PVT of amorphous and crystalline polymers and their nanocomposites

The Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) of polystyrene (PS), polyamide-6 (PA-6) and their clay-containing polymeric nanocomposites (CPNC) were determined at T = 300-600 K and P = 0.1-190 MPa, thus in the molten, glassy and semicrystalline phase. The melt and glass behavior was interpreted following the Simha-Somcynsky (S-S) cell-hole free volume theory while that of the semicrystalline phase using S-S and the Midha-Nanda-Simha-Jain (MNSJ) cell theory describing crystalline quantum interactions. The theoretical analysis yielded two sets of the interaction parameters, one from the S-S and the other from the MNSJ model. The derivative properties: the compressibility, κ, and thermal expansion coefficient, α, were computed as functions of T, P and clay content, w. These functions, crossing several transition regions, were significantly different for the amorphous PS than for the semicrystalline PA-6. The isobaric PS plots of κ and α vs. T detected secondary transitions at T_β/T_g ≈ 0.9 ± 0.1 and at T_c/T_g = 1.2 ± 0.1. Addition of clay severely affected the vitreous phase (physical aging). In PA-6 systems the behavior was distinctly different than in PS, viz. κ = κ(T) followed a similar function across the melting zone, while α = α(T) dependencies were dramatically different for the solid and molten phase. The theoretical functions in reduced variables provided good basis for explanation of the observed dependencies.     

Free volume of molten and glassy polystyrene and its nanocomposites

The Pressure-Volume-Temperature (PVT) dependencies of polystyrene-based clay-containing nanocomposites (CPNC) were determined in the glassy and molten state. The PVT data in the melt were fitted to the Simha-Somcynsky (S-S) lattice-hole equation-of-state (eos), yielding the free volume quantity, h = h(T, P), and the characteristic reducing parameters, P*, V*, T*. The data within the glassy region were interpreted considering that the latter parameters are valid in the whole range of independent variables, than calculating h = h(T, P) from the experimental values of V = V(T, P). Next, the frozen free volume fraction in the glass was computed as FF = FF(P). In the molten state the maximum reduction of free volume was observed at w_solid ≈ 3.6–wt % clay, amount sufficient to adsorb all PS into solidified layer around organoclay stacks. In the vitreous state FF increased with clay content from 0.6 to 1.6—this is the first time FF ≫ 1 has been observed. The highest value was determined for CPNC with the highest clay content, w = 17.1 wt %, thus well above w_solid. The derivative properties, compressibility, κ, and the thermal expansion coefficient, α, depend on T, P, and w. Plots of κ versus T indicate the presence of two secondary transitions, one at T_β/T_g ≈ 0.9 ± 0.1 and other at T_T/T_g = 1.2 ± 0.1. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2504–2518, 2008     

Polystyrene with different topologies: Study of the glass transition temperature in confined geometry of thin films

The glass transition behaviour of polystyrene (PS) with systematically varied topologies (linear, star-like and hyperbranched) confined in nanoscalic films was studied by means of spectroscopic vis-ellipsometry. All applied PS samples showed no or only a marginal depression in glass transition temperature T_g in the order hyperbranched PS (5 K) > star-like PS (3 K) > linear PS (0 K) for the thinnest films analyzed. The T_g behaviour was accompanied by the observation of the film density in dependence of film thickness. A maximum decreased density of about 7% for hyperbranched PS and 5% for star-like PS and again no deviation in density of bulk was found for linear PS. Accordingly, we deduce from these results considering an experimental accuracy of about ± 2 K for T_g and up to ±3% for film density, that the polymer topology only barely influences T_g in the confinement of thin films.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic characterization of metal(II) coordination polymers based on 2-carboxyethylphosphonic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline (metal=Cu, Co, Cd)

