Synthesis of POSS–polyurethane hybrids using octakis(m‐isoprenyl‐α,α′‐dimethylbenzylisocyanato dimethylsiloxy) octasilsesquioxane (Q8M8TMI) as a crosslinking agent

A series of polyurethane hybrid networks have been synthesized using octakis(m‐isoprenyl‐α,α′‐dimethylbenzylisocyanato dimethylsiloxy) octasilsesquioxane (Q₈M₈^TMI) as a crosslinking agent. The formation of the urethane linkages within the polyurethane hybrids was confirmed by photoacoustic FTIR spectroscopy. The TGA and DSC studies demonstrated that the incorporation of the POSS crosslinking agents altered the thermal properties of the polyurethanes, and that this was dependent on the length of the polyethylene glycol chain. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013 , 51, 5038–5045     

二茂铁取代的笼型八聚(二甲基硅氧基)倍半硅氧烷的合成与表征

在Karstedt催化剂的催化作用下,通过把合成的笼型八聚(二甲基硅氧基)倍半硅氧烷与乙烯基二茂铁进行氧化硅烷化反应,合成了二茂铁取代的笼型八聚(二甲基硅氧基)倍半硅氧烷,产物经红外光谱、核磁共振氢谱与硅谱等进行了表征.     

Novel 3‐hydroxypropyl‐bonded phase by direct hydrosilylation of allyl alcohol on amorphous hydride silica

A novel 3‐hydroxypropyl (propanol)‐bonded silica phase has been prepared by hydrosilylation of allyl alcohol on a hydride silica intermediate, in the presence of platinum (0)‐divinyltetramethyldisiloxane (Karstedt's catalyst). The regio‐selectivity of this synthetic approach had been correctly predicted by previous reports involving octakis(dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane (Q₈M₈^H) and hydrogen silsesquioxane (T₈H₈), as molecular analogs of hydride amorphous silica. Thus, C‐silylation predominated (～94%) over O‐silylation, and high surface coverages of propanol groups (5 ± 1 μmol/m²) were typically obtained in this work. The propanol‐bonded phase was characterized by spectroscopic (infrared (IR) and solid‐state NMR on silica microparticles), contact angle (on fused‐silica wafers) and CE (on fused‐silica tubes) techniques. CE studies of the migration behavior of pyridine, caffeine, Tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)Ru(II) chloride and lysozyme on propanol‐modified capillaries were carried out. The adsorption properties of these select silanol‐sensitive solutes were compared to those on the unmodified and hydride‐modified tubes. It was found that hydrolysis of the SiH species underlying the immobilized propanol moieties leads mainly to strong ion‐exchange‐based interactions with the basic solutes at pH 4, particularly with lysozyme. Interestingly, and in agreement with water contact angle and electroosmotic mobility figures, the silanol–probe interactions on the buffer‐exposed (hydrolyzed) hydride surface are quite different from those of the original unmodified tube.     

Linear and branched alkyl substituted octakis(dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxanes: WAXS and thermal properties

A series of octakis(dimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxanes bearing linear and branched alkyl substituents has been prepared in high yield by Pt-catalyzed hydrosilylation of alkenes with octakis(hydrodimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane, chain length varying between C3 and C8 for the straight-chain derivatives and between C5 and C7 for the branched-chain derivatives. On the basis of a WAXS study, we showed that the linear derivatives are amorphous and that the interdigitation of alkyl chains between neighboring POSS molecules increases as the alkyl chain length increases from propyl to octyl. The thermal behavior of these compounds was studied by DSC, polarized optical microscopy and TGA in nitrogen and air atmosphere. The derivatives with shorter n-alkyl chains from C3 to C6 crystallize below 0 °C whereas the derivatives with longer n-alkyl chains (C7 and C8) can be regarded as amorphous glasses with a T_g around –100 °C. The morphology and thermal properties change considerably with branching of the alkyl chain. Melting points above ambient temperature were found for the iso-hexyl and iso-heptyl POSS derivatives whereas the iso-pentyl POSS derivative is liquid at 25 °C. From the values of the heat of fusion as well as entropy of fusion, it was concluded that packing of the side groups in the crystal structure increases as the size of the branched alkyl group increases. TGA evidenced a negative effect of the branching of the alkyl chain on the thermal stability in air.     

Star‐shaped polymers having side chain poss groups for solid polymer electrolytes; synthesis,thermal behavior,dimensional stability,and ionic conductivity

A series of organic/inorganic hybrid star‐shaped polymers were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization using 3‐(3,5,7,9,11,13,15‐heptacyclohexyl‐pentacyclo[9.5.1.1^3,9.1^5,15.1^7,13]‐octasiloxane‐1‐yl)propyl methacrylate (MA‐POSS) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) as monomers and octakis(2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropionoxypropyldimethylsiloxy)octasilsesquioxane as an initiator. Star‐shaped polymers with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and PEGMA moieties were also prepared for comparison purposes. Dimensionally stable freestanding film could be obtained from the hybrid star‐shaped polymer containing 26 wt % of MA‐POSS moieties although its glass transition temperature is very low, ?60.9 °C. As a result, the hybrid star‐shaped polymer electrolyte containing lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide showed ionic conductivities (1.75 × 10^?5 S/cm at 30 °C), which were two orders of magnitude higher than those of the star‐shaped polymer electrolyte with MMA moieties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Evaluation of physicochemical properties of a new group of SiO2/silane/POSS hybrid materials

Preparation of a new group of hybrid fillers, of SiO₂/silane/oligomeric silsesquioxane type, characterised by specific desirable physicochemical properties, was studied. Synthetic SiO₂ was precipitated by the emulsion method. At first, as a result of improved adhesion between SiO₂ and selected POSS compound, SiO₂ surface was functionalised with alkoxysilanes containing characteristics functional groups. Functionalised SiO₂ was used in the process of hybrid filler preparation according to hydrolytic condensation using methacryl POSS® mixture. To evaluate potential application of such fillers, SiO₂ systems, bifunctionalised using innovative method, were thoroughly characterised to determine their physicochemical properties as well as the effectiveness of functionalisation with silanes and POSS compound. Proposed method of SiO₂ surface modification using selected alkoxysilanes and oligosilsesquioxanes is innovative and gives very promising results. Bifunctionalisation of inorganic fillers with those compounds will substantially extended the range of their applications and probably will lead to improvement of mechanical properties of final polymer composites and reduction in the cost of their production which is the main feature of this research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of well-defined star PLLA with a POSS core and their microspheres for controlled release

In this paper, a series of hybrid star PLLA (sPLLA) with different arm lengths was synthesized via the hydrosilylation between octakis(dimethylsiloxy) silsesquioxane (Q₈M₈) and functionalized PLLA macromolecules with vinyl end groups (mPLLA). mPLLA was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide using 2-hydroxyethylmethacryl as an initiator in the presence of stannous 2-ethylhexanoate as a catalyst. The obtained sPLLA has low polydispersity with polydispersity index values from 1.29 to 1.30. The arm numbers of sPLLA vary from 5 to 7 and decrease with the increase in the length of the mPLLA arm due to the steric hindrance, which are estimated by ¹H NMR analysis. The branched structure of sPLLA is also evidenced by the lower intrinsic viscosity when compared with the linear mPLLA with similar molecular weight. Both the glass transition temperatures (T _g’s) and melting temperatures (T _m’s) of sPLLAs are higher than those of the mPLLA arms. The incorporation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) does not change the crystalline structure of PLLA, while the crystallinity of sPLLA is enhanced as the result that the POSS core acts as a heterogeneous nucleating agent in the matrix to promote the crystallization ability of PLLA. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy observation suggests that POSS disperses in the crystalline PLLA matrix as 5–20 nm aggregates. Microspheres of sPLLA with mean diameter 1 to 2 μm were prepared via emulsion solvent evaporation method. The sPLLA microspheres have higher loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency and lower drug release rate than mPLLA microspheres.     

Octakis(3‐azidopropyl)octasilsesquioxane: A Versatile Nanobuilding Block for the Efficient Preparation of Highly Functionalized Cube‐Octameric Polyhedral Oligosilsesquioxane Frameworks Through Click Assembly

A one‐step synthesis of octakis(3‐azidopropyl)octasilsesquioxane from commercially available octakis(3‐aminopropyl)octasilsesquioxane has been developed through a highly efficient diazo‐transfer reaction under very mild conditions. Nonaflyl azide is shown to be a safer, cheaper, and more efficient reagent for this transformation than the better known and generally used diazo‐transfer reagent triflyl azide. Octakis(3‐azidopropyl)octasilsesquioxane is an excellent nanobuilding block that can be readily octafunctionalized with a range of terminal alkynes by copper(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar azide–alkyne cycloaddition to provide new functional nanocages, maintaining a perfect 3D cubic symmetry. The mildness, simplicity, and efficiency of this approach have been demonstrated in the preparation of a glyco‐polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane (POSS) conjugate and a BODIPY–POSS cluster (BODIPY=boron dipyrromethene).     

