Synthesis, characterization and thermoreversible behaviours of poly(dimethyl siloxane)/poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) semi-interpenetrating networks

Simultaneous and sequential poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) with different linear PDMS contents were prepared by free radical polymerization method. Their phase morphologies have been characterized by FTIR, DSC and SEM. The simultaneous semi-IPNs exhibited phase transition temperatures (T_pt) shifted higher temperature from glass transition temperatures (T_g) of their respective homopolymers, suggesting a heterophase morphology and only physical entanglement between the PNIPAAm network and linear PDMS with high molecular weight (Mn≈9000 g/mol). For sequential semi-IPNs, the shift of T_pts towards lower temperature suggested that the chemical interaction between the constituents of the IPNs increased with increasing PDMS content in the network. In addition, these semi-IPNs were characterized for their thermo-sensitive behaviour by equilibrium swelling studies. The results showed that incorporation of hydrophobic PDMS polymer into the thermo- and pH-sensitive PNIPAAm and P(NIPAAm-co-IA) (itaconic acid) hydrogels by semi-IPN formation decreased swelling degrees of IPNs without affecting their LCSTs whereas addition of acrylated PDMS (Tegomer V-Si 2250) as crosslinker instead of N,N^′-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) into the structures of these hydrogels changed their LCSTs along with their swelling degrees.     

Solid polymer electrolytes. IV. Preparation and characterization of novel crosslinked epoxy‐siloxane polymer complexes as polymer electrolytes

Two series of novel crosslinked siloxane‐based polymers and their complexes with lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid‐state NMR (¹³C, ²⁹Si, and ⁷Li nuclei), and differential scanning calorimetry. Their thermal stability and ionic conductivity of these complexes were also investigated by thermogravimetric and AC impedance measurements. In these polymer networks, poly(propylene oxide) chains with different molecular weights were introduced through self‐synthesized epoxy‐siloxane precursors cured with two curing agents. The glass‐transition temperature (T_g) of these copolymers is dependent on the length of the ether units. The dissolution of LiClO₄ considerably increases the T_g of the polyether segments. The dependence of the ionic conductivity was investigated as a function of temperature, LiClO₄ concentration, and the molecular weight of the polyether segments. The ion‐transport behavior was affected by the combination of the ionic mobility and number of carrier ions. The ⁷Li solid‐state NMR line shapes of these polymer complexes suggest a significant interaction between Li⁺ ions and the polymer matrix, and temperature‐ and LiClO₄ concentration‐dependent chemical shifts are correlated with ionic conductivity. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1226–1235, 2002     

Novel composite polymer electrolytes based on poly(ether-urethane) network polymer and modified montmorillonite

Novel composite solid polymer electrolytes (CSPEs) and composite gel polymer electrolytes (CGPEs) have been prepared. CSPE consists of poly(ether-urethane) network polymer, which is superior to poly(ethylene oxide) in mechanical stability due to its cross-linked structure, modified montmorillonite (MMMT) and LiClO₄, and CGPE with good mechanical strength comprises of the CSPE and LiClO₄–PC (propylene carbonate) solution. The ionic conductivity can be enhanced after the addition of MMMT, and CGPE exhibits ionic conductivity in the order of 10⁻³ S/cm at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity of the CSPE follows the Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher (VTF) equation. The effects of MMMT on the interactions in these systems and the possible conduction mechanisms are also discussed.     

Conductivity and thermal behavior of proton conducting polymer electrolyte based on poly (N-vinyl pyrrolidone)

The polymer electrolytes based on poly N-vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and ammonium thiocyanate (NH₄SCN) with different compositions have been prepared by solution casting technique. The amorphous nature of the polymer electrolytes has been confirmed by XRD analysis. The shift in T_g values and the melting temperatures of the PVP-NH₄SCN electrolytes shown by DSC thermo-grams indicate an interaction between the polymer and the salt. The dependence of T_g and conductivity upon salt concentration have been discussed. The conductivity analysis shows that the 20 mol% ammonium thiocyanate doped polymer electrolyte exhibit high ionic conductivity and it has been found to be 1.7 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹, at room temperature. The conductivity values follow the Arrhenius equation and the activation energy for 20 mol% ammonium thiocyanate doped polymer electrolyte has been found to be 0.52 eV.     

