Abstract: A method of using nanostructured chemicals as alloying agents for the reinforcement of polymer microstructures, including polymer coils, domains, chains, and segments, at the molecular level. Because of their tailorable compatibility with polymers, nanostructured chemicals can be readily and selectively incorporated into polymers by direct blending processes. The incorporation of a nanostructured chemical into a polymer favorably impacts a multitude of polymer physical properties. Properties most favorably improved are time dependent mechanical and thermal properties such as heat distortion, creep, compression set, shrinkage, modulus, hardness and abrasion resistance. In addition to mechanical properties, other physical properties are favorably improved, including lower thermal conductivity, fire resistance, and improved oxygen permeability.

Abstract: A synthetic process for the selective preparation of reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) as well as polyhedral oligomeric silicate (POS) (spherosilicate) is provided. The inventive process employs the use of metal catalyzed hydrosilylation reactions for the selective reaction of silane containing polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes or silicates with olefinic reagents bearing functionalities useful for grafting reactions, polymerization chemistry and sol-gel processes. The invention also discloses metal-catalyzed hydrosulfidation reactions and metal-catalyzed hydrophosphidation reacttions for functionalization of polycyclic silicones.