Network Modifier Research Articles

Ionic Conductivity of Na3Al2P3O12 Glass Electrolytes-Role of Charge Compensators.

In glasses, a sodium ion (Na+) is a significant mobile cation that takes up a dual role, that is, as a charge compensator and also as a network modifier. As a network modifier, Na+ cations modify the structural distributions and create nonbridging oxygens. As a charge compensator, Na+ cations provide imbalanced charge for oxygen that is linked between two network-forming tetrahedra. However, the factors controlling the mobility of Na+ ions in glasses, which in turn affects the ionic conductivity, remain unclear. In the current work, using high-fidelity experiments and atomistic simulations, we demonstrate that the ionic conductivity of the Na3Al2P3O12 (Si0) glass material is dependent not only on the concentration of Na+ charge carriers but also on the number of charge-compensated oxygens within its first coordination sphere. To investigate, we chose a series of glasses formulated by the substitution of Si for P in Si0 glass based on the hypothesis that Si substitution in the presence of Na+ cations increases the number of Si-O-Al bonds, which enhances the role of Na as a charge compensator. The structural and conductivity properties of bulk glass materials are evaluated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, magic angle spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance, Raman spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. We observe that the increasing number of charge-imbalanced bridging oxygens (BOs) with the substitution of Si for P in Si0 glass enhances the ionic conductivity by an order of magnitude-from 3.7 × 10-8 S.cm-1 to 3.3 × 10-7 S.cm-1 at 100 °C. By rigorously quantifying the channel regions in the glass structure, using MD simulations, we demonstrate that the enhanced ionic conductivity can be attributed to the increased connectivity of Na-rich channels because of the increased charge-compensated BOs around the Na atoms. Overall, this study provides new insights for designing next-generation glass-based electrolytes with superior ionic conductivity for Na-ion batteries.

Ta2O5 Nanocrystals Strengthened Mechanical, Magnetic, and Radiation Shielding Properties of Heavy Metal Oxide Glass.

In this study, for the first time, diamagnetic 5d0 Ta5+ ions and Ta2O5 nanocrystals were utilized to enhance the structural, mechanical, magnetic, and radiation shielding of heavy metal oxide glasses. Transparent Ta2O5 nanocrystal-doped heavy metal oxide glasses were obtained, and the embedded Ta2O5 nanocrystals had sizes ranging from 20 to 30 nm. The structural analysis of the Ta2O5 nanocrystal displays the transformation from hexagonal to orthorhombic Ta2O5. Structures of doped glasses were studied through X-ray diffraction and infrared and Raman spectra, which reveal that Ta2O5 exists in highly doped glass as TaO6 octahedral units, acting as a network modifier. Ta5+ ions strengthened the network connectivity of 1–5% Ta2O5-doped glasses, but Ta5+ acted as a network modifier in a 10% doped sample and changed the frame coordination units of the glass. All Ta2O5-doped glasses exhibited improved Vicker’s hardness, magnetization (9.53 × 10−6 emu/mol), and radiation shielding behaviors (RPE% = 96–98.8%, MAC = 32.012 cm2/g, MFP = 5.02 cm, HVL = 0.0035–3.322 cm, and Zeff = 30.5) due to the increase in density and polarizability of the Ta2O5 nanocrystals.

The effect of TiO2 on the thermal stability and structure of high acidity slag for mineral wool production

In order to promote the application of Ti-bearing blast furnace slag in mineral wool manufacture, the viscosity, thermal stability and structure of melt were studied in this paper. And the concept of “Extreme Heat Release of Slag (EHRS)” was firstly proposed to quantify the thermal stability of melt. The results showed that slag viscosity decreased with the increase of TiO2 content in the range of 0wt% to 6wt% at acidity coefficient (Mk) of 1.0~1.6. TiO2 reduced the heat capacity of melt, but increased the EHRS. And when the Mk was 1.3, the EHRS was relatively large. The variation of activation energy of viscous flow had a good agreement with that of viscosity. In addition, TiO2 acted as network modifier in the melts, which decreased the average number of bridging oxygens from 2.93 to 2.71. Ti4+ mainly existed in the form of [TiO4] 4– monomers and O–Ti–O in chain or sheet units, resulting in the decrement of slag stability. At the Mk of 1.3, increasing TiO2 content to 6wt% would beneficial for the production of fibers with uniform diameter and length.

