Mechanical denaturation of high polymers in solutions

Summary In order to clarify the mechanism of crystallization under molecular orientation, the rates of precipitation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) from aqueous solutions under shearing force were measured under various conditions. The fractionation was carried out by separating the precipitates at time intervals. The shearing force was brought about in the solutions by stirring. The rate of precipitation was found to depend not only on the thermal motion of molecules, but also on the fluidity of the solution. In other words, at temperatures above 45°C, the initial rate of precipitation became smaller with increasing temperature, but at 45 °C it was higher than that at the lower temperature than 40°C. The rate of precipitation at 35°C decreased with the increase of the polymer concentration. At the constant polymer concentration, the maximum of the rate of precipitation was recognized at a certain chain length. The molecular weight of fractions decreased in the order of fractionation. As compared with the non-solvent addition method, the difference in the s-(diad) % of the initial fraction and the last fraction was large in the case of stirring fractionation. Therefore, the stirring fractionation of PVA depends not only on the molecular weight, but also on the tacticity.

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Zusammenfassung Um den Kristallisationsmechanismus von Polyvinylalkohol (PVA) unter Molekülorientierung aufzuklären, wurde unter verschiedenen Bedingungen die Fällungsgeschwindigkeit von PVA in wäßrigen Lösungen unter Schubspannung gemessen, die Fraktionierung mit diskontinuierlicher Abtrennung der Niederschläge durchgeführt. Die Schubkraft wurde durch Rühren der Lösung erzeugt. Es wurde gefunden, daß die Fallgeschwindigkeit nicht nur von der thermischen Molekularbewegung abhängig ist, sondern auch von der Fluidität der Lösung. Bei Temperaturen über 45°C nahm die Anfangspräzipitationsgeschwindigkeit mit steigender Temperatur ab, während sie bei 45°C höher war als diejenige bei Temperaturen unter 40°C. Die Fällgeschwindigkeit bei 35°C sank mit zunehmender Konzentration des Polymeren. Bei konstanter Konzentration des Polymeren wurde der maximale Wert der Präzipitationsgeschwindigkeit bei einer bestimmten. Kettenlänge beobachtet. Das Molekulargewicht der Fraktion nahm gemäß der Reihenfolge der Fraktionierung ab. Beim Vergleich zur Fraktionierung durch Fällen mit einem Nicht-Lösungsmittel für das Polymerisat war bei der Fraktionierung durch Rühren der Unterschied im Gehalt an syndiotaktischen Diaden zwischen der ersten und der letzten Fraktion groß. Daraus ist zu schließen, daß die Rührungsfraktionierung von PVA nicht nur vom Molekulargewicht, sondern auch von der Taktizität abhängt.

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With 15 figures and 1 table     

Performance of a novel sieving matrix of poly(vinyl alcohol)/acrylamide copolymer in electrophoretic separations of high molecular weight proteins from red cell membrane

The analysis of high molecular weight (HMW) proteins from complex mixtures is still a challenge in proteomics. This work introduces a novel hydrogel obtained by the copolymerization of an allyl‐PVA derivative with acrylamide and bisacrylamide and applies this matrix to the electrophoretic separation of HMW proteins. By inducing gelation of polyacrylamide in the presence of variable amounts of allyl‐PVA, it is possible to control and vary the average gel porosity. This gel is easy to produce and handle and offers the advantage of being highly mechanically resistant and macroporous. The new matrix was tested in mono‐dimensional separations of complex protein mixtures extracted from red cell membranes with different detergents. The improved performance of this macroporous matrix allowed to identify new proteins by MS and immunoblot analysis using specific antibodies. In particular, the resolution of proteins ranging in size between 97 and 279 kDa was greatly improved here compared to standard polyacrylamide gels, suggesting that this matrix can be a useful tool in routine analysis of HMW proteins in cell biology.     

The miscibility of poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) blends investigated in dilute solutions and solids

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) (polymer A) and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) (polymer B) are known to form a thermodynamically miscible pair. In the present study the conclusion on miscibility of PVA/PVP solid blends, confirmed qualitatively (DMTA, FTIR) and quantitatively (DSC, χ_AB = − 0.69 at 503 K) is compared with the miscibility investigations of PVA/PVP solution blends by the technique of dilute solution viscometry. The miscibility of the ternary (polymer A/ polymer B/ solvent) system is estimated on the basis of experimental and ideal values of the viscosity parameters k, b and [η]. It is found that the conclusions on miscibility or nonmiscibility drawn from viscosity measurements in dilute solution blends depend: (i) on the applied extrapolation method used for the determination of the viscosity interaction parameters, (ii) on the assumed definition of the ideal values and (iii) on the thermodynamic quality of the solvent, which in the case of PVA depends on its degree of hydrolysis. Hence, viscometric investigations of dilute PVA/PVP solution blends have revealed that viscometry, widely used in the literature for estimation of polymer-polymer miscibility can not be recommended as a sole method to presume the miscibility of a polymer pair.     

