Effect of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticle on the miscibility and hydrogen bonding behavior of CO2 based poly(cyclohexene carbonate) copolymers

Abstract

BackgroundSince the Industrial Revolution in the 1890s, cities have grown exponentially, leading to a significant increase in carbon dioxide emissions and contributing to a growing global environmental crisis. Carbon dioxide capture and storage alone cannot fully address the issue of carbon cycle imbalance. One promising approach is to convert carbon dioxide into polycarbonate polymer, which possesses good biodegradability and is considered a viable alternative to petroleum-based polyester. MethodsIn this experiment, poly(cyclohexene carbonate) copolymer containing polyhedral oligomeric sesquioxane (PCHCPOSS) was prepared using ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) method. By mixing it with poly(vinyl phenol) (PVPh), we can observe the forces both intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction. Significant FindingsThe binary blend of PVPh/PCHCPOSS10 exhibits a single Tg value throughout the composition, indicating complete miscibility. When the proportion of POSS increases, these blends show two different Tg values, suggesting that the addition of POSS does not promote miscibility. The FTIR results indicate that POSS reduces the formation of intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction. This is attributed to the screening effect in the PVPh/PCHCPOSS binary blend, which significantly diminishes the formation of hydrogen bonds between OH and O=C.