Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Content Research Articles

Dynamics retardation in hybrid POSS-NIPAm nanocomposites. Thermoplastic and thermally-responsive hydrogel behavior

A series of uncrosslinked and unentangled hybrid copolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) exhibited dual, thermoplastic and hydrogel behavior. The products of the synthesis were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The dried hybrids were amorphous and exhibited a reduction of glass transition temperature Tg as POSS content increased, i.e., ΔTg = Tg − Tg,bulk < 0°C, suggesting nanoconfinement-like effects. The hybrid melts exhibited linear viscoelastic behavior. Master curves were constructed using time–temperature superposition (TTS), and PNIPAm displayed Rouse dynamics. The hybrid melts however displayed terminal and transition regimes where the scalings G″ ≠ ω2 and G′ = G″ ≠ ω1/2, did not hold. The mechanical damping evidenced a molecular retardation mechanism suggesting POSS-POSS interactions in the melt. Strikingly, the melt viscosity was reduced up to one order of magnitude and exhibited yield stress at higher POSS content, a consequence of POSS associations. In the hydrated state the “sticky” POSS-POSS associations produced hydrogel behavior, with at least ∼3 wt% POSS content. The hydrogels were thermo-responsive, and POSS tuned the LCST, swelling ratio, and modulus. The physical associations are reversible as the hydrogels healed immediately after a nonlinear deformation. Hence, the thermoplastic-hydrogel behavior of PNIPAm-POSS hybrids enables thermoforming (injection molding, extrusion, and fiber spinning) followed by hydration. This bottom-up approach opens opportunities for easily procesable, environmentally friendly, and versatile smart hydrogel-based medical devices.

Hydrolytically degradable POSS-PEG hybrid hydrogels prepared in aqueous phase with tunable mechanical properties, swelling ratio and degradation rate

A series of hydrolytically degradable polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hybrid hydrogels were prepared by covalently grafting hydrophobic POSS onto hydrophilic 4-arm-PEG-maleimide to form an amphipathic precursor and further cross-linking with hydrolytically PEG-diester-dithiol via Michael-type addition. The process to form hydrogels was in aqueous phase completely, which is free of metal catalyst, UV irradiation, and organic solvents. In addition, POSS as enhanced agents, only small amounts are needed to cause significant changes in hydrogels properties due to the special surface properties and high mechanical stability of the nanosize particles. Experimental results showed that by increasing the mass fraction of POSS from 0% to 4%, the storage modulus (G′) of the hybrid hydrogels have observably increased from 250Pa to 1800Pa. Furthermore, the hybrid hydrogels exhibited a good water absorption capacity and they can be degraded by hydrolysis. The swelling ratio of the hybrid hydrogels decreased with the increase of the POSS content and the microstucture of hybrid hydrogels is also dominated by the POSS content. The degradation rate can be tuned by the POSS content, and a higher POSS content corresponds to a slower degradation rate.

Synergistic effect of liquid crystal and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane to prepare molecularly imprinted polymer for paclitaxel delivery

A strategy based on the synergistic effect of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and liquid crystal (LC) was described to prepare molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). A typical polymerization system was composed of 4-methyl phenyl dicyclohexyl ethylene (MPDE)(LC monomer), methacryllsobutyl POSS (POSS monomer), methacrylic acid, as well as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA). The cooperative effect of LC and POSS was demonstrated by comparing the adsoption amount and imprinting factor of the LC POSS MIPs with that of other MIPs prepared using only LC or POSS monomer, as well as MIP made without LC and POSS. The influence of the content of POSS, the ratio of the template to functional monomer as well as the types of LC monomer on imprinting performance was investigated. A detailed morphology study of the MIPs displayed that the simultaneous use of LC and POSS monomer to prepare MIPs also produced the changes in pore structure different from the use of LC or POSS monomer independently. The reinforced imprinted effect of LC POSS MIPs against paclitaxel (PTX) was also approved by superior controlled release characteristics through analyzing the PTX release kinetics. The cytotoxicity of each polymer was lower than the drug-loaded polymer, which was measured by using the MTT assay with human breast cancer cell (MCF-7 cell). Compared with pure PTX, LC POSS MIPs displayed a higher relative bioavailability of 242.5%, while the LC POSS-free control MIPs and POSS LC-free control MIPs only 127.4 and 63.2%, respectively.

