Polymeric Catalysts

The present-day position in the field of polymeric catalysts is outlined. The following selected groups of polymeric catalysts are discussed: synthetic hydrolases, immobilized enzymes, phase-transfer catalysts, nucleophilically active bases, polymers with conjugated π-systems, photosensitizers, polymers as carriers for catalytically active metals or ions, and immobilized homogeneous catalysts. Polymeric catalysts have the following valuable properties: insoluble polymeric catalysts are readily separable from reaction solutions and can often be re-used without loss of activity; a hydrophobic matrix protects the organometallic active center from deactivation by oxygen and water; by fixation of finely divided metals on an ion exchanger, multistage reactions may be effected successively in one reactor. Polymeric carriers may influence the catalytic properties; for example, in the case of immobilized enzymes on polyionic carriers the pH of the activity maximum may be shifted.     

Branched polyacrylamides: Synthesis and effect of molecular architecture on solution rheology

Linear, star and comb-like polyacrylamides (PAM) have been prepared by atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) in aqueous media at room temperature. The influence of the molecular architecture of PAM on the rheological properties in aqueous solution has been investigated. The well-known theory of increased entanglement density by branching for polymers in the melt can also be applied to polymers in the semi-dilute water solutions. We have demonstrated this by investigating the rheological properties of PAM of similar molecular weights with different molecular architectures. Interestingly, the solution viscosity of a comb PAM is higher compared to its linear and star analogues (both at equal span molecular weight, M_n,SPAN, and total molecular weight, M_n,tot). In addition to the pure viscosity, we also demonstrate that the visco-elastic properties of the polymeric solutions depend significantly on the molecular architecture of the employed PAM. The elastic response of water solutions containing comb PAM is more pronounced than for solutions containing either linear or star PAM at similar M_n,SPAN and M_n,tot. The obtained results pave the way for application of these polymeric materials in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR).     

聚合物Langmuir—Blodgett膜研究进展

聚合物LB膜可用两种方法制备,一种是两亲单体成膜再进行聚合反应,另一种为直接从两亲聚合物在亚相表面铺展成膜并转移。本文综合聚合物LB膜的研究状况,包括两亲聚合物和非两亲聚合物,对聚合物LB膜的成膜特点,结构和性能作了描述,并简要介绍了聚合物LB膜的应用前景。     

界面超分子聚合

超分子聚合物诞生于高分子化学与超分子化学的交叉融合,一般是指单体间通过非共价键作用连接形成的聚合物,并在溶液或体相中表现出类似聚合物的性质。目前超分子聚合物一般通过均相溶液聚合制备得到,但溶液中的超分子聚合是一个自发的组装过程,具有浓度依赖性,组装过程不易可控。为解决此问题,研究人员可以将超分子聚合从均相溶液转移到界面,在界面上可控地制备超分子聚合物。通过界面聚合制备超分子聚合物具有一些独特的优势,如可以制备得到分子量更高的超分子聚合物,易于制备一些缺陷少、面积大、有序的二维超分子聚合物等。本文基于在液-液、气-液和固-液三种界面上制备超分子聚合物的一些代表性工作,介绍了界面超分子聚合方法和应用,并展望其未来发展。     

Theory and simulations of charged polymers: From solution properties to polymeric nanomaterials

Charged polymers are macromolecules with ionizable groups. These polymeric systems demonstrate unique properties that are qualitatively different from their neutral counterparts. In this review I survey the recent progress made in understanding properties of the solutions of charged polymers, swelling of polyelectrolyte gels, conformational transformations of charged dendrimers, complexation between charged macromolecules, adsorption of charged polymers at surfaces and interfaces, and multilayer assembly in ionic systems.     

Synthesis and properties of polymeric azine and thiazine dyes

Some polymeric azine or thiazine dyes were prepared by radical polymerization of dye monomers or by polymer reactions between dyes and suitable prepolymers, and their photoredox reactivities were studied. The thionine polymers containing labile ? OH groups exhibited photochromism and thermochromism, which were extremely sensitive to the moisture content of the polymer film. The reversibility of the photochromism and thermochromism increased with the water content in the film. The water-soluble polymeric dyes were photobleached under the influence of suitable reducing agents. The degree of photobleaching was smaller than for the monomeric systems except for the dye polymers containing ? OH groups, probably because of the large steric hindrance of the polymers.     

