Abstract:
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The influence of the functionalisation of fully or partially condensed
POSS cages on the properties of engineering thermoplastic-based
nanocomposites is studied. POSS with different organic substituents were
selected in accordance with the structure and chemical composition of the host
polymer and melt mixed with the corresponding matrix. In general, good
dispersion at the nanoscale level was achieved upon the addition of some
functionalised POSS, leading to a remarkable increase on the thermal
decomposition temperature under nitrogen atmosphere. However, for the
polymers having high decomposition temperatures, there were no significant
changes on the thermal properties of the nanocomposites. On the other hand,
the dispersion of the POSS, whatever its functionalisation was, led to the
presence of micron-sized aggregates. The relationships among these effects and
the morphological characteristics of the systems were analysed. |