Polyurethane/POSS Hybrid Materials

Abstract

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials, prepared via chemical synthesis or physical blending of functionalized nanofillers within polymer matrix, have gained an increased attention in the recent years. Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles, due to their nanometer size and functionalization possibilities, are applied as effective modifiers—both chemical and physical, for polymer matrices, including polyurethanes (PU). Research efforts focused on polymers incorporating polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) have intensified in recent years, revealing new synthetic routes and interesting features of these composite materials. This chapter describes polyurethane/POSS systems with different architectures—with POSS molecules as pendant groups in the polyurethane chain, incorporated in the main chain and as cross-linking agents. The methods of incorporation of POSS into polymer matrices via covalent bonds or physical blending have been presented, and the influence of preparation conditions on the structure and properties of nanocomposites was discussed. Application fields, such as gas membranes or biomedical implants, have been outlined.