Rotational Relaxation of Linear π-Systems with Flexible Side Chains in Solution

The classical hydrodynamic theory for Brownian rotational motion is applied to model compounds of conjugated polymers with alkoxy side chains of variable length. Theory predicts two rotational relaxation times for these types of molecules with the dipole transition moment parallel to the longest axis whereas experiments reveal only one. The rotational relaxation times and their relative amplitudes were calculated for a wide span of axial ratios of a general ellipsoid. In this way, the range in the axial ratios is obtained such that there is a chance to detect both rates experimentally. Rotational relaxation times of five particular molecules were measured in liquid n-butane. Theoretical calculations using ellipsoid parameters obtained from molecular dynamics calculations compare well with experimental results. Calculation of the rotational relaxation times from the autocorrelation function of the transition dipole moment vector requires significantly greater computational effort.     

Adsorption of L-Alanine on Cu（111） Studied by Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy

The adsorption of L-alanine on Cu（111） surface is studied by means of scanning tunnelling microscopy under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The results show that the adsorbates are chemisorbed on the surface, and can form a two-dimensional gas phase, chain phase and solid phase, depending on deposition rate and amount. The adsorbed molecules can be imaged as individual protrusions and parallel chains in gas and chain phases respectively. It is also found that alanine can form （2 × 2） superstructure on Cu（111） and copper step facet to （110） directions in solid phase. On the basis of our scanning tunnelling microscopic images, a model is proposed for the Cu（111）（2 ×2）-alanine superstructure. In the model, we point out the close link between （110）-direction hydrogen bond chains with the same direction copper step faceting.     

Synthesis and Thermal Behavior of Silica‐Graft‐Polypropylene Nanocomposites Studied by Step‐Scan DSC and TGA

Silica graft poly(propylene) (silica‐g‐PP) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by radical grafting copolymerization and ring‐opening reaction. Their thermal properties were studied by step‐scan differential scanning calorimetry (SDSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The exothermic peaks in the IsoK baseline (C_p,IsoK, nonreversing signal) of SDSC reveal that PP and silica‐g‐PP nanocomposites undergo melting‐recrystallization‐remelting during heating. The peak temperatures of recrystallization and remelting shift upward with the existence of nanoparticles in the PP matrix. The thermal degradation kinetics of silica‐g‐PP nanocomposites were investigated using nonisothermal TGA and the Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa method. The results indicate that the thermal stability was significantly improved with increasing silica content, mainly because of the physical‐chemical adsorption of the volatile degradation products on the nanoparticles that delays their volatilization during decomposition, and the covalent interaction between nanoparticles and PP chains, which will also reduce the breakage of PP backbone chains.     

Self-Assembly of TBrPP-Co Molecules on an Ag/Si（111） Surface Studied by Scanning Tunneling Microscopy

Self-assembly of TBrPP-Co molecules on a Si（111）-√3t×√3 Ag substrate is studied by low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. With the same adsorbed amount （0.07 ML）, the molecules deposited by low-temperature evaporation show three kinds of ordered structures whereas those deposited by high-temperature evaporation have size-dependent ordered structures. The distinct differences in the self-assembly structures and in the electron density of states inside the molecule near the Fermi energy demonstrate that the Br atoms of the molecule desorb at the higher evaporation temperature.     

Formation and Development of Phase Morphology and Structure on Polystyrene Blends. I. Study of Phase Behavior and Structure Character of Polystyrene/Poly (cis‐butadiene) Rubber Immiscible System During Melt Blending by Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

Polystyrene/poly(cis‐butadiene) rubber blends were prepared by melt blending. The morphology development of the blend system was examined by intermittent extraction of material and scanning electron microscopy. The mixing process of the immiscible system was described through the characteristic length L and the average characteristic length L _m. The distribution of L was shown to be consonant with a log‐normal distribution. The mixing system was demonstrated to possess self‐similarity in a certain range of time and space, as shown through a scale function. Furthermore, the fractal dimension D at different times was calculated and shown to be a parameter that can be used to describe the dynamic process of the melt blending.     

