt particles as a filler in MRE is a great potential to be applied as sensors.

Highly Conductive Silicone Elastomers via Environment‐Friendly Swelling and In Situ Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

AbstractFlexible and stretchable conductors are crucial components for next‐generation flexible devices. Wrinkled structures often have been created on such conductors by depositing conductive materials on the pre‐stretched or organic solvent swollen samples. Herein, water swelling is first proposed to generate the wrinkled structures on silicone elastomers. By immersing silicone/sugar hybrid in water, a significant amount of swelling occurs as a result of osmosis and capillary interactions with the sugar and silicone matrix. Considering the drastic swelling effect and controllable swelling ratio, water swelling is used to replace the conventional pre‐stretching and organic solvent swelling to fabricate stretchable conductors. In situ growing of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is carried out on the swollen silicone elastomers. Wrinkled conductive silicone elastomers are successfully constructed after removing the residual water. The conductive elastomer has a sheet resistance of less than 1 Ω sq‐1 at zero strain and also shows high sensitivity when subjected to external deformation up to 100% strain. The silicone/sugar composite also possesses good 3D printability with the desired shear‐thinning property. Human motion detection is demonstrated using the 3D printed sensors. This work provides a facile and environment‐friendly strategy to fabricate superior flexible and stretchable sensing devices.

Intensity of Radiative Recombination in the Germanium/Silicon Nanosystem with Germanium Quantum Dots

It is shown that in a germanium/silicon nanosystem with germanium quantum dots, the hole leaving the germanium quantum dot causes the appearance of the hole energy level in the bandgap energy in a silicon matrix. The dependences of the energies of the ground state of a hole and an electron are obtained as well as spatially indirect excitons on the radius of the germanium quantum dot and on the depth of the potential well for holes in the germanium quantum dot. It is found that as a result of a direct electron transition in real space between the electron level that is located in the conduction band of the silicon matrix and the hole level located in the bandgap of the silicon matrix, the radiative recombination intensity in the germanium/silicon nanosystem with germanium quantum dots increases significantly.

Luminescent Erbium-Doped Silicon Thin Films for Advanced Anti-Counterfeit Labels.

The never-ending struggle against counterfeit demands the constant development of security labels and their fabrication methods. This study demonstrates a novel type of security label based on downconversion photoluminescence from erbium-doped silicon. For fabrication of these labels, a femtosecond laser is applied to selectively irradiate a double-layered Er/Si thin film, which is accomplished by Er incorporation into a silicon matrix and silicon-layer crystallization. The study of laser-induced heating demonstrates that it creates optically active erbium centers in silicon, providing stable and enhanced photoluminescence at 1530 nm. Such a technique is utilized to create two types of anti-counterfeiting labels. The first type is realized by the single-step direct laser writing of luminescent areas and detected by optical microscopy as holes in the film forming the desired image. The second type, with a higher degree of security, is realized by adding other fabrication steps, including the chemical etching of the Er layer and laser writing of additional non-luminescent holes over an initially recorded image. During laser excitation at 525 nm of luminescent holes of the labels, a photoluminescent picture repeating desired data can be seen. The proposed labels are easily scalable and perspective for labeling of goods, securities, and luxuryitems.

Unraveling the Origin of Low Optical Efficiency for Quantum Dot White Light-Emitting Diodes From the Perspective of Aggregation-Induced Scattering Effect

Quantum dots (QDs) are promising materials for various optoelectronic applications. However, the efficiency of QD white light-emitting diodes (QD-white-LEDs) is not at the desired level, particularly when the QD concentration in the silicone matrix is high and the corresponding mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we experimentally and theoretically investigated the aggregation-induced scattering (AIS) effect of QDs in silicone and unraveled the origin of low efficiency for QD-white-LED devices. Three-dimensional finite-difference time domain and ray tracing simulations were carried out to establish the AIS model for QDs. Results indicate that the AIS effect is stronger for higher QD concentrations and leads to a larger effective aggregate size (EAS), which was confirmed by comparing with the experimental results of QD-silicone films. Furthermore, we found that the AIS effect causes a significant reduction in the radiant efficiencies of QD-white-LEDs when the EAS exceeds 50 particles, which is validated by fabricated devices. According to the spectral energy analysis, the low efficiency of QD-white-LEDs can be attributed to a strong AIS effect at high QD concentrations, causing severe backscattering and reabsorption loss. This study is also important for nondestructive testing the degree of aggregation demonstrated by QDs in a silicone matrix and for precisely modeling QD-white-LEDs.

Self-powered soft robot in the Mariana Trench.

The deep sea remains the largest unknown territory on Earth because it is so difficult to explore1-4. Owing to the extremely high pressure in the deep sea, rigid vessels5-7 and pressure-compensation systems8-10 are typically required to protect mechatronic systems. However, deep-sea creatures that lack bulky or heavy pressure-tolerant systems can thrive at extreme depths11-17. Here, inspired by the structure of a deep-sea snailfish15, we develop an untethered soft robot for deep-sea exploration, with onboard power, control and actuation protected from pressure by integrating electronics in a silicone matrix. This self-powered robot eliminates the requirement for any rigid vessel. To reduce shear stress at the interfaces between electronic components, we decentralize the electronics by increasing the distance between components or separating them from the printed circuit board. Careful design of the dielectric elastomer material used for the robot's flapping fins allowed the robot to be actuated successfully in a field test in the Mariana Trench down to a depth of 10,900metres and to swim freely in the South China Sea at a depth of 3,224metres. We validate the pressure resilience of the electronic components and soft actuators through systematic experiments and theoretical analyses. Our work highlights the potential of designing soft, lightweight devices for use in extreme conditions.

The effect of rue (Ruta graveolens) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) extracts as antifouling agents in silicone matrix coatings

The use of rue extract and ginger oleoresin as natural antifouling agents in a silicone matrix was verified in this work. 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) analysis identified a series of compounds with bactericidal properties in the two investigated natural products. Thermogravimetric analyses showed that the addition of rue extract and ginger oleoresin in the silicone matrix increased the thermal stability of the formed films. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis showed that the presence of both antifouling agents increases the velocity of water diffusion into the film, improving contact between marine water and the two products. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms that both antifouling agents were trapped inside the silicone matrix. Bacterial adhesion tests showed that rue extract reduced the adhesion of gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, while ginger oleoresin did not show any significant effect. Optical microscopy images demonstrated that the presence of rue extract slightly increased the film’s porosity without impairing the silicone hydrophobicity, while ginger oleoresin significantly altered the film’s morphology (reducing the water contact angle). Finally, the sample containing rue extract showed excellent results against marine fouling after 6 months of immersion in a real marine environment. The polymer containing ginger oleoresin showed satisfactory results against marine fouling; however, the film showed adhesion failures after 6 months.

An evaluation of a technique to improve the mechanical properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomers with zinc oxide nanoparticles

Statement of problemSilicone elastomer is the most used material for fabricating maxillofacial prostheses, but the material has low tensile and tear strength and insufficient elasticity. Whether the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles will improve these properties is unclear. PurposeThe purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of adding different concentrations of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the clinically critical mechanical properties of a maxillofacial silicone. Material and methodsNano-ZnO was added in concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 5% by weight to Cosmesil M511 High Temperature Vulcanization (HTV) silicone elastomer. Silicone without nano-ZnO or ethanol served as a conventional group, while silicone without nano-ZnO and with ethanol served as the control group. Tensile strength and elongation tests were done according to International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 37. A tear strength test was done according to ISO 34-1. A Shore A hardness test was done according to ISO 7619. In total 144 specimens were fabricated, with 48 specimens for each test. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) tests were used to assess the efficiency of the dispersion method, monitoring the particle size of nano-ZnO. Statistical analysis used 1-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test (α=.05). ResultsFESEM showed a homogenous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles within the silicone matrix. XRD and FESEM showed a reduction in cluster size of nano-ZnO after sonication. The FTIR-ATR test revealed no significant difference between the conventional and the control group (P>.05). The 3%ZnO demonstrated significantly higher tensile strength, elongation percentage, and tear strength than the control group (P<.05). Shore A hardness showed a significant decrease between the conventional and control group. Hardness increased directly and proportionally to an increase in the concentration of nanofiller. ConclusionsSonication of nano-ZnO in ethanol represented an effective and straightforward way to disperse nano-ZnO in a silicone elastomer matrix. This improved the quality of the nanocomposite without affecting the base material and without the need for a coupling agent or addition of a third material. The overall mechanical properties of the M511 maxillofacial silicone elastomer improved most with a 3%ZnO concentration.

The Influence of Zinc Waste Filler on the Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Silicone-Based Composites.

Silicones are often used for various types of coatings, but due to their poor mechanical properties, they often require modification to meet specific requirements. At the same time, various production processes throughout the world generate different types of waste, the disposal of which is harmful to the environment. One possible solution is to use production waste as a filler. In this paper, the authors investigated how the use of metallurgical production waste products as fillers changed the mechanical properties of silicone composites prepared by casting. Composite samples were characterized using tensile tests, resilience, pin-on-disc, Schopper–Schlobach abrasion, hardness, and density measurements. Based on the obtained results, the authors assessed the effect of each of the fillers used in different weight proportions. The results showed that the silicone composite filled with 5 wt% zinc dust showed the lowest decrease in tensile strength and Young’s modulus, with a simultaneous significant reduction in abrasion compared with the reference sample. This research shows that zinc waste can be successfully introduced into a silicone matrix in cases where it is important to reduce abrasive wear.