High molecular weight syndiotacticity-rich poly(vinyl alcohol) gel in aging process

The properties of the aged gels of high molecular weight syndiotacticity-rich poly(vinyl alcohol)s (HMW S-PVAs) with different syndiotactic diad (s-diad) contents were investigated. HMW S-PVA gels with s-diad content of 61.5% and 58.2% showed the rapid increases of the syneresis and the turbidity from the early stage of aging time, which is ascribable to the phase separation, while that with s-diad content of 55.7% did not. From the morphological study, it was confirmed that the phase separation in HMW S-PVA gel with s-diad content of 61.5% occurred without the liquid-liquid phase separation in sol state, whereas both the liquid-liquid phase separation in sol state and the subsequent phase separation in gel state occurred in the case of HMW S-PVA gel with s-diad content of 58.2%. On the other hand, HMW S-PVA gel with s-diad content of 55.7% showed neither the liquid-liquid phase separation in sol state nor the phase separation in gel state in the long period of time. It was also confirmed from wide angle X-ray diffractogram that the crystallization was accompanied by the phase separation in gel state in the aging process of PVA gel. However, the crystallization was hindered by the fast network formation at the initial stage of time. Later the syndiotacticity promoted the crystallization. The tensile modulus of HMW S-PVA gel with higher syndiotacticity increased more significantly with time. Received: 2 December 1999/Accepted: 12 July 2000     

Oxo-biodegradable polymers - Effect of hydrolysis degree on biodegradation behaviour of poly(vinyl alcohol)

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is considered to be one of the very few vinyl polymers soluble in water and susceptible to biodegradation in aqueous media by specific microorganisms, implying oxidation of the carbon backbone followed by a random endocleavage of the polymer chains. The overall process does not appear to be appreciably affected by either degree of polymerization (DPn) or degree of hydrolysis (HD) of PVA at least in the 100-1000 and 80-100% ranges, respectively.In order to assess the effect of HD on the biodegradation propensity of PVA, different PVA samples having similar DPn and noticeably different HD values were synthesized by controlled acetylation of commercial PVA (HD = 99%) and submitted to biodegradation tests in aqueous medium, mature compost and soil by using respirometric procedures. Re-acetylated PVA samples characterized by HD of between 25 and 75% underwent extensive mineralization when buried in solid media, whilst PVA (HD = 99%) showed recalcitrance to biodegradation under those conditions. An opposite trend was indeed observed in aqueous solution, thus suggesting that biodegradation is not an absolute attribute directly related to structural features of the substrate under investigation. Boundary conditions related to the framework under which the biodegradation assessment is undertaken have to be taken into account and specifically well defined.     

Preparation of poly(vinyl pivalate) microspheres by dispersion polymerization in an ionic liquid and saponification for the preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) with high syndiotacticity

We report here a successful free-radical dispersion polymerization of vinyl pivalate (VPi) in an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([bmim][TFSI]) using poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a stabilizer. Morphological analysis by FE-SEM revealed that poly(vinyl pivalate) (PVPi) obtained from dispersion polymerizations were in the form of spherical particles. Micron-sized, PVPi particles with a number-average molecular weight (M_n) of 166,400 g/mol could be obtained using 5% stabilizer (w/w to monomer) at 65 °C for 20 h. The effects of varying concentration of stabilizer, initiator and monomer upon polymer yield, molecular weight, and morphology of PVPi were also investigated. Analogous polymerizations in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and bulk served as references. In addition, the preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by saponification of the resultant PVPi was described.     

A rheological investigation of aqueous solutions of poly (vinyl alcohol) during aging. Part IV: Repeated aging of concentrated solutions

Aging of aqueous solutions of poly (vinyl alcohol) obtained by melting of gels, formed in the aging process from solutions prepared by the dissolution of the polymer in hot water, was investigated using non-Newtonian viscometry and normal stress measurement. It was shown that, if the gels undergo melting at the same temperature at which the original solutions were prepared, aging of such solutions proceeds in the same way as in the case of the original solutions. If melting occurred due to heating at lower temperature, the resulting solutions aged more quickly.     

