This paper reports the synthesis of new reinforcing agents based on sodium montmorillonite modified with some polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes. The modified montmorillonite was extensively characterized using different techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The obtained reinforcing agents were used for the synthesis of epoxy-based nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were studied using thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis to conclude that the type of radicals on the POSS cage may influence the properties of the final nanocomposites.
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Li, G. , Wang, L., Ni, H. and Pittman Jr. , Ch.U. ( 2001). Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) Polymers and Copolymers: A Review , J. Inorg. Org. Polym., 11: 123-154.
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Liu, Y. , Zheng, S. and Nie , K. (2005). Epoxy Nanocomposites with Octa(propylglycidyl ether) Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane, Polymer, 46: 12016-12025.
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Huskić, M., Žagar, E., Žigon , M., Brnardić , I., Macan, J. and Ivanković, M.(2009 ). Modification of Montmorillonite by Cationic Polyesters, Appl . Clay Sci., 43: 420-424.
8.
Zhao, F., Wan, C., Bao, X. and Kandasubramanian, B. ( 2009). Modification of Montmorillonite with Aminopropylisooctyl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane, J. Colloid Interface Sci., 333: 164-170.
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Garea, S.A. , Constantin, F., Voicu , G. and Iovu H.(2008). New Nanocomposites based on Epoxy Resin and Modified Montmorillonite with Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-amine Compounds, Mat. Plast., 25: 414-420.
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Yei, D.R., Kuo, S.W., Su , Y.C. and Chang, F.C.(2004). Enhanced Thermal Properties of PS Nanocomposites formed from Inorganic POSS-treated Montmorillonite, Polymer, 45: 2633-2640.
11.
Leszczynska, A., Njuguna, J., Pielichowski , K. and Banerjee, J.R. (2007). Polymer/montmorillonite Nanocomposites with Improved Thermal Properties: Part I. Factors Influencing Thermal Stability and Mechanisms of Thermal Stability Improvement, Thermochim . Acta, 453: 75-96.
12.
Perrin, F.X. , Chaoui, N. and Margaillan, A. (2009). Effects of Octa(3chloroammoniumpropyl) Octasilsesquioxane on the Epoxy Self-polymerisation and Epoxy-amine Curing, Thermochim. Acta491: 97-102.
13.
Franchini, E., Galy, J., Gerard , J.F., Tabuani, D. and Medici, A. (2009). Influence of POSS Structure on the Fire Retardant Properties of Epoxy Hybrid Networks, Polym. Degrad. Stab. 94: 1728-1736.
14.
Pomogailo, A.D. (2006). Synthesis and Intercalation Chemistry of Hybrid Organo-Inorganic Nanocomposites, Polym. Science Ser C, 48: 85-111.
15.
Fox, D.M., Maupin, P.H., Harris Jr., R.H., Gilman, J.W., Eldred, D.V., Katsoulis, D., Trulove, P.C. and De Long , H.C. ( 2007). Use of a Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS)-Imidazolium Cation as an Organic Modifier for Montmorillonite, Langmuir23: 7707-7714.
16.
Liu, H., Zhang, W. and Zheng, S. (2005). Montmorillonite Intercalated by Ammonium of Octaaminopropyl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane and its Nanocomposites with Epoxy Resin, Polymer46: 157-165.
