POSS related polymer nanocomposites

This review describes the syntheses of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (T-8-POSS) compounds, the miscibility of PUSS derivatives and polymers, the preparation of both multifunctional and monofunctional monomers and polymers containing PUSS including styryl-POSS, methacrylate-PUSS, norbornyl-PUSS, vinyl-POSS, epoxy-POSS, phenolic-POSS, benzoxazine-PUSS, amine-PUSS, and hydroxyl-POSS. The thermal, dynamic mechanical, electrical, and surface properties of PUSS-related polymeric nanocomposites prepared from both monofunctional and multifunctional PUSS monomers are discussed. In addition, we describe the applications of several high-performance PUSS nanocomposites in such systems as light emitting diodes, liquid crystals, photo-resist materials, low-dielectric constant materials, self-assembled block copolymers, and nano particles. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.