Crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) is widely used in high-voltage insulating cable coatings; however, issues such as crosslinking by-products, incomplete or excessive crosslinking, and resulting surface defects limit its performance. Although polypropylene (PP) coatings reinforced with dielectric materials have been proposed as an alternative, their fragility remains a challenge. In addition, few studies have systematically investigated the simultaneous improvement of thermal, mechanical, and electrical insulating properties through hybrid nanofiller incorporation into PP matrices. This study introduces random-PP-based composites as promising alternatives with enhanced elasticity, tensile strength, thermal stability, and electrical insulation. Hybrid PP composites containing SiO₂, Al₂O₃, SiC, and MgO nanoparticles were prepared using a 60 cm³ internal mixer. Both discrete and hybrid nanofiller additions significantly affected composite performance. The melting temperature increased from 170.8 °C to 171.5 °C, while the decomposition onset temperature improved from 425.9 °C to 455.5 °C, indicating greater thermal resistance. Electrical volume resistance rose from 1.53 × 10¹⁵ to 38.70 × 10¹⁵ Ω·cm, and surface resistance reached 25.70 × 10¹⁵ Ω. The dielectric constant increased from 2.74 to 2.81, reflecting improved charge-storage capability. Although toughness decreased with nanofiller incorporation, Young's modulus increased from 2.64 to 3.00 GPa, particularly in highly loaded hybrid systems. scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analyses confirmed fracture-surface characteristics and nanoparticle dispersion. These results demonstrate that hybrid nanofillers effectively enhance the multifunctional performance of PP nanocomposites for next-generation high-voltage insulating materials.

Flexible and printable thermoelectrics are promising for powering wearable and portable electronics. Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) has emerged as a leading candidate owing to its aqueous processability. However, its thermoelectric performance is constrained by the intrinsic coupling among electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and the Seebeck coefficient, making their simultaneous optimization challenging. Although acid/base post-treatments can improve thermoelectric performance, cumbersome and harsh processing steps compromise printability, scalability, and compatibility with flexible substrates. Here, multifunctional sulfonated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (SPOSS) nanoparticles are incorporated directly into PEDOT:PSS inks to mediate the electrical–thermal transport decoupling. The sulfonated groups induce a heterogeneous morphology with enhanced PEDOT ordering, while the cage-like Si–O nanostructure creates abundant phonon-scattering interfaces. Consequently, the composite exhibits significantly enhanced electrical conductivity, reduced thermal conductivity, and an improved Seebeck coefficient. Further optimization through NaOH addition improves nanoparticle dispersion and tunes the PEDOT doping level. The optimized composite achieves a figure of merit (ZT) of 0.153 without any post-treatment, representing the highest reported value for printed PEDOT:PSS. Moreover, the formulation enables printed thermoelectric modules with stable performance under bending. These results establish multifunctional nanocages as an effective strategy for decoupling and independently tuning electrical and thermal transport in printable organic thermoelectrics, providing a route toward scalable, high-performance energy-harvesting devices.

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles are materials which consist of both inorganic and organic parts. An example of such materials is epoxy/POSS nanocomposites. POSS’s organic part and weight percentage in the epoxy matrix can affect the nanocomposite’s dispersion, interaction, and final properties. Epoxy/aminopropyl isobutyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (AI-POSS) nanocomposites were formulated with 0.5, 1, 3, and 5

The epoxy/cystamine system has recently been introduced to polymer science as a novel vitrimer. This system can rearrange its topology through exchangeable disulfide bonds in the cystamine curing agent. Topology rearrangement occurs at temperatures higher than the topology freezing transition temperature and can exhibit unique properties like shape memory. Herein, performing hardness testing at different temperatures was provided as a novel and simple method to prove the existence of vitrimeric properties in the epoxy/cystamine network and to estimate the topology freezing transition temperature. According to the obtained results, the epoxy/cystamine system hardness values drop sharply in two temperature regions. The first region is in the temperature range of 40 degrees C-60 degrees C and is related to the glass transition temperature. In this region, the hardness decreases from 81 to 65 shore D. The second region occurs at temperatures above 80 degrees C, where the hardness shifts to the shore A scale. This region can be related to the topology freezing transition temperature. At temperatures above 80 degrees C, the epoxy/cystamine system behaves like rubber and can change shape. The shape memory behavior was quantitatively examined by the bending test. The results showed the shape retention ratio and shape recovery ratio for the epoxy/cystamine system are almost 100%. Moreover, the epoxy/cystamine system is a thermal-sensitive shape memory polymer with fast and repeatable recovery. Furthermore, it has high durability over time and maintains its shape memory capability.

