Synthesis and characterization of vinyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes-reinforced silicone resin with three-dimensional cross-linking structure

A novel thermal stability and highly transparent silicone resin-type material was prepared via hydrosilylation of vinyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS)-grafted methylhydrosilicone oil and vinylmethylsilicone oil in the presence of Karstedt catalyst. The morphology, mechanical property, thermal stability, optical transmittance, thermal-oxidation resistance of the vinyl-POSS-reinforced silicone resins were systematically investigated. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the vinyl-POSS-reinforced silicone resins had good compatibility with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) systems. The mechanical analysis and thermo gravimetric analysis indicated that the mechanical properties and thermal stability increased with increasing quantity of vinyl-POSS. However, the optical transmittance increased with the increasing amount of vinyl-POSS rather than decreased. In addition, the incorporation of vinyl-POSS did not improve the thermal resistance of the PDMS polymers. The product has the potential application for LED packaging. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132 , 42187.