Highly concentrated polycarbonate‐based solid polymer electrolytes having extraordinary electrochemical stability

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are compounds of great interest as safe and flexible alternative ionics materials, particularly suitable for energy storage devices. We study an unusual dependence on the salt concentration of the ionic conductivity in an SPE system based on poly(ethylene carbonate) (PEC). Dielectric relaxation spectroscopy reveals that the ionic conductivity of PEC/lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) electrolyte continues to increase with increasing salt concentration because the segmental motion of the polymer chains is enhanced by the plasticizing effect of the imide anion. Fourier transfer‐infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy suggests that this unusual phenomenon arises because of a relatively loose coordination structure having moderately aggregated ions, in contrast to polyether‐based systems. Comparative FTIR study against PEC/lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄) electrolytes suggests that weak ionic interaction between Li and TFSI ions is also important. Highly concentrated electrolytes with both reasonable conductivity and high lithium transference number (t₊) can be obtained in the PEC/LiTFSI system as a result of the unusual salt concentration dependence of the conductivity and the ionic solvation structure. The resulting concentrated PEC/LiTFSI electrolytes have extraordinary oxidation stability and prevent any Al corrosion reaction in a cyclic voltammetry. These are inherent effects of the highly concentrated salt. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016 , 54, 2442–2447     

Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks toward sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) membranes for high concentration direct methanol fuel cell

Semi-IPNs were constructed by forming the crosslinking networks via the reaction between BPPO and diamine cross-linkers to overcome the dimensional swelling and methanol-permeation issues of SPEEK.     

A new temperature-sensitive polymer: Poly(ethoxypropylacrylamide)

In this study, a new temperature sensitive polymer was obtained by the solution polymerization of ethoxypropylacrylamide. The monomer, N-(3-ethoxypropyl)-acrylamide was synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 3-ethoxy-propylamine and acryloyl chloride. The solution polymerization was performed in ethanol at 70 °C, by using azobisizobutyronitrile as the initiator. Poly(N-(3-ethoxypropyl)acrylamide), PEPA, exhibited a reversible phase transition by the temperature. The effects of polymer and salt concentrations on the lower critical solution temperature, (LCST) behaviour were investigated. LCST was found to be strongly dependent on the polymer concentration. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements confirmed the formation of aggregates by the association of nucleated polymer chains at the temperatures higher than LCST. However an unusual behaviour, a marked decrease in the hydrodynamic diameter by the increasing PEPA concentration was observed below the LCST. The effect of salt concentration on the critical flocculation temperature of PEPA was reasonably similar to poly(isopropylacrylamide), PNIPA. In the ethanol-water media, the reversible phase transition behaviour was observed up the ethanol concentration of 30% v/v. This study indicated that PEPA was a new alternative thermally reversible material for PNIPA. With respect to the well-defined temperature-sensitive polymers like PNIPA, polymer concentration dependent LCST of PEPA can provide significant advantages in the applications like drug targeting, affinity separation and immobilization of bioactive agents.     

Interpenetrating polymer networks of poly(dimethyl siloxane–urethane) and poly(methyl methacrylate)

Simultaneous IPNs of poly(dimethyl siloxane-urethane) (PDMSU)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and related isomers have been prepared by using new oligomers of bis(β-hydroxyethoxymethyl)poly(dimethyl siloxane)s (PDMS diols) and new crosslinkers biuret triisocyanate (BTI) and tris(β-hydroxylethoxymethyl dimethylsiloxy) phenylsilane (Si-triol). Their phase morphology have been characterized by DSC and SEM. The SEM phase domain size is decreased by increasing crosslink density of the PDMSU network. A single phase IPN of PDMSU/PMMA can be made at an M_c = 1000 and 80 wt % of PDMSU. All of the pseudo- or semi-IPNs and blends of PDMSU and PMMA were phase separated with phase domain sizes ranging from 0.2 to several micrometers. The full IPNs of PDMSU/PMMA have better thermal resistance compared to the blends of linear PDMSU and linear PMMA. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and properties of all solid polymer electrolytes based on poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐acetyl ethylene oxide acrylate)

Poly(acetyl ethylene oxide acrylate‐co‐vinyl acetate) (P(AEOA‐VAc)) was synthesized and used as a host for lithium perchlorate to prepare an all solid polymer electrolyte. Introduction of carbonyl groups into the copolymer increased ionic conductivity. All solid polymer electrolytes based on P(AEOA‐VAc) at 14.3 wt% VAc with 12wt% LiClO₄ showed conductivity as high as 1.2 × 10^?4 S cm^?1 at room temperature. The temperature dependence of the ionic conductivity followed the VTF behavior, indicating that the ion transport was related to segmental movement of the polymer. FTIR was used to investigate the effect of the carbonyl group on ionic conductivity. The interaction between the lithium salt and carbonyl groups accelerated the dissociation of the lithium salt and thus resulted in a maximum ionic conductivity at a salt concentration higher than pure PAEO‐salts system. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Zeolitic inorganic–organic polymer electrolytes: a material based on poly(ethylene glycol) 600, SnCl4 and K4Fe(CN)6