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are promising nanostructured additives for enhancing the mechanical, thermal, and flame-retardant properties of epoxy resins, though their tendency to aggregate and induce phase separation often limits their performance. In this study, a novel POSS derivative functionalized with eight long, flexible polyether chains terminating in amine groups (OPEA-POSS) was synthesized and employed as a co-curing agent for epoxy resin. The structure of OPEA-POSS was confirmed via FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, GPC and XRD. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis identified 5 wt% OPEA-POSS (S2) as the optimal composition, with increased curing enthalpy and a higher glass transition temperature (Tg) compared to neat epoxy (S0), despite a lower crosslinking density. Kinetic studies revealed a reaction order of 1.66 and an activation energy (Ea) of 58.1 kJ/mol (KAS method). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, with the hybrid system showing increased degradation temperatures and a char yield improvement from 3.5% (S0) to 11.55% (S2), attributed to the siloxane framework. EDX mapping confirmed the homogeneous distribution of OPEA-POSS in the epoxy matrix without phase separation. The incorporation of OPEA-POSS enhanced the thermal stability, flame retardancy, and processing behavior of the hybrid system, making it a potential co-curing agent for high-performance epoxy composites.

Epoxy resins (EP), known for their intriguing properties suffer from their inherent brittleness, resulting from a highly cross-linked structure. A NCO-terminated polyurethane prepolymer resin (PPU) synthesized and grafted onto EP to increase its mechanical and toughness properties. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the formation of EP/PPU grafted interpenetrating polymer network (g-IPN). Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA), bending, and fracture tests were used to examine the sample's mechanical characteristics and thermal stability. The TGA test results showed that the presence of the PPU more than 10 phr resulted in only a slight reduction in initial thermal stability. The EP/ PPU20 sample exhibits a slightly lower initial degradation temperature (Td 10 % = 333 degrees C) than neat EP (Td 10 % = 339 degrees C). Furthermore, EP/PPU samples exhibited lower glass transition temperature (Tg) than neat EP. When the PPU content was increased to 20 phr, fracture toughness improved by 138 % over neat EP. The composite morphology was also investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The addition of PPU enhanced surface roughness in the EP/PPU samples, owing to the formation of the g-IPN. Notably, the EP/PPU10 sample had a slightly higher lap shear strength compared to the samples evaluated.

Injectable stimuli-responsive hydrogels have emerged as a highly versatile class of biomaterials designed to enhance precision in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. These hydrogels are engineered to undergo controlled sol–gel transitions or degradation in response to specific environmental stimuli, including temperature, pH, enzymes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glucose, light, ultrasound, magnetic fields, and electricity. By leveraging these stimuli-responsiveness properties, hydrogels offer significant advantages, such as improved biocompatibility, minimally invasive administration, and the ability to provide localized and sustained therapeutic effects. In this review, a comprehensive analysis of recent developments in injectable stimuli-responsive hydrogels is provided, with a focus on their classification, fabrication techniques, and biomedical applications. Particular attention is given to their role in cardiovascular therapy, cancer treatment, and other emerging fields where targeted therapeutic interventions are required. Furthermore, existing challenges related to hydrogel stability, responsiveness, and clinical translation are discussed, along with potential strategies for overcoming these limitations. By summarizing key advancements and addressing future perspectives, this review aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers working toward the next generation of smart hydrogel-based biomedical solutions.