Preparation and colloidal dispersion behaviors of silica sol doped with organic pigment

Silica sol doped with organic pigment was prepared by hydrolyzing tetraethoxysilane with a basic catalyst via dispersing pigment in silica sol. The colloidal properties of SiO₂/pigment hybrid sol and its deposited film were investigated. The presence of pigment in SiO₂/pigment hybrid sol affects the Zeta potential, particle size and surface tension compared to the silica sol without pigment. The SiO₂/pigment hybrid sol exhibited good dispersion stability in the centrifuge process. The maximum absorption wavelength was consistent with that of the pigment disperse solution, indicating that the pigment in SiO₂/pigment hybrid sol remained unchanged. Thermogravimetric analysis of the contents of organic component in silica sol and SiO₂/pigment hybrid sol were conducted, and the differential value was ascribed to the weight of the pigment and the condensate of polyoxyethylene octylphenol ether (OP-10) and γ-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH-560). The surface topography of SiO₂/pigment hybrid silica film was characterized by AFM. The analysis of silica sol doped with organic pigment provides useful information for an effective pathway to disperse pigment on fiber and other substrates.     

Sol-gel preparation and properties of interpenetrating, encapsulating and blend silica-based urea-formaldehyde hybrid composite materials

Four different silica-based urea-formaldehyde (UF/SiO₂) composite materials were prepared by various sol-gel synthetic procedures to yield an interpenetrating (IPN-UF/SiO₂), a micro-size UF resin encapsulated inside silica shell (Encap-UF/SiO₂), a micro-size silica encapsulated inside UF shell (Encap-SiO₂/UF), and a blend mixture (Blend-UF/SiO₂) hybrid systems. The thermal properties of the obtained organic-inorganic hybrid composite materials were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The structure and morphology of the obtained systems were investigated by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Their surface porosity and acidity were evaluated from the nitrogen adsorption isotherm and the pH of the corresponding 10% aqueous suspension, respectively. All the results provided evidence for the formation of different hybrid systems with different surface, structural and morphological characteristics.     

Synthesis and optical properties of organic–inorganic hybrid semi‐interpenetrating polymer network gels containing polyfluorenes

Organic–inorganic hybrid semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) gels containing polyfluorenes (PFs) are synthesized by hydrosilylation reaction of joint and rod molecules in toluene, where PFs are poly(9,9‐dihexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl) (PF6) or, poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl) (PF8), joint molecules are 1,3,5,7‐tetramethylcyclotetrasiloxane (TMCTS), or 1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15‐octakis(dimethylsilyloxy)pentacyclo‐[9,5,1,1,1,1]octasilsesquioxane (POSS), and rod molecules are 1,5‐hexadiene (HD) or 1,9‐decadiene (DD). The semi‐IPN gels containing low molecular weight PF6 show higher photoluminescence efficiency (?_g) than the toluene solution of PF6L (?_s). The semi‐IPN gels composed of long rod molecule of DD and cubic joint molecule of POSS show the most effective increase in the emission intensity. The emission intensity of PF6L increases as formation of the network in the POSS‐DD semi‐IPN gel. The POSS‐DD semi‐IPN gels containing high molecular weight PF6 and PF8 also show the increase of emission intensity than those of the toluene solutions. The semi‐IPN synthesized in cyclohexane show syneresis and phase separation between network structure and PF chains. The semi‐IPN gels containing PF8 show emission peaks at 450 and 470 nm derived from β‐sheet structure of PF8. A systematic study clears correlation between emission property and network structure and/or composition of semi‐IPN gels. The semi‐IPN gels provide emissive self‐standing soft materials with high efficiency and in a narrow wavelength range emission. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014 , 52, 973–984     

Click assembly of dye-functionalized octasilsesquioxanes for highly efficient and photostable photonic systems

New hybrid organic–inorganic dyes based on an azide‐functionalized cubic octasilsesquioxane (POSS) as the inorganic part and a 4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BDP) chromophore as the organic component have been synthesized by copper(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azides to alkynes. We have studied the effects of the linkage group of BDP to the POSS unit and the degree of functionalization of this inorganic core on the ensuing optical properties by comparison with model dyes. The high fluorescence of the BDP dye is preserved in spite of the linked chain at its meso position, even after attaching one BDP moiety to the POSS core. The laser action of the new dyes has been analyzed under transversal pumping at 532 nm in both the liquid phase and when incorporated into solid polymeric matrices. The monosubstituted new hybrid dye exhibits high lasing efficiency of up to 56 % with high photostability, with its laser output remaining at the initial value after 4×10⁵ pump pulses in the same position of the sample at a repetition rate of 30 Hz. However, functionalization of the POSS core with eight fluorophores leads to dye aggregation, as quantum mechanical simulation has revealed, worsening the optical properties and extinguishing the laser action. The new hybrid systems based on dye‐linked POSS nanoparticles open up the possibility of using these new photonic materials as alternative sources for optoelectronic devices, competing with dendronized or grafted polymers.     

