POSS vapor phase grafting: a novel method to modify polymer films

Abstract

In this paper, a novel method for the preparation of surface modified polymer films is proposed, by the vaporization of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and reaction on the polymer surface. This method was successfully applied to the grafting of an amino-functionalized POSS (POSS-NH₂) on poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (PSMA), showing efficient grafting to produce a POSS-rich polymer layer on the vapor-treated surface. The thickness of this layer was found to be controlled by diffusion of POSS, allowing tailoring of the grafted layer thickness with the treatment time. The processing temperature window was found to be defined by the following conditions: (i) high enough to allow significant POSS volatilization, (ii) high enough to allow sufficient polymer chain mobility to react with POSS and (iii) low enough to avoid specimens deformation by polymer flow during the treatment.