Wettability of cellular polyurethane

Cellular polymers constitute an important field of investigation due to their unique properties as shock absorbers and thermal or acoustic insulators. The knowledge of the wetting properties of these materials is important in applications where adhesion or weathering behavior are an issue. In this study, cellular polyurethane polymers were used to investigate the effect of the cellular structure on the wetting properties. The polymeric substrates were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and the wetting properties were studied by goniometry. The contact angles of water and diiodomethane were measured as a function of time and the surface tension of the expanded polymers was evaluated by the geometric and harmonic mean methods. It was found that the wettability and the surface energy of the cellular polymers increase as the density decreases. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis,thermal and optical properties of new nanosized polyamides containing N-phenyl- and O-naphthyl-s-triazine rings; part 2

We report the chemistry and properties of two new series of well-defined nano sized spheres aramides-containing N- and O-naphthyl-s-triazines. The polymers were carefully characterized by different techniques including infrared, ultraviolet, fluorescent emission, elemental, thermal analyses and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The polymers were readily soluble in polar aprotic solvents while insoluble neither in water nor halogenated solvents. Thermal analyses data up to 900°C showed high thermal behavior and the polymers were classified either as “slow burning polymers” or “self-extinguishing polymers” based on their calculated the limiting oxygen index. Interestingly, the naphthyl / phenyl interchange has dramatic improvement on the thermal properties. Obviously, the pyridine / phenylene interchange has no influence on the thermal properties of the addressed polymers. Thermal stability of the aniline-containing polymers proved to be comparable to their naphthylamine analogues. Polymers containing p-phenylene moieties exhibited better thermal results compared to their analogues containing m-phenylene moieties. Benzidine containing polymers and sulfone containing polymers exhibited better thermal stabilities than their analogues containing either ether or methylene flexible linkages. The kinetic data obtained from the nonisothermal decomposition of the prepared polyamides series were also studied. The polymers exhibited emissions ranging from blue to orange wavelength depending on the nature of the signaling unit. The naphthyl / phenyl interchange led to either appreciable red-shifted absorptions in some cases or blue-shifted absorptions in other cases and this behavior may be attributed to the contorted, twisted structural nature of the naphthalene ring. Such attracting properties make these polymers good candidates for applications such as processable high-temperature materials and also as heat-resistant polymeric materials.     

Synthesis and curing of epoxy-anhydride polymers modified with an oxirane of the tetrahydroquinoline series

Epoxy-anhydride polymers were prepared from diphenylolpropane diglycidyl ether and isomethyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride in the presence of a chemical modifier, oxirane of the tetrahydroquinoline series. The kinetics of the reaction of the modifier with the anhydride and the curing kinetics of the polymeric compound containing the modifier were studied. The thermal properties and water absorption of the polymers after their curing and structure formation were determined.     

Polymeric materials for solar water purification

Solar-based desalination or water purification is regarded as one of the promising solutions to global water scarcity as the only energy input is abundant and sustainable solar light. Interfacial solar vapor generation (SVG), which converts natural sunlight into clean water vapor, has attracted extensive research interests due to its high-energy utilization efficiency and simple implementation. With tunable molecular structures and tailorable physical properties, polymers have demonstrated great potential as candidate materials for solar evaporators. In this review, we summarize the recent progress on polymer materials for solar-powered water purification. First, we present functional polymers with highly tunable molecular composition and morphology as high-efficiency solar absorbers. Next, the recent development of various polymeric materials and structural engineering strategies for adequate water supply and efficient thermal management are discussed, along with their excellent desalination and purification performance. Last, we outline the challenges and future directions on the further development of polymer materials for solar water purification technologies.     

Peculiarities in the kinetics of the polymerization of sodium p-styrenesulphonate in various media

The homogeneous free radical polymerization of sodium p-styrenesulphonate has been investigated at 70° for solutions in water—dioxane mixtures and in aqueous solutions of lithium chloride. The polarographic method of analysis was applied. The experimental data reveal a strong influence of the reaction medium on the reactivity of sodium p-styrenesulphonate as well as on the properties of the resulting polymers.     

用于毛细管电泳DNA分离的合成聚合物*

毛细管电泳的无胶筛分方法在DNA片段分离、DNA 测序方面取得了显著的成绩并已成功应用于人类基因组计划.该法是在毛细管柱中充入一定浓度和组成的线性高分子溶液,利用其对样品组分电泳迁移时的阻滞作用,按分子量大小对DNA等生物大分子进行筛分分离分析.因此,聚合物筛分介质的类型、组成和性质会显著影响分离效果.近年来,由于受到基因组计划的影响,出现了许多用于DNA片段分离和DNA测序的水溶性高分子聚合物,并取得很大进展.本文按照均聚物和共聚物的分类,综述了作为筛分介质的各种合成聚合物及其应用效果,并简要介绍了有关的筛分理论和分离的评价指标.     

一维酞菁聚合物的从头算晶体轨道研究

用密度泛函自洽场晶体轨道方法计算了几种一维酞菁聚合物及其取代衍生物的能带结构和电子性质,得到这些聚合物均是半导体.研究发现,聚合方式和共轭程度的差异不仅影响能隙的大小,而且影响能带的形状.取代基对聚合物能带形状的影响不大,但取代基的电子特性对能带的位置高低起到一定的作用.     

结构原子组成对Keggin型杂多酸铯盐上丙烷选择氧化性能的影响

系统地研究了具有不同结构原子组成的Keggin型杂多酸铯盐上丙烷选择氧化性能,重点考察了H3+n-xCsxPMo12-nVnO40(n=0-4,x=0-3)系列化合物以及H0.5Cs2.5PW12O40,H1.5Cs2.5PW11VO40和H1.5Cs2.5SiMo12O40样品.应用BET,UV-Vis,FTIR,XRD,TPR和SEM等手段研究了催化剂的物化性质.V取代Mo增加了H3+nPMo12-nVnO40(n=0-4)系列杂多酸的酸量和氧化性能.Cs+对质子的取代调变了样品的表面酸性以及氧化还原性,同时催化剂的热稳定性也随着Cs+取代数的递增而增强,当Cs+的取代数达到2以上时催化剂的热稳定性较好.Cs+取代对H3+n-xCsxPMo12-nVnO40(n=0-4,x=0-3)催化剂上丙烷选择氧化性能有重要影响.随着一级结构中V5+取代数目的增多,可能的Cs+取代数目相应减少;而对丙烯酸的选择性则存在一适宜的Cs+取代数目.Keggin型杂多阴离子的结构原子组成及平衡离子的种类和数量决定了其酸性、氧化还原性和热稳定性,这是影响该类催化剂上丙烷选择氧化性能的首要因素.研究结果表明,以P为中心原子,以Mo和V为配位原子的杂多酸铯盐[x(Cs+)=2.5]具有较好的催化性能.     

Influence of aqueous electrolytes on the wetting behavior of hydrophobic solid polymers-low-rate dynamic liquid/fluid contact angle measurements using axisymmetric drop shape analysis

The interaction of inorganic ions with low-energy hydrophobic surfaces was examined using model systems of solid polymers without ionizable functional surface groups in aqueous electrolyte solutions. Low-rate dynamic contact angle measurements with captive bubbles in conjunction with axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA) were performed to study the influence of electrolyte ions (in the aqueous test solutions) on the wettability of the polymers. When various types of ions were used, no significant change in advancing and receding contact angles was observed. The contact angle hysteresis was small. The zeta potential of the model polymers in aqueous electrolyte solutions was determined from streaming potential measurements. The variation of the zeta potential at different pH levels indicates preferential adsorption of hydroxyl ions at this interface. However, the presence of electrolytes at the interface between water and the different model polymers did not influence the macroscopic contact angle. The results may suggest the absence of any specific interaction between the ions and the solid polymer, as this should result in changes of hydrophobicity. Similar to the air/water interface, the composition and the potential of the polymer/water interface are obviously determined predominantly by the aqueous phase with only slight influence from the solid phase.     

Supramolecular Interfacial Polymerization: A Controllable Method of Fabricating Supramolecular Polymeric Materials

A new method of supramolecular polymerization at the water–oil interface is developed. As a demonstration, an oil‐soluble supramonomer containing two thiol end groups linked by two ureidopyrimidinone units and a water‐soluble monomer bearing two maleimide end groups are employed. Supramolecular interfacial polymerization can be implemented by a thiol–maleimide click reaction at the water–chloroform interface to obtain supramolecular polymeric films. The glass transition temperature of such supramolecular polymers can be well‐tuned by simply changing the polymerization time and temperature. It is highly anticipated that this work will provide a facile and general approach to realize control over supramolecular polymerization by transferring the preparation of supramolecular polymers from solutions to water–oil interfaces and construct supramolecular materials with well‐defined properties.     

Gradient polymers and copolymers

Gradient polymers are two component polymeric systems in which the concentration of one component varies in a continuous way from one side to the other in systems with plane-parallel geometry. Such systems can be obtained from an amorphous polymeric matrix by diffusing into another monomer creating a gradient of concentration, which is fixed by, for example, photo-polymerization. Properties of such systems with plane-parallel geometry are discussed. Paricular attention is given to the systems with cylindrical geometry in which the gradient of the second polymer varies from the center to outside. This class of gradient polymers has a great practical application as gradient optical polymeric fibers and multifocal lenses. An interesting and new class of gradient polymers are systems systems consisting of semicrystalline polymeric matrices in which a gradient of structure is created by appropriate thermal treatment and an amorphous polymer gradient is formed by diffusion of a monomer and its subsequent polymerization. The structural, thermal and mechanical properties are discussed mainly for a model system consisting of polyethylene and polystyrene. The polymeric gradient systems, consisting of an oriented semicrystalline polymer and amorphous gradient polymer, are discussed showing that the structurally gradient matrices and amorphous polymer offer a great variety of factors which can influence the properties of multicomponent gradient polymers. Recently obtained gradient copolymers in which the chemical composition varies from one end to the other a macromolecule are presented. It is shown how such macromolecules can be obtained with different type of changes of the composition. The unusual properties of gradient copolymers are discussed considering their mechanical and thermal properties as well their specific behaviour as compatibilizers. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Self-assembly and hydrophobic clusters of amphiphilic polysaccharides

The objective of this work was to synthesize and characterize new polymeric surfactants deriving from natural polymers and designed for membrane protein solubilization. For this purpose, a set of hydrophobically-modified pullulans (HMCMPs) of moderate molar mass and differing in hydrophobic modification ratio, charge ratio and the nature of the hydrophobic chains introduced, were prepared. Their behaviour in aqueous dilute solutions was investigated by surface tension measurement and with a polarity probe, the Coomassie Brilliant Blue dye. Two distinct critical concentrations were evidenced, demonstrating the complex behaviour of HMCMPs. Amphiphilic pullulan derivatives may indeed establish hydrophobic associations in bulk solution while adsorbing at the air  water interface. The structural parameters of the polymers influence their aqueous behaviour. Self-assembly of HMCMPs occurs at smaller concentrations when the hydrophobic modification ratio or the alkyl hydrophobic chain length increases. It seems to be governed by the concentration of hydrophobic grafts, rather than by polymer concentration. Probably because of steric hindrance, 3-phenylpropyl grafts do not favour self-assembly, and lead to HMCMPs that preferentially adsorb at the air  water interface.     

Solid‐phase extraction of explosive nitramines on macroreticular polymers modified by freezing with water or acetone

A novel approach is proposed to modify the porous structure and surface properties of the polymers used in solid‐phase extraction. The approach involves soaking in water or acetone, followed by freezing in liquid nitrogen (77.4 K) and was employed for two polymeric materials: Amberlite XAD‐7 and Amberlite XAD‐16. Variations in the surface properties of the adsorbents were justified by the action of acetone and water as solvents affecting the textural and other characteristic of the materials. The initial and treated adsorbents were used in extraction of explosive nitramines from aqueous samples. The performed modifications of the polymer texture allow us to increase the recovery rate as compared with the initial adsorbents. The results were justified by the swelling of fragments of the polymers and by the additional process of sorption of nitramines. The results indicate that polymeric adsorbents can be easily modified by the soaking/freezing process and the materials can be achieved that prove usefulness for the effective separation of explosive nitramines from aqueous samples.     

Determination of physical and structural parameters by DMA and DSC application to an epoxidic formulation

Mechanical behaviour play an important role in the election of an epoxidic formulation of well determined properties as it has a marked influence on both structural and external factors. Temperature and time strongly act on polymers properties owing to their viscoelastic nature. Knowledge of the dynamic moduli and properties of polymeric materials is indispensable for the design of this materials. At the same time, the influence of the temperature on polymers behaviour may be studied once the activation energy is known. In this paper the different dynamic moduli and activation energy are measured using a Perkin Elmer DMA 7. The relationships between the dynamic mechanical properties and the molecular weight of the polymers make possible the calculation of the molecular weight. Results reasonably agree with literature values.