Self‐assembly of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles with Rigid and Flexible Multifunctional Linkers

The interparticle spacing of carboxyl functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au‐COOH) were mediated by rigid crosslinkers, octa(3‐aminopropyl)octasilsesquioxane (POSS‐NH₃ ⁺) and poly(amidoamine) dendrimer terminated with hydroxyl groups (PAMAM‐OH), and a flexible polymeric linker, poly(hexanul viologen) (6‐VP). Regular interparticle spacing was achieved by utilizing POSS‐NH₃ ⁺ and PAMAM‐OH dendrimer as cross linkers, whereas size growth of Au‐COOH was observed featuring no interparticle spacing by utilizing 6‐VP as the crosslinker.     

A versatile nanobuilding precursor for the effective architecture of well-defined organic/inorganic hybrid via click chemistry

A novel octazido substituted nanobuilding precursor,octakis[dimethy（p-azidomethylene）siloxyl]octasilsesquioxane（ODA）, was prepared by the conventional diazo-transfer reaction of octakis[dimethy（p-chloromethylene）silyl]octasilsesquioxane（ODC） with NaN₃,and its structure was characterized by FT-IR,¹H,¹³C,²⁹Si NMR and MALDI-TOF MS,respectively.The structural rearrangement of POSS core in the synthesis strategy of ODA developed in this work was effectively prohibited in comparison with traditionary azidization process.The resultant ODA was not only soluble in common solvents such as CHCl3,THF,toluene,DMF and DMSO,but also could effectively serve as a versatile nanobuilding precursor for the architecture of well-defined organic-inorganic hybrids via click chemistry.     

Hybrid inorganic/organic crosslinked resins containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

The incorporation of both monofunctional and multifunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivatives into crosslinked resins has been conducted as a route to synthesize hybrid organic/inorganic nanocomposites. The central cores of POSS molecules contain an inorganic cage with (SiO_1.5)_n stoichiometry where n=8,10 and 12. Each Si atom is capped with one H or R function giving an organic outer shell surrounding the nanometer-sized inorganic inner cage. By including polymerizable functions on the R groups, a hybrid organic/inorganic macromer is obtained which can be copolymerized with organic monomers to create thermoplastic or thermoset systems. We have focused on incorporating POSS derivatives into crosslinking resins of the following types: (1) dicyclopentadiene (2) epoxies (3) vinyl esters (4) styrene-DVB (5) MMA/1,4-butane dimethacrylate (6) phenolics and (7) cyanate esters. One goal has been to determine if molecular dispersion of the POSS macromers has been achieved or if various degrees of aggregation occur during crosslinked resin formation. As network formation proceeds, a kinetic race between POSS molecular incorporation into the network versus phase separation into POSS-rich regions (which then polymerize) occurs. Ultimately, we hope to determine the effects of such microstructural features on properties. Combustion of these hybrids creates a SiO₂-like surface layer that retards flame spread. Dynamic mechanical properties have been studied.     

Metallocene supported on a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane‐modified silica with high catalytic activity for ethylene polymerization

A polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) consisting of a mixture of perfect and imperfect polyhedra with 8–10 Si atoms bonded to bulky and branched organic groups functionalized with (β‐hydroxy)‐tertiary amines, was adsorbed on an activated silica from a toluene solution. POSS fixation was confirmed by measuring its concentration in the solutions resulting from filtering and repeatedly washing with toluene. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier‐transformed (DRIFTS) spectra of the modified silica showed a decrease in the absorption of isolated SiOH groups. A POSS previously marked by reaction with an isocyanate was also used, and the presence of the carbonyl in the urethane group was recorded in the DRIFTS spectra of the modified silica, confirming the presence of adsorbed POSS. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to measure the amount of Si (2p) of POSS adsorbed on the SiO₂ surface as a function of the POSS concentration in the toluene solution. A linear increase of adsorbed POSS as a function of its concentration in toluene was found, even after successive washings with toluene. A metallocene, (nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂, was then adsorbed on the POSS‐modified silica from a toluene solution, and the fixed Zr amount was measured by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The activity of the resulting catalyst for ethylene polymerization in toluene, using methylaluminoxane (MAO) as a cocatalyst, was determined in two different devices operating in the range of 1.6–7.0 bar. Under every experimental condition, POSS‐modification of the silica support led to an increase of about 50% in the activity of the resulting catalyst when compared to the use of the unmodified support. Reasons for the observed increase in activity are discussed. The molar mass distribution and crystallinity of the resulting polyethylenes was not affected by the POSS modification of the silica support. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 5465–5476, 2005     

