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Surface energetics, dispersion, and nanotribomechanical behavior of POSS/PP hybrid nanocomposites

  1. Rahul Misra1,
  2. Bruce X. Fu2,
  3. Sarah E. Morgan1,*

Article first published online: 24 JUL 2007

DOI: 10.1002/polb.21261

Issue

Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics

Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics

Volume 45, Issue 17, pages 2441–2455, 1 September 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Misra, R., Fu, B. X. and Morgan, S. E. (2007), Surface energetics, dispersion, and nanotribomechanical behavior of POSS/PP hybrid nanocomposites. J. Polym. Sci. B Polym. Phys., 45: 2441–2455. doi: 10.1002/polb.21261

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406

  2. 2

    Hybrid Plastics Inc., Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401

*School of Polymers and High Performance Materials, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39406

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 24 JUL 2007
  2. Article first published online: 24 JUL 2007
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 29 MAY 2007
  4. Manuscript Revised: 22 MAY 2007
  5. Manuscript Received: 4 DEC 2006

Funded by

  • National Science Foundation. Grant Numbers: OII-0539295, MRI0421406, DMR0421403, DMR0215873

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Keywords:

  • atomic force microscopy;
  • friction;
  • hydrophobicity;
  • indentation;
  • nanocomposites

Abstract

Hybrid organic–inorganic polymer nanocomposites incorporating polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles are of increasing interest for high performance materials applications. Octaisobutyl POSS/polypropylene nanocomposites were prepared at varying POSS concentrations via melt blending. The interplay of POSS molecular geometry, composition, and concentration in relation to the tribological, nanomechanical, surface energy, and bulk properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. Ultra-low friction and enhanced hardness, modulus, and hydrophobicity were observed for the nanocomposite surfaces, with minimal changes in the bulk thermomechanical properties. Parallel AFM, SEM, TEM, and spectroscopic analyses demonstrated significant differences in POSS distribution and aggregation in the surface and the bulk, with preferential segregation of POSS to the surface. Additionally, contact angle studies reveal significant reduction in surface energy and increase in hysteresis with incorporation of POSS nanoparticles. The differences in bulk and surface properties are largely explained by the gradient concentration of POSS in the polymer matrix, driven by POSS/POSS and POSS/polymer interactions. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2441–2455, 2007

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