Effect of partial substitution of Ta2O5 by Nb2O5 on the glass formation, structure and electrical properties of Li2O-Ta2O5-ZrO2-SiO2 glasses

This study focused on the effect of partial substitution of Ta2O5 by Nb2O5 on the glass formation, structure and electrocial properties of Li2O-Ta2O5-ZrO2-SiO2 glasses. Structural analysis showed that Nb5+ enters the glass matrix in the form of NbO6 octahedra. When the content of Nb2O5 is 2.94 mol%, Nb5+ ions disrupt the silicate lattice and act as network modifiers. When the content of Nb2O5 is 5.88 and 11.77 mol% , Nb5+ ions play the role of glass formers, forming a three-dimensional chain lattice by interconnecting the NbO6 octahedra with different deformations. Among all the glass samples, the glass containing 5.88 mol% Nb2O5 has the maximum ionic conductivity of 1.066 × 10−6 S /cm at 250 °C, which is an order of magnitude greater than the ionic conductivity of the matrix glass. These glass samples have the potential to be used as solid electrolytes in electrochemical applications.

Bioactive Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastic Composites Prompt a Crystallographic Lophelia Atoll-Like Skeletal Microarchitecture Actuating Periosteal Cambium.

The touchstone for bone replacing or anchoring trauma implants, besides resorption, includes functional ankylosis at a fixation point and replacement by viable functional neo-bone tissues. These parameters redefined the concept of "resorbability" as "bioresorbability." Interference screws are the most commonly used resorbable anchoring implants for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (surgery). Over the years, the bioresorbable screw fixation armamentarium has amplified countless choices, but instability and postimplantation complications have raised concerns about its reliability and efficacy. Owing to this interest, in this work, bioactive glass fiber-reinforced plastic (BGFP) composites with (BGFPnb5) and without (BGFP5) niobicoxide composing multiplexed network modifiers are reported as bioresorbable bone-anchoring substitutes. These synergistically designed composites have a fabricated structure of continuous, unidirectional BG fibers reinforced in an epoxy resin matrix using "melt-drawing and microfabrication" technology. The BGFP microarchitecture is comprised of multiplexed oxide components that influence bioactive response in a distinctive lophelia atoll-like apatite formation. Furthermore, it assists in the proliferation, adherence, and migration of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. It also exhibits superior physicochemical characteristics such as surface roughness, hydrophilic exposure, distinctive flexural strength, and bioresorption. Thus, it induces restorative bone osseointegration and osteoconduction and actuates periosteum function. In addition, the BGFP influences the reduction of DH5-α Escherichia coli in suspension culture, demonstrating potential antibacterial efficacy. In conclusion, the BGFP composite therapeutic efficacy demonstrates distinctive material characteristics aiding in bone regeneration and restoration that could serve as a pioneer in orthopedic regenerative medicine.

Structures and diffusion motions of K and Ca in biomass ash slags from molecular dynamics simulations

The ash slag formations that can occur in combustion and gasification of solid fuels often consist of silicate melts that can cause operational problems, e.g., bed agglomeration or slag build-up. This study aims to better understand the underlying molecular structures and motions that bring about viscosity variations in biomass ash slags that are rich in Ca and K. Aspects of slag structure, diffusivity, and cation motion in the molten CaO–K2O–SiO2 system were acquired from molecular dynamics simulations. These results are discussed in relation to viscosity values found in literature. Among the structural characteristics of the silicate network, the simulations showed that the local structures of both Ca and K were affected by composition, with stronger integration of Ca within the silicate network than K. The formation of larger ring structures due to network depolymerisation occurred with increasing diffusivity and lower viscosity, but small rings prevailed due to clusters of Si and O atoms that formed cohesive structures. Both Ca and K showed hopping motions as they diffused through the network, especially in high viscosity compositions. These cations exhibited preferential migration to positions previously occupied by the same species, as a means of moving around the network-forming Si and O atoms that diffused slower. The diffusivity of K ions was facilitated by transport in percolation channels. The presence of slower-diffusing Ca ions occupied positions that could otherwise have contributed to K diffusivity. This work contributes towards understanding of ash slags in thermochemical processes by exploring network modifier mobility in silicate slags. .

