Overview on Polymer-Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Composites

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) - polymer composite materials have been extensively studied in recent years, as they possess nanoscopic structures and functional properties that are not typically seen in conventional hybrid materials. POSS nanoparticles are 1–3 nm in size, monodisperse and rigid. Incorporation of POSS nanoparticles into both thermoplastic and thermoset polymeric matrices by chemical cross-linking or physical blending methods provides excellent reinforcement. In this review, first, we introduce the various structures of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and then highlight studies on POSS- polymer nanocomposites with an emphasis on enhancements in mechanical, thermal stability and glass transition. The properties of POSS-containing polymer nanocomposites vigorously depend on the amount of POSS and the state of the POSS dispersion (which depends on the surface functional group of POSS). Incorporation of POSS through chemical cross-linking into polymer can influence its structureand improve mechanical properties by reinforcement.The incorporation of POSS nanoparticles into polymer through physical blending relies on favorable surface interactions between POSS and polymer. POSS having surface functional groups that have favorable surface interactions can disperse uniformly in the polymeric matrix. Uniform dispersion of POSS in polymeric matrices helps to improve physical properties of the nanocomposites. Because of the excellent properties, POSS containing polymer nanocomposites are found in diverse area such as tissue engineering and biomedicines.