Three non-isostructural metal(II) coordination polymers (metal=copper, cobalt, cadmium) were synthesized under the same mild hydrothermal conditions (T=408 K) by mixture of the corresponding metal acetate with 2-carboxyethylphosphonic acid and 1,10-phenanthroline (1:1:1 M ratio) and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Cu₂(HO₃PCH₂CH₂COO)₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂(H₂O)₂ and Cd₂(HO₃PCH₂CH₂COO)₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂ are triclinic (space group P-1) with a=7.908(5) Å, b=10.373(5) Å, c=11.515(5) Å, α=111.683(5)°, β=95.801(5)°, γ=110.212(5)° (T=120 K), and a=8.162(5) Å, b=9.500(5) Å, c=11.148(5) Å, α=102.623(5)°, β=98.607(5)°, γ=113.004(5)° (T=293 K), respectively. In contrast, [Co₂(HO₃PCH₂CH₂COO)₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂(μ-OH₂)](H₂O) is orthorhombic (space group Pbcn) with a=21.1057(2) Å, b=9.8231(1) Å, c=15.4251(1) Å (T=120 K). For these three compounds, structural features, including H-bond network and the π-π stacking interactions, and thermal stability are reported and discussed. None of the materials present a long-range magnetic order in the range of temperatures investigated from 300 K down to 1.8 K.     

Crosslinking, thermal properties and relaxation behaviour of polyisoprene under high-pressure

The transient hot-wire method has been used to measure the thermal conductivity κ and heat capacity per unit volume ρc_p of untreated (virgin) and crosslinked cis-1,4-poly(isoprene) (PI) in the temperature range 160-513 K for pressures p up to 0.75 GPa. The results show that the crosslinking rate of the polymer chains becomes significant at ∼513 K on isobaric heating at 0.5 GPa changing PI into an elastomeric state within 4 h without the use of crosslinking agents. The crosslinked PI and untreated PI have about the same κ = 0.145 Wm⁻¹ K⁻¹ and c_p = 1.81 kJ kg⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 295 K and 20 MPa, but different relaxation behaviours. Two relaxation processes, corresponding to the segmental and normal modes, could be observed in both PI and crosslinked PI but these have a larger distribution of relaxation times and become arrested at higher temperatures (∼10 K) in the latter case. The arrest temperature for the segmental relaxation of untreated and crosslinked PI, for a relaxation time of ∼1 s, are described well by the empirical relations: T(p) = 209.4 (1 + 4.02 p)^0.31 and T(p) = 221.3 (1 + 2.33 p)^0.40 (p in GPa and T in K), respectively, which thus also reflects the pressure variations of the glass transition temperatures.     

Bis-phosphine monoxide platinum(II) and palladium(II) cationic complexes as Lewis acid catalysts in Diels-Alder and sulfoxidation reactions

A series of bis-phosphine monoxide (BPMO) palladium(II) and platinum(II) cationic complexes of the type [M(BPMO-κ²-P,O)₂][X]₂ (M = Pd, Pt; BPMO = Ph₂P-(CH₂)_n-P(O)Ph₂ with n = 1 (dppmO), 2 (dppeO), 3 (dpppO); X = BF₄, TfO) were prepared from the corresponding chlorides [MCl₂(BPMO-κ¹-P)₂] upon treatment with 2 equiv. of AgX in wet acetone/CH₂Cl₂ or MeOH solutions. They were characterized by ¹H and ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopies and, in the case of the complex [Pt(dppeO-κ²-P,O)₂][BF₄]₂, also by X-ray crystallography. These complexes were tested as catalysts in some Diels-Alder and oxidation reactions with different substrates. In the latter reaction Pt(II) complexes showed moderate activity, while for the former one, both classes of complexes were active in the C-C coupling, in particular the Pt(II) species showed interesting high endo/exo diasteroselectivity depending on the counteranion.     

