Barrier properties of polymer polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and hybrid composites

Official URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-99531-3.00012-5

In the past decade, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), an organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructured molecule, has emerged as a prominent constituent in the fabrication of polymeric composites/nanocomposites. Distinguished by its adaptable chemistry, which enables extensive chemical modification, POSS stands out among other conventional nanofillers such as nanoclays. POSS molecules can affect the water vapor, O2, CO2, and N2 permeation of polymeric materials. The permeation of such substances within the polymer matrix used mainly in packaging applications may impinge upon the mechanical integrity of the material or product that the polymer is intended to protect. For instance, the water vapor transmission rates and vapor diffusivity of polymers used in packaging application can be significantly decreased in the presence of POSS additives. Moreover, the permeation of these molecules, such as O2, CO2 through membranes influences the overall performance of the materials. This chapter provides an overview of investigations of gas barrier properties conducted on POSS integrated polymer materials found in packaging, tire, and gas separation membrane applications.