Morphology of Fractured Polymer‐Polymer Interfaces Bonded at Ambient Temperature as Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy

The amorphous polymer surfaces of polystyrene (PS, M _n=200 kg/mol, M _w/M _n=1.05) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA, M _n=51.9 kg/mol, M _w/M _n≤1.07) were brought into contact at 21°C to form PS‐PS (for 54 days) and PMMA‐PMMA auto‐adhesive joints (for 11 days). After contact at that temperature corresponding to T _g‐bulk ?81°C for PS and to T _g‐bulk–88°C for PMMA, where T _g‐bulk is the calorimetric glass transition temperature of the bulk sample, the bonded interfaces were fractured and their surfaces were analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface roughness, R _q, of the fractured interfaces was larger by a factor of 3–4 than was that of the free PS and PMMA surfaces aged for the same period of time. A similar increase in R _q was found by comparison of the free PS surface aged at T _g‐bulk+15°C for 1 h and of the surface of the PS‐PS interface fractured after healing at T _g‐bulk+15°C for 1 h. These observations, indicative of the deformation of the fractured interfaces, suggest the occurrence of some mass transfer across the interface even below T _g‐bulk ?80°C.     

Structural Assignments of 1‐(β‐d‐Glucopyranosyl)‐1,2,3‐triazoles by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR Study

The ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectra of 1‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4,5‐dimethyl carboxylate, 1‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl‐1,2,3‐triazole‐4,5‐dicarboxamide, ‐dialkylcarboxamide‐N‐nucleosides 4–18, and 6‐amino‐4H‐1‐(1‐β‐d‐glucopyranosyl)‐8‐hydroxy‐1,2,3‐triazolo[4,5‐e][1,3]‐diazepin‐4‐one 19 had been studied. Resonance signals and anomeric configurations were assigned by homo‐ and heteronuclear two dimensional methods (DQF‐COSY, HSQC, HMBC, HMQC, ROESY).     

Study on Fractal Character of High Impact Polystyrene with Poly(cis‐butadiene) Rubber Partly Miscible Blends by Fractal Measure Relations and Box‐Counting Methods

Abstract

Phase formation and evolution of high‐impact polystyrene/poly(cis‐butadiene) rubber (HIPS/PcBR) blends during melting and mixing processes were investigated by scanning electron micrographs analysis. The diameter, d _p , was used to describe the evolution of the phase morphology of HIPS/PcBR blends during mixing. Scale functions, S _N (r) and S _M (r), were defined to confirm the self‐similarity of the phase morphology. The plots of S _N (r)/S _N (r) _m [the maximum of S _N (r)] vs. r/r _m (the maximum of r) and S _M (r)/S _M (r) _m [the maximum of S _M (r)] vs. r/r _m showed the phase morphology had self‐similarity. Furthermore, the fractal dimension, D, of different HIPS/PcBR blends was calculated by two different methods (fractal measure relations and box‐counting methods). The results showed that the fractal dimension was an effective parameter for study of the phase morphology of polymer blends.     

Phase Behavior of Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Studied by Modulated‐Temperature DSC—Influence of the Molecular Weight

Abstract

Melting and crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with different molecular weight was investigated by modulated‐temperature differential scanning calorimetry (MT‐DSC)—step‐scan alternating DSC. It was found that by separating the reversing and nonreversing components of the (total) heat flow, PEO 10000, which exhibits the highest degree of crystallinity, shows the smallest nonreversing signal during crystallization. This effect can be attributed to the favorable structural features associated with spacial alignment. On the other hand, the crystallization process of PEO with molecular weight of 3400 is hindered by a relatively high content of end groups that may cause defects in the crystal lattice. For PEO 35000, low segmental mobility and chain entanglements lower the rate of crystallization. The area of the reversing component of PEO melting for different molecular weight fractions confirms that for PEO 10000, recrystallization is less intensive than for both the lower and higher molecular weight analogues.     