The application of self-stratifying coatings has garnered significant interest due to their ability to deliver desirable properties, reduce costs, and optimize both performance and economic efficiency. In this study, a self-stratifying coating based on prepolymer urethane containing polyethylene glycol-400 (PEG 400) and PEG 2000 and hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-OH) was prepared. The phase separation and adhesion were investigated on the prepared samples. Contact angle measurements of the samples showed that as the percentage of PDMS-OH in the samples increases, the contact angle increases. Samples U400S5, U400S10, and U400S15 had contact angles of 104.3, 112.8, and 113.3, respectively. The highly hydrophobic nature of PDMS-OH has increased the contact angle of the samples. The mechanical stability of the samples showed that U400S10, due to its PEG 400, has high adhesion to the PDMS-OH phase and shows much less phase separation. However, the U2000S10, due to its PEG 400, behaves oppositely. The reason is the presence of more spaces between the PEG 400 chains, the penetration of the PDMS-OH chains into the empty spaces, and the intertwining of the matrix, which increases adhesion and reduces the phase separation of the two phases. The cross-hatch strength for both U400S10 and U2000S10 was 3T.

Poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blend foams containing 2, 4, and 6 phr chain extender (CE) were extruded at varying barrel and die temperatures (160, 175, and 190 °C). The correlations of the foams’ structural and physical properties with the rheological, molecular structure, and crystallization were investigated in depth. The analysis demonstrated that the foam with 2 phr CE extruded at 190 °C (FPPCE2T190) and the foam with 4 phr processed at 175 °C (FPPCE4T175) exhibited superior properties among the samples studied. Gel permeation chromatography revealed an enhancement in molecular weight for CE-containing foams, with the foam containing 4 phr CE prepared at 190 °C (FPPCE4T190) achieving a higher molecular weight than FPPCE4T175. Rheometric mechanical spectrometry identified that the FPPCE4T190 exhibited a highly branched structure with numerous short branches, while FPPCE4T175 featured fewer longer branches. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) further confirmed these findings, indicating that FPPCE4T190 achieved the highest degree of crystallinity. These results highlight the critical influence of CE content and processing temperature on the molecular structure and physical properties of the PLA/PBAT blend foams.

This study presents the preparation of epoxy vinyl ester nanocomposites based on hybrid nanofillers, namely functionalized graphene oxide and nanoglass flakes, for outstanding mechanical, thermal, and water resistance properties. Significantly, these hybrid nanocomposites exhibited considerable improvement in tensile strength and modulus, about 39 % and 52 % greater than neat resin, respectively. DSC analysis has shown that Tg increased from 108 degrees C for the neat resin to 130.9 degrees C for the FGO/FNGF hybrid nanocomposite, which confirmed an improvement in thermal stability. Water absorption tests have shown a remarkable reduction of moisture intake. Saturation moisture content decreased from 1.35 % for the neat resin to 0.53 % for the hybrid nanocomposite due to the tortuous pathways created by the hybrid fillers. The rheological studies confirmed that better filler dispersion and interfacial bonding are achieved, which is a 34 % increase in the storage modulus with respect to neat resin. SEM studies showed homogeneous distribution of fillers with good filler-matrix adhesion in the case of the hybrid system. The studies thus confirm FGO and FNGF synergies in reinforcement of epoxy vinyl ester nanocomposites for high-performance applications in hostile environments.

The UV-curable coatings have received significant attention from researchers due to their excellent advantages in corrosion protection. However, there has not been much effort made to investigate the UV-curable thiol-yne system. This project aims to prepare effective and environmentally-friendly polyurethane coatings capable of being cured by UV light using thiol-yne systems. Utilizing the chain extender derived from the glycolysis of PET, the bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) as a glycolysis product was synthesized via the glycolysis reaction. Polyurethanes (PUYNE: yne-terminated polyurethanes and PUSH: thiol-terminatted polyurethanes) were synthesized by utilizing BHET, and by altering the quantity of the BHET, and PUX coatings were formed upon exposure to UV light. The impact of PUYNE molecular weight and the resulting amount of thiol-yne crosslinking on mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated, and corrosion resistance was examined with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). PUX1, which had the lowest molecular weight and the highest number of thioether bonds, exhibited the superior corrosion resistance properties so that after 8 weeks of immersion in saline solution, the impedance modulus at 0.01Hz was 1.43×108 Ω.cm2. This study provides insight into the application of thiol-yne systems in forming UV-cured coatings and their protective role in preventing corrosion.

