Synthesis and characterization of differently substituted phenyl hepta isobutyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane/polystyrene nanocomposites

• Published in: Polymer composites 2014-01, Vol.35 (1), p.151-157
• Main Authors: Blanco, Ignazio, Bottino, Francesco A., Cicala, Gianluca, Latteri, Alberta, Recca, Antonino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Calorimetry; Composites; Derivatives; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Nanocomposites; Phenyls; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymerization; Polystyrene resins; Spectrum analysis; Styrenes; Technology of polymers; Thermobalances
• ISSN: 0272-8397; 1548-0569
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.22644

Variously substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs)/polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites of general formula R7R′(SiO1.5)8/PS (where R = isobutyl and R′ = 4‐methoxyphenyl, 4‐methylphenyl, 3,5‐dimethylphenyl, 4‐fluorophenyl, 2,4‐difluorophenyl, 4‐chlorophenyl) were prepared by in situ polymerization of styrene in the presence of 5% w/w of POSS. The actual filler concentration in the obtained nanocomposites was checked by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy evidenced the presence of filler‐polymer interactions. Inherent viscosity (ηinh) determinations indicated that the average molar mass of polymer in halogenated derivatives was lower than neat PS, and were in agreement with calorimetric glass transition temperature (Tg) measurements. Finally, a comparative study concerning the thermal stability of synthesized nanocomposites was carried out in both inert (flowing nitrogen) and oxidative (static air) atmospheres into a thermobalance, in the scanning mode, at 10°C min−1, and the temperatures at 5% mass loss (T5%), of various compounds were determined. The results were discussed and interpreted. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:151–157, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers