Polyhedral Oligomeric Metallo Sesquioxanes (POMS)
“Nanostructured chemicals are best exemplified by those based on low-cost Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) and Polyhedral Oligomeric Silicates (POS). FIG. 1 illustrates some representative examples of metallized nanostructured chemicals for which the all silicon containing systems are known as POSS and metallized systems are known as POMS. POMS (polyhedral oligomeric metallosesquioxanes) are cages that contain one or more metals inside or outside the central cage framework. In certain instances cages may contain more than one metal atom, more than one type of metal atom, or even metal alloys. “
“The present invention describes methods of preparing polymer compositions by incorporating metallized nanostructured chemicals, most commonly referred to as POMS, into polymers. The resulting polymers are wholly useful by themselves, in combination with other polymers to form laminates or interpenetrating networks, or in combination with macroscopic reinforcements such as fiber, clay, glass mineral, nonmetallized POSS cages, metal particulates, and other fillers. The resulting polymers are particularly useful for producing polymeric compositions with desirable physical properties such as adhesion to polymeric, composite and metal surfaces, skin and hair, improved hydrophobicity, and surface properties. When the R groups on the POSS are wholly organic they provide water repellency, reduced melt viscosity, low dielectric constant, resistance to abrasion and fire, biological compatibility, and optical properties.”
“The preferred compositions presented herein contain two primary material combinations: (1) metallized nanostructured chemicals, metallized nanostructured oligomers, or metal containing nanostructured polymers from the chemical classes of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, polyhedral oligomeric silicates, polyoxometallates, carboranes, boranes, and polymorphs of carbon; and (2) all crosslinkable polymer systems such as: styrenics, amides, nitriles, olefins, aromatic oxides, aromatic sulfides, esters, ionomers, acrylics, carbonates, epoxies, ethers, esters, silicones, imides, amides, urethanes, phenolics, cyanate esters, ureas, resoles, analines, fluoropolymers, and synthetic and natural rubber. The polymers are inclusive of systems containing functional groups, and semicrystalline, crystalline, amorphous or rubbery polymers derived from biological or natural processes.”
“Preferably, incorporation of the metallized nanostructured chemical (POMS) into the polymers is accomplished via blending or mixing the POMS with a polymer, prepolymer or mixture of monomers or oligomers. All types and techniques of blending and mixing, including melt blending, dry blending, solution blending, and reactive and nonreactive blending are effective.”
Recent US Patents
10/26/2010
7,820,761
Metallized nanostructured chemicals as cure promoters
Lichtenhan et al of Hybrid Plastics, Mississippi have used metallized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes and metallized polyhedral oligomeric silicates as cure promoters, catalysts, and alloying agents for the reinforcement of polymer microstructures, including polymer coils, domains, chains, and segments, at the molecular level. Because of their tailorable compatibility with polymers, polyhedral oligomeric metallosesquioxanes (POMS) can be readily and selectively incorporated into polymers by common mixing processes. (RDC 2/18/2011)