An environmentally friendly free-carrier procedure was used to prepare polypropylene/poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/nanoclay (PP/PTT/NC) blend nanocomposite fibers. Adding NC to the PP/PTT blend diminished the average diameter of PTT from 140 mm for the PP/PTT blend to 85 mm for the blend containing 1 phr nanoclay. Moreover, adding PTT and NC did not affect the mechanical properties of PP significantly. The crystallinity of the PP blend increased by almost 15% when 10 wt.% PTT and 1 phr NC were added. Molten neat PP and its blends and blend nanocomposites showed a typical pseudo-plastic flow behavior. Also, the storage modulus of all samples increased nearly linearly in the frequency range of 1 to 1000 1/sec. About 20% advancement in resiliency and 40% enhancement in dyeability were obtained. The dye uptake ability of fibers was also enhanced by adding NC to the blend. Moreover, the washing and light fastness, and staining on cotton and wool for all blend and blend nanocomposites were acceptable for textile fibers. The linear density of PP was enhanced slightly when 10 wt.% PTT was added. Further enhancements were observed by adding NC to the PP/PTT blend. However, PP shrinkage was decreased by incorporating PTT and NC.

Recently, the application of superhydrophobic coatings on insulators has emerged as an effective strategy for mitigating risks and damages. In the current investigation, a superhydrophobic coating formulated with polyurethane (PU) prepolymer and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been developed, featuring a surface layer of SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) modified with fluoroalkyl silane (FAS). The identification of peaks within the ranges of 567, 650, 747, and 898 cm(- 1), corresponding to CF, CF2, and CF3 bonds, along with the reduction of the peak associated with the hydroxyl group around 3433 cm(-1), substantiates the interaction between FAS13 and SiO2 nanoparticles. The resultant coating exhibited a 39% increase in hydrophobicity compared to the coating without nanoparticles. The surface modification of nanoparticles resulted in an escalated degradation rate for the USMN sample, reaching a temperature range of 300 to 400 degrees C. This phenomenon is attributed to the interaction between the hydroxyl groups on the nanoparticle's surface and the Si-O bonds present in the FAS13 composition, leading to increased thermal resistance of the nanoparticle. This study successfully produced a PDMS/PU coating utilizing modified SiO2 particles through a self-stratified approach. This coating acts as an adhesive layer for high-voltage insulation surfaces, effectively protecting against water intrusion and dust accumulation. [GRAPHICS] .

Developing new biodegradable packaging with superior properties and advanced functionalities is one of the most emerging research areas of interest in food packaging. In this study, PLA/PEG-based nanocomposite films incorporated with different amounts of nano glass flake (NGF) (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 phr) were fabricated via casting solution for applications in food packaging. The ATR-FTIR displayed no chemical interaction between the PLA/PEG-based matrix and NGF particles. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations exhibited a relatively smooth and homogeneous surface without defects. Incorporation of the NGF into the PLA/PEG-based matrix did not affect the color and opacity of the fabricated films. The prepared nanocomposite films were highly transparent and exhibited superior properties such as increased hydrophobicity, appreciable oxygen barrier properties, and enhanced thermal stability. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed the existence of a single glass-transition temperature (Tg) as evidence of miscibility. According to the research results, the PLA/PEG/NGF1 nanocomposite film significantly offered the best overall performance. This work has developed new insight into the potential application of nano glass flakes in food packaging.