Spectroscopic inquiry of CuO-doped borate glasses in the 50B2O3-25Li2O-25BaO ternary

Borate glasses with 50B2O3-25Li2O-25BaO composition and CuO within 0.1–1.0 mol% relative to B2O3 have been prepared by the melting technique, and studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, optical absorption, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy with decay kinetics assessment. A thermal dilatometric assessment was first carried out for the undoped glass, followed by a glass transition temperature (Tg) evaluation for all glasses by DSC. A propensity toward higher Tg values was indicated for high CuO concentrations, consistent with a higher BO4 content being supported by copper ions as network modifiers. The glasses were all X-ray amorphous, whereas FT-IR spectra indicated the basic structural features of trigonal BO3 units and BO4 tetrahedra. Herein also, a tendency towards the 4-coordinated BO4 units was indicated for the highest CuO contents concurring with the Tg trend. The optical absorption analysis showed that addition of CuO up to 1.0 mol% results in significant growth of the visible Cu2+ absorption band around 740 nm, with a decreasing trend in the optical band gap energies assessed through Tauc plots. Further analysis of the Urbach energies revealed declining values with copper doping indicating it favored a more uniform glass structure compatible with FT-IR data. An intrinsic luminescence was detected for the undoped borate glass displaying relatively long multi-exponential decay, which appeared to be quenched by Cu2+. The PL evaluation nevertheless supported the presence of Cu+ ions emitting broadly around 480 nm upon UV excitation at 250 nm. The decrease in the band gap energies is suggested to reflect the presence of ionic copper rather than an increase in non-bridging oxygens as commonly argued.

Influence of ZnO to the physical, elastic and gamma radiation shielding properties of the tellurite glass system using MCNP-5 simulation code

The main goals of this current work are to study the elastic and radiation shielding properties of seven different compositions of ZnO-TeO2 transparent glass and characterize them using density, molar volume, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ultrasonic technique, and Monte Carlo simulation method. From the ultrasonic wave measurement result, the substitution of ZnO, which works as a network modifier into the TeO2 glass systems, would break up the Te-O-Te bonds of TeO4 into the form TeO3 along with all the formation of NBO's which give the impact on the elastic moduli analysis. The radiation shielding features for the fabricated samples were studied using the MCNP-5 code. The difference between the MCNP and XCOM results was found to be less than 3%. The highest linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) for all ZT glasses achieved at 0.015 MeV and varied between 202.199 and 239.607 cm−1 for glasses coded 0 ZT and 30ZT, respectively.

The Structure of Gd3+-Doped Li2O and K2O Containing Aluminosilicate Glasses from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Understanding the atomic structure of glasses is critical for developing new generations of materials with important technical applications. In particular, the local environment of rare-earth ions and their distribution and clustering is of great relevance for applications of rare earth-containing glasses in photonic devices. In this work, the structure of Gd2O3 doped lithium and potassium aluminosilicate glasses is investigated as a function of their network modifier oxide (NMO–Li2O, K2O) to aluminum oxide ratio using molecular dynamics simulations. The applied simulation procedure yields a set of configurations, the so-called inherent structures, of the liquid state slightly above the glass transition temperature. The generation of a large set of inherent structures allows a statistical sampling of the medium-range order of the Gd3+ ions with less computational effort compared to other simulation methods. The resulting medium-range atomic structures of network former and modifier ions are in good agreement with experimental results and simulations of similar glasses. It was found that increasing NMO/Al ratio increases the network modifier coordination number with non-bridging oxygen sites and reduces the overall stability of the network structure. The fraction of non-bridging oxygen sites in the vicinity of Gd3+ ions increases considerably with decreasing field strength and increasing concentration of the network modifier ions. These correlations could be confirmed even if the simulation results of alkaline earth aluminosilicate glasses are added to the analysis. In addition, the structure predictions generally indicate a low driving force for the clustering of Gd3+. Here, network modifier ions of large ionic radii reduce the probability of Gd–O–Gd contacts.

