Improving the gas barrier,mechanical and thermal properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) with molybdenum disulfide nanosheets

New multifunctional materials with both high structural and gas barrier performances are important for a range of applications. Herein we present a one‐step mechanochemical process to prepare molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets with hydroxy functional groups that can simultaneously improve mechanical strength, thermal conductivity, and gas permittivity of a polymer composite. By homogeneously incorporating these functionalized MoS₂ nanosheets at low loading of less than 1 vol %, a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer exhibits elongation at break of 154%, toughness of 82 MJ/m³, and in‐plane thermal conductivity of 2.31 W/m K. Furthermore, this composite exhibits significant gas barrier performance, reducing the permeability of helium by 95%. Under fire condition, the MoS₂ nanosheets form thermally stable char, thus enhancing the material's resistance to fire. Hydrogen bonding has been identified as the main interaction mechanism between the nanofillers and the polymer matrix. The present results suggest that the PVA composite reinforced with 2D layered nanomaterial offers great potentials in packaging and fire retardant applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 , 57, 406–414     

Miktoarm star‐shaped poly(lactic acid) copolymer: Synthesis and stereocomplex crystallization behavior

The miktoarm star‐shaped poly(lactic acid) (PLA) copolymer, (PLLA)₂‐core‐(PDLA)₂, was synthesized via stepwise ring‐opening polymerization of lactide with dibromoneopentyl glycol as the starting material. ¹H NMR and FTIR spectroscopy proved the feasibility of synthetic route and the successful preparation of star‐shaped PLA copolymers. The results of FTIR spectroscopy and XRD showed that the stereocomplex structure of the copolymer could be more perfect after solvent dissolution treatment. Effect of chain architectures on crystallization was investigated by studying the nonisothermal and isothermal crystallization of the miktoarm star‐shaped PLA copolymer and other stereocomplexes. Nonisothermal differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy tests indicated that (PLLA)₂‐core‐(PDLA)₂ exhibited the fastest formation of a stereocomplex in a dynamic test due to its special structure. In isothermal crystallization tests, the copolymer exhibited the fast crystal growth rate and the most perfect crystal morphology. The results reveal that the unique molecular structure has an important influence on the crystallization of the miktoarm star‐shaped PLA copolymer. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 , 57, 814–826     

Physics-based plasticity model incorporating microstructure changes for severe plastic deformation

During machining processes, materials undergo severe deformations that lead to different behavior than in the case of slow deformation. The microstructure changes, as a consequence, affect the materials properties and therefore influence the functionality of the component. Developing material models capable of capturing such changes is therefore critical to better understand the interaction process–materials. In this paper, we introduce a new physics model associating Mechanical Threshold Stress (MTS) with Dislocation Density (DD) models. The modeling and the experimental results of a series of large strain experiments on polycrystalline copper (OFHC) involving sequences of shear deformation and strain rate (varying from quasi-static to dynamic) are very similar to those observed in processes such as machining. The Kocks–Mecking model, using the mechanical threshold stress as an internal state variable, correlates well with experimental results and strain rate jump experiments. This model was compared to the well-known Johnson–Cook model that showed some shortcomings in capturing the stain jump. The results show a high effect of rate sensitivity of strain hardening at large strains. Coupling the mechanical threshold stress dislocation density (MTS–DD), material models were implemented in the Abaqus/Explicit FE code. The model shows potentialities in predicting an increase in dislocation density and a reduction in cell size. It could ideally be used in the modeling of machining processes.     

Fast,Facile and Solvent-Free Dry-Melt Synthesis of Oxovanadium(IV) Complexes: Simple Design with High Potency towards Cancerous Cells

A range of oxobis(phenyl-1,3-butanedione) vanadium(IV) complexes have been successfully synthesized from cheap starting materials and a simple and solvent-free one-pot dry-melt reaction. This direct, straightforward, fast and alternative approach to inorganic synthesis has the potential for a wide range of applications. Analytical studies confirm their successful synthesis, purity and solid-state coordination, and we report the use of such complexes as potential drug candidates for the treatment of cancer. After a 24 hour incubation of A549 lung carcinoma cells with the compounds, they reveal cytotoxicity values elevenfold greater than cisplatin and remain non-toxic towards normal cell types. Additionally, the complexes are stable over a range of physiological pH values and show the potential for interactions with bovine serum albumin.     

High-Throughput Synthesis and Characterization of Aryl Silicones by Using the Piers–Rubinsztajn Reaction

Arylsilicones are widely exploited for their thermal and optical properties. The creation of phenylsilicone elastomers with specific physical properties is typically done by a “one-off” formulation and test process. Herein, it is demonstrated that high-throughput synthesis methods can be used to rapidly prepare a series of arylsilicone elastomers and then the relative impact of different aryl groups on their physical properties is assessed. Aromatic groups were incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers by exploiting the relative reactivity of different functional groups in the Piers–Rubinsztajn reaction. To analyze trends in the silicone mechanical properties as a function of increasing aryl concentration—structure/property relationships—libraries of elastomers were both quickly synthesized and characterized by using high-throughput suites starting from low viscosity silicone oils/monomers in 96-well plates. Liquid handling parameters were optimized to effectively work with the silicones. Incorporating aryl instead of alkyl crosslinkers into the PDMS backbone increased the silicone elastomer modulus by approximately 50 % (at a crosslink density of 6 %); elastomers prepared with an aromatic crosslinker with three contact points led to much higher moduli compared with those with one contact point at the same crosslink density. When located at precise rather than random points on the silicone chains, diphenylsilicones had lower moduli than analogous monophenylsilicones.     

