An internal doping method for the preparation of transparent hybrid xerogels containing nano-sized iron particles

Sol-gel copolymerization of iron tricarbonyl-2-(triisopropoxysilyl)-1,3-butadiene with 1,6-bistriethoxysilylhexane and 1,4-bistriethoxysilylbenzene followed by drying produced bridged polysilsesquioxane xerogels. These porous, transparent hybrid materials containing the iron metal precursor were irradiated (UV) and heated under vacuum resulting in the deposition of nano-sized iron particles doped in the xerogels. EDAX and electron diffraction techniques were used to characterize the iron phases. The TEM images of these doped xerogels provided additional information regarding the domain size of the iron phase.Using a combination of external doping of Cd²⁺ and S^2– ions and internal doping of Fe°, mixed Fe/CdS phases were prepared within the porous bridged polysilsesquioxane xerogels. The resulting doped xerogels were found to have retained their porous morphology.     

Connection of poly(methyl methacrylate) microgel particles dispersed in poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix by seed polymerization

Poly(methyl methacrylate) microgels covered with poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) thin layer was dispersed in poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix. Homogeneous and regular arrangement of the microgel particles was suggested by Bragg diffraction for the films prepared by varying the PVA/microgel ratio (from 6/4 to 3/7 (w/w)). It was proved that the regular arrangement and connection of the microgels by seeded polymerization in poly(vinyl alcohol) were possible. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The Effect of Cyclodextrins in Polymer Particles Synthesis

The free radical polymerization of styrene in water in the presence of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) is described.It is found that β-CD could greatly accelerate the polymerization,enhance the final conversion of monomer.The particle-size distribution of the final polymer is also improved than that without β-CD in the system.     

种子聚合法制备非球形聚合物颗粒的研究进展

十年前,光子晶体的需求促进了非球形颗粒的研究热潮。非球形颗粒由于其对称性下降,带来了新的性能和应用前景,成为当前材料领域研究的热点,得到了较广泛研究,目前其制备方法包括种子聚合法、自组装法、粒子聚集法、微流体法和机械拉伸法等。本文简述了种子聚合法的发展历程,介绍了种子聚合法制备非球形聚合物颗粒的相关机理,以种子微球材质分类综述了种子聚合法制备非球形聚合物颗粒的形貌和结构控制技术进展,概述了其潜在的应用领域,展望了可能的发展趋势。     

Polymer matrix influence on stability of wood polymer composites

The aim of the presented work is to show the influence of the various polymer matrices and the different amounts of the cellulose filler on the composites properties. Samples based on polypropylene, polystyrene, polyoxymethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyester resin, and polylactic acid with different contents of cellulose fibers were prepared by injection molding process. The mechanical and dielectric properties of these composites were studied in order to check whether investigated wood polymer composites fulfill requirements for their application in electrical devices. For all tested composites, a linear increase of modulus with cellulose content was observed. Addition of cellulose to the tested polymers significantly reduces strain at break. In the case of polypropylene and polyoxymethylene composites, the tensile strength increases with the content of the filler. For other materials, there is an inverse relationship, namely the addition of cellulose decreases the tensile strength. The electrical strength decrease was observed with increased cellulose content for the majority of the investigated composites. Polar groups incorporated by cellulose fibers have led to dielectric constant increase. Furthermore, aging of composites in mineral oil and evaluation of water uptake for wood–plastic samples were performed. Wood polymer composites have changed significantly after aging. The water diffusion coefficients were determined, and the significant influence of the amount of cellulose on the water absorption was shown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The preparation and reactivity of metal-containing monomers. 54. Thermolysis of the acrylamide monomer [Co(CH2=CHCONH2)4(H2O)2](NO3)2

The kinetics and pathways of thermolysis of the Co(II) complex with acrylamide, [Co(CH₂=CHCONH₂)₄(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (1) were studied. The rate of gas evolution is satisfactorily approximated by a first-order equation of autocatalysis. The composition of gaseous and solid products of thermolysis of 1 was studied by IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and electronic microscopy. Thermal transformations of acrylamide complex 1 include three macro stages: dehydration, polymerization of the dehydrated monomer, and thermooxidative destruction of the resulting polymer.     

Synthesis and characterization of saccharide‐based latex particles

The synthesis of new polymer colloids based on renewable resources, such as sugar‐derived monomers, is nowadays a matter of interest. These new polymeric particles should be useful in biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, because of their assumed biodegradability. In this work, two new families of polymer latex particles, based on a sugar‐derived monomer, 3‐O‐methacryloyl‐1,2:5,6‐di‐O‐isopropylidene‐α‐D ‐glucofuranose (3‐MDG), were produced and characterized. The syntheses of poly(3‐MDG) crosslinked particles and those obtained by copolymerization with methacrylic acid (MAA), poly(3‐MDG‐co‐MAA) crosslinked particles, were prepared by surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization in a batch reactor. The average particle diameter evolutions, the effect of pH of the dispersion medium on the final average diameters, together with the microscopic and morphological analysis of the particle's surface and inner dominium, were analyzed. Poly(3‐MDG‐co‐EGDMA) stable particles were obtained by adding low amounts of initiator. The surface‐charge density of these particles corresponded to the sulfate groups coming from the initiator. In the second family of latices, poly(3‐MDG‐co‐MAA‐co‐EGDMA) particles, DCP measurements and SEM and TEM observations showed that the sizes and surface characteristics depended on the amounts of MAA and crosslinker used in the reaction mixture. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 443–457, 2006     

Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Particles Prepared by Classical Polymerization Techniques

Liquid-crystalline polymer particles prepared by classical polymerization techniques are receiving increased attention as promising candidates for use in a variety of applications including micro-actuators, structurally colored objects, and absorbents. These particles have anisotropic molecular order and liquid-crystalline phases that distinguish them from conventional polymer particles. In this minireview, the preparation of liquid-crystalline polymer particles from classical suspension, (mini-)emulsion, dispersion, and precipitation polymerization reactions are discussed. The particle sizes, molecular orientations, and liquid-crystalline phases produced by each technique are summarized and compared. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges and prospects of the preparation of liquid-crystalline polymer particles by classical polymerization techniques.     

Spiky nanostructured metal particles as filler of polymeric composites showing tunable electrical conductivity

This work presents a comprehensive investigation of the piezoresistive response of a composite material based on conductive nickel filler in a silicone‐insulating matrix. In the absence of a deformation, the prepared composite shows no electric conductivity, even though the metal particle content is well above the expected percolation threshold. Upon samples deformation (compressive or tensile stress), the composite exploits a variation of electrical resistance up to nine orders of magnitude. This huge variation can be explained with the quantum tunnelling mechanism where the probability of an electron to tunnel from a particle to the next one is exponentially proportional to the thickness of the insulating layer between them and strongly enhanced by the morphology of the nickel particles, showing spiky nanostructured tips. Two different conduction theoretical models are proposed and compared with the experimental results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012     

Heavy metal ions removal by nano-sized spherical polymer brushes

Nano-sized spherical polymer brushes(SPBs) consisting of both a polystyrene(PS) core and a brush shell of poly(acrylic acid)(PAA), poly(N-acrylcysteamine)(PSH), or poly(N-acrylcysteamine-co-acrylic acid)(P(SH-co-AA)), were prepared by photo-emulsion polymerization. The core-shell structure was observed by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Due to the strengthened Donnan effect, the PAA brush can adsorb heavy metal ions. Effects of the contact time, thickness of PAA brush and pH value on the adsorption results were investigated. Due to the coordination between the mercapto groups and heavy metal ions as well as the electrostatic interactions, SPBs with mercapto groups are capable to remove heavy metal ions selectively from aqueous solutions. The order of adsorption capacity of the heavy metal ions by SPBs with mercapto groups is: Hg2+ ≈ Au3+ Pb2+ Cu2+ Ni2+. The adsorbed heavy metal ions can be eluted from SPB by aqueous HCl solution, and the SPBs can be recovered. After three regenerations the recovered SPBs still maintain their adsorption capacity.     

Variation of surface unevenness of anomalous composite polymer particles produced by the stepwise heterocoagulation of small particles onto large particle by heat treatment

Variation of surface unevenness of anomalous composite polymer particles produced by the stepwise heterocoagulation, which we had suggested in previous articles, of small cationic polymer particles onto large anionic polymer particle (LP) by heat treatment was examined with transmission and scanning electron microscopes. When the anomalous polymer emulsion was kept at higher temperature than the glass transition temperature ofLP, the particle surfaces were continuously changed from uneven to smooth state with the treatment time.Part CXLII of the series of Studies on Suspension and Emulsion     

Anomalous decomposition of dinitramide metal salts in the solid phase

Unusual regularities are observed for decomposition of dinitramide metal salts in the solid phase: the solid-phase reaction is 10–10³ times faster than that in the melt, its rate has a sharp peak in the region of eutectics melting with the decomposition product (metal nitrate), and it is instantly inhibited by water vapor. In the inhibited regime, the rate in the solid phase is lower than that in the liquid phase. No indications of this anomalous behavior are observed for the decomposition of the dinitramide guanidinium salt. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 11, pp. 1947–1950, November, 1997.     

Synthesis of ZnO/polystyrene composites particles by Pickering emulsion polymerization

ZnO/polystyrene composite particles were synthesized by Pickering emulsion polymerization. ZnO nanoparticles were first prepared by reaction of zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide in ethanol medium. Then different amount of styrene monomer was emulsified in water in the presence of ZnO nanoparticles either by mechanical stirring or by sonication, followed by polymerization of styrene. Two kinds of initiators were used to start the polymerization, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and potassium persulfate (KPS). The X-ray diffraction pattern verified the crystal structure of ZnO and FT-IR spectra evidenced the existence of ZnO and polystyrene (PS) in ZnO/polystyrene composite particles. Different morphologies were observed for the composite particles when using different initiators. From TEM photographs, AIBN-initiated system produced mainly core-shell composite particles with PS as core and ZnO as shell, while KPS-initiated system showed both composite particles and pure PS particles. Two schemes of reaction mechanism were proposed to explain the morphologies accordingly. Both systems of composite particles showed good pH adjusting ability.     

Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Particles by Suspension Polymerization in Silicon Oil

Molecular imprinting is a method to prepare polymers with recognition site of desired and predetermined selectivity1. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) are prepared by copolymerizing functional and cross-linking monomers in the presence of a molecular …     

非球形聚合物粒子的合成研究

粒子的形状影响其功能性,非球形粒子作为构建单元不仅可以体现材料本身的内在性能,而且其新颖的粒子堆积类型,改善了材料性能,赋予材料更多的应用潜能。非球形粒子可用于改善材料的光学性能,用作生物材料的自组装构造单元,悬浮液流变性能的调控,制备皮克林乳液和复合材料的设计。本文综述了种子聚合法、高分子溶液混合法、机械拉伸法、微粒聚集法、微流体法和模板法等合成非球形粒子的方法,论述了非球形粒子在Pickering乳化剂,光子晶体和有序多孔材料等领域的潜在应用,并展望了可能的发展趋势。     

Epoxy matrix composites reinforced with purified carbon nanotubes for thermal management applications

The role of carbon nanotube purification treatment as a means to improve the thermal properties of polymer matrix composites was investigated. Particular emphasis was placed on clarifying the processing‐property relationship in polymer composites for thermal management applications. The results indicated that purification treatment is critical to the thermal properties of derived polymer composites. Purification treatment can yield a twofold increase in composite thermal conductivity because of improved effectiveness in interfacial interaction and increased chemical purity of the filler. However, there is a trade‐off between the benefits and disadvantages associated with purification treatment, particularly when thermal and electrical properties are both concerned. Purification treatment gives rise to a sharp decrease in composite electrical conductivity by at least two orders of magnitude because of the lack of an effective percolating network. The effect of purification treatment on composite electrical properties is more significant than on its thermal properties.     

Solid-Phase Radical Polymerization of Halogen-Bond-Based Crystals and Applications to Pre-Shaped Polymer Materials

Liquid vinyl monomers were converted into solid crystals via halogen bonding. They underwent solid-phase radical polymerizations through heating at 40 °C or ultraviolet photo-irradiation (365 nm). The X-ray crystallography analysis showed the high degree of monomer alignment in the crystals. The polymerizations of the solid monomer crystals yielded polymers with high molecular weights and relatively low dispersities because of the high degree of the monomer alignment in the crystal. As a unique application of this system, the crystalized monomers were assembled to pre-determined structures, followed by solid-phase polymerization, to obtain a two-layer polymer sheet and a three-dimensional house-shaped polymer material. The two-layer sheet contained a unique asymmetric pore structure and exhibited a solvent-responsive shape memory property and may find applications to asymmetric membranes and polymer actuators.     

Polymer modification of colloidal particles by spontaneous polymerization of surface active monomers

Adsorption and spontaneous polymerization of head- or tail-type surface active monomers having long methylene chains on colloidal silica and δ-alumina were investigated. Both head-type and tail-type ammonium monomers on silica in chloroform or tetrahydrofuran had the maximum adsorption on the respective adsorption isotherm. Above the monomer concentration giving the maximum adsorption, it was observed that the monomer formed micelles or clusters in bulk solution with removal of adsorbed water molecules from the silica surface. At the monomer concentration giving the maximum adsorption, heating the silica suspension containing the monomer at 40°C or 60°C in tetrahydrofuran or chloroform solution resulted in spontaneous polymerization. The composite particles formed by polymerization were observed to have many spots consisting of polymer on the surface. Therefore, it is suggested that the monomers are concentrated by micelle-like aggregation on the silica surface and consecutively spontaneous polymerization takes place. Adsorption of an anion-type monomer having a carboxyl group on δ-alumina, which exhibited a positive ζ potential in neutral aqueous solution, was higher than that on colloidal silica, but did not spontaneously polymerize on alumina. Received: 13 June 1998 Accepted in revised form: 19 August 1998     

Thermal and degradation behavior of fique fiber reinforced thermoplastic matrix composites

The influence of untreated and treated fique fibers on the crystallization process and thermal degradation of different thermoplastic matrix composites has been evaluated. The fique fibers have been treated with different chemicals according with the type of thermoplastic matrix employed. Additionally, a copolymer of poly(propylene) with maleic anhydride (MAPP) has been used as compatibilizer. The treatments introduce an increment on the thermal stability of fique fibers respect to untreated fibers. Crystallization is affected by the presence of fique fibers showing important differences for each type of composites. Fiber presence has an important influence on the matrix morphological characteristics, as observed by dynamical mechanical analysis. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.