Compatibilizing effect of a graft copolymer on bacterial poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) blends

Blends of isotactic (natural) poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) are partially miscible, and PHB in excess of 20 wt % segregates as a partially crystalline pure phase. Copolymers containing atactic PHB chains grafted onto a PMMA backbone are used to compatibilize phase‐separated PHB/PMMA blends. Two poly(methyl methacrylate‐g‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(MMA‐g‐HB)] copolymers with different grafting densities and the same length of the grafted chain have been investigated. The copolymer with higher grafting density, containing 67 mol % hydroxybutyrate units, has a beneficial effect on the mechanical properties of PHB/PMMA blends with 30–50% PHB content, which show a remarkable increase in ductility. The main effect of copolymer addition is the inhibition of PHB crystallization. No compatibilizing effect on PHB/PMMA blends with PHB contents higher than 50% is observed with various amounts of P(MMA‐g‐HB) copolymer. In these blends, the graft copolymer is not able to prevent PHB crystallization, and the ternary PHB/PMMA/P(MMA‐g‐HB) blends remain crystalline and brittle. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1390–1399, 2002     

Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles via reverse ATRP

Surface-initiated reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (reverse ATRP) technical was successfully employed to modify hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The peroxide initiator moiety for reverse ATRP was covalently attached to the HAP surface through the surface hydroxyl groups. Reverse ATRP of methyl methacrylate (MMA) from the initiator-functionalized HAP was carried out, and the end bromide groups of grafted PMMA initiated ATRP of MMA subsequently. Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to confirm the grafting and to characterize the nanoparticle structure. The grafted PMMA gave HAP nanoparticles excellent dispersibility in MMA monomer. As the amount of grafted PMMA increased, the dispersibility of surface-grafted HAP and the compressive strength of HAP/PMMA composites were improved.     

纳米SiO_2粒子锚固偶氮引发剂及接枝聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯

对纳米SiO2 粒子锚固偶氮引发剂 ,进而引发甲基丙烯酸甲酯聚合而制备聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA) 纳米SiO2 复合粒子进行了研究 .纳米SiO2 先用环氧型硅烷偶联剂处理 ,再与偶氮二氰基戊酸发生缩合反应而锚固上偶氮引发剂 ,通过差示扫描量热和元素分析证明了引发剂在纳米SiO2 表面的锚固 .通过改性纳米SiO2 存在下MMA的乳液聚合 ,制备得到了接枝率为 2 3 2 %、接枝效率为 36 1%的PMMA 纳米SiO2 复合粒子 .经乳液聚合后 ,纳米SiO2 粒子团聚程度减小 ,在水相中分散稳定 .     

Grafting Efficiency of Hydroxy‐Terminated Poly(methyl methacrylate) with Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Summary: Poly(methyl methacrylate)s (PMMAs) containing a terminal hydroxy group or multiple hydroxy groups as pendants were grafted to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by esterification in toluene at 100 °C. The recovered polymer with a low level of MWNTs and the PMMA‐g‐MWNTs with up to 12 wt.‐% grafted polymer were characterized using spectroscopic, microscopic, and thermogravimetric analyses. The percentage of polymer present in the PMMA‐g‐MWNT samples is very low based upon the concentration of the acid groups in the tubes.

The grafting of hydroxy‐terminated PMMA to MWNTs by esterification.     

羟丙基甲基纤维素的接枝共聚及其在复合材料中的应用研究

在水溶液中以KMnO4／草酸／硫酸(氧化-还原引发体系)引发甲基丙烯酸甲酯在羟丙基甲基纤维素上的乳液接枝共聚。研究了引发剂组成、反应温度、反应介质的H^ 浓度等对接枝率的影响。结果表明：反应温度和引发剂组成对接枝率有显著影响。接枝纤维素经IR和DTA表征。用接枝纤维素填充聚氯烯(PVC)所得PVC复合材料的拉伸强度提高了20％。     

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto wool initiated by ceric ammonium nitrate–thioglycolic acid redox couple in presence of air. IV

The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto wool initiated by ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN)–thioglycolic acid (TGA) redox couple has been studied at 55 ± 0.2°C under atmospheric oxygen. Grafted copolymer was characterized by IR spectroscopy, scanning electron micrographs, and thermogravimetric analysis. Effect of amines, acid, alkali, oxidizing, and reducing agents were determined experimentally. The molecular weights of grafted poly(methyl methacrylate) and homopolymer was also evaluated.     

