Homopolymer and Random Copolymer of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS)-Based Side-Chain Polynorbornenes: Flexible Spacer Effect and Composition Dependence

Progress in the self-assembly of organic/inorganic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) hybrids

This Review describes recent progress in the self-assembly of organic/inorganic POSS hybrids derived from mono-, di-, and multi-functionalized POSS cages. We highlight the self-assembled structures and physical properties of giant surfactants and chain-end- and side-chain-type hybrids derived from mono-functionalized POSS cages; main-chain-type hybrids derived from di-functionalized POSS cages; and star-shaped hybrids derived from multi-functionalized POSS cages; with various polymeric attachments, including polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), phenolic, PVPh, and polypeptides.

Precise polyethylene derivatives bearing mesogenic side-chains: delicate self-assembly depending on graft density

Precise polyethylene derivatives bearing mesogenic side-chains demonstrate a sophisticated side-chain spacing effect on the local coupling and spatial arrangement of the backbone and side-chains.

Stretchable Conductive Hybrid Films Consisting of Cubic Silsesquioxane-capped Polyurethane and Poly(3-hexylthiophene)

We fabricated stretchable and electric conductive hybrids consisting of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-capped polyurethane (PUPOSS) and doped poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT). In order to realize robust films coexisting polar conductive components in hydrophobic elastic matrices, we employed POSS introduced into the terminals of the polyurethane chains as a compatibilizer. Through the simple mixing and drop-casting with the chloroform solutions containing doped P3HT and polyurethane polymers, homogeneous hybrid films were obtained. From the conductivity and mechanical measurements, it was indicated that hybrid materials consisting of PUPOSS and doped P3HT showed high conductivity and stretchability even with a small content of doped P3HT. From the mechanical studies, it was proposed that POSS promoted aggregation of doped P3HT in the films, and ordered structures should be involved in the aggregates. Efficient carrier transfer could occur through the POSS-inducible ordered structures in the aggregates.

Application of olefin metathesis in the synthesis of functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and POSS-containing polymeric materials

This mini-review summarizes the applications of olefin metathesis in synthesis and functionalization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and POSS-containing polymeric materials. Three types of processes, i.e., cross metathesis (CM) of vinyl-substituted POSS with terminal olefins, acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) copolymerization of divinyl-substituted POSS with α,ω-dienes and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of POSS-substituted norbornene (or other ROMP susceptible cycloolefins) are discussed. Emphasis was put on the synthetic and catalytic aspects rather than on the properties and applications of synthesized materials.