Surface modification with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes silanols
View Patent ↗Nanoreinforced coatings with improved hydrophobicity, thermal stability, hardness, and durability have been developed from polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) reagents and resins. The nanoscopic dimensions and hybrid (organic/inorganic) composition of POSS reagents are particularly useful for coating fillers derived from minerals, metals, glasses, and polymeric materials.
1. A method for modifying a physical property of a substrate selected from the group consisting of zeolites, synthetic and natural silicates, silicas, aluminas, minerals, natural and man-made fibers, glass, and metallic fibers, comprising coating the substrate with a nanostructured chemical selected from the group consisting of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquloxanes, polyhedral oligomeric silicates, and polymers thereof, wherein the nanostructured chemical modifies a physical property of the substrate selected from the group consisting of (a) reduced moisture absorption by the substrate and (b) enhanced compatibility with a polymer when the substrate is used as a filler material, and wherein the substrate is coated with the nanostructured chemical in a molten state, solventless processing step.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is coated with a mixture of nanostructured chemicals.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nanostructure chemical intercalates the substrate.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the nanostructure chemical exfoliates the substrate.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the nanostructured chemical reactively bonds to the substrate.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the nanostructured chemical non-reactively bonds to the substrate.