Studies on the photo-oxidation mechanism of polymers—IX. The photo-sensitized oxidation of cis-1,4-polybutadiene by n-methyl-2-benzoyl-β-naphthiazoline

This paper presents a study of mechanisms of photo-sensitized oxidation of cis-1,4-polybutadiene by N-methyl-2-benzoyl-β-naphthiazoline (BN) in solution. Detailed photochemical study of BN shows that the lowest triplet state of BN has an energy of 54.3 cal mol^?1 and a life-time of 0.20 s at 77 K. In addition, rate constants for the quenching of the triplet state of BN have been calculated. These results show the possibility of energy transfer from excited triplet state to molecular oxygen with formation of singlet oxygen, which can further react with another BN molecule (photo-decomposition of BN) or with cis-1,4-polybutadiene added. During light irradiation of BN, free radicals are formed; they can initiate polymer chain scission and crosslinking.     

Metal salts of 2-[(1-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)carbonyl]-benzoic acid as a new class of photostabilizers

Metal salts (Co²⁺, Mn^2?, Ni²⁺) of 2-[(1-hydroxy-2-naphthalenyl)carbonyl]-benzoic acid can be considered as a new class of stabilizers effective against free radical photo-oxidation and singlet oxygen oxidation of cis-1,4-polybutadiene. These metal salts are active by a combination of several important effects such as reducing the number of photons absorbed by polymer chromophores, deactivation of excited carbonyl groups, scavenging of free radicals and quenching of singlet oxygen.     

Kinetics and mechanism of the liquid-phase oxidation of tert-butyl phenylacetate

The oxidation of tert-butyl phenylacetate in ortho-dichlorobenzene at 140°C occurs with short chains. The primary nonperoxide reaction products (tert-butyl α-hydroxyphenylacetate, tert-butyl α-oxophenylacetate, and benzaldehyde) are formed by the decomposition of a hydroperoxide (tert-butyl α-hydroperoxyphenylacetate) and (or) by the recombination of peroxy radicals with and without chain termination. Benzaldehyde and tert-butyl α-hydroxyphenylacetate undergo radical chain oxidation in a reaction medium to result in benzoic acid and tert-butyl α-oxophenylacetate. Homolytic hydroperoxide decomposition is responsible for process autoacceleration and results in benzaldehyde, which is also formed from hydroperoxide by a nonradical mechanism, probably, via a dioxetane intermediate. Both of the reactions are catalyzed by benzoic acid. Benzoic acid has no effect on hydroperoxide conversion into tert-butyl α-oxophenylacetate, which most likely occurs as a result of hydroperoxide decomposition induced by peroxy radicals. The rate constants of the main steps of the process and kinetic parameters have been calculated by solving an inverse kinetic problem.     

Aging and degradation of polyolefins. I. Peroxide-initiated oxidations of atactic polypropylene

Efficiencies of polymer radical production by thermal decomposition of di-tert-butylperoxy oxalate (DBPO) have been measured in bulk atactic polypropylene (PP) at 25–55°C; they range from 1 to 26%, depending on [DBPO], temperature, and presence of oxygen. Most of the polymer radicals thus produced disproportionate in the absence of oxygen but form peroxy radicals in its presence. Most of the pairs of peroxy radicals interact by a first-order reaction in the polymer cage. The fraction that escapes gives hydroperoxide in a reaction that is half order in rate of initiation. In interactions of polymer peroxy radicals, in or out of the cage, about one-third give dialkyl peroxides and immediate chain termination, two-thirds give alkoxy radicals. About one-third of the later cleave at 45°C; the rest abstract hydrogen to give hydroxy groups and new polymer and polymer peroxy radicals. The primary peroxy radicals from cleavage account for the rest of the chain termination. Cleavage of alkoxy radicals and crosslinking of PP through dialkyl peroxides nearly compensate. Up to 70% of the oxygen absorbed has been found in hydroperoxides. The formation of these can be completely inhibited, but cage reactions are unaffected by inhibitors. Concentrations of free polymer peroxy radicals have been measured by electron spin resonance and found to be very high, about 10^?3M at 58–63°C. Comparison with results on 2,4-dimethylpentane indicate that rate constants for both chain propagation and termination in the polymer are much smaller than those for the model hydrocarbon but that the ratio, k_p/(2k_t)^½, is about the same.     

