Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) polymers and copolymers: A review

This review describes the synthesis and properties of homopolymers and copolymers of monomers containing inorganic-organic hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) structures. Monomers, such as styryl-POSS, methacrylate-POSS, norbornyl-POSS, vinyl-POSS, epoxy-POSS, and siloxane-POSS, are included. Both monofunctional and multifunctional monomers are included. Thermoplastic and thermoset systems are considered. Thermal, rheological, and dynamic mechanical properties are described. The synthesis of POSS macromers (monomers) is briefly described. POSS chemicals have been used to prepare nanosized designed novel composites with a variety of potential applications. This review, covering 111 references, is descriptive and not designed to be totally comprehensive. However, the major existing reviews of certain subtopics are noted, allowing the reader to gain a general introduction while providing the information to permit more comprehensive coverage.