Hybrid Plastics, Inc.

Qibo Liu

Joseph D Lichtenhan

Joseph J Schwab

William A Reinerth

Timothy S Haddad

Rusty Lew Blanski

Frank J Feher

Xuan Fu

Yi-Zhong An

Sukhendu B Hait

Patrick N Ruth

Yi-Zong An

Michael J Carr

Yan-Jyh Lee

Raquel Terroba

A method of using olefin containing nanostructured chemicals and silanol containing nanostructured chemicals as high temperature resins is described. Vinyl containing nanostructured chemicals are particularity effective in thermosets as they control the motions of polymer chains, and segments, at the molecular level. Silanol containing nanostructured chemicals are particularity effective in thermosets containing polar groups as the silanol can enhance the reactivity of these groups. Because of their tailorable compatibility with fluorinated polymers, nanostructured chemicals can be readily and selectively incorporated into polymers by direct blending and polymerization processes. The incorporation of a nanostructured chemical into a polymer favorably impacts a multitude of polymer physical properties. Properties most favorably improved are heat distortion and flammability characteristics, permeability, optical properties, texture, feel and durability. Other properties improved include time dependent mechanical and thermal properties such as creep, compression set, shrinkage, modulus, and hardness. In addition to mechanical properties, other physical properties are favorably improved, including lower thermal conductivity, and gas oxygen permeability. These improved properties may be useful in a number of applications, including composite materials, foams, cosmetics, and durable coatings.

High use temperature nanocomposite resins

Three processes for the manufacture of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) which utilize the action of bases that are capable of either attacking silicon or any compound that can react with a protic solvent (e.g. ROH, HO etc.) and generate hydroxide [OH], alkoxide [RO]', etc. The first process utilizes such bases to effectively redistribute the silicon-oxygen frameworks in polymeric silsesquioxanes [RSiO]where &#x221e;=1-1,000,000 or higher into POSS nanostructures of formulas [(RSiO)&#x3a3;#, homoleptic, [(RXSiO)]&#x3a3;#, functionalized homoleptic, [(RSiO)(R&#x2032;SiO)], heteroleptic, and {(RSiO)(RXSiO)}, functionalized heteroleptic nanostructures. The second process utilizes base to aid in the formation of POSS nanostructures of formulas [(RSiO)]&#x3a3;# homoleptic and [(RSiO)(R&#x2032;SiO)]heteroleptic and [(RSiO)(RXSiO)]functionalized heteroleptic nanostructures from silanes RSiXand linear or cyclic silsesquioxanes of the formula RXSi&#x2014;(OSiRX)&#x2014;OSiRXwhere m=0-10, X=OH, Cl, Br, I, alkoxide OR, acetate OOCR, peroxide OOR, amine NR, isocyanate NCO, and R. The third process utilizes base to selectively ring-open the silicon-oxygen-silicon (Si&#x2014;O&#x2014;Si) bonds in POSS structures to form POSS species with incompletely condensed nanostructures. These processes also afford stereochemical control over X. The three processes result in new POSS species that can undergo additional chemical manipulations to ultimately be converted into POSS-species suitable for polymerization, grafting, or other desirable chemical reactions.

Process for the formation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

Efficient processes have been developed for the cost effective functionalization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-silanols (POSS-Silanols) and for the manufacture of polyfunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes. The processes utilize the action of bases or acids on silane coupling agents. The preferred process utilizes base to promote the silylation of POSS-Silanols of the formula [(RSiO)(R(HO)SiO)]with silane coupling agents to form POSS species with functionalized incompletely condensed nanostructures [(RSiO)(R(YSiRO)SiO)]or functionalized completely condensed nanostructures [(RSiO)(YSiO)]. The process can alternately be conducted with acids. A second process utilizes base to alkylate POSS-Silanols with functionalized alkyl halides. A third related process utilizes base to react with silane coupling agents to form polyfunctional, fully condensed POSS species of formula [(YSiO)]. This process can also alternately be conducted under acidic conditions. Each of the processes result in new POSS compositions that can undergo additional desirable chemical reactions or which are directly suitable for polymerization or grafting into polymeric materials. POSS frameworks containing silanol and other reactive functionalities suitable for polymerizations have previously been described as valuable co-monomers in polymerizations and as feed-stocks for the preparation of a diverse number of chemical agents that are useful in polymeric materials in biological applications, and for the modification of surfaces.

Process for the functionalization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes

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Irvine, CA, United States of America

Qibo Liu