Preparation of branched cis-1,4-polybutadiene in the presence of a neodymium catalyst

It was shown that branches can be incorporated into linear chains of cis-1,4-polybutadiene produced in the presence of neodymium catalysts. Branched polymers were prepared through the copolymerization of butadiene and a low-molecular-mass polybutadiene macromonomer containing a system of conjugated C=C bonds at chain ends. The incorporation of macromonomer units into the polymer chain was confirmed by the IR spectroscopic analysis of macromonomer-perdeuterobutadiene copolymers.     

Isomerization of cis-1,4-polybutadiene by RhCl3·3H2O

The isomerization of cis-1,4-polybutadiene by RhCl₃ in aqueous emulsion was studied. The reaction was found to be slowed down by air and by base but not by quinone and was independent of the polymer solvents. Quinone did not suppress polymer gel formation. The results obtained suggest a nonradical mechanism of these reactions.     

PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF cis-,4-POLYBUTADIENE CONTAINING A FRACTION OF trans-1,4-POLYBUTADIENE

Polymerization of butadiene catalysed first with V(acac)_3-Al(i-Bu)_2Cl, then with Co(acac)_3-H_2O-Al(i-Bu)_2Cl has been studied. The polymer obtained was identified to be a new variety of cis-1,4-polybutadiene which contained a fraction of trans-1,4-polybutadiene chemically bonded to the cis-1,4-polybutadiene chains. Its molecular weight and trans-1,4 content can be regulated by varying the catalyst composition and concentration as well as other polymerization conditions. The trans-1,4 fraction, although it presents only in 9—16%, forms a crystalline phase in the matrix at room temperature and facilitates the crystallization of the polymer.     

Comparative studies of reactions of commercial polymers with molecular oxygen,singlet oxygen,atomic oxygen and ozone—I. Reactions with cis-1,4-polybutadiene

The oxidation of cis-1,4-polybutadiene by molecular oxygen, singlet oxygen, atomic oxygen and ozone has been studied using u.v. and i.r. spectroscopic methods. Some possible implications of the results of oxidation in the presence of singlet oxygen (parallel free radical oxidation) and atomic oxygen (formation of NO₂ and its reaction with polymer) are discussed. Chain scission was observed during all types of oxidation. A new mechanism involving opening of double bonds and formation of biradicals has been considered in detail.     

Photo-stabilising action of a p-hydroxybenzoate compound in polyolefins—Part I: Thermal and photo-chemical behaviour in polypropylene film

The photo-stabilising action of a new aliphatic p-hydroxybenzoate light stabiliser, Cyasorb® UV 2908 (American Cyanamid Company), has been examined in polypropylene film, with the aid of a number of related compounds, by both normal and derivative uv absorption, infra-red techniques and hydroperoxide analysis. During processing and oven ageing the stabiliser operates as an effective chain breaking donor, terminating macroalkyl radicals and inhibiting the formation of hydroperoxides. Under both monochromatic (365 nm) and polychromatic (λ′s > 300 nm) irradiation conditions the decomposition of the stabiliser shows a direct dependence on initial hydroperoxide concentration in the film, indicating that it operates as an effective light stable alkoxy and hydroxy radical scavenger. Under ‘direct photolysis’ conditions (254 nm light) the stabiliser does not undergo unfavourable dimerisation reactions like other related p-alkyl substituted phenols. Evidence is also presented to show that the presence of the long aliphatic hydrocarbon chain has a powerful protective effect on the molecule and this is associated with a radical recombination process due to the polymer cage.     

Crystallization-induced reactions of copolymers. II. Cis-trans isomerization of 1,4-poly-1,3-butadiene

The cis-trans photoisomerization reaction of 1,4-polybutadiene was carried out below the melting points on films of polymers containing high trans-1,4 contents. Under the proper conditions of temperature and polymer composition, the reaction was observed to undergo an anti-equilibrium behavior, which was attributed to an irreversible crystallization of repeating units after isomerization from cis to trans structure. As a result, the trans composition passed through a minimum with reaction time while crystallinity increased throughout the reaction, and unexpectedly the β crystalline form was observed well below the α–β transition temperature. The composition–time behavior observed was rationalized on the basis of incorporation of trans units into crystalline regions on the lamellar fold surfaces and discussed within the framework of the proposed requirements for crystallization-induced reactions of copolymers.     