Preparation and Characterization of Nano‐TiO2 Doped Polystyrene Materials by Melt Blending for Inertial Confinement Fusion

Abstract

Nano‐TiO₂ doped polystyrene (PS) materials (TiO₂‐d‐PS) used for inertial confinement fusion (ICF) targets were prepared by means of melt blending. The effect of the pretreatment process, including coupling agents and ultrasonic dispersion on nano‐TiO₂, was studied. Tensile tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the TiO₂‐d‐PS materials. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was used to characterize the degree of dispersion of nano‐TiO₂ in the PS matrix. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic contact angle (DCA) measurements were introduced to demonstrate the surface state of untreated and pretreated nano‐TiO₂. The results showed that coupling agents improved the interfacial adhesion between the PS matrix and dopants; ultrasonic dispersion contributed to the increase in the tensile properties of the TiO₂‐d‐PS materials. The dispersion stability of nano‐TiO₂ powder and the stability of the TiO₂‐d‐PS materials were significantly enhanced through pretreatment, which was supported by the increase in the DCA when the nano‐TiO₂ was pretreated by the coupling agent. The results of SEM and EDS indicated that the nano‐TiO₂ dispersed homogeneously in the PS matrix. The pretreatment process is an effective way to break the aggregation of nano‐TiO₂, which was confirmed by TEM results. Melt blending is a feasible method to prepare PS doped high Z element ICF target materials.     

Study on Phase Formation and Evolution of High Impact Polystyrene with Poly(Cis‐Butadiene) Rubber Blends

Phase formation and evolution of high‐impact polystyrene with poly(cis‐butadiene) rubber blends was studied. The characteristic length, L, was defined to describe the size of particles, and the graph‐estimation method was introduced to determine the width of the distribution of L. Based on the method, the distribution of L proved to be a log‐normal distribution and the distribution width of L was calculated. The phase structure was also discussed in the wave‐number space. The correlation distance, a _c , was defined and computed, applying light‐scattering theory to power spectrum images obtained by 2‐dimensional Fourier transformation (2DFT). The change of a _c was in accord with that of L, which meant 2DFT was valid to study the phase structure. A fractal dimension, D _c , was introduced to describe the uniformity of the spatial distribution. The result showed that D _c was an effective parameter to study the distribution of particles of the dispersed phase.     

Structural Assignment of Isomeric S‐ and S,N‐1‐Alkoxycarbonylalkylated 6‐Amino‐2‐thiouracil Derivatives by Means of 1H and 13C NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

The structures of new isomeric 2‐alkoxycarbonylalkylthio‐ and 2‐alkoxy‐ carbonylalkylthio‐1‐alkoxycarbonylalkyl‐6‐aminouracils (1–21) have been established on the basis of the ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopic data. The ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra of 1–21 have been fully assigned by a combination of two‐dimensional experiments [heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC) and heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC)]. The ¹³C NMR spectra have been shown to be able to differentiate between isomers.     

Structural Characterization of RF‐Sputtered a‐C:N Thin Films by Raman,IR, and X‐ray Reflectometry Spectroscopies

Abstract

Amorphous carbon nitride thin films (a‐C:N) were deposited from a carbon target, at room temperature onto silicon substrates, by reactive RF sputtering in a gas mixture of argon and nitrogen. The structural properties of these films have been studied by Raman, infrared (IR), and X‐ray reflectometry spectroscopies. Both the IR and Raman spectra of the a‐C:N films reveal the presence of C–C, C?C, C?N, and C≡N bonding types. The Raman spectra analysis shows, an increase of the C≡N triple bonds content when the concentration of nitrogen C(N₂) in the gas mixture is increased. The Raman intensities ratio between the disorder (D) and graphitic (G) bands increases with C(N₂) suggesting an increased disorder with the incorporation of nitrogen in the carbon matrix. The effect of C(N₂) on the density of a‐C:N films was also investigated by X‐ray reflectometry measurement. The increase of the nitrogen concentration C(N₂) was found to have a significant effect on the density of the films: as C(N₂) increases from 0 to 100%, the density of the a‐C:N films decreases slightly from 1.81 to 1.62 g/cm³. The low values of density of the a‐C:N films were related (i) to the absence of C–N single bonds, (ii) to the increase of disorder introduced by the incorporation of nitrogen in the carbon matrix, and (iii) to the presence of the bands around 2350 cm^?1 and 3400 cm^?1 associated with the C–O bond stretching modes and the O–H vibration, respectively, suggesting a high atmospheric contamination by oxygen and water. The presence of these bands suggests the porous character of the studied samples.     

