Reactivity Ratios of Cyclohexyl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS)-Styrene with Styrene Monomer
Abstract
Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) are nanoparticles that are used to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of many polymeric systems. Starting in 1993, there has been extensive research in understanding how POSS affects these properties. Certain POSS macromers can be copolymerized with organic monomers to form nanocomposite type materials. A model is emerging for how addition-polymerized POSS copolymers can undergo a type of self-assembly to form a nanocomposite. The R-group on the POSS moiety plays a critical role in determining the properties of the nanocomposite, as it determines the level of compatibility of the POSS with the comonomer and how strongly the POSS cages associate. A common (but not always observed) phenomenon with POSS in glassy polymers, is that cyclohexyl POSS often increases thermal transitions while isobutyl POSS frequently plasticizes. It is possible that this is due to the length scale of the POSS-cage domains and/or their level of compatibility with the polymer matrix.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA456611
Entities
People
- Brian M. Moore
- Joseph M Mabry
- Sherly R. Largo
- Timothy S. Haddad
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory