Novel hybrid materials consisting of regioregular poly(3-octylthiophene)s covalently attached to single-wall carbon nanotubes

Facile routes for the synthesis of hybrid materials consisting of regioregular poly(3-octylthiophene)s covalently attached to single-wall carbon nanotubes are presented for the first time. These materials are easily processable using common organic solvents, and at the same time combine the properties of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophene)s with those of single-wall carbon nanotubes. Moreover, studies of the properties of these materials have provided strong evidence for an electron transfer from the regioregular poly(3-octylthiophene) to the single-wall carbon nanotube.     

High-resolution NMR of crosslinked polymers: Effects of crosslinked density and solvent interaction

Measurements have been made of the dependence of nuclear magnetic resonance bandwidths of polymers on the degree of crosslinking. Poly(methyl methacrylates) and poly(hexadecyl acrylates) were studied. Three regions of behavior are apparent: (1) in lightly crosslinked materials, bandwidths are quite insensitive to the degree of crosslinking, and the networks behave almost as linear polymers in solution; (2) in moderately crosslinked material, bandwidths are significantly affected by the degree of crosslinking; and (3) in highly crosslinked materials, bandwidths are extremely sensitive to crosslink density, and the polymer peaks become so broad that they disappear almost completely. These results indicate that segmental motion of a polymer in solution is not a function solely of its molecular weight, and that a certain degree of crosslinking is required to restrict polymer motion at the segmental level. The solvent (benzene) peak is always a singlet in swollen poly(methyl methacrylate) systems with swelling ratios up to 6.4 (regions 1 and 2, above) but as the swelling ratio further decreases to 3.5 (region 3), the solvent peak splits into a doublet; this phenomenon may indicate the existence of two different arrangements of solvent molecules in the swollen network, for which interchange is not sufficiently rapid to produce a single line.     

Evaluation of the transport properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and its 3-hydroxyvalerate copolymers for packaging applications

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and ist 3-hydroxyvalerate containing copolymers form a family of fully biodegradable polyesters with many potential applications. In this work, the results obtained in our laboratory concerning carbon dioxide, water and organic solvent transport through PHB and three low 3-hydroxyvalerate copolymers are reviewed. Comparison established between the former results and some data taken from the literature, have revealed that PHB and the above mentioned copolymers show transport properties similar to other common thermoplastics such as PVC and PET, particularly in the case of carbon dioxide and water. Consequently, PHB and copolymers can be catalogued as good barrier materials against these penetrants. On the other hand, these biopolymers show a low barrier character against organic compound permeation. All these features conform a good balance of physicochemical properties for these polyhydroxyalkanoates, which may take them suitable for several applications, including its use in biodegradable packaging materials.     

Incorporation of surface-derivatized gold nanoparticles into electrochemically generated polymer films

Stable colloidal solutions of gold nanoparticles surface-derivatized with a thiol monolayer have been prepared using two-phase (water–nitrobenzene) reduction of AuCl₄⁻ by sodium borohydride in the presence of 2-mercapto-3-n-octylthiophene (MOT). This kind of surface-functionalized gold nanoparticles can be easily incorporated into the poly(3-octylthiophene) (POT) films on electrode in the process of electrochemical polymerization leading to POT–gold nanoparticle (POT–Au) composite films. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy (XPS) have been employed to characterize the surface-derivatized particles and the resulting films. The method of incorporation of nanoparticles into polymer by surface-derivatization and in situ polymerization can also be employed to prepare many other polymer–nanoparticle compostie materials.     

Facile Tailoring of Structures for Controlled Release of Paracetamol from Sustainable Lignin Derived Platforms

Nowadays, sustainable materials are receiving significant attention due to the fact that they will be crucial for the development of the next generation of products and devices. In the present work, hydrogels have been successfully synthesized using lignin which is non-valorized biopolymer from the paper industry. Hydrogels were prepared via crosslinking with Poly(ethylene) glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE). Different crosslinker ratios were used to determine their influence on the structural and chemical properties of the resulting hydrogels. It has been found that pore size was reduced by increasing crosslinker amount. The greater crosslinking density increased the swelling capacity of the hydrogels due to the presence of more hydrophilic groups in the hydrogel network. Paracetamol release test showed higher drug diffusion for hydrogels produced with a ratio lignin:PEGDGE 1:1. The obtained results demonstrate that the proposed approach is a promising route to utilize lignocellulose waste for producing porous materials for advanced biomedical applications in the pharmacy industry.     

Photolysis of polymers using the medium pressure mercury lamp: Part 2—Photolysis of poly(methyl acrylate), alone and in presence of benzoin,fluorenone and 2-chlorothioxanthone

Poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) films, 44 μm thick, have been irradiated and the yields of the four principal condensable volatile photolysis products (methyl formate, formaldehyde, methanol and carbon dioxide) have been determined quantitatively, using subambient TVA, for periods of irradiation up to 6 h. Spectral changes (ir and uv) occurring in the films as a result of irradiation have been examined. The crosslinking reaction has been followed by sorption measurements using radioactive styrene dichloride. Results have been compared with those of earlier studies using the low and high pressure mercury lamps.The effects of benzoin, fluorenone and 2-chlorothioxanthone on the photolysis of PMA have been investigated. Each compound reduces the yield of the normal photolysis products; benzaldehyde is observed as a new product from films containing benzoin. For photolysis in the presence of these compounds, which decompose within 30 min under the conditions used, sorption measurements suggest that crosslinking is reduced and, when sufficient concentration of additive is present, chain scission predominates. After the additive has been destroyed, however, the crosslinking reaction proceeds as in pure PMA.     

Synthesis of functionalized linear poly(divinylbenzene). II. Synthesis of poly(divinylbenzene) with hydroxyl pendants and/or endgroups

Poly(divinylbenzene) [poly(DVB)] derivatives having hydroxyl terminals and/or pendants were synthesized by chemical modifications (hydration and hydroxylation) of unsaturated linear poly(DVB) ( I ), which was prepared by the polymerization of DVB catalyzed by acetyl perchlorate. Hydroboration of both terminal and in-chain carbon–carbon double bonds in I with BH₃.THF complex yielded a fully hydrated poly(DVB) II , in which hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups are placed alternately. Selective hydroboration of the vinyl endgroups in I with 9-borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane led to an α,ω-dihydroxy-poly(DVB) ( III ). Reaction of I with m-chloroperbenzoic acid gave fully epoxidated poly(DVB) IV , which was subsequently hydrated to yield polymer V consisting of glycol repeat units and terminals. The physical properties and reactions (chain extension and crosslinking) of these polymers were also studied.     

Synthesis and characterization of acrylamide/acrylic acid hydrogels crosslinked using a novel diacrylate of glycerol to produce multistructured materials

In this work we propose a new crosslinking agent and the method to use it for the synthesis of acrylate based hydrogels. The use of this diacrylate of glycerol, synthesized in our laboratory, allows the generation of materials with well defined micro‐structures in the dry state, unique meso‐ and macro‐structures during swelling, and enhanced mechanical properties and swelling capacity in water. These properties depend on the crosslinking agent concentration, as well as synthesis thermal history. Poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) hydrogels are commonly crosslinked with N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide or N‐isopropylacrylamide. Here we obtain and use a new crosslinking agent, obtained from the reaction between glycerol and acrylic acid to produce a Diacrylate of glycerol (DAG). Two synthesis methods at equivalent molar ratio of acrylamide/acrylic acid (AM/AA) were analyzed. The mechanical properties, the swelling capacity, and the morphology at microscale of these hydrogels showed a well defined transition at a critical concentration of crosslinking agent. DAG induces the generation of hydrogels with hierarchichal structure. The micro‐structure surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, the meso‐structure by polarized light microscopy and the macro‐structure by CCD imaging. The hydrogels with hierarchical structures showed improved mechanical properties when compared with structureless hydrogels. Control of the microstructure allows the generation of materials for different applications, i.e. templates or smart materials that interact with electromagnetic radiation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 2667–2679, 2008     

聚(4-偶氮磺酸苯乙烯-co-4-乙烯基吡啶)与本征态聚苯胺的氢键自组装及其光电转换性能

合成了一种新的共聚体——聚(4-偶氮磺酸苯乙烯-co-4-乙烯基吡啶), 它含有吡啶环, 能作为氢受体与本征态聚苯胺进行氢键自组装. 在紫外光照下, 组装膜通过偶氮磺酸基的光解, 形成稳定的共价交联结构, 在电解质水溶液中也不被破坏, 可用作光电转换膜, 并能在盐水溶液中直接测定它的光电流. 结果表明含有本征态聚苯胺的自组装膜是一种良好的光电转换材料.     

Self-assembled Films of Poly(4-diazosulfonate Styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine) with Polyaniline and Their Photoelectric Conversion Properties

Poly(4-diazosulfonate styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine) (P(DSS-co-VP)) can self-assemble (SA) with polyaniline via H-bond interaction. The SA film was then photo-crosslinked under UV irradiation to form a covalent crosslinking structure. The photocurrent of the crosslinked SA films was determined directly in aqueous salt solution. The results showed that the polyaniline SA films were materials with good photoelectron conversion properties.     

Crosslinking of styrene–butadiene rubber with 1,2-bis(benzocyclobutenyl)ethane

1,2-Bis(benzocyclobutenyl)ethane (BBCB) was used as a thermally activated crosslinking agent in styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR), both in the raw and carbon black-filled materials. Diels–Alder crosslinking reactions occurred to a significant degree, despite the lack of substituents of opposing electronic effects. The reaction is free of toxic crosslinking promoters and evolved by-products. Various physical properties such as ultimate elongation, tensile strength, and modulus were measured and compared to those properties of a sulfur-cured sample of SBR. Linear relationships were found between the amount of BBCB present and the modulus of the materials, as well as the amount of BBCB and solvent uptake in swell tests. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis,characterization and molecular weight studies of certain soluble poly(3-alkylthiophene) conducting polymers

Soluble conducting polymers of 3-hexylthiophene, 3-octylthiophene, 3-decylthiophene and 3-dodecylthiophene were synthesized by constant potential electrolysis. The resultant polymers were characterized by cyclic voltammetry, ultraviolet spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Molecular weights were studied with gel permeation chromatography on solutions of the polymers in toluene. Surface properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Substituent groups lengths have been found to strongly influence the electronic properties of the resultant polymers. Poly(3-hexylthiophene) has shown the highest conductivity, with the highest degree of polymerization. The conductivity and the degree of polymerization values decrease as the substituent chain length increases.H.B. Mark Jr.: deseased     

Highly Reproducible Flexible Ion-selective Electrodes for the Detection of Sodium and Potassium in Artificial Sweat

It is well known that potentiometric sensors provide a versatile, cost-effective, and efficient platform for wearable applications. Unfortunately, mass production and commercialization of such devices is often constrained by the requirement of a calibration step, which is due to the poor sensor-to-sensor reproducibility and the need of conditioning the electrodes in the analyte before use. Herein, we fabricated calibration-free flexible sensors including ion-selective electrode and reference electrode by integrating single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with poly(3-octylthiophene) (POT) and applying on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The developed sodium and potassium ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) display excellent repeatability, selectivity, stability as well as high sensor-to-sensor reproducibility, with a standard deviation of as low as 1.0 mV in artificial sweat microliter samples volume.     

A Triple Crosslinking Design toward Epoxy Vitrimers and Carbon Fiber Composites of High Performance and Multi-shape Memory

It remains a challenge to use a simple approach to fabricate a multi-shape memory material with high mechanical performances. Here,we report a triple crosslinking design to construct a multi-shape memory epoxy vitrimer(MSMEV), which exhibits high mechanical properties,multi-shape memory property and malleability. The triple crosslinking network is formed by reacting diglycidyl ether of bisphenol F(DGEBF) with4-aminophenyl disulfide, γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane(APTS) and poly(propylene glycol) bis(2-aminopropyl ether)(D2000). The triple crosslinking manifests triple functions: the disulfide bonds and the silyl ether linkages enable malleability of the epoxy network; the silyl ether linkages impart the network with high heterogeneity and broaden the glass transition region, leading to multi-shape memory property; a small amount of D2000 increases the modulus difference between the glassy and rubbery states, thereby improving the shape fixity ratio. Meanwhile,the high crosslinking density and rigid structure provide the MSMEV with high tensile strength and Young's modulus. Moreover, integrating carbon fibers and MSMEV results in shape memory composites. The superior mechanical properties of the composites and the recyclability of carbon fiber derived from the dissolvability of MSMEV make the composites hold great promise as structural materials in varied applications.     

Crosslinking of epoxy resins at interfaces. IV. Anhydride-cured resins at carbon and graphite surfaces

Dispersions of carbon blacks and chopped carbon fibers in epoxy resins may be characterized by infrared internal reflection spectroscopy (IR–IRS). The high surface areas of the carbons (often ≥ 100 m²/g) ensure a high degree of interfacial contact between the carbon surface and the polymer. The crosslinking kinetics and final crosslinked state of an anhydride-cured epoxy resin are shown to be affected strongly by the carbons through adsorption of the tertiary amine catalyst at oxidation sites on the carbon surface. Oxidative treatments of the carbons (nitric acid oxidation, air oxidation) increase the effect on the crosslinking chemistry. Carbon dioxide treatment of the carbons, which produces a basic surface, reduces the effect on the crosslinking. The effects on the crosslinking kinetics were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The relevance of these results to the characterization of the interphase in carbon fiber/epoxy composites is discussed.     

聚3-辛基噻吩/MWNTs复合材料的导电性能研究

采用在氯仿溶液中超声共混, 制备聚3-辛基噻吩(P3OT)和多壁碳纳米管(MWNTs)复合材料. 当MWNTs掺杂量为3%时复合材料的电导率为1.43 S•m－1, 达到纯MWNTs的电导率水平. 用FTIR光谱, TG, UV-Vis光谱, XPS和FESEM进行研究分析, 认为MWNTs的离域电子与P3OT主链上的π电子之间形成π-π共轭, 增加了P3OT主链的有效共轭度, 被掺杂的P3OT具有很高的电导率, 提高了复合材料的导电性能. MWNTs与被掺杂的P3OT组成相对独立的导体单元, 对复合材料的导电网络形成起着主要作用.     

Preparation of Different Poly 3-Alkylthiophene Ultrathin Films at the Surface of Chemically Adsorbed Monolayer Having Thienyl Group

Polymerization processes of two types ultrathin films containing polythienyl groups anchored to the substrate surface through siloxane bonds were investigated. When the oxidative polymerization on the Chemically Adsorbed (CA) monolayer prepared with 11-(3-thienylundecyl)trichlorosilane (TTS) was performed in the acetonitrile solution containing 3-octylthiophene monomer and FeCl₃, the thienyl groups in the CA monolayer and the outer 3-octylthiophene monomers were polymerized each other along the directions of both in-plane and out-of-plane of the CA monolayer. On the other hand, when the oxidative polymerization was performed without the additive 3-octylthiophene monomer, the long conjugated linkage of the thienyl groups was not formed in the CA monolayer. The highest conductivity of the film prepared with the additive 3-octylthiophene of about 10 nm thickness was 10^?2 S/cm.     

Photophysics and electron transfer in poly(3-octylthiophene) alternating with Ru(II)- and Os(II)-bipyridine complexes

A series of soluble metal-organic polymers that contain Ru(II)- and Os(II)-polypyridine complexes interspersed within a pi-conjugated poly(3-octylthiophene) backbone are prepared. Detailed electrochemical and photophysical studies are carried out on the polymers and two model complexes to determine the extent that the metal-polypyridine units interact with the pi-conjugated system. The results indicate that there is a strong electronic interaction between the metal-based chromophores and the pi-conjugated organic segments, and consequently the photophysical properties are not simply based on the sum of the properties of the individual components. In the Ru(II) polymers, the metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (MLCT) excited state is slightly higher in energy than the 3 pi,pi* state of the poly(3-octylthiophene) backbone. This state ordering results in a material that displays only a weak MLCT luminescence and a long-lived transient absorption spectrum that is dominated by the 3 pi,pi* state. In the Os(II) polymer the MLCT state is lower in energy than the polythiophene-based 3 pi,pi* state and the "unperturbed" MLCT emission is observed. Finally, all of the metal-organic polymers undergo photoinduced bimolecular electron-transfer (ET) reactions with the oxidative quencher dimethyl viologen. Transient absorption spectroscopy reveals that photoinduced ET to dimethyl viologen produces the oxidized polymers, and in most cases, the transient spectra are dominated by features characteristic of a poly(3-octylthiophene) polaron.     

Electron absorption spectra and voltabsorptograms of poly-3-octylthiophene films

Steady-state absorption spectra of poly-3-octylthiophene films in different oxidation states and differential cyclic voltabsorptograms of poly-3-octylthiophene films in 0.1 M LiClO₄ solutions in acetonitrile are studied. Electron spectra of films demonstrate the following three absorption bands: a complex band with a pronounced maximum at λ = 450 nm, which corresponds to π → π* electron transitions in the reduced fragments of poly-3-octylthiophene films and two absorption bands (at λ_max = 780 and λ_max > 1100 nm), which correspond to the oxidized film fragments. It is concluded that two chemically and optically distinguishable oxidation products are formed during the polymer oxidation.     

Carbon dots confined in 3D polymer network: Producing robust room temperature phosphorescence with tunable lifetimes

Room temperature phosphorescence(RTP) is important in both organic electronics and encryption. Despite rapid advances, a universal approach to robust and tunable RTP materials based on amorphous polymers remains a formidable challenge. Here, we present a strategy that uses three-dimensional(3 D)confinement of carbon dots in a polymer network to achieve ultra-long lifetime phosphorescence. The RTP of the as-obtained materials was not quenched in different polar organic solvents and the lifetime o...