Effect of non-associated electrolyte solutions on the behaviour of poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogels

The aim of this paper is to present the behaviour of the poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels [PVA-HG] in sodium and potassium chlorides aqueous solutions, due to their interactions. The tested [PVA-HG]-s have been obtained by repeated freezing and thawing cycles. White, heterogeneous hydrogels have been obtained. These hydrogels exhibit a mechanical active behaviour at their contact with electrolytes aqueous solutions, manifested by important changing in mass, volume and density of the hydrogel samples. These modifications could be explained by water elimination from the hydrogels that initially reached the equilibrium of swelling. The kinetic of the water desorption and the reversibility of this process, have been studied and some of the factors that influence this behaviour have been evidenced. The sensitivity of PVA hydrogels to electrolyte nature and concentration could be used in sensors design and also could explain some aspects of electrolytes diffusion through PVA membranes and targeted drugs delivery.     

Poly(Organophosphazenes): Use in the Improvement of Standard Materials. Application to the Modification of Surface Properties of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)

Abstract

Modification of surface properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) by grafting of poly(organophosphazenes).     

聚乙烯醇/聚乙烯基吡咯烷酮共混体系的结晶行为

用DSC、WAXD和SAXS研究了聚乙烯醇(PVAl)/聚乙烯基吡咯烷酮(PVP)共混体系的结晶行为.PVAl的结晶度随PVP含量增加而减少,并存在结晶度为零的组成(PVAl)的重量分数约为50％.与纯PVAl相比,共混物的温度区间T_m-T_g减小,表明PVP对PVAl的结晶起抑制作用.共混物中PVAl的结晶速度下降,具体表现为PVAl过冷区随PVP含量增加而扩大,动力学速度常数减小,球晶增长速度下降.纯PVAl和共混体系的等温结晶速率均遵循Avrami方程.退火样品的长周期、片晶厚度和过渡层厚度大于相同组成未退火样品.两者长周期随PVP含量增长加显著增大,片晶厚度增长次之,过渡层厚度变化不大.     

Electrospinning and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)/chitosan oligosaccharide/clay nanocomposite nanofibers in aqueous solutions

Submicron fibers of the composite of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), chitosan oligosaccharide [COS, (1→4)2-amino-2-deoxy-β-d-glucose], and montmorillonite clay (MMT) were prepared using electrospinning method with aqueous solutions. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analyzer, and tensile strength testing machine (Zwick) were utilized to characterize the PVA/COS/MMT nanofiber mats morphology and properties. The PVA/COS ratio and MMT concentration play important roles in nanofiber mat properties. XRD and TEM data demonstrated that exfoliated MMT layers were well-distributed within nanofiber. It was also found that the mechanical property and thermal stability were increased with COS and MMT contents.     

细菌纤维素(BC)增强PVA/PVP复合水凝胶的制备及性能表征

通过冷冻-熔融法制备了细菌纤维素/聚乙烯醇/聚乙烯吡咯烷酮(BC/PVA/PVP)双网络复合水凝胶,并采用X射线衍射,红外光谱,扫描电镜,力学性能测试等手段对凝胶的结构和性能进行表征.研究发现PVA、PVP通过氢键作用均匀地吸附于纤维微丝周围,将BC纤维有效地分开,因而干燥后的复合凝胶在热水中浸泡后仍可恢复原状;X射线...     

Morphology and structure of highly elastic poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel prepared by repeated freezing-and-melting

Morphology and structure of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel prepared by the repeated freezing-and-melting method have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, light-optical microscopy, and simple tension test. The PVA aqueous solution gelled highly by using this method to show rubber-like elasticity, reflecting the gel network in which the amorphous chains are physically cross-linked by the crystallites. The gel morphology was characterized by the porous structure, which was originated from the gelation of continuous PVA-rich solution phase segregated around copious ice crystal phases formed upon freezing. The high gelling ability involved in this method was closely related to the segregation mechanism.     

