POSS Reinforced PVC Nanocomposites

Over the past few years, research into polymers containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) has grown, emphasizing new categories of polymer/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocomposite materials as well as previously unidentified uses. Due to the nano-scale size of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, these hybrids provide exceptional structural and functional qualities (strength, thermal stability, optical characteristics, low toxicity, and biocompatibility). This book chapter reviews the current development of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-reinforced poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) systems. Chlorine atoms in PVC make it a more rigid and stiffer material by increasing the intermolecular attraction between polymer chains. These hybrid POSS nanofillers were found to be simple to incorporate into PVC and may be able to construct, reinforce, and stabilize materials more effectively than conventional ones. The key focus of this chapter was the morphological, thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of the POSS reinforced PVC nanocomposites.