Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS)

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) constitute a group of organosilicon compounds with a general formula (RSiO3/2)8 which - from chemical point of view - locate between ceramics and organic materials. 1-6 The R groups in POSS may differ from H or simple alkyl groups to very complex and bulky side chains that can form an organic shell around the silicon core. Since the side arms can hold a potential for further functionalization the properties of POSS can be modified in numerous directions to achieve structure of a designed application potential. On the other hand, the presence of Si–O bonds in the central core of POSS imparts superior thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability, which makes these compounds extremely interesting from an industrial point of view.