Polymeric nanocomposites - Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) as hybrid nanofiller

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), a hybrid nanostructured macromer has been used in the last decade for preparation of polymeric nanocomposites. Its versatile chemistry, which lends it for almost infinite chemical modification, sets it apart from other nanostructured fillers like nanoclays, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanofibers. Depending on its functionality, 3-D network, bead or pendant type-POSS based polymeric nanocomposites can be synthesized. These have the potential to be designed for products with specific nanostructures for specific end-use applications. This article discusses the trends in current research involving use of POSS macromers for modification of mainly thermal and viscoelastic properties of various polymers.