Ab-initio crystal structure of hydroxy adipate of nickel and hydroxy subarate of nickel and cobalt from synchrotron powder diffraction and magnetic properties

Organic-inorganic hybrid compounds Ni(II)₅(OH)₆(C₆H₈O₄)₂(1), Ni(II)₅(OH)₆(C₈H₁₂O₄)₂(2) and Co(II)₅(OH)₆(C₈H₁₂O₄)₂(3) have a similar layered structure as determined ab initio from synchrotron powder diffraction analysis. The metal sites are octahedrally coordinated by O atoms. The slabs are built from edge-sharing octahedra in such a way that channels with an average size of 4 Å are formed. Bis-bidentate and bridging dicarboxylate anions lead to a 3D framework. The compounds (1) and (2) order antiferromagnetically below T_N=26.5 and 19.3 K, respectively, while (3) is ferrimagnetic with T_C=16.2 K. Crystal data for compounds are as follows: (1)a=11.6504(1) Å, b=6.8021(3) Å, c=6.3603(1) Å, α=73.52(1)°, β=99.69(1)°, γ=96.16(1)°, R_B=0.070, 668 reflections; (2)a=13.9325(1) Å, b=6.7893(1) Å, c=6.3534(4) Å, α=73.63(1)°, β=95.14(1)°, γ=91.80(1)°, R_B=0.052, 804 reflections; (3)a=13.9806(1) Å, b=6.9588(1) Å, c=6.3967(1) Å, α=73.05(1)°, β=94.51(1)°, γ=92.19(1)°, R_B=0.048, 410 reflections. The space group is P−1 for the three compounds.     

Partial molar volume of paracetamol in water, 0.1 M HCl and 0.154 M NaCl at T = (298.15, 303.15, 308.15 and 310.65) K and at 101.325 kPa

The apparent molar volume of paracetamol (4-acetamidophenol) in water, 0.1 M HCl and 0.154 M NaCl as solvents at (298.15, 303.15, 308.15 and 310.65) K temperatures and at a pressure of 101.325 kPa were determined from the density data obtained with the help of a vibrating-tube Anton Paar DMA-48 densimeter. The partial molar volume, V_m, of paracetamol in these solvents at different temperatures was evaluated by extrapolating the apparent molar volume versus molality plots to m = 0. In addition, the partial molar expansivity, E^°, the isobaric coefficient of thermal expansion, α_p, and the interaction coefficient, S_v, have also been computed. The expansivity data show dependence of E^° values on the structure of the solute molecules.     

Rhodium(I) complexes with 1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenecarboxylic acid as active and recyclable catalysts for 1-hexene hydroformylation

The rhodium complex trans-[Rh(CO)(Hdpf-κP)(dpf-κ²O,P)] (1), (Hdpf = 1′-(diphenylphosphino)ferrocenecarboxylic acid) was used as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for 1-hexene hydroformylation producing ca. 80% of aldehydes at 10 atm CO/H₂ and 80 °C. After the reaction, unchanged complex 1 was separated from the reaction mixture and used again three times with the same catalytic activity. The effect of modifying ligands, phosphines and phosphites, on the reactivity of 1 was investigated. The active catalytic systems containing 1 or trans-[Rh(CO)(L)(dpf-κ²O,P)] (2) were formed in situ from acetylacetonato rhodium(I) precursors [Rh(CO)₂(acac)] (3) or [RhL(CO)(acac)] (4) and Hdpf or Medpf (L = phosphine, Medpf = methyl ester of Hdpf).     

The relation between relaxed enthalpy and volume during physical aging of amorphous polymers and selenium

This paper reports physical aging results for PMMA, PMMA/PEO blends, PS, PC, PVC and PET (semicrystalline). Also included in this study is amorphous selenium. Temperature down-jumps from equilibrium above T_g to a temperature below T_g were carried out. Relaxed enthalpy, Δh and volume contraction, Δv, were measured. From the aging records, the constant ratio Δh/Δv = K_a was evaluated. For the polymeric samples K_a values of about 2 GPa were observed, thus similar to the inverse value of the isothermal compressibility close to T_g. Similarly for Se the K_a value obtained from Δh and Δv was in fair agreement with its isothermal compressibility.     

(p, ρ, T) properties, and apparent molar volumes V? of ZnBr2 in methanol at T = (298.15 to 398.15) K and pressures up to p = 40 MPa

The (p, ρ, T) properties of pure methanol, the (p, ρ, T) properties and apparent molar volumes V_? of ZnBr₂ in methanol at T = (298.15 to 398.15) K and pressures up to p = 40 MPa are reported, and apparent molar volumes have been evaluated. The experimental (p, ρ, T, m) values were described by an equation of state. For the solutions the experiments were carried out at molalities m = (0.05772, 0.37852, 0.71585 and 1.95061) mol · kg⁻¹ of zinc bromide.     

Synthesis and structural investigation of the compounds containing HF2 anions: Ca(HF2)2, Ba4F4(HF2)(PF6)3 and Pb2F2(HF2)(PF6)

Three new compounds Ca(HF₂)₂, Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) were obtained in the system metal(II) fluoride and anhydrous HF (aHF) acidified with excessive PF₅. The obtained polymeric solids are slightly soluble in aHF and they crystallize out of their aHF solutions. Ca(HF₂)₂ was prepared by simply dissolving CaF₂ in a neutral aHF. It represents the second known compound with homoleptic HF environment of the central atom besides Ba(H₃F₄)₂. The compounds Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ and Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) represent two additional examples of the formation of a polymeric zigzag ladder or ribbon composed of metal cation and fluoride anion (MF⁺)_n besides PbF(AsF₆), the first isolated compound with such zigzag ladder. The obtained new compounds were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction method and partly by Raman spectroscopy. Ba₄F₄(HF₂)(PF₆)₃ crystallizes in a triclinic space group P1¯ with a=4.5870(2) Å, b=8.8327(3) Å, c=11.2489(3) Å, α=67.758(9)°, β=84.722(12), γ=78.283(12)°, V=413.00(3) Å³ at 200 K, Z=1 and R=0.0588. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 200 K: space group P1¯, a=4.5722(19) Å, b=4.763(2) Å, c=8.818(4) Å, α=86.967(10)°, β=76.774(10)°, γ=83.230(12)°, V=185.55(14) ų, Z=1 and R=0.0937. Pb₂F₂(HF₂)(PF₆) at 293 K: space group P1¯, a=4.586(2) Å, b=4.781(3) Å, c=8.831(5) Å, α=87.106(13)°, β=76.830(13)°, γ=83.531(11)°, V=187.27(18) Å³, Z=1 and R=0.072. Ca(HF₂)₂ crystallizes in an orthorhombic Fddd space group with a=5.5709(6) Å, b=10.1111(9) Å, c=10.5945(10) Å, V=596.77(10) Å³ at 200 K, Z=8 and R=0.028.     

A methodology to define the Cubic Equation of State of a simple fluid

A method to define the Cubic Equation of State (CES) of a simple substance is presented in this work. CES is constructed with only three parameters of the fluid, namely, the critical compressibility Z_c≡P_cv_c/RT_c, the acentric factor ω ≡ − log  (P^(sat)/P_c) − 1 (where P^(sat) is the saturated vapor pressure), and the saturated vapor volume v^(sat) at the temperature T^(sat)/T_c = 0.7 (where T_c is the critical temperature, v_c is the critical volume, and P_c is the critical pressure). The resulting CES is unique for each substance and, in general, it is different from other known CES in the literature.     

Synthesis and reactions of heterodinuclear organopalladium complex having an unsymmetrical PN ligand