This report describes the synthesis of a new zeolitic inorganic–organic polymer electrolyte with the formula [Fe_xSn_y(CN)_zCl_v(C_2nH_4n+2O_n+1)K₁]. This material is based on poly(ethylene glycol) 600, SnCl₄ and K₄[Fe(CN)₆], and is obtained via a sol→gel transition. Mid and far Fourie than form infrared (FT‐IR) studies, analytical data and X‐ray Photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigations allowed us to conclude that this material is a mixed inorganic–organic network in which Fe and Sn are bonded by CN bridges and tin atoms by PEG 600 bridges. Mid‐infrared (MIR) FT‐IR investigations demonstrated that the polyether chains assume a conformation of the TGT (T = trans, G = gauche) type. Micrographs of the compound obtained by scanning electron microscopy reveal that its morphology resembles a smooth gummy paste. The conductivity of the material at different temperatures was determined by impedance spectroscopy (IS). Results indicated that the material conducts ionically and that its conductivity is strongly influenced by segmental motion of the polymer network. Finally, this network shows a conductivity of ca. 3.7 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm at 25 °C. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks using biocompatible polyurethane and acrylamide monomer

Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) of acrylamide based polyurethanes were synthesized from different NCO-terminated polyurethane prepolymers derived from polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG). The resulting semi-IPNs were characterized using FTIR, DSC, and TGA measurements. Variation in the NCO/OH ratio and the molecular weight of the diol gave semi-IPNs with different types of mechanical characteristics varying from elastomer to brittle plastic properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data revealed a difference in the glass transition temperature (T_g) of the semi-IPNs relative to the normal polyacrylamide (PAAM) network. Incorporation of polyurethane into polyacrylamide network in the form of an interpenetrating polymer networks enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the semi-IPNs due to higher crosslink density imparted by the hard segment content. The swelling behavior of both the semi-IPNs and the individual polyacrylamide (PAAM) network in different pH conditions were investigated to check their biocompatibility and possible usage in biomedical field. The hydrolytic stability of the semi-IPNs and the polyacrylamide (PAMM) network was studied using phosphate buffer solution. The hydrolytic stability of the semi-IPNs was found to be more compared to PAMM network. The morphology of both the semi-IPNs and the individual polyacrylamide (PAAM) network was investigated using SEM.     

Synthesis and ionic conductivity of hyperbranched poly(glycidol)

A novel hyperbranched poly(glycidol) (HPG) was prepared and characterized. The synthesized HPG was used as a substrate of a polymer electrolyte. The ionic conductivity of a blend of HPG, polyurethane (PU), and salt was studied. The ionic conductivity of HPG/PU/LiClO₄ was about 6.6 × 10^?6 S · cm^?1 at 20 °C and 6.3 × 10^?4 S · cm^?1 at 60 °C. The results indicated that HPG showed higher solubility for salt than linear polyether when both had the same [O]/[Li⁺] molar ratio. The main reason was that more cavities and a lower degree of chain entanglement in HPG resulted in a lower glass‐transition temperature and were beneficial for decreasing the aggregation of salt or enhancing the ionic conductivity. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2225–2230, 2001     

VTF to arrhenius crossover in temperature dependence of conductivity in (PEG)xNH4ClO4 polymer electrolyte

We have studied the temperature variation of conductivity and ¹H NMR linewidth of (PEG)_xNH₄ClO₄ (x = 20, 30, 46, 100, 200, & 1000) polymer electrolyte systems. The temperature dependence of the conductivity shows two distinct behaviors, the low temperature VTF dependence crossing over to Arrhenius dependence at higher temperatures. The departure from the VTF behavior is found to be composition dependent. NMR spectra indicate the presence of large fractions of crystalline regions that start to melt around the crossover temperature. We understand the deviation from the VTF behavior as a consequence of this crystalline to elastomer transition. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1201–1209, 1998     

Properties of a nanocomposite polymer electrolyte from an amorphous comb-branch polymer and nanoparticles

Three fully amorphous comb-branch polymers based on poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) as a backbone and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether of different molecular weights as side chains were synthesized. SiO₂ nanoparticles of various contents and the salt LiCF₃SO₃ were added to these comb-branch polymers to obtain nanocomposite polymer electrolytes. The thermal and transport properties of the samples have been characterized. The maximum conductivity of 2.8×10^–4 S cm^–1 is obtained at 28 °C. In the system the longer side chain of the comb-branch polymer electrolyte increases in ionic conductivity after the addition of nanoparticles. To account for the role of the ceramic fillers in the nanocomposite polymer electrolyte, a model based on a fully amorphous comb-branch polymer matrix in enhancing transport properties of Li⁺ ions is proposed.     