Tetragonal Distortion of GaN Epilayer with Multiple Buffer Layers on Si （111） Studied by RBS/Channelling and HRXRD

Rutherford backscattering （RBS）/channelling and high resolution x-ray diffraction （HRXRD） have been used to characterize the tetragonal distortion of a GaN epilayer with four Alx Ga1-xN and single AIN buffer layers grown on a Si （111） substrate by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy （MOVPE）. The results show that a 1000nm GaN epilayer with a perfect crystal quality （Xmin = 1.54%） can be grown on the Si （111） substrate in virtue of multiple buffer layers. Using the RBS/channelling angular scan around an off-normal （1213） axis in the （1010） plane and the conventional HRXRD θ - 20 scans normal to GaN （0002） and （1122） planes at the 0° and 180° azimuth angles, the tetragonal distortion eT, which is caused by the elastic strain in the epilayer and different buffer layers, can be obtained respectively. The two experiments are testified at one result, the tetragonal distortion of GaN epilayer is nearly to a fully relaxed （eT = 0）.     

Structural Assignment of Stilbenethiols and Chalconethiols and Differentiation of Their Isomeric Derivatives by Means of 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

The ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectra of some substituted stilbenes and chalcones were assigned unambiguously on the basis of a combination of homo‐ (COSY) and heteronuclear (HETCOR) two‐dimensional methods, the chemical shifts, as well as spin‐coupling constants. The A_ik empirical parameters of the –O–C(S)–N(CH₃)₂, –S–C(O)–N(CH₃)₂, and –SH group were calculated to help predict the chemical shifts of substituted stilbenes, 4′‐nitrostilbenes, and chalcones. The ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectra have been shown to be able to differentiate between the isomers of O‐stilbenyl (4, 5) and S‐stilbenyl N,N‐dimethylthiocarbamates (7, 8) as well as O‐chalconyl (6) and S‐chalconyl N,N‐dimethylthiocarbamates (9).     

Analysis of Glasses Coated with Zn–Cr–Sn–O Thin Films by Picosecond Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Transmission Spectroscopy

Journal of Applied Spectroscopy - Glasses coated with different thin fi lm layers exhibit different optical properties. Thus, ZnO thin films with Sn and Cr admixture (ZCTO) were deposited on the...     

A Comparison of GaN Epilayers with Multiple Buffer Layers and with a Single Buffer Layer Grown on Si（111） Studied by HRXRD and RBS/Channeling

Two hexagonal GaN epilayers （samples A and B） with multiple buffer layers and single buffer layer are grown on Si （111） by metal-organic vapour phase epitaxy （MOVPE）. From the results of Rutherford backscattering （RBS）/channeling and high resolution x-ray diffraction （HRXRD）, we obtain the lattice constant （a and c） of two GaN epilayers （aA = 0.3190 nm, cA = 0.5184 nm and aB = 0.3192 nm, CB = 0.5179 nm）, the crystal quality of two GaN epilayers （ ХminA=4.87%, ХminB =7.35% along 〈1-↑213〉 axis） and the tetragonal distortion eT of the two samples along depth （sample A is nearly fully relaxed, sample B is not relaxed enough）. Comparing the results with the two samples, it is indicated that sample A with multiple buffer layers have better crystal quality than sample B with a single buffer layer, and it is a good way to grow GaN epilayer on Si （111） substrates using multiple buffer layers to improve crystal quality and to reduce lattice mismatch.     