Silicon dots films deposited by spin-coating as a generated carrier addition layer of third generation photovoltaics

In this work, silicon ink composing of silicon powder and zinc oxide solution was formulated and spin-coated on quartz and n/p-Si substrates followed by drying the films under atmosphere at the temperature of 550 ​°C. The results showed that this top-addition layer could be the highly promising layer for photo-generating carriers in third-generation photovoltaics to enhance blue-light absorption. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to study the presence of silicon and zinc oxide nano-crystallites. The thin films consisting of different energy bandgap of Si nanocrystals (~100 ​nm) with narrow bandgap and spherical ZnO:Bi nanocrystal (~20 ​nm) with wider bandgap could be obtained from the evidence of bandgap enlargement. The band gaps of the thin films were tunable by adjusting silicon dots density in ZnO:Bi film. Energy upshift of light absorption edge depended on the silicon dots density was observed in the range 1.6–3.3 ​eV related band gap enlargement by Tauc plot. Under illumination, a high photocurrent gain of the thin film comprised of low Si dots density coated on a quartz substrate was about 103 times higher compared with its dark current. This result is agreeably explained in terms of its lower superficial trap states at the interface between silicon and zinc oxide matrix. The composite layer can be applied to a third-generation solar cell with the efficiency 1.50% higher than that with a typical crystalline-Si solar cell.

Effects of loading rate, applied shear strain, and magnetic field on stress relaxation behavior of anisotropic magnetorheological elastomer

Experimental research and numerical computation of stress relaxation behavior of an anisotropic magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) have been conducted in this paper. The anisotropic MRE has been formed from silicone matrix and micro-sized carbonyl iron particles under a magnetic field. Stress relaxation response of the anisotropic MRE was examined by single- and multi-step relaxation tests in shear mode using double-lap shear specimens. The effects of loading rate, applied constant strain, and external magnetic field on the stress relaxation behavior of the anisotropic MRE were studied. Experimental results showed that the stress relaxation of the anisotropic MRE was slightly dependent on the loading rate, but strongly depended on the constant strain level and the magnitude of external magnetic field. When increasing the constant strain level the shear stress of the anisotropic MRE in the single-step relaxation enhanced, while the relaxation modulus declined. The shear stress and modulus of the anisotropic MRE in the relaxation periods increased with increasing the magnetic field intensity. The four-parameter fractional derivative Zener model was used to describe the stress relaxation behavior of the anisotropic MRE. The presented model was fitted well to experimental data of the anisotropic MRE in both single- and multi-step relaxation tests. The fittings of relaxation modulus and shear stress with long-term predictions for the anisotropic MRE are in a very good agreement with the experimental ones. The maximal relative error of the fitted curves compared with measured data for both relaxation modulus and shear stress is less than 5.0%. As a result, the presented model is applicable to predict the long-term stress relaxation behavior of the anisotropic MRE.

Tooth Discoloration Using Calcium Silicate-Based Cements For Simulated Revascularization in Vitro.

The endodontic revascularization may be an alternative treatment for necrotic immature teeth, however, several treatment steps may cause tooth discoloration. This study evaluated the use of three calcium silicate-based cements with different radiopacifying agents on the color alteration (∆E) of extracted premolars after simulation of revascularization. Forty single rooted extracted premolars were shaped with #1-6 gates Glidden drills, rinsed with sodium hypochlorite, and filled with fresh human blood. Three calcium silicate-based cements with different radiopacifying agents (bismuth oxide - CSBi, calcium tungstate - CSW, and zirconium oxide - CSZr) were applied over the blood clot (n=10). The control group received the application of a temporary zinc oxide-based cement (TFZn) (n=10). ∆E was measured with a spectrophotometer, using the L*a*b* color system of the International Commission on Illumination (CIELab), in different times: prior to the preparation of the access cavity (t0); right after treatment (t1); and after one (t2), two (t3), three (t4) and four (t5) months. The tooth site for color evaluation was standardized by silicon matrix, the color reading was performed 3 times per tooth, and the teeth were stored in 37º water between evaluations. ∆E, whiteness (WID index) and yellowness (b*) were evaluated. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and repeated measures ANOVA, followed by Tukey's post hoc test (α=0.05). All groups were similar in ∆E1 (t0-t1). The ∆E was the lowest and constant in the control group. In all evaluation times, CSBi presented the highest ∆E (p<0.01). CSW and CSZr were similar in all evaluated times and presented intermediate ∆E values. WID index from CSBi and CSW presented more distancing from 'white' reference. CSBi presented the greatest decrease in yellowness (b* value). The cement containing bismuth oxide presented the highest color alteration values. All tested calcium silicate-based cements presented clinically perceptible discoloration. Calcium tungstate and zirconium oxide may be used as alternative radiopacifiers to decrease tooth discoloration after endodontic tooth revascularization.