PREPARATION OF POLY（METHYL METHACRYLATE）/LAYERED DOUBLE HYDROXIDES NANOCOMPOSITES via in situ SOLUTION POLYMERIZATION

An exfoliated layered double hydroxides/poly(methyl methacrylate)(LDHs/PMMA)nanocomposite was prepared by in situ solution polymerization of methyl methacrylate(MMA)in the presence of 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate intercalated LDHs(MgAl-VBS LDHs).MgAl-VBS LDHs was prepared by the ion exchange method,and the structure and composition of the MgA1-VBS LDHs were determined by X-ray diffraction(XRD),infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis.XRD and transmission electron microscopy(TEM)were employed to examine the structure of LDHs/PMMA nanocomposite.It was indicated that the LDHs layers were well exfoliated and dispersed in the PMMA matrix.The grafting of PMMA onto LDHs was confirmed by the extraction result and the weight fraction of grafted PMMA increased as the weight fraction of LDHs in the nanocomposites increased.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-Polystyrene/TiO2 Nanocomposites Via Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization

A diblock copolymer, poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-polystyrene (PMMA-b-PS), was grafted onto the surface of nano-titania (nano-TiO₂) successfully via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The surface of TiO₂ nanoparticles was modified initially by attaching dithioester groups to the surface using silane coupling agent 3-(chloropropyl)triethoxy silane and sodium ethyl xanthate. The polymerization of methyl methacrylate and styrene were then initiated and propagated on the TiO₂ surface by RAFT polymerization. The resulting composite nanoparticles were characterized by means of XPS, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and TGA. The results confirmed the successful grafting of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and diblock copolymer chains onto the surface of TiO₂. The amount of PMMA grafted onto the TiO₂ surface increased with the polymerization time. Moreover, the kinetic studies revealed that the ln([M]₀/[M]), where [M]₀ is the initial and [M] is the time dependent monomer concentrations, increased linearly with the polymerization time, indicating the living characteristics of the RAFT polymerization.     

Surface modification of silica nanoparticles by UV-induced graft polymerization of methyl methacrylate

In this study we modified the surface of silica nanoparticles with methyl methacrylate by UV-induced graft polymerization. It is a surface-initiated polymerization reaction induced by ultraviolet irradiation. The resulting organic-inorganic nanocomposites were near-monodisperse and fabricated without homopolymerization of the monomer. Substantial increase in mean particle size was observed by SEM image analysis after UV-induced grafting of methyl methacrylate onto pure silica particles. FT-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of these materials revealed the successful grafting of methyl methacrylate onto the silica surface. The formation of a covalent bond between the grafted PMMA chains and silica surface was indicated by FT-Raman spectra. Thermogravimetric analysis of the PMMA-grafted silica particles indicated the polymer contents in good agreement with SEM photographs.     

Facile surface immobilization of ATRP initiators on colloidal polymers for grafting brushes and application to colloidal crystals

Bromo-initiators for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) were successfully immobilized on the surfaces of cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) spheres by soap-free emulsion polymerization using CBr(4) as the chain transfer agent. Subsequent surface-initiated ATRP (SI-ATRP) afforded a layer of PMMA brushes covalently attached to the sphere surfaces. Colloidal crystal films of these monodisperse spheres were then studied to identify the relationship between variation in particle diameter and the optical properties. The particle diameters were controlled by varying the feed monomer proportions in soap-free emulsion polymerization and the thickness of the grafted brush layer. It was found that the particle diameter could successfully be controlled to obtain crystal films that produce a variety of brilliant colors in the visible region. The results of this study can provide useful information for facile preparation of surface-immobilized ATRP initiators on colloidal polymers and can be employed for grafting polymer brushes.     