In the present study, attempts were made to manufacture innovative conducting polymer nanocomposites (CPCs) with high performance, low cost, and appropriate electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. However, one of the main challenges in creating CPCs is the tendency of nanofillers to agglomerate and accumulate, resulting in a decrease in the electrical properties and performance of CPCs. To address this issue, the study developed an efficient and eco-friendly CPC using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a binder and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as nanofillers. The study employed a chemical functionalization method to modify CNTs and enhance their compatibility and dispersion properties in the CMC matrix. The prepared CPCs were characterized using various techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The results showed an improvement in homogeneity and surface cohesion between CMC and O-CNTs through chemical surface modification of CNTs via carboxylic acid functional groups. The study observed good dispersion of nanofillers without any aggregation of the CMC/GNP/O-CNT compared with the nontreated CMC/GNP/CNT composite. While a decrease in the degree of crystallinity was observed, conductivity increased for the CPC containing oxidized CNTs. The study found that the highest conductivity of similar to 112 S/m was obtained for D-CMC/GNP/O-CNT with 25 wt% of O-CNT, while the maximum conductivity of D-CMC/GNP/CNT was similar to 80 S/m with 35 wt% of CNTs. Additionally, the study observed an improvement in electrochemical properties after treatment of CNTs in the form of higher cathodic current in cyclic voltammetry and lower charge transfer resistance in impedance spectroscopy of D-CMC/GNP/O-CNT35 compared to untreated one. Highlights Preparation of new conductive nanocomposite consisting of CMC, CNTs, and GNPs. Carboxylation of CNTs to improve O-CNT and CMC intermolecular interaction CMC/GNP/O-CNT is 40% more conductive than unmodified CNT nanocomposite. Higher thermal stability and mechanical properties were observed by using O-CNT. O-CNT caused higher current density and lower electron transfer resistance for CPCs.

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) are considered as effective materials to improved mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resins for high performance applications, but can suffer from phase separation. Herein, POSS structure was synthesized in a way which contained eight long polyether chains with amino-functional groups which was named OPEA-POSS and utilized as co-curing agent for epoxy resin. OPEA-POSS structure was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectra (FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectra (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR) and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). The curing kinetics was studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) which revealed that the curing reaction order n is 1.66 and the activation energy Ea is 58.1kJ/mol based on Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) approach which was in reliable agreement with Kissinger method. Also DSC analysis indicated that the sample co-cured by 5wt% of OPEA-POSS was the optimal hybrid with higher cuing enthalpy than the other hybrids, and although it had lower crosslinking density, it had higher glass transition temperature (Tg) than the neat epoxy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that thermal stability of OPEA-POSS/epoxy hybrid was higher than the neat epoxy, and OPEA-POSS increased the char yield from 3.5–11.55% which improved the thermal stability. Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) along with other analysis results showed that no phase separation was occurred and the system was completely homogeneous.

Recycling of polyolefins has become a on-demand route to avoid its environmental threats. Nevertheless, drop of properties after re-extrusion necessitates use of reinforcing agents to compensate for poor mechanical properties. The incorporation of nanoparticles into plastics can boost their mechanical and rheological properties due to the hard nanocrystalline phases. This study aims to promote and identify a polyolefin-based nanocomposite by combination of TiO 2 and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) at concentration of 1, 3, and 6 wt% in a twin-screw extruder. The nanocomposites were characterized for mechanical and rheological properties. Overall, the results showed that the mechanical properties were improved by adding particles up to 6 wt% loadings. The magnitude of this effect was dependent on the nanofiller weight fraction and particle size. Well-dispersion and, as a result, enhancing the viscosity, modulus, and hardness in the sample containing 3 wt% TiO 2 and 3 wt%. POSS was due to the presence of hydroxyl functional groups on its surface. Glass transition temperature and crystallinity of the samples did not show a significant change due to the neutral role of nanoparticle nucleation in the matrix.

