Synthesis and characterization of POSS hybrid organogels using Menschutkin quaternization chemistry

Abstract

The present research describes a series of organic–inorganic hybrid gels based on polystyrene and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) prepared using free radical copolymerization and Menschutkin chemistry techniques. In the first step, poly(styrene‐co‐chloromethylstyrene) is readily achieved by thermally initiated radical copolymerization and the subsequently obtained copolymer reacts with diethanolamine functional POSS nanoparticles which are employed as the crosslinker. The resulting hybrid network possesses ionic moieties and inorganic POSS nanoparticles. The POSS‐containing hybrid gels exhibit excellent organic solvent absorption and show good mechanical behaviour. Gel containing 0.8 × 10−3 mmol of POSS(DEA)8 (DEA, diethanolamine) reached the highest swelling ratio; hence, the corresponding gel can absorb organic solvent up to 20× its weight. The rate constant, coefficients and diffusional behaviour of hybrid organogels in organic solvent were examined as well. The organic solvent intake of the hybrid gel follows a non‐Fickian type diffusion. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry

Polyethylene glycol/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane as an in situ photocrosslinkable polymeric nanohybrid

“…It was found that the inherent strength and rigidity of the inorganic POSS siliceous nucleus as well as the springiness of organic side substituents (R) can improve the overall performance of POSS/polymer nanohybrid matrices. In these nanohybrid materials, well‐dispersed POSS nanoparticles can enhance the morphological, mechanical, thermal, oxidative and biostability properties of hybrid polymers under critical situations …”

Versatile light‐responsive organogels: Evaluation of their dye releasing and photoinitiation behaviors

“…Hydrophobic network structures are made intermolecularly by chemical or physical crosslinking and these soft materials can absorb appropriate non‐aqueous solvents depending on their chemical structures. Despite the solvent absorption of polymer gels, crosslink structures can be responsive under special conditions such as change of electric field, solvent polarity, pH, and dose of light irradiation . Organogels show fascinating properties in drug delivery, dye, and heavy metal removal applications .…”

“…In our previous work, we designed polystyrene and amine functionalized polysilsesquioxane (POSS)‐based hybrid organogels via free‐radical polymerization and quaternization chemistry. Synthesized hybrid gels exhibited very good solvent uptake and good mechanical properties …”