Design and Synthesis of Hybrid Materials with POSS

Abstract

This chapter describes essential aspects related to design and fabrication of organic–inorganic hybrid structure based on polymeric materials and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). POSS is a class of organosilicic three-dimensional compounds with cage or non-cage framework. The POSS nanoparticle possesses size of few nm and has monodisperse and rigid structure. The POSS nanoparticle also has unique capability to reinforce numerous polymers (polyamide, epoxy, polyurethane, poly(vinyl chloride), poly(ethylene glycol), etc.). Various strategies have been adopted for the incorporation of POSS into polymer matrices via chemical cross-linking or physical blending. The design and structure of final hybrids have been found to influence by POSS surface functional groups and POSS content. Owing to POSS nanometer size and exceptional features, the hybrid materials own superior structural and functional properties such as mechanical strength, thermal stability, optical properties, low toxicity, and biocompatibility. The state of POSS-containing polymer hybrids with respect to current challenges and future prospects has also been described. The focus of this article is to present an account of fundamental understanding of structure, functional properties, synthesis, and design challenges of POSS-containing polymer hybrids.