Determination of Arsenic and Mercury in Chinese Medicinal Herbs by Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry with Closed‐Vessel Microwave Digestion

Abstract

A simple method was developed for the determination of trace arsenic and mercury in Chinese medicinal herbs. The samples were digested in closed‐Teflon vessels in a microwave oven, and followed with hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometric measurements. The experimental conditions for the digestion were carefully optimized using an orthogonal design. The accuracy of the method was validated by recovery experiments, and the analytical results for arsenic in seven medicinal herbs (Codonopsis pilosula, Radix angelicae sinensis, Aconitum carmichaeli debx, crude aconite root, giant typhonium rhizome, Rhizoma typhonii, and Radix aconiti lateralis preparata) were found to agree well with those by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES). The linear dynamic range of the calibration curve was in the range of 0.1–400 ng/mL for arsenic, and the correlation coefficient was better than 0.999. The limit of detection was 0.1 ng/mL for arsenic. For mercury, the determination was accomplished through mercury cold vapor generation in the same instrumental system. The linear dynamic range was 0.03–250 ng/mL, with a limit of detection of 0.03 ng/mL for mercury. This was a rapid, convenient, precise, and cost‐effective method.     

Optimization of Pretreatment Method for Alkylmercuries Speciation in Coal by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with UV‐Digestion Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry

Abstract

Exhaustive extraction of analytes in their original chemical forms from samples with complex matrices is a pivotal step for speciation analysis. Herein we propose a pretreatment method for extracting and preconcentrating methylmercury and ethylmercury from coal samples by using KBr–H₂SO₄/CuSO₄–C₆H₅CH₃–Na₂S₂O₃ system. The extraction conditions, including the volume of the organic phase and the extraction time, were optimized in detail. Speciation analysis of alkylmercuries was carried out by high‐performance liquid chromatography online coupled with UV‐digestion and cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The detection limits were 0.6 ng mL^?1 for methylmercury and 1 ng mL^?1 for ethylmercury, respectively. The recoveries of methylmercury and ethylmercury spiked in a sample were 84% and 82%, respectively. The method was applied successfully to analysis of alkylmercuries in four coal samples collected from northeast China.     

Morphology,Crystallization, and Melting of Single Crystals and Thin Films of Star‐branched Polyesters with Poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) Arms as Revealed by Atomic Force Microscopy

The morphology and thermal stability of different sectors in solution‐ and melt‐grown crystals of star‐branched polyesters with poly(?‐caprolactone) (PCL) arms, and of a reference linear PCL, have been studied by tapping‐mode atomic‐force microscopy (AFM). Real‐time monitoring of melt‐crystallization in thin films of star‐branched and linear PCL has been performed using hot‐stage AFM. A striated fold surface was observed in both solution‐ and melt‐grown crystals of both star‐branched and linear PCL. The presence of striations in the melt‐grown crystals proved that this structure was genuine and not due to the collapse of tent‐shaped crystals. The crystals of the star‐branched polymers had smoother fold surfaces, which can be explained by the presence of dendritic cores close to the fold surfaces. The single crystals of linear PCL grown from solution showed earlier melting in the {100} sectors than in the {110} sectors, whereas no such sectorial dependence of the melting was found in the solution‐grown crystals of the star‐branched polymers. The proximity of the dendritic cores to the fold surface yields at least one amorphous PCL repeating unit next to the dendritic core and more nonadjacent and less sharp chain folding than in linear PCL single crystals; this evidently erased the difference in thermal stability between the {110} and {100} sectors. Melt‐crystallization in thin polymer films at 53–55°C showed 4 times faster crystal growth along b than along a, and more irregular crystals with niches on the lateral faces in star‐branched PCL than in linear PCL. Crystal growth rate was strictly constant with time. Multilayer crystals with central screw dislocation (growing with or without reorientation of the b–axis) and twisting were observed in both classes of polymers.