A solution‐processible poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) without alkyl substitution: Introducing the cis‐vinylene segments in polymer chain for improved solubility,blue emission,and high efficiency

A soluble all‐aromatic poly(2,5‐diphenyl‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene) (2,5‐DP‐PPV) is synthesized by utilizing aromatic phosphonium and aldehyde monomers through Wittig reaction. The H¹ NMR and FTIR measurements indicate that over 50% content of cis‐vinylene units exist in polymer backbone. The diphenyl‐substituted benzaldehyde monomer plays an important role to enhance cis‐products (Z‐selectivity) in Wittig reactions. The twisted cis‐segments in polymer backbone reduce the interchain interactions and enhance the solubility of such all‐aromatic PPV derivative in common organic solvents. 2,5‐DP‐PPV exhibits good solubility in common organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran and chloroform. The polymer film exhibits a blue light emission (λ_max = 485 nm) and a very high photoluminescence efficiency of 78%. The cis‐trans photo isomerization of this polymer in solution and the impact on the optical properties are also investigated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 5242–5250, 2008     

Reactions of hydroxyl radicals with polystyrene

The reaction of polystyrene with hydroxyl radicals, generated by the photolysis (λ > 300 nm) of H₂O₂, has been studied at 25° in dichloromethane solution, both under vacuum conditions and in presence of O₂. Spectroscopic analyses suggest the presence of phenols and hydroxymucondialdehydes (when O₂ is present) among the reaction products, indicating that OH addition occurs at the phenyl groups of the polymer. By comparison with initiated oxidation reactions under the same conditions, it is concluded that the OH radicals undergo mainly addition reactions. A mechanism has been produced to account for the products. The significance of OH addition reactions in the oxidation of polystyrene is considered, the OH radicals being produced by hydroperoxide decomposition during oxidation, and the products having been previously identified as containing mucondialdehydes.     

Stabilisation of cis-1,4-polybutadiene against photo-oxidation and singlet oxygen oxidation by hindered phenols

The hindered phenols, 1,6-di-methylphenol, 2,4,6-tri-methylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol, were examined for their stabilising effect in free radical photo-oxidative and singlet oxygen oxidative degradation of cis-1,4-polybutadiene in solution. The stabilising activity was found to be a complex function of the ability of the hindered phenols to react with free radicals and singlet oxygen. Steric hindrance has an obvious effect on the stabilising activity of phenols.     

Syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene with Co-CS2 catalyst system. I. Preparation,properties, and application of highly crystalline syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene

Highly crystalline syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene (s-PB) having melting point (mp) up to 216°C was obtained by using a Co(acac)₃-AIEt₃-CS₂ catalyst. The polymer with mp 208°C was found to have 99.7% 1,2 content and 99.6% syndiotacticity by ¹H and ¹³C-NMR measurements. The s-PB can be molded by addition of a stabilizer such as 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxymethylphenol into fiber, film, and various shaped articles. The physical properties presented in the present article include stress-strain and dynamic mechanical behavior. The highly crystalline syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene was applied to a carbon fiber and UBEPOL VCR (cis-1,4-polybutadiene reinforced by fibrous syndiotactic 1,2-polybutadiene).     

Synthesis and characterization of high cis-polybutadiene: influence of monomer concentration and reaction temperature

This paper reports the study of the dependence of reaction conversion, catalyst activity, polymer microstructure, molecular weight, molecular weight distribution curves and Mooney viscosity on reaction temperature and monomer concentration in the reaction medium used in the synthesis of high cis-polybutadiene. A ternary catalyst system composed by neodymium versatate, trans-butyl chloride and diisobutylaluminum hydride was used in its synthesis. The highest molecular weights were obtained at polymerization temperatures in the range from 70 to 80 °C. The highest content of cis-1,4 repeating units (about 99%) was observed when the polymerization was carried out at the lowest initial monomer concentration (0.56 mol/l).     

Methyl-and tert-butyl-substituted hydroquinones and semiquinone radicals: Bond strength estimates, enthalpy of formation, and the rate constants of their reactions with peroxy radicals

The strength of the O-H bonds (D) in hydroquinone (HQH) and its alkyl derivatives has been estimated by the intersecting parabolas method using rate constants known for the reactions of these compounds with the styrene peroxy radical. For unsubstituted HQH, D = 352.6 kJ/mol; for substituted HQH derivatives, D = 349.9 (Me), 346.9 (2,5-Me₂), 343.0 (Me₃), 347.6 (CMe₃), and 340.2 (2,5-(CMe₃)₂) kJ/mol. The enthalpies of formation of these HQH derivatives have been calculated. The O-H bond strengths in the semiquinone radicals (HQ^.) resulting from the above HQH derivatives have been calculated using a thermochemical equation to be $D_{HQ^. } $ = 236.7, 237.4, 239.8, 244.7, 240.1, and 247.5 kJ/mol, respectively. Rate constants have been determined for the reactions of the hydroquinones with tertiary and secondary peroxy radicals and HOO^. at 323 K. The rate constants of the reactions between HOO^. and benzoquinones and the relative reactivities of the HQ^. radicals in their reactions with ROO^. have been estimated.     