Tribological and Mechanical Properties of Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid] Grafted with Vinyl Compounds: Insight into Possible Application

Biodegradable graft copolymers were prepared by gamma radiation-induced graft polymerization of two vinyl monomers, vinyl acetate and vinyl alcohol, onto poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyric acid]. Success of the grafting reaction was verified by Fourier-transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Thermal remolding was used to create membranes from the copolymers. We determined tribological and mechanical properties of the membranes obtained. The lowest elongation at break in tensile testing is seen for P(3HB) and the highest for P(3HB-g-VA). Up to 5 N or so, the highest scratch resistance is exhibited by P(3HB-g-VA). Piezoelectric behavior is seen for P(3HB-g-VA) while P(3HB-g-VAc) and plain P(3HB) showed no electric response. Explanation of the piezoelectric behavior in terms of molecular structures is provided.     

Interaction Between Liposomes and Neutral Polymers: Effect of Adsorption on Drug Release

The processes of adsorption of two neutral polymers (poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), PVP and poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA) were investigated on liposomes composed of soy lecithin/dicetyl phosphate/cholesterol = 25:2:3 (molar ratio). The liposomes were prepared in buffered solution at pH = 7.4 and mixed with the solution of the measured polymers in the desired polymer/lipid (w/w) ratios. Adsorption was measured by determination of the equilibrium bulk concentration of the polymer. In the case of PVA quantitative adsorption measurements with a specific reagent were possible. Adsorption isotherms were recorded at 25 ± 1°C. It was concluded that adsorbed and unadsorbed PVA molecules are in equilibrium even at low polymer/ lipid ratios. The results were confirmed by dynamic laser light scattering (DLS), and thermal activity monitoring (TAM) experiments. Another group of the liposomes was prepared in 60 mM ammonium sulphate (pH = 5.0) and we filled the vesicles with a test dye, acridine orange (AO) using the pH-gradient (remote loading) method. The AO release property of liposomes was tested with a special vertical diffusion cell after we had made PVA adsorb on their surface in different PVA/lipid (w/w) ratios.     

高含水聚乙烯醇弹性体

本文介绍了用反复冻结～融溶过程制备高含水聚乙烯醇弹性体的方法,并测定了该弹性体的机械、溶解和溶胀性能。结果表明,该弹性体可同时具有很高的含水率(85—90％)和较高的抗张强度(10~5—10~6Pa),且在37℃的水中有良好的稳定性能。     

聚乙烯醇系高分子表面活性剂

聚乙烯醇(PVA)系高分子表面活性剂,可用作乙烯基单体乳液均聚或共聚的乳化剂和氯乙烯(VC)悬浮聚合的分散稳定剂。本文主要介绍它的分类、性能、应用和乳化分散作用机理。     

Miscibility of cellulose acetate with vinyl polymers

Binary blend films of cellulose acetate (CA) with flexible syntheticpolymers including poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP),and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) [P(VP-co-VAc)] were preparedfrommixed polymer solutions by solvent evaporation. Thermal analysis by DSC showedthat CA of any degree of substitution (DS) was not miscible with PVAc, but CAwith DS less than 2.8 was miscible with PVP to form homogeneous blends. Thestate of mixing in CA/P(VP-co-VAc) blends was affected not only by the DS of CAbut also by the VP/VAc copolymer composition. As far as CAs of DS<2.8 andP(VP-co-VAc)s with VP contents more than ca. 25 mol% were used,theCA/copolymer blends mostly showed a miscible behaviour irrespective of themixing ratio. FT-IR measurements for the miscible blends of CA/PVP andCA/P(VP-co-VAc) revealed the presence of hydrogen-bonding interactions betweenresidual hydroxyls of CA and carbonyls of N-vinyl pyrrolidone units, which maybe assumed to largely contribute to the good miscibility.     

Understanding the effect of skin formation on the removal of solvents from semicrystalline polymers

The effect of glassy skin formation on the drying of semicrystalline polymers was investigated with a comprehensive mathematical model developed for multicomponent systems. Polymers with high glass‐transition temperatures can become rubbery at room temperature under the influence of solvents. As the solvents are removed from the polymer, a glassy skin can form and continue to develop. The model takes into account the effects of diffusion‐induced polymer crystallization as well as glassy–rubbery transitions on the overall solvent content and polymer crystallinity. A Vrentas–Duda free‐volume‐based diffusion scheme and crystallization kinetics were used in our model. The polymer–solvent system chosen was a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–water–methanol system. The drying kinetics of PVA films were obtained by gravimetric methods with swollen films with known water/methanol concentrations. The overall drying behaviors of the polymer system determined by our model and experimental methods were compared and found to match well. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 3191–3204, 2005