Novel heterodinuclear organopalladium complexes having an unsymmetrical PN ligand (Et₂NC₂H₄PPh₂-κ²N,P)RPd-ML_n (ML_n = Co(CO)₄; R = Me (2a), Ph (2b), ML_n = MoCp(CO)₃; R = Ph (3b)) are synthesized by metathetical reactions of PdRX(Et₂NC₂H₄PPh₂-κ²N,P) (X = I, NO₃) with Na⁺[ML_n]⁻. Reversible dissociation of the Pd-N bond in 3b is revealed by variable temperature NMR studies. Reactions of 2a and 2b with CO yield corresponding acyl complexes (Et₂NC₂H₄PPh₂-κ²N,P)(RCO)Pd-Co(CO)₄ (R = Me (5a), Ph (5b)). Rate of CO insertion for 2a and 2b is significantly faster than those for mononuclear methylpalladium complex, PdMeI(Et₂NC₂H₄PPh₂-κ²N,P) (1a), and methylpalladium-cobalt complex with a 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) ligand, (dppe-κ²P,P′)MePd-Co(CO)₄ (6a). 5a smoothly reacts with nucleophiles such as diethylamine, methanol and benzenethiol to give corresponding amide, ester and thioester, respectively. These reactions of 5a are also significantly faster than those of corresponding mononuclear analogues and the similar heterodinuclear complexes with symmetrical bidentate ligands such as 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane or N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine ligand.     

Anomalous octahedral distortion and multiple phase transitions in the metal-ordered manganite YBaMn2O6

By means of powder X-ray diffraction, powder neutron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we determined the crystal structures of a metal-ordered manganite YBaMn₂O₆ which undergoes successive phase transitions. A high-temperature metallic phase (T_c1=520 K<T) crystallizes in a triclinic P1 with the following unit cell: Z=2, a=5.4948(15) Å, b=5.4920(14) Å, c=7.7174(4) Å, α=89.804(20)°, β=90.173(20)°, γ=91.160(4)°. The MnO₆ octahedral tilting is approximately written as a⁰b⁻c⁻, leading to a significant structural anisotropy within the ab plane. The structure for T_c2<T<T_c1 is a monoclinic P2 (Z=2, a=5.5181(4) Å, b=5.5142(4) Å, c=7.6443(3) Å, β=90.267(4)°) with an a⁻b⁻c⁻ tilting. The structural features suggest a d_x²−y² orbital ordering (OO). Below T_c2=480 K, crystallographically inequivalent two octahedra show distinct volume difference, due to the Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ charge ordering. The TEM study furthermore revealed a unique d_3x²−r²/d_3y²−r² OO with a modified CE structure. It was found that the obtained crystal structures are strongly correlated to the unusual physical properties. In particular, the extremely high temperature at which charge degree of freedom freezes, T_c2, should be caused by the absence of the structural disorder and by heavily distorted MnO₆ octahedra.     

Approach to thermal properties and electronic polarizability from average single bond strength in ZnOBi2O3B2O3 glasses

The glass transition temperature (T_g), density, refractive index, Raman scattering spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) for xZnO-yBi₂O₃-zB₂O₃ glasses (x=10-65, y=10-50, z=25-60 mol%) are measured to clarify the bonding and structure features of the glasses with large amounts of ZnO. The average electronic polarizability of oxide ions (α_O2−) and optical basicity (Λ) of the glasses estimated using Lorentz-Lorenz equation increase with increasing ZnO or Bi₂O₃ content, giving the values of α_O2−=1.963 Å³ and Λ=0.819 for 60ZnO-10Bi₂O₃-30B₂O₃ glass. The formation of BOBi and BOZn bridging bonds in the glass structure is suggested from Raman and XPS spectra. The average single bond strength (B_MO) proposed by Dimitrov and Komatsu is applied to the glasses and is calculated using single bond strengths of 150.6 kJ/mol for ZnO bonds in ZnO₄ groups, 102.5 kJ/mol for BiO bonds in BiO₆ groups, 498 kJ/mol for BO bonds in BO₃ groups, and 373 kJ/mol for BO bonds in BO₄ groups. Good correlations are observed between T_g and B_MO, Λ and B_MO, and T_g and Λ, proposing that the average single bond strength is a good parameter for understanding thermal and optical properties of ZnOBi₂O₃B₂O₃ glasses.     

