Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes: Building Blocks for Silsesquioxane-Based Polymers and Hybrid Materials

Abstract

Abstract General methods are described for the preparation of discrete polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) macromers and for their incorporation into linear polymeric systems. Depending on the type of functionality contained on the POSS macromer, macromolecular systems can be constructed with POSS units as either main chain (bead), side chain (pendant), or chain terminus groups. The preparation and polymerization chemistry for bead and pendant POSS macromers are described. The properties of the resulting polymers are discussed with respect to the overall polymer composition and architecture. Implications of the macromers as novel polymer hard blocks, polymer additives, and as non-network hybrid materials are discussed.