The research progress of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) applied to electrical energy storage elements

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is a kind of organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticle. This paper introduces the research progress of different kind of POSS organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles applied to lithium-ion batteries, fuel batteries, and supercapacitors by researchers on mechanical properties, thermal properties and electrochemistry properties. The results showed that the ionic conductivity of POSS/Li-ion solid polymer electrolyte reached 3.26[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]S/cm and mechanical properties were commendable. The proton conductivity of POSS hybrid proton exchange membranes came to the level of 6.46[Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]S/cm and the mechanical strength was 18[Formula: see text]MPa with less content of POSS. With the inorganic core of POSS, smaller and more uniform multi-pore electrode materials offer a new idea on the fabrication of supercapacitor electrode materials.

In English

A series of nanocomposites based on polyurethane matrix (PU) have been synthesized using 1,2-propanediolisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) as functionalized nanofiller. The effect of POSS content (0–10% by weight) on the structure and properties of the created nanocomposites have been investigated. The polymer matrix (PU network) was synthesized from adduct of trimethylolpropane (TMP) and toluene 2,4-diisocyanate (TDI), and oligoetherglycol with Mw = 5000 g/mol -1 . FTIR analysis was used for investigation of 1,2-propanediolisobutyl-POSS incorporation possibility into PU matrix. The FTIR spectra of neat POSS, neat TDI-TMP adduct and model system adduct+POSS before curing and after curing were analyzed. The FTIR-ATR data obtained evidence that the POSS structure is chemically incorporated into the PU matrix during process of nanocomposites preparation. The thermal behaviour of POSS-containing nanocomposites by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was investigated. From the DSC data the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the nanocomposites was found to be increased with increasing of POSS content. Overall the results of thermal properties investigation of POSS-containing nanocomposites demonstrate that the created nanocomposites are significantly more thermally stable in compare with native matrix. The morphology of POSS-containing nanocomposites by SEM was analyzed. The incorporation of the POSS nanoparticles into PU matrix was found results in the formation of more ordered structure. Consequently the POSS introduced into PU matrix acts as nanostructuring agent. As a result the nanocomposites with more ordered structure are formed, so leading to obtaining of materials with improved thermal stability.

Synthesis and characterization of block and random POSS/fluorinated PAES tricopolymers

Block and random polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)/fluorinated poly aryl ether sulfone tricopolymers were synthesized using different synthetic strategies to investigate the effect of sequence distribution on their thermal, dielectric, and surface properties. Analyses indicated that all block and random copolymers showed similar growth tendency of water contact angles and Tg values, downward tendency of k values with increased content of POSS. The block copolymer displayed higher Tg values up to 187°C than random copolymers (173°C) under the same POSS molar percentage, which were highly related to their different sequence distribution. The dielectric constants of the tricopolymers were drastically reduced because of the presence of POSS and fluorine, and the dielectric constant could achieve as low as 2.71 (1 MHz). Besides, sequence distribution has no obvious influence on its surface properties and properties. Meanwhile, the yields of degradation residues of the tricopolymers were significantly improved by the ceramic formation from POSS moieties during thermal decomposition. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polypropylene/polyamide 6/POSS ternary nanocomposites: Effects of POSS nanoparticles on the compatibility

Abstract In this study, the effects of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles on the mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of polypropylene-polyamide 6 (PP/PA-6) blends were investigated. The POSS type and composition were the experimental parameters. Vertical force measurements indicating the on-line viscosity change of the melt during compounding showed that incorporation of POSS nanoparticles decreased the melt viscosity of PP/PA-6 blend. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the dispersed phase particles size was reduced in the presence of POSS. The mechanical test results showed that yield and impact strength increased as the POSS content of the nanocomposites increased from 1 to 5 wt% regardless of POSS type. Thermal behavior of the PA-6 component in the nanocomposites was determined by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). An increment in the degree of crystallization of PA-6 was observed. It was obtained from the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis that incorporation PA-6 with γ-crystals to the PP hindered the formation of β-PP in PP crystallization.

Synthesis, modification and properties of rosin-based non-isocyanate polyurethanes coatings

Abstract A series of bio-based non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) coatings were successfully prepared via the ring-opening polymerization of rosin-based cyclic carbonate with amines. Then the NIPUs were modified with epoxy and cyclic carbonate-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) to form NIPU/POSS coatings, respectively. The properties of the NIPU and NIPU/POSS coatings were determined, and the influences of POSS on mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting coatings were investigated. The results showed that by introducing POSS into the NIPU networks, the water tolerance, pencil hardness and thermal stabilities of the NIPU/POSS coatings were improved obviously with the increasing of the POSS content, but the impact strength, adhesion and flexibility of NIPU/POSS coatings were not observed to be affected to a significant extent.

Poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane hybrids: Crystallization behavior and thermal degradation

ABSTRACTBiodegradable organic–inorganic hybrids based on poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with 5.3–21.3 wt % POSS were synthesized via ring‐opening polymerization (ROP). Chemical structures of the polymers were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis illustrated that both POSS and PCL segment in POSS/PCL hybrids could crystallize and form two well‐separated crystalline phases except in the one with low content of POSS (5.3 wt %). Melting behavior and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of POSS/PCL hybrids were studied by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The results indicated that the POSS segment suppressed crystallization of the PCL segment to some extent. Polarizing optical microscope (POM) images showed that POSS/PCL hybrids with the highest POSS loading (21.3 wt %) possessed “snowflake” shape crystals whereas the ones with relatively low POSS loading exhibited classic spherulites. Thermogravimetry (TG) measurement revealed that thermal degradation of POSS/PCL hybrids proceeded by four‐step while PCL homopolymers degraded by a single step. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44113.

Octakis(ethynyldimethylsiloxy) silsesquioxane: Synthesis and application in poly(silicane arylacetylene) resin

ABSTRACTOctakis(ethynyldimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane (OEMS) was first synthesized via hydrolysis condensation reaction between tetramethylammonium octaanion and ethynyldimethylchlorosilane, and characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, and GPC methods. A series of OEMS modified poly(silicane arylacetylene) resins (OEMS‐PSAs) were prepared from OEMS and poly(silicane arylacetylene) (PSA). TEM analysis of the OEMS‐PSAs confirms that the nano‐sized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are dispersed evenly in low content, but aggregated unregularly in high content in OEMS‐PSAs. The curing behavior of OEMS‐PSAs was studied with DSC and FT‐IR techniques. Nanoindentation test shows the incorporation of OEMS into PSA could decrease both of the elastic modulus and surface hardness of the PSA thermoset. The dielectric constants (ɛr) of the OEMS‐PSA thermosets approach to 2.1, depending on not only the content of POSS but also the dispersion of POSS. Furthermore, TGA results demonstrate the OEMS‐PSA thermosets possess the certain thermo‐oxidative resistance. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44158.

Non-chemically amplified resists containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane for a bilayer resist system

Abstract Silicon-containing photoresists are gaining increasing interest for bilayer resist systems due to their high oxygen plasma resistance. Bilayer resist materials based on a nonchemically amplified resist system were prepared by copolymerization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-containing monomer, 2-(2-diazo-3-oxobutyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate (DOBEMA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and styrene. A series of POSS-containing resists with varying POSS contents were synthesized to optimize the dry etch resistance and selectivity. Upon UV irradiation, the resist film produced high resolution negative tone patterns. A bilayer pattern can be fabricated readily by pattern transfer of a thin silicon-containing top layer into a thick crosslinked organic bottom layer by anisotropic O 2 reactive ion etching. Finally, potential of the POSS-containing resist as an etch mask has been established by successful transfer of patterns into a silicon substrate through dry etching in CF 4 /O 2 plasma.

Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-Containing Thiol-ene Fibers with Tunable Thermal and Mechanical Properties.

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are versatile inorganic-organic hybrid building blocks that have potential applications as reinforcement nanofillers, thermal stabilizers, and catalyst supports for metal nanoparticles. However, fabrication of fibrous materials with high POSS content has been a challenge because of the aggregation and solubility limits of POSS units. In this paper, we describe a robust and environmentally friendly fabrication approach of inorganic-organic hybrid POSS fibers by integrating UV initiated thiol-ene polymerization and centrifugal fiber spinning. The use of monomeric liquids in this approach not only reduces the consumption of heat energy and solvent, but it also promotes homogeneous mixing of organic and inorganic components that allows integration of large amount of POSS (up to 80 wt %) into the polymer network. The POSS containing thiol-ene fibers exhibited enhanced thermomechanical properties compared to purely organic analogs as revealed by substantial increases in residual weight and a factor of 4 increase in modulus after thermal treatment at 1000 °C. This simple fabrication approach combined with the tunability in fiber properties afforded by tailoring monomer composition make POSS containing thiol-ene fibers attractive candidates for catalyst supports and filtration media, particularly in high-temperature and harsh environments.

