The crystallinity of polyaryl ether ether ketone

Measurement of the degree of crystallinity of the polymer matrix in a composite is complicated by the presence of the reinforcing additive. This is particularly the case in APC-2 in which as much as 70% can be carbon fibre. A First Law procedure, developed for determining the degree of crystallinity of PEEK, which involves direct measurement of the enthalpy changes associated with melting, crystallization and heat capacity changes, has found to be an effective method for the determination of the crystallinity of the PEEK matrix. The procedure has been applied to carbon fibre and glass fibre PEEK composites.     

Synthesis of poly(ether ether ketone) containing sodium sulfonate groups as gas dehumidification membrane material

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) containing sodium sulfonate groups can be prepared directly from sodium 2,5-dihydroxybenzenesulfonate and 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone. This method is more advantageous than sulfonation of PEEK, avoiding possible degradation and crosslinking. The polymer shows high permeability of water vapor and high selectivity of permeation of water vapor versus nitrogen and can be used as gas dehumidification membrane material.     

Bead affinity chromatography in a temperature-controllable microsystem for biomarker detection

This paper describes a temperature-controllable bead affinity chromatography (BAC) in a microsystem for biomarker detection, and preparing samples for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. Cancer marker proteins were captured in the microsystem by BAC with RNA aptamer-immobilized microbeads. The captured proteins were then denatured and released from the microbeads by controlling temperature. The microsystem consists of a microreactor for trapping microbeads and a temperature control unit for thermal treatment of the trapped beads. We used polymethylsilxoane or single crystalline silicon in fabricating two different types of reaction chamber to compare the differences in performance originated from the materials. Carcinoembryonic antigen was concentrated and purified from human serum using the microsystem and detected by MALDI-TOF MS to demonstrate the usefulness of the microsystem. The microsystem simplifies a sample preparation process required for protein analysis and cancer biomarker detection, which will accelerate the process of cancer research.     

A Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy study of the crystallization behaviour of poly (ether ether ketone)/poly (ether imide) blends

This paper describes a study of the crystallization behaviour of blends consisting of the polymers poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and poly (ether imide) (PEI) using Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy. The annealing process of PEEK was followed for the virgin polymer and also when it was blended with PEI. The data presented show that the crystallization process of PEEK is inhibited by the presence of the PEI, but the extent of the crystallinity is increased. There is also evidence that the presence of the PEI induces premelting of the PEEK.     

Development of an integrated microsystem for injection, transport and manipulation of encoded microbeads

An integrated microsystem for injection, transport and manipulation of encoded microbeads on a single microchip is presented. The device also incorporates a customized reaction chamber to process individual, optically encoded microbeads. This research illustrates how microfabrication technologies enable convenient integration of multiple capabilities of microbeads, controlled microfluidic injection, integration of heater elements and temperature sensors and detection of microbeads in a single microfluidic chip. A practical application for the integrated microsystem is confirmed by the ability to select a specific DNA sequence of interest from a 4 x 4 cDNA library. This application emphasizes the advantages of component integration for rapid bio-assay development in a complete microsystem.     

Transport behavior of carbon disulfide into poly aryl ether ether ketone

The sorption/desorption of carbon disulfide into/from PEEK as a function of crystallinity and temperature was investigated. The sorption curves of carbon disulfide into PEEK show only two major regions: (a) an increase of penetrant weight with time, and (b) a limiting equilibrium value (solubility). This is in contrast to the sorption of toluene into PEEK which shows three regions. The solubility of carbon disulfide decreases with increasing crystallinity, but temperature has little effect on the solubility in the temperature range of 25–40°C. An acceleration in penetration rate at the later stage of diffusion is observed for PEEK films whose crystallinity is greater than 13.4%, suggesting Supercase II diffusion. Carbon disulfide can be desorbed completely from PEEK in contrast to other fluids, such as toluene or methylene chloride, which are difficult to desorb. The normalized weight loss of carbon disulfide during desorption is an exponential function of square-root time. Solvent-induced crystallization was observed. Crystallinity was estimated from both the measured density and microhardness of the desorbed polymer and polymer which had undergone a sorption/desorption/resorption/desorption cycle. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Chemiluminescence studies of the thermooxidation of PEEK

A highly sensitive microcomputer-controlled chemiluminescence apparatus capable of spectral resolution of emitted light has been used to study the oxidation of thermoplastic matrix material poly(ether ether ketone), PEEK, at 110°C in oxygen. Even after prolonged exposure and extensive decay in the chemiluminescence signal, the samples show no change in properties or accumulation of oxidation products. Evidence suggests that after oxygen-assisted initiation, reaction proceeds by radical transfer primarily of polymer phenoxy radicals in a type of radical aromatic substitution reaction on PEEK. Similar substitution-type biomolecular termination of polymer phenoxy radicals can lead to excited polymer and benzoquinone, emitters that account for much of the oxyluminescence spectrum of PEEK. Under the experimental conditions, the benzoquinone is volatile and the product polymer should be indistinguishable from starting polymer.     

On the Future Design of Bio‐Inspired Polyetheretherketone Dental Implants

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising implant material because of its excellent mechanical characteristics. Although this polymer is a standard material in spinal applications, PEEK is not in use in the manufacturing of dental implants, where titanium is still the most‐used material. This may be caused by its relative bio‐inertness. By the use of various surface modification techniques, efforts have been made to enhance its osseointegrative characteristics to enable the polymer to be used in dentistry. In this feature paper, the state‐of‐the‐art for dental implants is given and different surface modification techniques of PEEK are discussed. The focus will lie on a covalently attached surface layer mimicking natural bone. The usage of such covalently anchored biomimetic composite materials combines many advantageous properties: A biocompatible organic matrix and a mineral component provide the cells with a surrounding close to natural bone. Bone‐related cells may not recognize the implant as a foreign body and therefore, may heal and integrate faster and more firmly. Because neither metal‐based nor ceramics are ideal material candidates for a dental implant, the combination of PEEK and a covalently anchored mineralized biopolymer layer may be the start of the desired evolution in dental surgery.     

Polymer microfabrication methods for microfluidic analytical applications

A growing number of microsystem technology (MST) applications, particularly in the field of microfluidics with its applications in the life sciences, have a need for novel fabrication methods which account for substrates other than silicon or glass. We present in this paper an overview of existing polymer microfabrication technologies for microfluidic applications, namely replication methods such as hot embossing, injection molding and casting, and the technologies necessary to fabricate the molding masters. In addition, techniques such as laser ablation and layering techniques are examined. Methods for bonding and dicing of polymer materials, which are necessary for complete systems, are evaluated.     

Surface Plasticization of Poly(ether ether ketone)

This paper describes a study of the surface plasticization and antiplasticization of an amorphous and a semicrystalline poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) in solvent environments using nanohardness method. A range of solvents (octane, chloroform, tetrachloroethane, acetone, dichlorobenzene, polyethyleneglycol (PEG), methanol and water) based on the Hilderbrand’s Solubility Parameter were selected as solvent environments. The results of the nanoindentation hardness experiments performed on the virgin and the solvent immersed polymeric surfaces are reported. The surface plasticization or antiplasticization is reported on the basis of the softening or the hardening of the near surface layers (?1 μm) after immersion of the polymeric surfaces in the solvent environments. Surface plasticization of the amorphous PEEK has been observed in organic solvents. The chlorine containing solvents have severely degraded the hardness of the amorphous polymer. A surface hardening of the amorphous PEEK has been observed after immersion in water. Semicrystalline PEEK was seen to exhibit a considerable inert behaviour to common organic solvents but chlorinated organic solvents and water have caused a decrease in the surface mechanical properties.     

Development of a capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry method using polymer capillaries for metabolomic analysis of yeast

Metabolomics is an emerging field in analytical biochemistry, and the development of such a method for comprehensive and quantitative analysis of organic acids, carbohydrates, and nucleotides is a necessity in the era of functional genomics. When a concentrated yeast extract was analyzed by CE-MS using a successive multiple ionic-polymer layer (SMIL)-coated capillary, the adsorption of the contaminants on the capillary wall caused severe problems such as no elution, band-broadening, and asymmetric peaks. Therefore, an analytical method for the analysis of anionic metabolites in yeast was developed by pressure-assisted CE using an inert polymer capillary made from poly(ether etherketone) (PEEK) and PTFE. We preferred to use the PEEK over the PTFE capillary in CE-MS due to the easy-to-use PEEK capillary and its high durability. The separation of anionic metabolites was successfully achieved with ammonium hydrogencarbonate/formate buffer (pH 6.0) as the electrolyte solution. The use of 2-propanol washing after every electrophoresis run not only eliminated wall-adsorption phenomena, but allowed for good repeatability to be obtained for migration times in the metabolomic analysis.     

Study of the carbon fiber–poly(ether–ether–ketone) (PEEK) interfaces, 1: surface characterization of fibers and matrices,and interfacial adhesion energy

The aim of this general study is to determine the physicochemical characteristics and mechanical properties of carbon fiber–PEEK interfaces. In the first part, the dispersive component of the surface energy and the electron acceptor–donor (acid–base) characteristics of PEEK polymer and different types of untreated and surface-treated carbon fibers are determined by means of inverse gas–solid chromatography at infinite dilution. It appears, in particular, that the acid–base surface properties of PEEK and, consequently, the orientation of macromolecules near the surface, depend on the processing of this polymer. Moreover, according to previous work, an estimation of the adhesion energy, corresponding to physical interactions (London and acid–base interactions) at carbon fiber–PEEK interfaces is proposed. Whatever the surface characteristics of PEEK, the highest level of carbon fiber–PEEK adhesion is achieved in systems involving oxidized or sized carbon fibers.     

气相色谱法探究聚醚醚酮的热降解及热氧化降解（英文）

Poly(ether ether ketone)(PEEK)was synthesized via polycondensation of hydroquinone with 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone at 320℃for 5 h.Thermal and thermo-oxidative degradation of PEEK was studied over a wide range of temperatures.In an inert medium,decomposition of the polymer occurred in one stage,with the formation of a coke residue accounting for approximately 50%of the original polymer mass.In air,the mass loss curve exhibited two distinct stages.The first stage involved breakdown of the main polymer chain,the speed of which indicated a radical chain failure mechanism.In the second stage,the rate of mass loss clearly decreased,indicating a transition from the radical chain failure mechanism to simple combustion reactions(wherein the polymer combusted completely).To further investigate the nature of the processes occurring during the pyrolysis of PEEK,the investigations were carried out using gas chromatograph under isothermal conditions.It was concluded that during thermal degradation,the decomposition of the polymer starts with the rupture of ketone and ether bonds and proceeds to destruction of the benzene ring at higher temperatures,which is accompanied by the formation of H2O and CH4.Above 500℃,the polymer degradation further involved thermohydrolysis.The thermo-oxidation of PEEK,which was accompanied mainly by the formation ofH2,was noticeable beginning at 325℃.The total yield of the latter indicated oxidation of fragments of the benzene ring.     

Physico-chemical analysis of semi-crystalline PEEK in aliphatic and aromatic solvents

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer having excellent mechanical and thermal properties. Exposure of this polymer to aliphatic and aromatic solvents can lead to degradation or swelling of the polymeric material. The present work described the plasticization and stability analysis of semi-crystalline PEEK under different aromatic and aliphatic solvent environment. A variety of solvents (acetone, benzene, benzyl alcohol, chloroform, methanol, and toluene), based on their Hildebrand’s Solubility Parameter, were chosen for investigation. The physico-chemical characteristics of virgin and treated polymeric samples were investigated using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. The results indicated that the solvent exposure did not significantly affect the thermal behavior and chemical structure of the polymer. However, it seems that certain components of the polymer were leached into the solvent phase as revealed by the GC–MS analysis. The present study identified PEEK as a potentially suitable polymer for the applications where high resistance to aliphatic and aromatic solvents is needed.     

New materials and packing techniques for micro-HPLC packed capillary columns

Summary Plastic tubing of polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is used for the preparation of HPLC packed capillary columns. The polymer is rigid but not fragile, has great resistance to chemical and physical agents and comes in standard 1/16″ O.D. These features can extend the column lifetime and facilitate the overall employment of HPLC capillary columns. Serial connection of short columns is also possible with no increase in dead volume. A new, rapid and effective packing method has been developed to be compatible with the characteristics of the material. Several C8 and C18 columns have been prepared and tested and some applications are shown.     

不同磺化及碱处理聚醚醚酮的表面化学组成及体外生物活性评价

提出一种酸碱结合改性聚醚醚酮（PEEK）方法,并评价其对PEEK表面类骨磷灰石形成的影响.结果表明,通过磺化处理引入-SO₃H,显著改善了样品的亲水性,且磺化程度与H₂SO₄浓度和磺化反应时间成正比,并影响样品的表面形貌.质量分数为85% H₂SO₄处理30 min的PEEK-S具有较好的改性效果.将PEEK-S进一步用NaOH处理,可继续引入Na元素并提高样品的亲水性,但会受处理时间的影响.模拟体液（SBF）浸泡的生物活性评价结果表明,磺化后碱处理24 h的PEEK-Na具有快速的类骨磷灰石沉积能力,浸泡3 d的样品表面即可完全被沉积的类骨磷灰石覆盖,表现出较佳的生物活性.此酸碱双重改性方法操作简单,可大幅度提升PEEK的生物活性,具有较好的应用前景.     

基质辅助激光解吸与离子化时间飞行质谱在高分子研究中的应用

对基质辅助激光解吸与离子化时间飞行质谱的发展历程和基本原理作了简要介绍,对这一分析技术在高分子研究中的应用进行了全面的综述和展望。本文表明,ＭＡＬＤＩ－ＴＯＦ－ＭＳ能快速准确地测定窄分布高分子的分子量,可测分子是一达１５０００００,所得平均分子量值及分子量分布指数与ＧＰＣ等常规方法相符;能用于高分子末端基的检测,从而推断聚合反应机理;也能用于共聚反应与共聚物结构的分析;另外,还能从分子量分布理到自     

微系统与电化学

本文简要介绍微系统的涵义、发展和主要特点。通过列举并讨论电化学在微系统中的应用以及微系统在电化学中的可能应用 ,阐明作为纳米科技一个重要组成部分的微系统的兴起将在二十一世纪为电化学提供新的发展机遇。     

Poly(ether ether ketone)‐bischromenes: Synthesis,characterization, and influence on thermal,mechanical, and thermo mechanical properties of epoxy resin

Poly(ether ether ketone) s with terminal propargyl groups (PEEK‐PR) were synthesized from hydroxyl terminated PEEK (PEEKTOH) and characterized. The heat‐triggered polymerization of PEEK‐PR to poly bischromenes having PEEK backbone was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetric studies. PEEK‐PR was blended with a bisphenol based epoxy resin‐diamino diphenylsulphone system in different proportions and cured to form PEEK‐bischromene‐interpenetrated‐epoxy‐amine networks. Tensile strength and elongation of the cured blends increased up to 10‐phr loading of PEEK‐PR and then declined. Tensile moduli of all formulations were comparable. Fracture toughness increased by a maximum of 33%, and the fractured surface morphology showed a ductile fracture. The blends exhibited slightly lower glass transition temperature to that of the neat epoxy‐amine system. A reference sample of epoxy‐amine was processed with the optimum loading of the precursor polymer, PEEKTOH, and compared its properties with the PEEK‐PR incorporated epoxy systems. In this way, it is found that the incorporation of addition curable propargylated PEEK increases the strength characteristics with adequate thermal stability and fracture toughness for high‐performance structural applications.