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The influence of the functionalization of fully condensed POSS cages on the properties of POM‐based nanocomposites is studied. POSS with different organic substituents [glycidylethyl, aminopropylisobutyl, and poly(ethylene glycol)] are taken into account and melt mixed with POM. Good dispersion was achieved upon the addition of amino functionalized POSS, leading to an increase on the thermal decomposition temperature under nitrogen atmosphere up to 50 °C. However, µm‐size aggregates were observed for other nanocomposites. There is no significant change in other thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The relationships among these effects and the morphological characteristics of the systems were analyzed.magnified image

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In this study, the morphology and thermo-mechanical behavior of composites formed by a polyoxymethylene (POM) matrix and monosilanolisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (msib-POSS) filler have been studied. The msib-POSS molecules were added to the POM by direct melt blending at loadings between 0 and 10 wt.%. Hydrogen bonding interactions were detected between POM and msib-POSS Si-OH groups, increasing their mutual compatibility and leading to nanometer-size dispersion of some msib-POSS molecules. These interactions do not prevent POSS aggregation during blending, but lead to micron-scale msib-POSS domains. The thermal decomposition temperature of the composites remained practically constant under inert and oxidative conditions. The low temperature thermal transition (g) and glass transition temperature (T g ) of POM were found to move to higher temperatures only when 2.5 wt.% of msib-POSS was added, indicating that POSS is physically linked to the POM chains, restricting their motion under those conditions. Low content (2.5 wt.%) of msib-POSS results in antiplastization, whereas higher levels of POSS lead to a decrease in the storage modulus of the polymer. The relationships among these effects and the morphological characteristics of the systems will be discussed herein.

Melt blending of polycarbonate (PC)/poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) rich in PC at absence/present of different type of tranesterification catalysts was carried out by using reactive extrusion method. The thermal, dynamic, and morphological properties were studied. It was found that all blends are formed by a PC matrix and a semicrystalline (12-20% of crystallinity) of PET dispersed phase. The addition of a catalyst in the mixing process promotes a refined and homogeneous dispersion of PET, as well as it enhances the dynamicmechanical behavior of PC/PET blends compared with PC. These effects are attributed to the emulsifying effect of the PC-PET copolymer generated by transesterification. Additionally, this copolymer contributes to the miscibility between phases as demonstrated by the glass transition (T g ) shift of PC phase and PET phase.