Fabrication of titanium dioxide nanomaterial for implantable highly flexible composite bioelectrode for biosensing applications

Implantable and stretchable electrodes have managed to progress the medical field from a medical diagnosis aspect to a patient treatment level. They offer the ability to detect biosignals and conduct electrical current to tissues that aid in muscle stimulation and axon regeneration. Current conventional electrodes are fabricated from stiff and very expensive, precious metals such as platinum. In this work, novel, low cost, and highly flexible electrode materials were fabricated based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) supported by a silicone polymer matrix. The electrode materials were characterized by their electrochemical, mechanical, and surface properties. The electrodes possessed high flexibility with Young’s modulus of 235 kPa, revealing highly stretchable characteristics. The impedance at 1 kHz was around 114.6 kΩ, and the charge capacity was 1.23 mC/cm2. The fabricated electrodes appeared to have a smooth surface, as seen in the scanning electron microscope micrographs, compared with electrodes in the literature. Long-time stability tests revealed an overall decrease in impedance and an increase in the charge capacity up to 475% of the initial value within three weeks.

Glycerol–Silicone Membranes for Sustained and Controlled Topical Delivery of Antimicrobial and Pain‐Relief Drugs

AbstractControlling drug delivery from medical dressings to wounds remains a challenge despite the presence of multiple drug‐containing wound dressings on the market. The dressing should ideally be effective immediately after application and still show no burst effect, and must also be comfortable for an extended period of time. Here, a silicone‐based membrane is shown to offer an adjustable, constant release of various drugs even at a minimum moisture level resembling that of dry wounds. The drugs are dissolved in glycerol, which is speed‐mixed with silicone and subsequently cured to yield a solid membrane with evenly distributed glycerol microcontainers housing the drug. The drugs are released immediately upon contact with moisture, enabling efficient treatment with short response time and no burst. Drug delivery capability is evaluated using a classical drug release experiment, as well as by performing an antimicrobial susceptibility test on ten bacterial strains in agar diffusion assays. Results show that glycerol–silicone membranes are promising candidates for fighting bacterial infections. Moreover, the addition of glycerol domains to a silicone matrix is proven to have a positive impact on water vapor transmission rate and moisture handling capabilities, resulting in a more skin compliant dressing.

Гибридные органо-неорганические соединения, получаемые методом золь-гель химии из органоалкоксисиланов и металлокомплексов

The paper summarizes information on a narrow class of polycondensed systems known as organic-inorganic hybrid materials, in which particles of metal complexes are embedded in a silicon oxide matrix. There are only one type of particles: coordination compounds of cobalt, chromium, neodymium, erbium, and ytterbium. These materials are prepared by a sol-gel process from molecular precursors that undergo inorganic polymerization called hydrolytic polycondensation. Basic information about the sol-gel processes is presented. The types and properties of the most common sol-gel monomers and oligomers, as well as the methods of obtaining metal-containing gels, are considered, a general idea of the sol-gel processes is described, and the fields of application of the obtained materials are listed. Syntheses of siloxane, carbonate, and carbonate-siloxane cobaltcarbonyl gels are based on the reaction of homomolecular disproportionation of dicobalt octacarbonyl under the action of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, pyridine, and dimethylformamide. A number of organosilicon amine gels have been obtained from 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, cobalt(II), chromium(III) chlorides, and triethoxysilane. The sol-gel films containing cobalt, chromium, and neodymium have been obtained from organosilicon amine complexes, their electronic absorption spectra have been measured and interpreted, their transformations during the absorption of oxygen and hydrogen chloride have been shown, and nonlinear optical properties have been measured. Organosilicon amidophosphates are synthesized by the interaction of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane with bis(dimethylamido)chlorophosphate and diphenylchlorophosphate. On their basis, complexes of erbium and ytterbium have been obtained, and their absorption and emission spectra have been recorded. Two examples of immobilization of metal complexes on the surface of highly porous polysiloxane hydride and lepidoid siloxene are given.