| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 608515 | Journal of Colloid and Interface Science | 2011 | 11 Pages |
Hepta(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-capped poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A) (PH) telechelics was synthesized via Mannich condensation reaction among 4-aminobutylhepta(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) POSS, phenolic hydroxyl-terminated poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A) (PH) and formaldehyde. The POSS-capped PH amphiphile was incorporated into epoxy to access the nanostructures in the thermosets. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the epoxy thermosets possessed the microphase-separated morphologies. The formation of the nanostructures has been interpreted in terms of the self-assembly behavior of POSS-capped PH telechelics in epoxy thermosets. The glass transition temperatures (Tg’s) of the nanostructured thermosets were quite dependent on the content of POSS-capped PH telechelics. Static contact angle measurements indicate that the POSS-containing nanocomposites displayed a significant enhancement in surface hydrophobicity as well as reduction in surface free energy. The improvement in surface properties was ascribed to the enrichment of POSS moiety on the surface of the nanostructured thermosets, which was evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
Graphical abstractHepta(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-capped poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A) telechelics was synthesized and incorporated into epoxy to obtain the nanostructured organic-inorganic composites. The organic-organic nanocomposites displayed the improved thermomechanical properties.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (27 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A POSS-capped poly(hydroxyether of bisphenol A) telechelics was synthesized. ► The telechelics was used to afford the nanostructured epoxy thermosets. ► The formation of nanostructures followed the self-assembly mechanism. ► The surface hydrophobicity of the nanocomposites was significantly enhanced.