Synthesis and Characterization of Trifluoroethoxy Polyphosphazenes Containing Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Side Groups

We report the macromolecular substitution synthesis of a series of soluble polyphosphazenes with different molar percentages of cosubstituted trifluoroethoxy and aminopropylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane R7Si8O12(CH2)3NH (R = isobutyl) (POSS-NH) cage side groups. The structure–property relationships of the novel polymers were examined using 1H, 31P NMR, GPC, FTIR, DSC, and TGA techniques, and properties such as contact angles, solubility, materials character, glass transitions, thermal stability, and molecular weight were measured. The average polymer chain length declined steadily from ∼3860 repeating units when only trifluoroethoxy side groups were present to 1354 repeat units when 25 mol % of the side groups were POSS, 603 units when 55 mol % were present, and only 36 units when 82 mol % of the side groups were POSS. At the same time the glass transition temperatures rose from −62 to +30.5 °C as the POSS content was increased. Unlike other bulky cosubstituents reported recently, the intr...

Multifunctional POSS Cyclic Carbonates and Non-Isocyanate Polyhydroxyurethane Hybrid Materials

The solvent-free chemical fixation of carbon dioxide with glycidyl ether functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) yields mono- and polydisperse multifunctional POSS cyclic carbonates. The silica equivalent content of POSS carbonates varies between 28.5 and 42.1 wt %, whereas 15.4–20.8 wt % carbon dioxide is incorporated. On cure with hexamethylenediamine and isophoronediamine, POSS carbonates and their blends with polyol-based cyclic carbonates produce organic/inorganic hybrid polyhydroxyurethane thermosets without requiring the need of isocyanate monomers. These blends prolong both gel and pot life time of NIPU formulations, thus allowing the preparation of tailored NIPU/POSS hybrid materials for casting and coating applications. Young’s modulus and tensile strength improve with increasing POSS content as a result of higher cross-link density and silica content. Submicron phases are formed during polymerization due to self-assembly and nanophase separation as was verified by scanning e...

유연한 디스플레이 소자의 보호막용 직접 패턴 형성이 가능한 POSS계 저유전 물질의 제조

The passivation layer, which is located between a pixel electrode and a data elec- trode, must provide sufficiently low parasitic capacitance and sufficient electrical insulation to reduce cross talk and signal distortion. The present demand for passivation materials for next-generation displays has created interest in substitutes with low dielectric constant, high transmittance, thermal stability, and patternability; these requirements cannot be met by the silicon nitride layer and silicon dioxide used currently. To meet these requirements, negative-tone patterning systems containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were developed by adopting two different approaches: use of POSS in the polymeric matrix and in the crosslinker. The polymeric matrix, poly(methacryl isobutyl POSS-r- hydroxy styrene), showed improved dielectric property and thermal stability. However, the POSS content was limited owing to poor solubility. A POSS crosslinker with epoxy func- tional groups was used along with phenol group containing polymeric matrices; poly(4- hydroxy styrene). It was possible to pattern the POSS crosslinker system by irradiating it with UV light and subjecting it to subsequent thermal treatment. With increasing POSS content, the crosslinked materials showed increased transparency, higher thermal stability, and lower dielectric constant. The system could also be patterned by irradiating it with UV through a patterned mask.

Effect of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivative on the morphology, thermal, mechanical and surface properties of poly(lactic acid)-based nanocomposites

In this study, poly(l-lactic acid)/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane derivatives nanocomposites (PLLA/POSS) were prepared using solution casting. Three different POSS molecules, two amino-POSS derivatives with different nonreactive organic substituents attached to the corner silicon atoms (aminopropylheptaisobutyl-POSS, APIBPOSS, and aminopropylheptaisooctyl-POSS, APIOPOSS) and a PLLA-g-POSS organic–inorganic hybrid (PIOPOSS-PLLA), were used in order to investigate the effect of POSS type and concentration on the morphology and properties of PLLA/POSS nanocomposites. The morphological, thermal, mechanical, and surface properties were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, tensile experiments, and water contact angle measurements. XRD data evidenced the formation of APIBPOSS crystalline aggregates at POSS contents higher than 2 wt%. TEM results showed self-assembled POSS molecules of sub-micrometer size homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix, the shape and size of which depended on the POSS type and concentration. The largest aggregates were formed in PLLA/APIOPOSS blends and the smallest ones in PLLA/PIOPOSS-PLLA blends, increasing the size with increasing the POSS concentration. DSC analysis showed that POSS derivatives acted as plasticizers lowering the glass transition temperature of PLLA, the role of amino-POSS derivatives as nucleating agents for PLLA and the presence of double melting peaks for the PLLA/amino-POSS nanocomposites. The thermo-oxidative stability of the nanocomposites improved, while there was no significant change in thermal stability. The presence of POSS increased the Young’s modulus and the yield point, while decreasing the elongation at break. The incorporation of APIBPOSS and PIOPOSS-PLLA increased the tensile strength. The addition of POSS nanoparticles enhanced the surface hydrophobicity of PLLA. .

