Polymer nanocomposites based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) and their solutions and suspensions are promising systems for fundamental research which could potentially utilize self-assembly approach in designing new nanocomposite materials. Numerous applications could benefit from understanding of these systems, for instance polymer solution based paints and varnishes. This work is an initial stage of a study which aim is to link macroscale thermomechanical properties with nanoscale structures found in polymer nanocomposites. To do so, a suitable experimental protocol for preparing differently organized NPs in polymer matrix has to be find first in which both kinetic and thermodynamical parameters should be taken into account, i.e. solution casting has being investigated. The results presented here found differences between nanoparticle induced changes on rheological behavior of polystyrene solution under large amplitude oscillation shear (LAOS). High-affinity OP-POSS NPs seem to interact with PS at low loadings and form stiffened aggregates, whereas low-affinity OM-POSS NPs remained rather uninvolved. Effect of hydrodynamic forces independent of the NPs chemical nature was also observed.
