Synthesis of high performance organic-inorganic composite via click coupling of block polymer and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane

摘要

Novel hybrid systems based on poly(styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene) (SEBS) and a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) have been synthesized via click chemistry. Different compositions of SEBS-functionalized POSS were obtained from the reaction of azide-functionalized styrene units of SEBS with alkyne-functionalized POSS molecules. Characterization of SEBS-functionalized POSS by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed that the POSS molecules were successfully attached to the phenyl group of the SEBS polymer chain following the click reaction. Homogeneous dispersion of POSS molecules in the polymer matrix was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. The POSS molecule showed excellent compatibility with polymer matrix, and as a consequence the remarkable enhancement of mechanical properties (breaking stress = 44%, modulus = 285%) and thermal stability for the resulting composite films was achieved. The reinforcing effect is ascribed to both the compatible homogeneous dispersion of POSS in the matrix and the covalent bond between SEBS and POSS molecules arising from the click coupling.