Investigation of alumino-silicate glasses by coupling experiments and simulations: Part II - radiation effects

A set of SiO2-Al2O3Na2OCaO glasses with varying Si/Al and Na/Ca ratios was experimentally irradiated with Au4+ ions at 7.3MeV. Measurements by optical interferometry showed that, depending on the glass composition, the density could increase or decrease. Overall the higher the original quantity of non-bridging O, the greater the swelling observed.In order to explain the origin of these observations, some of the experimentally studied glasses were simulated by classical molecular dynamics and then subjected to a series of 4 keV displacement cascades or quenched at different rates. Comparisons of the density changes and atomic-scale modifications have allowed the authors to propose a phenomenological density change model. There appears to have been a competition between two processes with a first process where the vitreous structure “breathes” associated with the deposit of free volumes within the cascades that favours swelling. A second process is associated with changes in the local environments (creation of non-bridging O and of 3-coordinated O, creation of 5-coordinated Al, conversions between charge compensators and network modifiers) which act as brakes on the swelling. Depending on the relative dominance of these two processes, the glass may swell or contract.

Effect of Mg2+ coordination on the structural and optical properties of iron magnesium phosphate glasses

The O2− anions coordination by 3-5 of Mg2+ cations is the origin of Mg-rich cluster formation and photoemission properties of magnesium metaphosphate glasses. XRD, SAED and TEM analyses exhibit that Mg-rich clusters are of amorphous structure. The replacement of MgO by Fe2O3 results in the formation of crystalline Fe-rich regions. FTIR spectra reveal that Fe2O3 acts as network former and/or modifier by forming FeO4 and/or FeO6 groups, respectively. EDX mapping reveals that these Mg-rich clusters are disappeared at the expense of iron-rich clusters formation. UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies demonstrate that such coordination behavior is the reason for the photoemission of presented magnesium phosphate amorphous structure. Furthermore, replacement of Fe2O3 by MgO leads to photoemission quenching, which is assigned to the formation of Fe-rich clusters.

Effect of silver iodide (AgI) on structural and optical properties of cobalt doped lead-borate glasses

Materials with distinct optical characteristics are still being explored. Hence, AgI doped cobalt-lead borate glasses of composition [29.7PbO – 0.3CoO – (70-x) B2O3 – xAgI (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mol%)] were synthesized via conventional melt quenching technique. XRD patterns and SEM micrographs confirmed the prepared glass system's amorphous nature; EDAX elemental analysis was also performed. According to increased density and decreased average boron-boron separation, AgI additives were found to enforce the glassy network's compactness. FT-IR analysis indicates the entry of AgI as a network modifier by converting the tetrahedral (BO4) to trigonal (BO3) units with NBO's ratio growth. The Raman data accords with FT-IR results and provides complementary information around these glasses by detecting additional structural groups. The ellipsometer spectroscopy technique confirmed the ability to control the refractive index of the current glassy system with the AgI addition. The absorption spectra clarified a gradual enhancement of Co3+/Co2+ ions at tetrahedral and/or octahedral sites by AgI additives. Ligand field parameters, such as crystal field intensity (10Dq)and Racah parameters(B&C), were accurately determined. The calculated nephelauxetic ratio (β)indicated a reducing covalent nature among Co2+ ions and the nearby bonds. Calculations of the UV absorption edges showed a clear red-shift by AgI additives with a remarkable gradual reduction of the optical band gap. Besides, the Urbach energy increased, and the metallization criterion varied from 0.394 to 0.391 eV-1, reflecting the semiconductor character of these glasses. The spectral tunability for optical absorption provided here by AgI additives qualifies present glasses as optically active materials for several potential applications in multi-functional optical devices operating in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral regimes.

Structure – Properties study of Na2O–CaO–PbO–P2O5 metaphosphate glasses

Sodium-calcium-lead phosphate glasses having a mol.% composition (25-z/2)Na2O-(25-z/2)CaO-zPbO-50P2O5 (0 ≤ z ≤ 50) were prepared by using the melt-quench technique. Some physical properties have been measured and their structure has been studied by IR and Raman spectroscopies. Density of the glass increases linearly with the substitution of Na2O and CaO by PbO. Glass molar volume vary slightly with the substitution, and a non-linear increase of PbO molar volume and a non-linear decrease of P2O5, Na2O and CaO ones is observed. Glass transition temperature increases non-linearly with PbO substitution. FTIR and Raman spectra reveal the formation of P–O–Pb bonds, which replace P–O–Na and P–O–Ca bonds, and no modification of the network polymerization is observed with substitution by PbO. However, Raman spectra exhibit shoulder's peak due to (PO3)2- terminal groups, which seemingly results from disproportionation of species in the glass melts. PbO is assumed to play a network modifier role like Na2O and CaO, but it reticulates the phosphate network, which causes an increase of Tg and a slight effect on molar volume.