Ion-free latex films composed of fused polybutadiene and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) particles as polymer electrolyte materials

Latex films composed of fused polybutadiene (PB) and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) particles that contain no ionic, hydroxyl, or amino groups were swelled with lithium salt solutions to yield new polymer electrolyte materials. The latex particle consists of a nonpolar, rubbery core that contains the PB component and a polar, glassy shell that contains the PVP component. The particle core-shell morphology was retained in the solid state, after the latex dispersion medium was removed and the films dried at high temperatures, due to the high T_g of the PVP shell. The films swelled when immersed in lithium salt solutions, and ionic conductivity of swollen films was greater than 10^-3 S/cm. Swelling and ionic conduction occurred only in the polar PVP component. Extraction of PVP occurred with extended swelling. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

ESR spin-label study of poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid)/poly(epsilon-caprolactone) semi-interpenetrating polymer networks with controlled hydrogen-bond interactions

The morphology and miscibility of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPN) prepared with poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) [P(S-co-MAA)] of different carboxylic acid contents and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) have been studied by ESR spin-label method. The ESR spectra of spin-labeled PCL showed one motional component at any specific temperature. It indicated that the spin-labeled molecules were located in one type of environment. The coexistence of two motional components in the ESR spectra of all semi-IPN samples was observed over a certain temperature range. This phenomenon suggested that the semi-IPNs were not compatible systems; they contained two microphases, a PCL-rich microdomain and a P(S-co-MAA)-rich microdomain. The miscibility could be improved by increasing the carboxylic acid content, which could enhance the hydrogen-bonding interactions between the ester groups of PCL and carboxylic acid groups in P(S-co-MAA). It was also found that the intracomponent cross-linking of the semi-IPNs was not in favor of the miscibility. The microphase separation occurred in all semi-IPNs, even in the samples having strong hydrogen-bonding interactions. With increasing cross-linking density, the microphase separation became more remarkable.     

Electrical and Structural Properties of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Doped Potassium Iodide (KI) Solid Polymer Electrolyte

A high-conducting salt-doped polymer electrolyte layer has been created here for use in photocell technologies. The solution casting method is used to produce ion conducting film where poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is used as the host polymer and potassium iodide (KI) as the dopant. The conductivity and amorphic increases of the polymer electrolytes with the addition of salt concentrations helps in the enhancement of the charge transfer properties. Using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), ionic conductivity is evaluated where maximum conductivity is 3.99 × 10⁻⁶ S cm^-1 at 20 wt% KI concentration. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) shows the reduction in crystallinity by salt doping, while Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows the complexation as well as composite nature of the film. Ionic transference number (t_ion) measurement shows the predominantly ionic nature of this polymer electrolyte.     

Effect of ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide on the properties of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) based solid polymer electrolytes

A free standing polymer electrolytes films, containing poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) as the polymer host, lithium perchlorate (LiClO₄), and ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide [Bmim][TFSI] as a plasticizer was successfully prepared via the solution casting method. The XRD analysis revealed the amorphous nature of the electrolyte. ATR-FTIR and thermal studies confirmed the interaction and complexation between the polymer host and the ionic liquid. The maximum ionic conductivity of the solid polymer electrolyte was found at 2.56 × 10^–5 S cm^–1 by the addition of 60 wt % [Bmim][TFSI] at room temperature and increased up to 3.19 × 10^–4 S cm^–1 at 373 K, as well as exhibited a transition of temperature dependence of conductivity: Arrhenius-like behavior at low and high temperatures.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new network polymer electrolyte containing polyether in the main chains and side chains

A new network polymer electrolyte matrix with polyether in the side chains and main chains was synthesized by the azo-macroinitiator method and urethane reaction. The macroinitiator, polymer and network polymer were confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and ¹H NMR. FT-IR was also used to study the environment of lithium ions doped in these network polymer electrolytes. Three important groups are considered: N-H, carbonyl, and ether groups. The thermal properties of the polymer electrolytes were measured by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The T_g value of this polymer is less than that of a general comb-like polymer. Added lithium ions interact with the oxygen atoms on ether groups, causing the T_g of the polymer electrolyte to increase. Moreover, the interaction between lithium ions and ether groups decreases the decomposition temperature of the polymer. The conductivity measured by AC impedance reached a maximum of 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹. A plot of conductivity vs. temperature fit the Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher equation, indicating that ionic mobility in this network polymer electrolyte is coupled to segmental chain movements.     

High ionic conductivity of all-solid polymer electrolytes based on polyorganophosphazenes

A series of all-solid polymer electrolytes were prepared by cross-linking new designed poly(organophosphazene) macromonomers. The ionic conductivities of these all-solid, dimensional steady polymer electrolytes were reported. The temperature dependence of ionic conductivity of the all-solid polymer electrolytes suggested that the ionic transport is correlated with the segmental motion of the polymer. The relationship between lithium salts content and ionic conductivity was discussed and investigated by Infrared spectrum. Furthermore, the polarity of the host materials was thought to be a key to the ionic conductivity of polymer electrolyte. The all-solid polymer electrolytes based on these poly(organophosphazenes) showed ionic conductivity of 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ at room temperature.