Novel hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate ruthenium(II) complexes containing the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane: Synthesis and evaluation of DNA binding properties

A series of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes containing κ³(N,N,N)-hydridotris(pyrazolyl)borate (κ³(N,N,N)-Tp) and the water-soluble phosphane 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)_2−n(PTA)_n] (n = 2, X = Cl (1), n = 1, X = Cl (2), I (3), NCS (4), H (5)) and [Ru{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(PTA)L][PF₆] (L = NCMe (6), PTA (7)) have been synthesized. Complexes containing 1-methyl-3,5-diaza-1-azonia-7-phosphaadamantane(m-PTA) triflate [RuCl{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(m-PTA)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ (8) and [RuX{κ³(N,N,N)-Tp}(PPh₃)(m-PTA)][CF₃SO₃] (X = Cl (9), H (10)) have been obtained by treatment, respectively, of complexes 1, 2 and 5 with methyl triflate. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for complexes 1, 2 and 4 have been carried out. DNA binding properties by using a mobility shift assay and antimicrobial activity of selected complexes have been evaluated.     

Study of poly(bisphenol A carbonate) relaxation kinetics at the glass transition temperature

In this work, the variations of the relaxation times are investigated above and below the glass transition temperature of a model amorphous polymer, the polycarbonate. Three different techniques (calorimetric, dielectric and thermostimulated currents) are used to achieve this goal. The relaxation time at the glass transition temperature was determined at the temperature dependence convergence of the relaxation times calculated with dynamic dielectric spectroscopy (DDS) for the liquid state and thermostimulated depolarisation currents (TSDC) for the vitreous state. We find a value of τ(T_g) = 110 s for PC samples. The knowledge of the temperature dependence, τ(T), and the value τ(T_g) enables to determine the glass-forming liquid fragility index, m. We find m = 178 ± 5.     

A novel non-intrusive microcell for sound-speed measurements in liquids. Speed of sound and thermodynamic properties of 2-propanone at pressures up to 160 MPa

A novel high-pressure, ultrasonic cell of extremely reduced internal dimensions (∼0.8 · 10⁻⁶ m³) and good precision for the determination of the speed of propagation of sound in liquids was conceived and built. It makes use of a non-intrusive methodology where the ultrasonic transducers are not in direct contact with the liquid sample under investigation. The new cell was used to carry out speed of sound measurements in 2-propanone (acetone) in broad ranges of temperature (265<T/K<340) and pressure (0.1<p/MPa<160). (p,ρ,T) data for acetone were also determined but in a narrower T,p range (298 to 333 K; 0.1 to 60 MPa). In this interval, several thermodynamic properties were thus calculated, such as: isentropic (κ_s) and isothermal (κ_T) compressibility, isobaric thermal expansivity (α_p), isobaric (c_p) and isochoric (c_v) specific heat capacity, and the thermal pressure coefficient (γ_v). Comparisons with values found in the literature generally show good agreement.     

Preparation and protonation reactions of aryl complexes of manganese and rhenium

Aryl M(κ¹-Ar)(CO)_nP_5−n [M = Mn, Re; Ar = C₆H₅, 4-CH₃C₆H₄; n = 2, 3; P = P(OEt)₃, PPh(OEt)₂, PPh₂OEt] and Re(κ¹-C₆H₅)(CO)₃[Ph₂PO(CH₂)₃OPPh₂] complexes were prepared by allowing hydrides MH(CO)_nP_5−n to react first with triflic acid and then with the appropriate aryl lithium (LiAr) compounds. The complexes were characterized spectroscopically (IR and ¹H, ³¹P, ¹³C NMR) and by the X-ray crystal structure determination of Re(κ¹-C₆H₅)(CO)₃[Ph₂PO(CH₂)₃OPPh₂] derivative. Protonation reaction of the aryl complexes with HBF₄ · Et₂O lead to free hydrocarbons Ar-H and the unsaturated [M(CO)_nP_5−n]⁺ cations, separated as solids in the case of [Re(CO)₃P₂]BF₄ derivatives.