The structure and properties of nanocomposites based on organosoluble polyimide (PI) and branched functional metallosiloxane oligomers with different types of central metal atoms (Al, Cr, Fe, Zr, Hf and Nb) were investigated. Under the same weight content of the filler, the geometric parameters of the nanoparticles and thermal properties of the nanocomposites did not exhibit a direct relationship with the ability of the materials to withstand the incident flow of oxygen plasma. The atomic oxygenerosion resistance of the filled PI films was influenced by the composition of the hybrid fillerand the type of metal atom in the hybrid filler in the base metallosiloxane oligomer. To determine the effectiveness of the nanoparticles as protective elements of the polymer surface, the nanocomposite erosion yields pertaining to the concentration of the crosslinked organo–inorganic polymer forming the dispersed phase were determined and expressed in mmol per gram PI. The filler concentration in the polymer, expressed in these units, allows for comparison of the efficiency of different nanosize fillers for use in fabricating space survivable coatings. This can be important in the pursuit of new precursors, fillers for fabricating space survivable polymer composites.

A representative series of functional branched metallosiloxane oligomers was used to obtain polydimethylsiloxane-based composites highly filled with a metallosiloxane component. Physical and mechanical characteristics of compositions obtained strongly depends on metallosiloxane structure and composition. It is shown that it is possible to regulate the strength and elastic properties of the systems under consideration within wide limits, as well as to influence the morphology of the material. The resulting materials are rather thermo-oxidatively stable and can also maintain high mobility of polydimethylsiloxane chains.