Abstract

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are a class of organic–inorganic hybrids that have attracted wide attention [1] because of their well defined nanometer-sized (1-3 nm) core star-like supramolecular structure surrounded by eight organic corner groups. The general formula of POSS is (RSiO_3/2)_n where n is commonly 8, 10, or 12. Substituent R, can be hydrogen, alkyl, alkylene, aryl, arylene groups or organic functional derivatives [2]. Up to now several types of oligosilsesquioxanes with mesogens in the POSS corner side chains, LC organic-inorganic hybrid polymers with functionalized silsesquioxanes and star mesogen-jacketed LC polymers with silsesquioxane core were synthesized and characterized[1].

© 2013 IEEE