Physico-chemical aspects of polyethylene processing in an open mixer. Part 23: Mechanisms and kinetics of trans-vinylene group consumption

There are many potential reactions for trans-vinylene groups in oxidizing polyethylene melts. The main possibilities are reactions with peroxy radicals, molecular oxygen, hydroperoxides and peracids. These different reactions can all contribute to the removal of trans-vinylene groups to some extent. This is especially so, for the reactions with hydroperoxides that have been found to be the dominant reactions with vinylidene and vinyl groups in the low temperature range. The reaction with peroxy radicals is thought to be as important relatively as with vinylidene groups. Therefore, the importance of the reaction is decreasing with increasing temperature. However, the most characteristic reaction for trans-vinylene groups can be detected without any doubt only in the advanced stages of processing. It is mechanical stress induced oxygen addition to the double bond. The discussion shows that the reaction should be important from the beginning of processing. The reaction cannot operate with vinyl and vinylidene groups, which are not part of the polyethylene main chain. After oxygen addition to the trans-vinylene group, the “ene” reaction yields an allylic hydroperoxide so that the double bond is not immediately removed. It is acid catalyzed hydroperoxide decomposition that leads to chain scission with aldehyde formation at the new chain ends.     

Pyrolysis of polyisoprenes. I. Differentiation between natural and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprenes

Two methods of differentiating between natural rubber and synthetic cis-1,4-polyisoprenes have been examined. Both techniques depend on the presence of Ziegler-Natta catalyst residues in the synthetic polymers. The major pyrolysis product of cis-1,4-polyisoprenes at 350°C is 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)cyclohexene. This can undergo disproportionation to yield 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)benzene and methyl-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexenes. It is this disproportionation reaction, catalyzed by Ziegler-Natta catalyst residues or by carbon black, that is responsible for the different product ratios obtained on pyrolysis of natural rubber and Ziegler-Natta catalyzed cis-1,4-polyisoprenes. Lithium alkyl-polymerized polyisoprenes undergo this secondary disproportionation reaction only in the presence of carbon black. Derivative thermogravimetric traces of black-filled sulfur vulcanizates of natural rubber and synthetic polyisoprenes are significantly different because polymerization catalyst residues promote cyclization of the polymer.     

Simulation of polymer network formation: Connectivity considerations

The issue of connectivity in polymer networks is discussed by employing graph theory. Several topics are addressed, including the theory of rubberlike elasticity and computer simulations of network formation. The formulation of the partition function is reviewed and new applications are presented on the irradiation cure of polybutadiene and the sulfur vulcanization of cis(1,4)-polyisoprene and cis(1,4)-polybutadiene.     

A DFT study of H-isomerisation in alkoxy-, alkylperoxy- and alkyl radicals: Some implications for radical chain reactions in polymer systems

Intramolecular 1-n H-shift (n = 2, 3… 7) reactions in alkoxy, alkyl and peroxy radicals were studied by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-311+G∗∗ level and compared with respective intermolecular H-transfers. It was found that starting from 1 to 3 H-shift the barrier heights stepwise decrease with increasing n reaching minimum for 1-5 and 1-6 H-shifts. This dependence can be ascribed to the decrease of the strain with increasing transition state (TS) ring size, which is minimal in six- and seven-member rings. The barrier heights of H-shifts in alkyl radicals are systematically larger than those in alkoxy radicals: the respective activation energies (E_a) of 1-5 and 1-6 H-shifts are about 59-67 kJ/mol for alkyl radical and 21-34 kJ/mol for alkoxy radicals. Further increase of the TS ring size in 1-7 H-shifts leads to the increase of the barrier to 44 kJ/mol in the hexyloxy radical and 84 kJ/mol for n-heptyl radical. We have also found that intermolecular H-transfer reactions in all three types of free radicals have smaller barriers than respective intramolecular 1-5 or 1-6 H-shifts by 4-25 kJ/mol. The mentioned difference can be explained in terms of enhanced nonbonding repulsion interaction in the cyclic TS structures compared to respective intermolecular TS. B3LYP/6-311+G∗∗ geometric parameters and imaginary frequencies for 1-n H-shifts TS are consistent with respective calculated barrier heights. Reactivity of some other radicals compared to alkoxy, peroxy and alkyl radicals as well as other factors influencing their reactivity (π-conjugation, steric effect and ring strain in cyclic TS, etc.) are also briefly discussed in relation to free radical reactions in polymer systems.