Effect of incorporating silver on the structure and ion release profile of binary SiO2–Ag2O mesoporous bioactive glass submicron spherical particles

A wound on the skin is associated with a break in coating continuity due to physical damage, which if affected by certain microorganisms, can lead to septicemia and death in some cases. Biocompatible and bioactive materials with antimicrobial properties have been studied as potential platforms for wound healing. Bioactive glasses (BGs) are an example of such materials, and have recently been highlighted for soft tissue repair owing to their potential to accelerate healing processes and also act as carriers of therapeutic ions, such as silver (Ag); a well-known antimicrobial therapeutic agent. The aim of this study was to synthesize new spherical, submicron BG particles in the binary system SiO2–Ag2O, with different Ag contents, using a sol-gel based process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the formation of metallic silver, and morphological studies confirmed the presence of silver nanoparticles deposited on the spherical and mesoporous silica particles. Furthermore, evidence of Ag+ incorporation into the glass network was found using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, indicating that silver is present both as metallic silver nanoparticles and as a network modifier, incorporated into the glass structure. The sample also showed silver dissolution capability, confirming it as a potential platform for antimicrobial therapeutic agents. Thus, evaluations showed that submicron silver BG particles with antimicrobial properties can be synthesized using a simple and fast sol-gel based method, which maintains the silica's spherical morphology and yields particles that facilitate soft tissue repair.

Effect of cerium oxide on the structure of silicate melt and aluminate melt

The effect of Ce2O3 on the structure of silicate melt and aluminate melt was investigated. Ce2O3 played an opposite role in the two different systems. With the increase of Ce2O3 mole fraction in the silicate slag, the total proportion of QSi3 and QSi2 structural units with a high degree of polymerization will increase, and the complexity of the network will increase. With the increase of the Ce2O3 mole fraction in the aluminate slag, the relative proportion of [AlO4]-tetrahedron that acts as a network former was decreased and then stabilized. The relative proportion of the network modifier [AlO6]-octahedron was increased and then gradually approached a stable distribution. The degree of polymerization of the slag decreased first and then become stable. The new CaO-Al2O3-based mold flux has good stability in its viscosity after absorbing Ce2O3, it will be in favor of solving the mismatch of mold flux for rare earth steel continuous casting.

Spectroscopic study of Er3+ doped borate glass system for green emission device, NIR laser, and optical amplifier applications

The 10BaO–20ZnO–20LiF-(50-x)B2O3-xEr2O3 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 mol %) glass system was studied for green emission device, NIR laser, and optical amplifier applications. The impact of Er3+ doping was assessed through structural, optical, and thermal properties. The Er3+ ions behaved as network modifiers and decreased the network rigidity by the transformation of [BO4]→[BO3] and Non-Bridging Oxygens. This was consistent with the decrease in the glass transition temperature. Ten absorption peaks of Er3+ ion equivalent to transitions from 4I15/2 to various excited levels were quantified through their oscillator strengths. Through broadband impedance spectroscopy, the insulating property of the glass system was authenticated by the persistence of dc-conductivity in the order of 10−10 Scm−1 up to 523 K. With 378 nm excitation, a violet emission (2H9/2→4I15/2) and two intense green emissions (2H11/2→4I15/2, 4S3/2→4I15/2) were noticed. The NIR emission (4I13/2→4I15/2) was observed at 1531 nm with 378 and 980 nm excitations and the corresponding decay curves were recorded. The Inokuti-Hirayama model indicated the increase in the energy transfer and reduction in critical distance amid the Er3+ ions with doping leading to energy migration through cross-relaxations and lifetime quenching. The laser parameters were determined from Fuchtbauer-Ladenburg theory. The color coordinates of the samples were lying in the green region, with purity >89% and CCT >6000 K. The gain coefficient from McCumber theory was positive for a population inversion >50%, with a wide gain between 1460 and 1565 nm, extending the application of the glass system as an optical amplifier in the S + C communication window.

