LOW FRICTION HIGHLY HYDROPHOBIC POLYHEDRAL OLIGOMERIC SILSESQUIOXANE/POLYMER FILMS

摘要

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) based hybrid polymer nanocomposites provide a unique approach for the development of polymeric materials with improved surface properties. Two structurally (closed and open cage) and chemically (polar and non-polar) different POSS molecules were melt blended with nylon 6 at varying POSS concentrations. Understanding of macro to nanoscale tribological properties is critical for the prediction of wear, friction, surface roughness and adhesion properties in thin films and coatings. The influence and contribution of POSS/polymer interactions in the development of surface morphology, wetting characteristics, and tribomechanical properties were investigated. POSSylon blends exhibited significantly reduced friction, increased hydrophobicity and enhanced surface hardness. The extent of surface modification is a function of POSS structure and composition.