Preparation, characterization, and properties of novel biodegradable aliphatic-aromatic copolyester nanohybrids with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes moieties

Biodegradable aliphatic–aromatic copolyester nanohybrids, with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) moieties tethered between poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(butylene terephthalate) segments, is designed and prepared. First, (bis(2-hydroxyethyl) dipropionate POSS, BH-POSS) is synthesized under mild conditions, then in situ polycondensation is carried out in the presence of terephthalic acid, PLA oligomer, 1,4-butanediol, and BH-POSS.1 H-NMR and Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy confirm that Michael addition reaction of amino-POSS and hydroxyethyl acrylate takes place efficiently and forms BH-POSS in high yield at room temperature. Owing to similar functional groups, BH-POSS could be easily incorporated into the macromolecular chains and obtain final copolyester nanohybrids. Moreover, X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy observations demonstrate that POSS moieties occur self-assembly behaviors and form nanoaggregates with the diameter of 50–100 nm. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the copolyester nanohybrids containing BH-POSS are substantially improved. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012