Epoxy resins have outstanding properties with variety uses especially in high performance engineering applications. However, high degree of crosslinking density makes them rigid and brittle. Many attempts have been used to improve mechanical properties, especially toughness. In the current work, synergistic properties of using the polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanostructure (POSS) and polyether amine chains has been used to improve toughness and mechanical properties especially modulus by using the synthesized structure as co-curing agent in epoxy resin. The characteristic analysis showed that the structure of the synthesized molecule is a POSS core with four polyether amine chains and four glycidyloxy propyl chains attached to the siloxane cage. The results indicated that using the synthesized structure (GA-POSS) as co-curing agent has two effects: it acted like a reinforcing agent and improve glass transition temperature, toughness and Young’s modulus. Also, it increased distance between crosslinks which led to increase of tan δ and elongation at break. However, these effects did not observed when this nano-molecule worked as cross linker or when the POSS structure doesn’t have soft long chains because just in the case of using GA-POSS as co-curing agent hard-soft-hard state is formed which leads to high mechanical and toughness properties, simultaneously.

Silicone rubber (SR) is high-voltage insulator, but suffers from poor mechanical properties. Nanoparticle addition is a promising way to combat this problem. Herein, SiO2, Al2O3, MgO, SiC and thermally modified SiC nanoparticles were used to improve electrical resistivity, thermal stability and mechanical properties of SR. Surprisingly, electrical resistivity of SR was enhanced by one-order-of-magnitude by incorporation of small amount of nanoparticles, which induced nano-scale traps to capture charge carriers and restrict SR molecules conformation. Tensile strength and modulus of SR increased by SiO2, Al2O3, MgO and SiC incorporation, while decreased elongation at break, as a consequence of agglomeration as detected by microscopic observations. Nano fillers restricted the motion of polymer chains, so storage modules and hardness were increased. Addition of 2 phr SiC resulted in less polarization current comparably. Correspondingly, dielectric breakdown strength of the assigned sample was increased. SiC thermally modified interface is more conductive than the other parts of the matrix reduced charge accumulation and provide more conductive ways for increased charge carriers mobility, dissipate more charges and then increased dielectric breakdown strength. Dynamic-mechanical-thermal analyses demonstrated that storage modulus of SR nanocomposites was comparatively higher than neat SR, owing to rigidity contributed from SiO2 and SiC nanoparticles. Evidently, glass transition temperature shifted to a higher temperature (-109 degrees C) compared to the neat SR (-127 degrees C). Thermogravimetric analysis witnessed superiority of thermal stability of nanocomposites compared to SR, featured by 35 degrees C rise in degradation temperature. The presence of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix acts as a barrier and prevents the release of gaseous products from burning and the entry of oxygen into the system lead to increase thermal stability.

The present research investigated the properties of epoxy resin nanocomposites containing POSS and silica nanoparticles modified by chitosan and the effect of type and weight percent of nanoparticles on properties nanocomposites. The modification of silica by chitosan (CS) improved the mechanical and thermal performance of the nanocomposites, as evidenced by higher tensile strength, thermal stability, and ash content. At 1 wt.% of POSS, incorporation of 1 wt.% of silica resulted in the Young's modulus of 417 MPa, and the value of 717 MPa was obtained when 1 wt.% of CS was used. Also, At 1 wt.% of POSS, incorporation of 1 wt.% of silica resulted in the ash value of 9.48%, while incorporation of 1 wt.% of CS silica resulted in the ash value of 11.73%. The curing behavior of the nanocomposites was also influenced by the heating rate and the nanoparticle content. According to cure index calculations, all nanocomposite samples showed excellent cure. The nanocomposites exhibited increased hydrophobicity with higher polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) content, which could reduce the susceptibility to bacterial and microbial contamination. The morphology of the nanocomposites revealed that the modified silica improved the fracture toughness and the dispersion of the nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix. The results indicated that the surface modification of silica by chitosan could optimize the properties of the nanocomposites by adjusting the content of CS and POSS nanoparticles, and that the nanocomposite coatings could have potential applications in biomedicine.Highlights Silica nanoparticles were successfully modified by chitosan. Silica modification improved dispersion and distribution in the resin matrix. Nanoparticle modification improved mechanical properties at lower content. The presence of POSS increased contact angle from 60 degrees to 81 degrees. Thermal stability was successfully improved by the designed system.