Preparation and Characterization of PP/POSS Nanocomposites with Cubic Silsesquioxanes

Abstract

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are a class of important organic-inorganic hybrid compounds, which can be the precursors to organic-inorganic nanocomposites. PP/POSS nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending, compared to PP/SiO2 nanocomposites containing colloidal silica. POSS bearing non-reactive organic groups (methyl, isobutyl, isooctyl etc.) or reactive organic groups (silanol , epoxy, vinyl etc.) are used in this study. The influence of chemical structure of POSS on the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. In addition, the dispersion of POSS or silica nanoparticles in polymer matrix was investigated.