Matrix‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites synthesized by in situ RAFT polymerization: A kinetic study

A new approach was developed to functionalize multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with a polymerizable methyl methacrylate (MMA) groups, and the structure of functionalized MWCNTs were characterized by FTIR, Raman, XPS, and TEM. Using the strategy of “grafting through,” poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) chains were grafted onto the surface of MWCNTs during the in situ synthesis of MWCNT/PMMA nanocomposites over reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Kinetics of RAFT‐mediated polymerization of MMA in the presence of MMA‐grafted MWCNTs was studied by using gas chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. To further study, attached polymers were detached and their molecular characteristics were compared to freely formed chains. Results of kinetic studies showed that the utilized commercial chain transfer agent strictly reduced the rate of polymerization as well as relatively controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions of free chains. MWCNTs showed a radical activity, retarding the polymerization and reducing the rate of reaction. The effect of MWCNTs concentrations on molecular weights and polydispersity indexes (PDI) was different at the surface and in the bulk. The molecular weights of free chains increased, and the PDI was decreased with increasing MWCNTs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 555–569, 2012     

Controlled grafting of MMA onto cellulose and cellulose acetate

Homogeneous graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto cellulose and cellulose acetate was carried out in various solvents and solvent systems taking ceric ammonium nitrate, tin (II) 2-ethyl hexanoate [Sn(Oct)₂] and benzoyl peroxide as initiators. The effect of solvents, initiators, initiator and monomer concentration, on graft yield, grafting efficiency and total conversion of monomer to polymer were studied. Formation of Ce³⁺ ion during grafting in presence of CAN enhances the grafting efficiency. Methylene blue was used as a homopolymer inhibitor and controlled the molecular weight of the grafted polymer and its effect on grafting was also studied. In presence of MB, amount of PMMA homopolymer formation reduced and consequently grafting efficiency increased. The number average molecular weights and polydispersity indices of the grafted PMMA were found out by gel permeation chromatography. The products were characterized by FTIR and ¹H-NMR analyses and possible reaction mechanisms were deduced. Finally, thermal degradation of the grafted products was also studied by thermo-gravimetric and differential thermo-gravimetric analyses.     

Effects of solvent in photo-induced graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers on cellulose

The effects of swelling of the sample and polymerization solvents were studied for photo-induced graft copolymerization of vinyl monomers on cellulose. The graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was activated by swelling of the sample or organic solvent-water solutions within a certain range of their concentrations. Though each organic solvent gave a maximum in per cent grafting and the number of grafts at about 25 vol-% concentration, the initiation reaction scarcely took place at 100% concentration; thus, the solvent itself is considered to have a negative effect. The solvents used in the experiments were all hydrophilic, such as methanol, acetone, and dioxane. The average molecular weight of the grafted PMMA differed in each solvent, indicating a different characteristic effect of solvent on the growing grafted polymer radicals. The presence of ferric ion as a sensitizer stimulated further the contributions of the sample swelling and the organic solvents to the copolymerization reaction. A similar effect was observed for styrene as for MMA, but not for acrylic acid and methacrylic acid.     

Grafting of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) onto Poly(Vinyl Chloride) through Benzodithioate Groups

The synthesis and the characterization of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) grafted to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) through benzodithioate groups are studied. Unlike results generally obtained with conventional free-radical initiators for systems involving PVC and MMA, high conversions, and grafting efficiencies are achieved with azobis-isobutyronitrile. The paper describes the synthesis of p-vinylbenzodithioate-containing PVC and the dependence of the characteristics of PVC-g-PMMA on the composition of the reaction mixture. Characterization of the graft copolymers includes UV and IR spectroscopy, GPC, and microstructure analysis by removal of PMMA side chains by aminolysis of dithioesters groups. Intrinsic viscosity, glass transition temperature, and thermal sensitivity were investigated to confirm the grafted nature of the copolymer.     

Synthesis,surface accumulation,and micellar properties of amphiphilic block copolymers

Amphiphilic block copolymers, i.e., poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(2-dimethylethylammoniumethyl methacrylate), were synthesized by the reaction between two prepolymers. Carboxyl-terminated poly(methyl methacrylate) and hydroxyl-terminated poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) were prepared by radical polymerization of the corresponding monomers in the presence of thioglycolic acid and 2-mercaptoethanol as a chain transfer agent, respectively. Two condensation methods, i.e., DCC and the acid chloride method, were used for the reactions of these prepolymers. The subsequent quarternization produced the amphiphilic block copolymers. Surface property of poly(methyl methacrylate) films containing this amphiphilic block copolymer was examined by measuring contact angles for water. The addition of only 0.5 wt% of the block copolymer was sufficient to make poly(methyl methacrylate) surfaces hydrophilic. The block copolymer formed a polymeric micelle in acetone–water mixed solvent.     

