POSS� (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes) derivatives have now been investigated as additives for polymers for two decades.  A central question that has persisted throughout these investigations is whether the silsesquioxanes should be treated as functionalized nanoparticles or just relatively large molecules.  Our na�ve initial hypothesis was that the POSS� structures could be treated as functional nanoparticles, and hence these would provide easy, tailorable access to product enhancements.  In most cases the silsesquioxanes merely serve as complex plasticizers or antiplasticizers. The answer to the above question appears to be that POSS� really is just a large, highly functionalized molecule.   Recent work has shown that under certain processing conditions, POSS� can in fact self-assemble into potentially useful reinforcing structures, suitable for modification of a range of commodity polymers.  Both fiber spinning and forced assembly into thin (<100nm) thick films of polymer/POSS� blends will be discussed, proposing a mechanism for obtaining reinforcement.

POSS® in tight places

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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