Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS)
OSS Technology is derived from a continually evolving class of compounds closely related to silicones through both composition and a shared system of nomenclature. POSS chemical technology has two unique features (1) the chemical composition is a hybrid, intermediate (RSiO 1.5 ) between that of silica (SiO 2) and silicone (R 2SiO). OSS molecules can be thought of as the smallest particles of silica possible. However unlike silica or modified clays, each POSS molecule contains covalently bonded reactive functionalities suitable for polymerization or grafting POSS monomers to polymer chains. Each POSS molecule contains nonreactive organic functionalities for solubility and compatibility of the POSS segments with the various polymer systems. (12/9/2009; Hybrid Plastics )
POSS continued The chemical diversity of POSS technology is very broad and a large number of POSS monomers and polymers are currently available or undergoing development. POSS chemical technology is easy to use with monomers available in both liquid and solid form and they are soluble in most common solvents. Hence, POSS technology can be used in the same manner as common organics, in either monomer or polymeric (resin) form. POSS chemical feedstocks can be added to nearly all polymer types (glassy, elastomeric, rubbery, semicrystalline and crystalline) and compositions. Enhancements in the physical properties of polymers incorporating POSS segments result from POSS’s ability to control the motions of the chains while still maintaining the processability and mechanical properties of the base resin. This is a direct result of POSS’s nanoscopic size and its relationship to polymer dimensions. (12/9/2009; Hybrid Plastics ) *************************************************** Possible effects by including POSS units in polymer chains or in polymeric materials. Increased Tdec Increased Tg Reduced Flammability Reduced Heat Evolution Lower Density Disposal as Silica Extended Temperature Range Increased Oxygen Permeability Lower Thermal Conductivity Thermoplastic or Curable Enhanced Blend Miscibility Oxidation Resistance Altered Mechanicals Reduced Viscosity ZYN Website ****************************************************** “Silsesquioxanes (SQs) are unique molecules that can offer cubic symmetry (cubes) such that each functional group occupies a different octant in Cartesian space with typical diameters of about 1 nm. As such, they offer the opportunity to build nanocomposite/hybrid materials in 1-, 2- or 3-D, effectively one nanometer at a time. Furthermore the core adds the rigidity and heat capacity of silica making these compounds quite robust. In principle, the ability to assemble “cubes” on a nanometer by nanometer basis offers the potential to tailor (e.g. tailor materials properties) at nanometer length scales. Tailoring at such length scales should permit full optimization of global properties on an application-by-application basis and at relatively low cost. It can also aid in obtaining high reproducibility, predictability and therefore effective materials design.” 12/9/2009; US Patent Application 20090012317 Richard M Laine, Vera Popova, Daniel W.Bartz, David J. Krug, III and Michael Z. Asuncion (Mayaterials, Inc., Ann Arbor, Michigan
Recent US Patents
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Recent Journal Articles
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Review Articles
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Editor's Notes
As the literature is reviewed, and items of interest concerning this topic are found. These may be added in an abbreviated form with the reference. Readers and contributors are invited to add their own notes. Contributors may add them directly and other readers can simply send their notes to the editor, Roger Corneliussen at rcorneliussen@4spe.org. He may edit and add them to this page at his discretion.