Properties of matrix-grafted multi-walled carbon nanotube/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites synthesized by in situ reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were synthesized by the in situ reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of MWCNTs, at which the bulk polymer was grafted onto the surface of nanotubes through the ??grafting through?? strategy. For this purpose, MWCNTs were formerly functionalized with polymerizable MMA groups. MMA and PMMA-grafted MWCNTs were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Dissolution of nanotubes was examined in chloroform solvent and studied by UV?Cvis spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric and degradation behavior of prepared nanocomposites was investigated by TGA. MWCNTs had a noticeable boosting effect on the thermal stability of nanocomposites. TGA thermograms showed a two-step weight loss pattern for the degradation of MWCNT-PMMA/PMMA nanocomposites which is contrast with neat PMMA. Introduction of MWCNTs also improved the dynamic mechanical behavior and electrical conductivity of nanocomposites. TEM micrograph of nanocomposite revealed that the applied methods for functionalization of nanotubes and in situ synthesis of nanocomposites were comparatively successful in dispersing the MWCNTs in PMMA matrix.     

Graft Copolymers Based on Functional Polyesters

Graft copolymers with a polyester backbone and PMMA side chains were successfully prepared in a two and a three step approach. In the two step approach, functional polyesters were prepared via polycondensation using hexane diol and bromosuccinic acid as building blocks and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was grafted from the resulting poly(hexamethylene bromosuccinate) (PHMBS), here the initiating group is linked directly to the polyester backbone. In the second approach hexane diol and malic acid were used as bilding blocks giving poly(hexamethylene malate) (PHMM). The hydroxyl groups of PHMM were transferred with 2-bromo-2-propionylbromide into an ATRP-initiator. Then the grafting of MMA from poly(hexamethylene malate) bromopropionate (PHMM-BrP) was investigated.     

Grafting of polymers onto carbon whisker by anionic graft polymerization of vinyl monomers using metallized aromatic rings and/or phenoxy lithium groups on the surface as initiator

During the anionic polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) initiated by n-butyl-lithium (n-BuLi) in the presence of carbon whisker, PMMA was found to be grafted onto the surface depending on the propagation from OLi groups, which are produced by the reaction of oxygen containing groups on the surface with n-BuLi. But no grafting of polystyrene was observed at all. By the activation of OLi groups by the addition of crown ether, however, the grafting of polystyrene onto the carbon whisker was achieved. On the other hand, it was found that metallized carbon whisker also initiates the anionic graft polymerization of MMA and styrene: percentage of grafting of PMMA and polystyrene reached 231.3 and 157.9%, respectively. The metalation of carbon whisker was achieved by the treatment with n-BuLi in aprotic polar solvents, such as N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene-diamine or hexamethylphosphorous triamide, and in toluene in the presence of complexing agent of cation such as crown ether or a small amount of aprotic solvent. In the polymerization, grafted polymer chains were considered to propagate both from metallized aromatic rings and from OLi groups. The polymer-grafted carbon whisker gave a stable colloidal dispersion in organic solvents.     

高分散性SiO2/PMMA复合材料的制备与表征——接枝与交联

以硅烷偶联剂3-(甲基丙烯酰氧)丙基三甲氧基硅烷(MPS)改性SiO2/甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)分散液为原料,通过原位本体聚合制得一系列具有不同SiO2含量和PMMA接枝率的高分散性SiO2/PMMA复合材料,索氏抽提分析复合材料的接枝和交联情况.发现抽提后体系中主要存在3部分物质:抽提液中含游离SiO2的PMMA溶液...     

高分散性SiO_2/PMMA复合材料的制备与表征——稀释分散性

以高无机含量SiO2/聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)接枝复合材料为预分散母料,与PMMA树脂进行熔融共混,制得低无机含量的SiO2/PMMA复合材料.通过切片透射电镜(TEM)观察熔融共混过程中预分散母料内堆积SiO2粒子分散状态的演化.发现预分散母料接枝状态对其影响最为显著,不经接枝修饰的SiO2粒子经熔融共混后,不可避免地会在熔体中产生大量亚微米级的立体团聚体;复杂接枝预分散母料内构成以SiO2粒子为交联点的立体交联结构,其中的堆积SiO2粒子不能在剪切场中得到有效解离和释放;只有在使用简单接枝预分散母料时,基体高分子链才能不断地渗透扩散进入预分散母料内,而预分散母料可被不断地溶胀和撕裂,因而其中的堆积SiO2才可不断地向基体相迁移和扩散,并最终在整个复合材料内实现初级粒子形式的高度均匀稳定分散.