A novel
biodegradable poly(ethylene succinate-co-diethylene
glycol succinate) (PEDEGS)-based nanocomposite containing
low loading (0.5 wt %) of octavinyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes
(ovi-POSS) was prepared via a solution and casting method. Scanning
electron microscopy images illustrated a nice dispersion of ovi-POSS
in PEDEGS matrix. PEDEGS crystallized faster in the nanocomposite
under isothermal melt crystallization conditions; moreover, the density
of PEDEGS spherulites also increased, indicating ovi-POSS acted as
a nucleating agent. Ovi-POSS crystallized separately in the PEDEGS
matrix and did not alter the crystal structure of PEDEGS. The storage
modulus of the nanocomposite decreased in the lower-temperature range;
moreover, the glass transition temperature of PEDEGS also decreased
in the nanocomposite, indicating that ovi-POSS also acted as a plasticizer
and lubricant.
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