Graphene oxide: a surfactant or particle?

Graphene oxide is a two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial that has risen to prominence over the last decade as graphenes water-dispersible counterpart. This key feature offers tremendous potential in the formation of waterborne hybrid materials, coatings, membranes and adsorbents that make use of its diverse surface chemistry and extraordinary surface area. However, the fundamental colloidal properties of graphene oxide remain incompletely understood, with conflicting reports on how the material's amphiphilic nature and adsorption at interfaces render it surfactant-like or particle-like in nature. In the present work, recent developments in understanding the bulk and interfacial colloidal properties of graphene oxide are explored in the context of its chemistry and system thermodynamics, giving insight into the fundamental question of whether its aqueous behaviour is most accurately described as particle-like, surfactant-like or indeed something entirely different.     

Ultrafast gas chromatography coupled to electronic nose to identify volatile biomarkers in exhaled breath from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A pilot study

An analytical method to identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the exhaled breath from patients with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using a ultrafast gas chromatography system equipped with an electronic nose detector (FGC eNose) has been developed. A prospective study was performed in 23 COPD patients and 33 healthy volunteers; exhalation breathing tests were performed with Tedlar bags. Each sample was analyzed by FCG eNose and the identification of VOCs was based on the Kovats index. Raw data were reduced by principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical discriminant analysis [canonical analysis of principal coordinates (CAP)]. The FCG eNose technology was able to identify 17 VOCs that distinguish COPD patients from healthy volunteers. At all stages of PCA and CAP the discrimination between groups was obvious. Chemical prints were correctly classified up to 82.2%, and were matched with 78.9% of the VOCs detected in the exhaled breath samples. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated the sensitivity and specificity to be 96% and 91%, respectively. This pilot study demonstrates that FGC eNose is a useful tool to identify VOCs as biomarkers in exhaled breath from COPD patients. Further studies should be performed to enhance the clinical relevance of this quick and ease methodology for COPD diagnosis.     

Total Synthesis of Callyspongiolide,Part 2: The Ynoate Metathesis/cis-Reduction Strategy

The macrocyclic core of the cytotoxic marine natural product callyspongiolide ( 1 ) was forged by ring-closing alkyne metathesis (RCAM) of an ynoate precursor using a molybdenum alkylidyne complex endowed with triarylsilanolate ligands as the catalyst. This result is remarkable in view of the failed attempts documented in the literature at converting electron deficient alkynes with the aid of more classical catalysts. The subsequent Z-selective semi-reduction of the resulting cycloalkyne by hydrogenation over nickel boride required careful optimization in order to minimize overreduction and competing dehalogenation of the compound's alkenyl iodide terminus as needed for final attachment of the side chain of 1 by Sonogashira coupling. The required cyclization precursor itself was prepared via Kocienski olefination.     

Exploring the Phase-Selective,Green, Hydrothermal Synthesis of Upconverting Doped Sodium Yttrium Fluoride: Effects of Temperature,Time, and Precursors

The aim of this work was i) to develop a hydrothermal, low-temperature synthesis protocol affording the upconverting hexagonal phase NaYF₄ with suitable dopants while adhering to the “green chemistry” standards and ii) to explore the effect that different parameters have on the products. In optimizing the synthesis protocol, short reaction times and low temperatures (below 150 °C) were considered. Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺ ions were chosen as dopants for the NaYF₄ material. Within the context of the second goal, parameters including nature of the precursors, treatment temperature, and treatment time were investigated to afford a pure hexagonal crystalline phase, both in the doped and undoped materials. To fully explore the synthesis results, the prepared materials were characterized from a structural (XRD), compositional (XPS, ICP-MS), and morphological (SEM) point of view. The upconverting properties of the compounds were confirmed by photoluminescence measurements.     

Thermal Activation of CH4 and H2 as Mediated by the Ruthenium Oxide Cluster Ions [RuOx]+ (x=1–3): On the Influence of Oxidation States

Thermal gas-phase reactions of the ruthenium-oxide clusters [RuO_x]⁺ (x=1–3) with methane and dihydrogen have been explored by using FT-ICR mass spectrometry complemented by high-level quantum chemical calculations. For methane activation, as compared to the previously studied [RuO]⁺/CH₄ couple, the higher oxidized Ru systems give rise to completely different product distributions. [RuO₂]⁺ brings about the generations of [Ru,O,C,H₂]⁺/H₂O, [Ru,O,C]⁺/H₂/H₂O, and [Ru,O,H₂]⁺/CH₂O, whereas [RuO₃]⁺ exhibits a higher selectivity and efficiency in producing formaldehyde and syngas (CO+H₂). Regarding the reactions with H₂, as compared to CH₄, both [RuO]⁺ and [RuO₂]⁺ react similarly inefficiently with oxygen-atom transfer being the main reaction channel; in contrast, [RuO₃]⁺ is inert toward dihydrogen. Theoretical analysis reveals that the reduction of the metal center drives the overall oxidation of methane, whereas the back-bonding orbital interactions between the cluster ions and dihydrogen control the H−H bond activation. Furthermore, the reactivity patterns of [RuO_x]⁺ (x=1–3) with CH₄ and H₂ have been compared with the previously reported results of Group 8 analogues [OsO_x]⁺/CH₄/H₂ (x=1–3) and the [FeO]⁺/H₂ system. The electronic origins for their distinctly different reaction behaviors have been addressed.