Cobalt‐containing spherical glass nanoparticles for therapeutic ion release

AbstractBioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNPs) can be internalized by cells, allowing the intracellular release of dissolution products with therapeutic benefit. Different therapeutic ions can be incorporated into the glass network that can promote angiogenesis via simulation of hypoxia conditions and consequent activation of pro‐angiogenic genes. Here, novel monodispersed spherical dense BGNPs were obtained by a modified Stöber method with the SiO2–CaO–CoO composition, with diameters of 92 ± 1 nm, with cobalt as the pro‐angiogenic ion. The presence of Co2+ species and the role of Co and Ca as network modifiers in the silica glass were confirmed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and 29Si solid‐state magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, respectively. Controlled Co2+ ion release was observed in culture media, and no cytotoxicity was observed by (4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide cell viability assay on human osteosarcoma cells in direct contact with the nanoparticles. This study demonstrated that Co2+ ions can be incorporated into dense and spherical BGNPs, and these materials exhibit great potential as intracellular ion delivery systems with therapeutic properties.

Investigations of defect structures for V4+ in CBPB glasses with distinct V2O5 contents

The defect structure, d-d transition and EPR parameters for V4+ in 10CaF2-(20-x)Bi2O3-60P2O5-10B2O3-xV2O5 (CBPB) glasses with distinct V2O5 contents x are theoretically investigated from the perturbation formulas for tetragonally compressed octahedral 3d1 clusters. Linearly decreasing cubic field parameter Dq or increasing g|| and g⊥ with x are suitably reproduced by linearly decreasing content function of Dq or decreasing and increasing content functions of covalence factor N and relative tetragonal compression ratio τ. The overall slightly increasing and decreasing average and anisotropy of hyperfine structure constants are illustrated as the cubic increasing content functions of core polarization constant κ and reduction factor H. These content dependences are ascribed to the modulations in local tetragonal compression, crystal-field strength and electron cloud distribution near V4+ with x. V2O5 as strong network modifier inducing depolymerization of phosphate long chains and Bi2O3 as network former and modifier exhibiting discontinuous changes with x may account for these modifications of the local structural properties.

Chemical changes of float glass surfaces induced by different sand particles and mineralogical phases

Particles play an important role in the storage, transportation and natural weathering of glasses, but their influence on glass degradation is little studied. In this work, the influence of main sand components is investigated. Feldspar exhibits the strongest leaching rate for the network former Na, while quartz has the lowest. The leaching rate of natural sands is in between. Based on these findings, a model describing the leaching mechanism was developed: Hereby, hydroxyl groups adhering on sand grains adsorb network modifiers by substituting their hydrogen by network formers from the glass surface. The amount of available hydroxyl groups determines the leaching rate. This model is supported by loss on ignition performed for the sands, which might be a suitable method to roughly estimate their leaching rates. The adsorption of network modifiers suppresses carbonate formation, dendritic growth and Mg diffusion in the glass surface region. Pimple-like crystal growth is observed.

Investigation of the functional network modifier loading on the stoichiometric ratio of epoxy resins and their dielectric properties

Reactive molecular additives have often been employed to tailor the mechanical properties of epoxy resins. In addition, several studies have reported improved electrical properties in such systems, where the network architecture and included function groups have been modified through the use of so-called functional network modifier (FNM) molecules. The study reported here set out to investigate the effect of a glycidyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (GPOSS) FNM on the cross-linking reactions, glass transition, breakdown strength and dielectric properties of an amine-cured epoxy resin system. Since many previous studies have considered POSS to act as an inorganic filler, a key aim was to consider the impact of GPOSS addition on the stoichiometry of curing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed significant changes in the cross-linking reactions that occur if appropriate stoichiometric compensation is not made for the additional epoxide groups present on the GPOSS. These changes, in concert with the direct effect of the GPOSS itself, influence the glass transition temperature, dielectric breakdown behaviour and dielectric response of the system. Specifically, the work shows that the inclusion of GPOSS can result in beneficial changes in electrical properties, but that these gains are easily lost if consequential changes in the matrix polymer are not appropriately counteracted. Nevertheless, if the system is appropriately optimized, materials with pronounced improvements in technologically important characteristics can be designed.