High molecular weight syndiotacticity-rich poly(vinyl alcohol) gel in aging process

The properties of the aged gels of high molecular weight syndiotacticity-rich poly(vinyl alcohol)s (HMW S-PVAs) with different syndiotactic diad (s-diad) contents were investigated. HMW S-PVA gels with s-diad content of 61.5% and 58.2% showed the rapid increases of the syneresis and the turbidity from the early stage of aging time, which is ascribable to the phase separation, while that with s-diad content of 55.7% did not. From the morphological study, it was confirmed that the phase separation in HMW S-PVA gel with s-diad content of 61.5% occurred without the liquid-liquid phase separation in sol state, whereas both the liquid-liquid phase separation in sol state and the subsequent phase separation in gel state occurred in the case of HMW S-PVA gel with s-diad content of 58.2%. On the other hand, HMW S-PVA gel with s-diad content of 55.7% showed neither the liquid-liquid phase separation in sol state nor the phase separation in gel state in the long period of time. It was also confirmed from wide angle X-ray diffractogram that the crystallization was accompanied by the phase separation in gel state in the aging process of PVA gel. However, the crystallization was hindered by the fast network formation at the initial stage of time. Later the syndiotacticity promoted the crystallization. The tensile modulus of HMW S-PVA gel with higher syndiotacticity increased more significantly with time. Received: 2 December 1999/Accepted: 12 July 2000     

Effect of stereosequences on crystallinity and properties of zone‐drawn poly(vinyl alcohol) microfibrils

To effectively orient the molecular chains of novel syndiotactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microfibrillar fiber (PVA fibril), a high‐temperature zone‐drawing method was adopted. The PVA fibrils were directly prepared from the saponification and in situ fibrillation without a spinning procedure. The maximum draw ratio of the PVA fibril increased with a decrease in the syndiotactic diad (r‐diad) content, indicating that the deformability of PVA molecules was lowered in higher syndiotactic PVA. Degree of crystal orientations up to 0.990 were achieved by stretching the PVA fibril with the r‐diad content of 65.1% and the original degree of crystal orientation of 0.902 at 250 °C close to its crystal melting temperature (T_m). When the same draw ratio was applied to the fibrils, a higher crystal orientation was achieved for the fibrils having higher syndiotacticity. Wide‐angle X‐ray data show that the longitudinal crystal sizes of drawn PVA fibrils were larger in higher syndiotacticities. The degree of crystal orientation, crystallinity, T_m, longitudinal crystal size, and tensile strength of the maximum drawn PVA fibril with a r‐diad content of 65.1% were 0.99, 0.97, 279 °C, 187 Å, and 4.66 N/tex, respectively. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 1263–1271, 2001     

Preparation of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight syndiotactic poly(vinyl pivalate) monodisperse microspheres by low‐temperature suspension polymerization of vinyl pivalate

The particle size distributions of poly(vinyl pivalate) (PVPi) produced from low‐temperature suspension polymerization of vinyl pivalate (VPi) with 2,2′‐azobis(4‐methoxy‐2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile) (AMDMVN) as an initiator have been studied. By controlling various synthesis parameters, near‐monodisperse PVPi microspheres from 100 to 400 μm were obtained that are expected to be precursors of near‐monodisperse syndiotactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microspheres for biomedical embolic applications. The mean particle diameter follows the relationship: the volume average diameter, D_vad ∝ Y^0.26[VPi]^0.52[AMDMVN]^?0.25[PVA]^0.40T^?8.35Rpm^?0.67, where Y, [VPi], [AMDMVN], [PVA], T, and Rpm are the fractional conversion, concentrations of VPi, AMDMVN, and suspending agent, polymerization temperature, and agitation speed during the polymerization of VPi, respectively. The polydispersity of the particle size distribution of PVPi decreased with decreasing conversion, [AMDMVN], T, and Rpm and with increasing [VPi]. In the case of [PVA], optimization of the suspension stability led to a narrow particle size distribution. Ultrahigh‐molecular‐weights PVPi and PVA (number‐average degrees of polymerization of PVPi (25,000–32,000) and PVA (14,000–17,500), of high syndiotactic diad content (63%), and of high ultimate conversion of VPi into PVPi (85–95%) were obtained by suspension polymerization at 10 °C, followed by saponification. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 789–800, 2005     

Viscoelastic behaviors and molecular motions of highly syndiotactic poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers

