Synthesis of poss-starch derivatives as effective fillers for developing high performance composites

This project is focused on the use of natural polymers to enhance the biodegradability of nanocomposites, increase potential use of sustainable polymer matrices, improve the interlaminar fracture toughness of graphite/epoxy composites and attain complete nanoparticle dispersion through covalent bonding of nanoparticles and natural polymers. The starch derivatives containing POSS (polyhedral silsesquioxane) were synthesized by reacting natural polymer with different POSS molecules in a solvent in presence of a catalyst. Interlaminar fracture toughness testing results from the epoxy based nanocomposites containing 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt% POSS modified natural polymer in the interlaminar area are presented. The biodegradability of the composites is expected to improve through the incorporation of the natural polymer derivatives. Copyright 2013 by Aurora Flight Sciences.