Sol–gel synthesis of mesoporous silicas containing albumin and guanidine polymers and its application to the bilirubin adsorption

The organic–inorganic composite materials based on mesoporous silica were synthesized using sol–gel method. The surface area of silicas was modified by bovine serum albumin (BSA) and guanidine polymers: polyacrylate guanidine (PAG) and polymethacrylate guanidine. The mesoporous silicas were characterized by nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy. The obtained materials were used as adsorbents for selective bilirubin removal. It was shown that the structural properties and surface area of modified materials depend on the nature of polymers. Incorporation of polymers in silica gel matrix during sol–gel process leads to the formation of mesoporous structure with high pore diameter and a BET surface area equals to 346 m²/g for SiO₂/BSA and 160 m²/g for SiO₂/PAG. Analysis of adsorption isotherms showed that modification of silica by BSA and guanidine polymers increases its adsorption ability to bilirubin molecules. According to Langmuir model, the maximum bilirubin adsorption capacity was 1.18 mg/g.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Photocatalytic Behavior of SiO2@nitrized-TiO2 Nanocomposites Obtained by a Straightforward Novel Approach

We report on the facile synthesis of SiO₂@nitrized-TiO₂ nanocomposite (NST) by calcination of TiO₂ xerogel with OctaAmmonium POSS® (N-POSS; POSS=polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes). The as-obtained nanoporous mixed oxide is constituted by uniformly distributed SiO₂ and nitrized-TiO₂, where the silica component is present in an amorphous state and TiO₂ in an anatase/rutile mixed phase (92.1 % vs. 7.9 %, respectively) with very small anatase crystallites (3.7 nm). The TiO₂ lattice is nitrized both at interstitial and substitutional positions. NST features a negatively charged surface with a remarkable surface area (406 m² g⁻¹), endowed with special adsorption capabilities towards cationic dyes. Its photocatalytic behavior was tested by following the degradation of standard aqueous methylene blue and methyl orange solutions under UV and visible light irradiation, according to ISO 10678:2010. For comparison, analogous investigations were carried out on a silica-free N−TiO₂, obtained by using NH₄Cl as nitrogen source.     

Synthesis,morphology, and properties of hydroxyl terminated‐POSS/polyimide low‐k nanocomposite films

Polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS), having eight hydroxyl groups for the preparation of nanocomposites with polyimide (PI) was synthesized by the direct hydrosilylation of allyl alcohol with octasilsesquioxane (Q₈M₈^H) with platinum divinyltetramethyl disiloxane Pt(dvs) as a catalyst. The structure of allyl alcohol terminated‐POSS (POSS‐OH) was confirmed by FTIR, NMR, and XRD. A high performance, low‐k PI nanocomposite from pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA)‐4,4'‐oxydianiline (ODA) polyamic acid cured with POSS‐OH was also successfully synthesized. The incorporation of POSS‐OH into PI matrix reduced dielectric constant of PI without loosing mechanical properties. Furthermore, the effects of POSS‐OH on the morphology and properties of the PI/POSS‐OH nanocomposites were investigated using UV–vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, AFM, transmission electron microscope (TEM), TGA, and contact angle. The homogeneous dispersion of POSS particles was confirmed by SEM, AFM, and TEM. The nanoindentation showed that the modulus increased upon increasing the concentration of POSS‐OH in PI, whereas the hardness did not increase very much with respect to loading of POSS, due to soft‐interphase around POSS molecules in the resulting nanocomposites. Overall results demonstrated the nanometer‐level integration of the polymer and POSS‐OH. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5887–5896, 2008     

Synthesis of silica-polystyrene core-shell nanoparticles via surface thiol-lactam initiated radical polymerization

This paper reports the synthesis of structurally well-defined silica-polystyrene (SiO₂@PS) hybrid nanoparticles using a thiol-lactam-initiated, radical-polymerization technique. The surface of silica particles, 80 nm in size, were functionalized with (3-mercaptopropyl) trimethoxysilane and used as seeds in the polymerization of styrene in the presence of butyrolactam. ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the thiol groups on the SiO₂ surface could initiate polymerization with the aid of butyrolactam. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the hybrid particles had uniform core-shell morphologies. The molecular weight of grafted PS increased with increasing polymerization time.