This book provides an overview of polymer nanocomposites and hybrid materials with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS). Among inorganic nanoparticles, functionalized POSS are unique nano-building blocks that can be used to create a wide variety of hybrid and composite materials, where precise control of nanostructures and properties is required. This book describes the influence of incorporation of POSS moieties into (organic) polymer matrices on the mechanical, thermal and flammability behavior of composites and hybrid organic-inorganic materials. Importantly, POSS-containing materials can be bio-functionalized by linking e.g. peptides and growth factors through appropriate surface modification in order to enhance the haemo-compatibility of cardiovascular devices made of these materials. This volume includes descriptions of synthesis routes of POSS and POSS-containing polymeric materials (e.g. based on polyolefines, epoxy resins and polyurethanes), presentation of POSS' roleas flame retardants and as biocompatible linker, as well as the depiction of decomposition and ageing processes.

Synthesis routes of POSS.- Design and Synthesis of Hybrid Materials with POSS.- Self-Assembly of POSS-containing materials.- Polyolefins with POSS.- Polyurethane/POSS hybrid materials.- POSS-containing polyamide based nanocomposites.- Dielectric properties of Epoxy/ POSS and PE/ POSS systems.- Porous Hybrid Materials with POSS.- Rubbers reinforced by POSS.- POSS as fire retardants.- POSS Hybrid Materials for Medical Applications.- Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials with POSS for Coatings.- Decomposition and Ageing of Hybrid Materials with POSS.