Influence of Octasilane POSS on Non-Isothermal Crystallization, Thermal Stability and Conductivity of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposite

ABSTRACTNonisothermal crystallization kinetics and properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/octasilane polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes nanocomposite were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and compared with pure poly(vinyl alcohol). The effects of octasilane polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes content and cooling rate on the degree of crystallinity (Xc), crystallization half time (t1/2), Ozawa exponent (m), and Mo kinetics parameters were studied. The role of thermal treatment on the morphology and structure of the samples was studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses. UV–visible analysis was used to show the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes effect on the nanocomposite structure. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that the best conductivity was for the nanocomposite with 1 wt% of octasilane polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes.

Effects of POSS addition on Non-isothermal crystallization and morphology of PVDF

The influence of polyhedral oligomericsilsesquioxane (POSS) content on the rheological behavior, non-isothermal crystallization behavior, and on crystal morphology of the poly(vinylidene fluoride) nanocomposites prepared through melt blending were investigated in this work. Rheological analysis showed that the POSS additiondecreased viscosity as compared to pure PVDF and induced a deviation in the liquid-like behavior predict by Einstein Suspension Sphere Law. The addition of POSS into PVDF promoted chances in the crystallization behavior. The crystallization was slower in the nanocomposite with higher POSS content due to the diluent effect of POSS in this system. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns showed a small increasing in the lamellar region of PVDF. The amorphous region increases significantly with POSS addition. The interface between the crystalline and amorphous region remains practically unchanged.

The influence of the nature of POSSs cage's periphery on the thermal stability of a series of new bridged POSS/PS nanocomposites

The thermal degradation of three hepta cyclopentyl bridged Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS)/Polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites, at different POSS content (1%, 3% and 5%), was studied and compared with that of similar hepta isobutyl bridged POSS/PS nanocomposites previously studied, in order to investigate the influence of the nature of POSSs cage's periphery on the thermal stability of the obtained materials. Nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of styrene in the presence of POSS and the actual filler concentration in the obtained nanocomposites was checked by 1H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) while degradations were carried out into a thermobalance, in the scanning mode, at various heating rates in flowing nitrogen and in a static air atmosphere. The characteristic parameters of thermal stability, namely temperature at 5% mass loss (T5%) and the activation energy (Ea) of degradation, of the various nanocomposites were determined and showed a large improvement of thermal stability in respect to those of PS and of analogous isobutyl bridged POSS/PS ones. The results were discussed and interpreted.

Peroxide vulcanized EPDM rubber/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocomposites: Vulcanization behavior, mechanical properties, and thermal stability

Effects of two different polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), an acrylisobutyl POSS (AIBuPOSS) containing an acrylate group along with seven isobutyl group on its cage and an octaisobutyl POSS where the acrylate group is absent, on vulcanization behavior, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of peroxide vulcanized ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (EPDM) were investigated. The POSS was incorporated into the EPDM by melt mixing with POSS content of 0–10 part per hundred of rubber (phr). Oscillating disk rheometer analysis revealed that the acrylate group of the POSS are activated by dicumyl peroxide and improves the peroxide crosslinking efficiency of EPDM rubber. Solid state 29Si‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis of the EPDM/POSS vulcanizates showed that the AIBuPOSS are covalently grafted onto the EPDM chain during vulcanization and are dispersed uniformly at the nanometer scale in the rubber matrix. The EPDM/AIBuPOSS nanocomposites exhibit great improvement in tensile, tear strength, and modulus with a concurrent increase in elongation‐at‐break. Enhanced thermal stability in the nanocomposite was also observed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2814–2820, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers