Flammability Tests and Investigations of Properties of Lignin-Containing Polymer Composites Based on Acrylates

In this paper flammability tests and detailed investigations of lignin-containing polymer composites’ properties are presented. Composites were obtained using bisphenol A glycerolate (1 glycerol/phenol) diacrylate (BPA.GDA), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and kraft lignin (lignin alkali, L) during UV curing. In order to evaluate the influence of lignin modification and the addition of flame retardant compounds on the thermal resistance of the obtained biocomposites, flammability tests have been conducted. After the modification with phosphoric acid (V) lignin, as well as diethyl vinylphosphonate, were used as flame retardant additives. The changes in the chemical structures (ATR-FTIR), as well as the influence of the different additives on the hardness, thermal (TG) and mechanical properties were discussed in detail. The samples after the flammability test were also studied to assess their thermal destruction.     

Colouring Agents for SBR Vulcanizates and Their Effects on Ageing and UV Radiation Resistance

Summary: Metal free and some metal-perylene polymers as well as some metal phthalocyanine polymers were incorporated into styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds as colouring agents. The ageing and UV resistance of the vulcanizates obtained were studied in terms of their mechanical properties. The results obtained revealed that cobalt perylene and cobalt phthalocyanine polymers showed superior performance in SBR vulcanizates against thermal ageing and UV radiation. The optimum concentration of cobalt phthalocyanine polymer was found to be 1 phr (parts per hundred parts of rubber).     

ABS/clay nanocomposites obtained by a solution technique: Influence of clay organic modifiers

Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer/clay nanocomposites were produced using an intercalation-adsorption technique from polymer in solution: polymer/clay suspensions were subjected to ultrasonic processing to increase the effectiveness of mixing. Several kinds of organically modified layered silicates (OMLS) were used to understand the influence of the surfactant nature on the intercalation-exfoliation mechanism. We show that only imidazolium-treated montmorillonite (DMHDIM-MMT) is stable at the processing temperature of 200 °C, used for hot-pressing, whereas alkyl-ammonium modified clays show significant degradation.The morphology of ABS based polymer nanocomposites prepared in this work was characterized by means of wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dynamic-mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to determine the storage modulus and damping coefficient as a function of temperature, and to investigate the correlations between mechanical properties and morphology of the nanocomposites. The thermal stability was assessed by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). DMA and TGA show that the nanocomposites based on imidazolium-modified clay out-perform the nanocomposites based on quaternary-ammonium-modified clays in terms of mechanical properties and thermal stability.     

Optimized procedure for clay pillaring with aluminum species used in depollution

This study presents the improved method of smectite type clays pillaring, using aluminum salts. To achieve this goal, natural clay with a percentage of more than 95% montmorillonite was used. In order to analyze the pillaring process, a thermal procedure was used (thermal programmed desorption). The results of the pillaring process show that a controlled distance between the foliar band structures as long as 18·10^–10 m can be obtained. The clays modified by pillaring can be used as molecular sieves in microfiltration processes or as agents in residual water chemical depolluting processes. They also have zeolite properties which make them reusable.     

Effect of extrusion and photo-oxidation on polyethylene/clay nanocomposites

Polyethylene (a 1:1 blend of m-LLDPE and z-LLDPE) double layer silicate clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt extrusion using a twin screw extruder. Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PEgMA) was used as a compatibiliser to enhance the dispersion of two organically modified monmorilonite clays (OMMT): Closite 15A (CL15) and nanofill SE 3000 (NF), and natural montmorillonite (NaMMT). The clay dispersion and morphology obtained in the extruded nanocomposite samples were fully characterised both after processing and during photo-oxidation by a number of complementary analytical techniques. The effects of the compatibiliser, the organoclay modifier (quartenary alkyl ammonium surfactant) and the clays on the behaviour of the nanocomposites during processing and under accelerated weathering conditions were investigated. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), rheometry and attenuated reflectance spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) showed that the nanocomposite structure obtained is dependent on the type of clay used, the presence or absence of a compatibiliser and the environment the samples are exposed to. The results revealed that during processing PE/clay nanocomposites are formed in the presence of the compatibiliser PEgMA giving a hybrid exfoliated and intercalated structures, while microcomposites were obtained in the absence of PEgMA; the unmodified NaMMT-containing samples showed encapsulated clay structures with limited extent of dispersion in the polymer matrix. The effect of processing on the thermal stability of the OMMT-containing polymer samples was determined by measuring the additional amount of vinyl-type unsaturation formed due to a Hoffman elimination reaction that takes place in the alkyl ammonium surfactant of the modified clay at elevated temperatures. The results indicate that OMMT is responsible for the higher levels of unsaturation found in OMMT-PE samples when compared to both the polymer control and the NaMMT-PE samples and confirms the instability of the alkyl ammonium surfactant during melt processing and its deleterious effects on the durability aspects of nanocomposite products. The photostability of the PE/clay nanocomposites under accelerated weathering conditions was monitored by following changes in their infrared signatures and mechanical properties. The rate of photo-oxidation of the compatibilised PE/PEgMA/OMMT nanocomposites was much higher than that of the PE/OMMT (in absence of PEgMA) counterparts, the polymer controls and the PE–NaMMT sample. Several factors have been observed that can explain the difference in the photo-oxidative stability of the PE/clay nanocomposites including the adverse role played by the thermal decomposition products of the alkyl ammonium surfactant, the photo-instability of PEgMA, unfavourable interactions between PEgMA and products formed in the polymer as a consequence of the degradation of the surfactant on the clay, as well as a contribution from a much higher extent of exfoliated structures, determined by TEM, formed with increasing UV-exposure times.     

Polymer-analogous transformations of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) to produce new complexing macromolecular systems

A new polymer-analogous transformations of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) was used to prepare new complex-forming macromolecular systems containing thiourea and thio-semicarbazone sites. Two variants of modification were realized, namely, the method including the preliminary in situ activation of nucleophilic centres of the polymer amide fragments with dimethyl sulfate followed by introducing nucleophilic agents into the system, and the method including partial hydrolysis of poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) followed by the amide coupling. The obtained modified polymeric materials react with silver ions in aqueous solution.     

可紫外光交联氟代聚芳醚的合成及性能研究

以丙酮酸、苯甲醚为原料合成了1,1-双(4-甲氧基苯基)(BMPE)乙烯单体,并通过去甲基反应得到了含可交联基团的二酚单体1,1-双(4-羟基苯基)乙烯(BHPE),并且用核磁共振、飞行质谱及元素分析表征了单体的结构,DSC测试了单体的熔点.并将BHPE与全氟联苯(DFBP)在氟化钾和氢化钙的催化作用低温下进行缩聚反应,得到了一种可紫外辐照交联的氟代聚芳醚.通过核磁共振证明了所合成的单体以及聚合物的结构,凝胶渗透色谱(GPC)测定了聚合物的分子量.傅立叶变换红外光谱分析了聚合物紫外辐照下的交联反应.所合成的氟代聚芳醚在室温下可溶于氯仿、四氢呋喃等有机溶剂,紫外交联后不溶于任何有机溶剂.且合成的聚合物具有良好的热稳定性能(玻璃化转变温度为160℃,交联后的5%热失重为465℃).     

Thermal Analysis of Acrylonitrile Polymerization and Cyclization in the Presence of N,N-Dimethylformamide

This paper examines the polymerization of acrylonitrile to poly(acrylonitrile)(PAN), and its cyclization, in bulk form and using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as solvent in which both monomer and polymer are soluble. Thermal analysis of the resultant products after polymerization has been performed by DSC and pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Scanning electron microscopy has been used to study the morphology of the resultant products and after thermal treatments. The DSC thermal curve of PAN-DMF sample is quite different from the PAN bulk sample, showing a single sharp exothermic peak associated with nitrile group polymerization (cyclization) of PAN at lower temperature (240°C) than that of bulk PAN sample (314°C). Cyclization of PAN was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. It was found that the amide molecules are difficult to eliminate completely in the product obtained after the polymerization reaction, even after prolonged heating at 110°C, and remain occluded. The formation of a complex by dipolar bonding is also possible and it is discussed. It is concluded that the amount of heat evolved as well as the temperature interval over which it is released are influenced by the chemical processing of PAN when using DMF as solvent of both monomer and polymer. Pyrolysis of these PAN samples revealed the release of occluded molecules of DMF, and several compounds containing nitrogen produced from the thermal degradation processes. All these results are interesting to know the chemical processing of carbon fibres and activated carbon fibres from PAN modified precursors.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

表面活性剂改性的铝交联粘土的表征及其水蒸汽减活动力学研究

以聚乙烯醇（ＰＶＡ）为支撑前体合成出改性的铝交联蒙脱土与铝交联累托土。采用ＸＲＤ、Ｎ２低温吸附脱附法、ＩＲ等手段对它们进行了表征，并研究了它们在不同时间与温度条件下的水蒸汽减活动力学。研究结果表明，ＰＶＡ的改性有助于铝交联粘土层间距与比表面积的增大及热稳定性与水热稳定性的提高，粘土基质对其热稳定性与水热稳定性有显著影响，该类催化材料的水蒸汽减活动力学遵循一级衰减反应方程式，其减活速率常数与温度的函数关系可用一个指数函数的经验式表示。     

Highly heat-resistant poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">о</Emphasis>-hydroxy amide) binders of polyfunctional composites for microelectronics

A series of structurally similar poly(o-hydroxy amides), homo- and copolymers with different bridging fragments in the amine component, were synthesized. The heat resistance and electrophysical parameters of powdered polymer samples, of micrometer-thick films formed on substrates from reaction solutions of these polymers, and of films of photosensitive formulations based on them, containing photosensitive diazonaphthalenone component, were studied. Introduction of hexafluoropropane fragment into the macromolecule enhances the heat resistance of the polymer (powders and films) and decreases the dielectric permittivity of the films, compared to the reference poly(o-hydroxy amide) derived from 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane. The tetramethylsiloxane fragment considerably decreases the heat resistance of polymer powders and films, but improves the dielectric parameters of the coatings. Introduction of the diphenyl oxide fragment into poly(o-hydroxy amide) complicated the formation of high-resolution microrelief in films of the photosensitive formulation owing to a sharp decrease in the solubility of the films in alkaline solutions. Suitable electrophysical parameters and thermal characteristics of the polymers obtained, their capability for film formation, compatibility with photosensitive components, and possibility of the formation of high-resolution positive microrelief upon exposure allow these polymers to be recommended as promising polymeric binders for highly heat-resistant organic dielectrics and protective coatings for microelectronics.     

Reactive EB Processing of Polymer Compounds

Polymer modification with high energy electrons is well-established in polymer industry and used for degradation, cross-linking, grafting, curing, and polymerization. These applications use local and temporal precise input of energy in order to generate excited atoms or molecules as well as ions for subsequent molecule changes via radical induced chemical reactions. Reactive electron beam (EB) processing combines melt mixing process and chemical reaction simultaneously. For this purpose, a 1.5 MeV electron accelerator was directly coupled to an internal mixer in order to induce chemical reactions by energy input via high energy electrons under dynamic conditions of melt mixing of different polymer compounds. In the present study, reactive EB processing was used for the development of a flame retardant polyethylene composite as well as Thermoplastic Vulcanizate. The influence of absorbed dose as well as electron energy and electron treatment time was studied. Increased values of both tensile strength and elongation at break of polymer compounds indicated in-situ compatibilization upon reactive EB processing.     

NMR relaxometry evaluation of nanostructured starch-PLA blends

Blends formed by starch and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are very promising from environmental and economic standpoints, because starch is an abundant and cheap natural polymer and PLA is a biodegradable polymer that has good mechanical properties. In this study, starch-PLA blends were prepared by solution casting, employing chloroform and distilled water as a solvent pair. Then, dispersions containing 1, 3 and 5% montmorillonite clay and a dispersion containing 0.1% silica were added to the starch-PLA blends. The new materials obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis and, especially, nuclear low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) relaxometry to measure the proton spin-lattice relaxation. All blends composed of starch and PLA showed significant increase in relaxation time due to the homogenous mixing of both polymers as a consequence of strong intermolecular interaction between them. Addition of clays caused substantial modification of the material and a large unique domain was observed. As a consequence, the domains corresponding to pure polymers were not observed. With the addition of the clay NT25, intermediate degradation temperatures were observed at concentrations of 3 and 5%, compared to the degradation temperatures of pure polymers. The X-ray diffraction results indicated the formation of an intercalated nanocomposite. There was an increase in the organization of the material compared to previous results observed for polymeric material, indicating the formation of an intercalated structure.     

Alternative Synthetic Routes to Epoxy Polymer – Clay Nanocomposites using Organic or Mixed-Ion Clays Modified by Protonated Di/Triamines (Jeffamines)

The use of homoionic organic clays and mixed-ion organic/inorganic clays modified by di- or triamines (Jeffamines), which are being used as epoxy resin curing agents, in the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites has been studied in this work. Our aim is to enhance polymer crosslinking and interfacial adhesion in the nanocomposite structure by utilizing the functionality of the di/triamines on the surface of clay nanolayers and by reducing the organic modifier via formation of homostructured mixed-ion organic/inorganic clays. The results show that the use of homoionic organic clays exchanged with relatively short chain di- or triamines and mixed-ion organic/inorganic clays partially exchanged (ca. 35%) with long chain diamines resulted in intercalated structures with enhanced thermo-mechanical properties (Young's Modulus, Storage Modulus). On the other hand, homoionic organic clays exchanged with long chain diamines and triamines resulted in exfoliated nanocomposites but with compromised mechanical properties due to the plasticizing effect of the long chain amine modifiers.     

Main Approaches to Creating Nitrogen-Resistant Cracking Catalysts

Data are presented on the modification of cracking catalysts in order to improve their resistance to the poisoning effect of nitrous compounds of various classes. The modification of the catalyst matrix consists in that special additives are introduced into the catalyst formulation to improve its resistance to the poisoning action of nitrous compounds. Acid-activated clays and mixed oxides are considered as these additives.     

Preparation and characterization of a new class of poly(ether‐block‐amide)s via solvent free reactive processing

Novel poly(ether‐co‐amide) block copolymers (PEA) with polyamide‐6 as hard segments and different polyether (polyoxytetramethylene glycol [PTMG]/polyethylene glycol [PEG]) as soft segments were prepared via reactive processing. The chemical structure, crystalline properties, mechanical properties, water resistance, and thermal stability of as‐prepared PEAs were extensively studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, tensile testing, water contact angle, water absorption, and thermal gravity analysis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the chemical structure and composition of PEAs. The X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry showed that PEAs consist of obvious crystalline polyamide‐6 hard segments and that the crystalline structure of PEG will be significantly changed with the addition of PTMG. Dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing showed that the obtained PEAs exhibit classical elastomeric rubber plateau and tensile behavior. Meanwhile, the introduction of PTMG will improve the mechanical properties of PEAs. PEA with PEG as soft segments exhibited extremely surface hydrophilicity and high water absorption of 127%; the increasing of PTMG content in soft segments will reduce the surface hydrophilicity and improve the water resistance. In addition, the obtained PEAs exhibited good thermal stability, which will meet requirement of multiple processing.     

Influence of surface modification on thermal stability and flammability of cross-linked rubbers

The paper discusses the test results of thermal stability and flammability of cross-linked diene rubbers containing silica prepared “in situ” from alkoxysilane precursors. The effect of the surface modification of unfilled vulcanizates by means of aqueous solutions of halogens, boron and organo-phosphoric compounds on their flammability was also assessed. The thermal analysis has been performed in air with the use of derivatography. The flammability of vulcanizates has been determined by the method of oxygen index and in air. It has been found that the modification of the vulcanizates with tetraethoxysilane that makes it possible to form silica “in situ” considerably reduces the flammability of cross-linked rubbers. The surface modification of the vulcanizates with halide and organo-phosphoric compounds allows one to radically decrease their flammability. The boric flame-retardant agents are the most effective modifiers. The most beneficial results were obtained with the use of boric acid.     

The relation between chemical structure of branched amide nucleating agents and nucleation effect in isotactic polypropylene

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - The relation between chemical structure of branched amide compounds as nucleating agents and the nucleation effect of them in isotactic polypropylene...     

Paraquat adsorption onto clays and organoclays from aqueous solution

Clays were compared with organoclays for the sorption of paraquat from aqueous solution. Sepiolite (S), bentonite (B), and illite (I) were used as clay samples. Organoclays were prepared by the modification of the clays with nonyl- and dodecylammonium chlorides, denoted as NS, DS, NB, DB, NI, and DI, respectively. Specific surface area and pore size distribution of the samples were determined by N2 adsorption-desorption at 77 K using the BET method. X-ray powder diffraction analysis of the samples was used to determine the effects of modifying agents on the layer structure of the clays. In the adsorption experiments, C(m) values increased from 0.038 mmol/g for DS to 0.223 mmol/g for NI. Kd0.3 values ranged from 0.177 for DS to 0.843 for NI. The adsorption data indicated that illite and NI are the most effective adsorbents among these clays and organoclay samples, respectively.     

Nanosize and microsize clay effects on the kinetics of the thermal degradation of polylactides

Polylactide (PLA)-montmorillonite (MMT) micro- and nanocomposites based on semicrystalline and amorphous polymers and unmodified or organomodified clays at 5 wt% content were produced by melt mixing. Based on the three different test methods that were used to follow thermal degradation, different conclusions were obtained. During melt processing, thermomechanical degradation was more pronounced in the presence of all fillers, which apparently acted catalytically, but to different degrees. During isothermal degradation in air from 180 °C to 200 °C, degradation rate constants were calculated from novel equations incorporating changes in intrinsic viscosity (IV). Results show that the thermal degradation rate constants of the amorphous PLA and its composites are lower than those of the semicrystalline PLA and its composites. Due to better filler dispersion in the polymer matrix, the thermal degradation rate constants of the nanocomposites are significantly lower than those of the unfilled polymers and their microcomposites under air. As per dynamic TGA data and thermal kinetic analysis from weight losses and activation energy calculations, organomodified nanofillers have a complex effect on the polymer thermal stability; the unmodified fillers, however, reduce polymer thermal stability. These TGA data and kinetic analysis results also support the findings that the thermal stability of the amorphous PLA and its composites is higher than that of the semicrystalline polymer and its composites and the thermal stability of the nanocomposites is higher than that of the microcomposites. In general, mathematical modeling based on random thermal scission equations was satisfactory for fitting the TGA experimental data.     

Thermal decomposition of various alkyl onium organoclays: Effect on polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposites' properties

The thermal stability of organically modified layered silicates is determinant for processing polymer nanocomposites and is believed to play a key role on their properties. In this work, alkyl phosphonium, alkyl pyridinium and dialkyl imidazolium surfactants were used as intercalating agents for the preparation of highly thermally stable organophilic montmorillonites. The thermal decomposition of the surfactants and of their organoclays was studied by combined thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and mass spectroscopy (MS), which allowed the identification of specific volatile compounds issued from the degradation. In order to investigate the influence of the thermal decomposition of the intercalating agent during processing, the various organoclays were incorporated in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix. The color of the nanocomposites was significantly affected by the thermal decomposition of the intercalating agent. In the case of the alkyl pyridinium modified clay, the degradation of the intercalating agent during processing was found to alter the clay dispersion. Finally, the crystallization was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis and polarized optical microscopy (POM): it was demonstrated that the kinetics of nucleation and growth is not only affected by the dispersion state of the clay, but also depends on the clay/polymer interface properties, and therefore on the nature of the intercalating agent.