The Rediscovery of POSS: A Molecule Rather than a Filler

Abstract

Abstract:The use of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) for making polymer composites has grown exponentially since the last few years of the 20th century. In comparison with the other most commonly used fillers, POSSs possess the advantage of being molecules. Thus, this allows us to combine their nano-sized cage structures, which have dimensions that are similar to those of most polymer segments and produce a particular and exclusive chemical composition. These characteristics linked with their hybrid (inorganic-organic) nature allow researchers to modify POSS according to particular needs or original ideas, before incorporating them into polymers. In this present study, we first start with a brief introduction about the reasons for the rediscovery of these nanoparticles over the last 25 years. Starting from the form of POSS that is most widely used in literature (octaisobutyl POSS), this present study aims to evaluate how the reduction of symmetry through the introduction of organic groups favors their dispersion in polystyrene matrix without compromising their solubility.

The Use of Composite Materials in 3D Printing

“…The well-recognized material of the last century was the polymer, due to its ability to provide economic and structural benefits, but from the perspective of 3D-printing, the lack of mechanical strength and functionality is a big challenge for their wide applications [12]. Combining various materials in order to overcome these problems is the right road toward mechanical, thermal and durability improvement, so that the composites can be considered the reference materials for the twenty-first century [14]. The next frontier is to design new composite materials compatible with the available printers and able to satisfy the needs for special applications.…”

Progress in the Synthesis of Bifunctionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane

“…The substituents on the Si atom at the vertex of the POSS polyhedron can be a variety of reactive or nonreactive groups. The desired properties can be obtained by alternating the types of organic groups on the Si endpoint that determines whether POSS is reactive or functionalized [45,46]. POSS enhances the mechanical properties of polymers (e.g., modulus, strength, hardness) and decreases heat evolution and melt viscosity [17,47].…”

Investigation of the Internal Structure of Fiber Reinforced Geopolymer Composite under Mechanical Impact: A Micro Computed Tomography (µCT) Study

“…Polymers, due to their ability to provide economic and structural benefits, can be considered the materials characterizing the last century. Continuing in this direction and trying to improve mechanical, thermal, and durability properties of polymers by adding various reinforcements to them, material experts are defining the composites as reference materials for the twenty-first century [11]. Composite materials have shown their superior performance over metals in many applications, such as in aerospace, automotive, and where high mechanical strength combined with low weight are required in general.…”