The viscoelastic behavior and molecular motion of highly syndiotactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (S‐PVA) fibers with a dyad syndiotacticity (r) of 69% were studied by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and compared with those of atactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (A‐PVA) fibers with r = 54%. The β_c dispersion, based on the molecular motion of the chain molecules in the crystalline regions, was observed for A‐PVA around 120–140 °C, and the only primary (α_c) dispersion was observed for S‐PVA around 180 °C. The thermal expansion coefficients for the a and c axes of the A‐PVA crystal changed discontinuously around 120 °C, which corresponded to the β_c dispersion. For S‐PVA, the coefficient for the (002) plane changed discontinuously around 100 °C, similarly to A‐PVA, but that for the (100) plane remained unchanged between 20 and 220 °C. These results showed that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding of S‐PVA was stronger in the direction of the a axis than in the other directions, suppressing the β_c dispersion. The storage modulus and thermal expansion coefficient of the (020) plane (molecular axis) of S‐PVA decreased markedly around 180 °C, and this indicated that the α_c dispersion was due to the torsional motion of the molecular chains in the crystalline regions. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 800–808, 2004     

Spectroscopic studies of the reaction of iodine with the mixed oxygen—nitrogen cyclic base 1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane

The reaction of iodine with the interesting mixed oxygen—nitrogen cyclic base 1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane (TODACOD) has been investigated spectrophotometrically in the solvent 1,2-dichloroethane. The spectra indicate the formation of the pentaiodide ion, I⁻₅, judging from its two strong absorptions around 360 and 290 nm. Elemental analysis for the solid iodine—(TODACOD) complex indicate that the (TODACOD) base—iodine ratio is 1:3 in agreement with the ratio concluded from the photometric titration plots based on the absorptions of the formed polyiodide ion. Therefore, the formed iodine complex is formulated as [(TODACOD)I]⁺.I⁻₅. The formation of the I⁻₅ species was also confirmed by the resonance Raman spectrum of the solid product. The Raman spectrum can be explained entirely by the presence of the bent I⁻₅ ion with C_2υ structure. The vibrations of I⁻₅ ion are ν_s(II); outer, ν_s(II); inner, ν_as(II); outer, and ν_as(II); inner and are assigned as expected at 164, 110, 137 and 87 cm⁻¹, respectively.     

Rotating-disc electrode studies of the anodic oxidation of iodide in concentrated iodine + iodide solutions

The anodic oxidation of iodide on platinum in concentrated iodine + iodide solutions has been investigated using a rotating disc electrode. The conventional limiting diffusion current, which is produced by the diffusion of iodide ions towards the electrode, was not observed due to the formation of an iodine film on the electrode. On the other hand, the steady-state anodic current after a current/time transient is the genuine limiting diffusion current in the anodic oxidation due to diffusion of iodine species from the electrode surface towards the bulk solution. Thus, the dissolution-diffusion control mechanism of the iodine film is confirmed. This is interesting as a typical example of an anodic process in a redox system governed by diffusion of the anodic product species from the electrode surface towards the bulk solution. When an iodine film is formed on the electrode, the maximum driving force of the iodine species is Δm_I2,max, which is defined as the extent of unsaturation of the iodine, and the limiting current of the anodic oxidation of iodide is always directly proportional to Δm_I2,max, regardless of the forms of iodine species in the solution, which may be I₂, I⁻₃, i₅⁻, etc. δm_I2,max is clearly determined by the solution composition and temperature, and it is different in definition and value from the usual degree of unsaturation of iodine.     

Amylose-iodine complex formation without KI: Evidence for absence of iodide ions within the complex

Amylose-iodine (AI) complex has been synthesized in aqueous solution without added KI. Complex formation (with solid iodine in amylose solution) is maximized at approximately 35°C and decreases beyond that temperature. Ion-selective electrode (ISE) measurements of an aqueous solution of iodine and AI complex indicate that there is no change in the I⁻ ion concentration when the complex forms. This suggests that I⁻ ions (including I, I, and others) cannot be involved in forming the AI complex. The present work also reports a new and simple method for providing both the iodine-binding capacity (IBC) of amylose and the dissociation mechanism for the AI complex. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 2711–2717, 1999     

Preparation of water‐soluble,syndiotacticity‐rich,low molecular weight poly(vinyl alcohol) microfibrils in high yields with the low‐temperature polymerization of vinyl pivalate in tetrahydrofuran and saponification

To prepare water‐soluble, syndiotacticity‐rich poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) microfibrils for various industrial applications, we synthesized syndiotacticity‐rich, low molecular weight PVA by the solution polymerization of vinyl pivalate (VPi) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at low temperatures with 2,2′‐azobis(2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile) (ADMVN) as an initiator and successive saponification of poly(vinyl pivalate) (PVPi). Effects of the initiator and monomer concentrations and the polymerization temperature were investigated in terms of the polymerization behaviors and molecular structures of PVPi and the corresponding syndiotacticity‐rich PVA. The polymerization rate of VPi in THF was proportional to the 0.91 power of the ADMVN concentration, indicating the heterogeneous nature of THF polymerization. The low‐temperature solution polymerization of VPi in THF with ADMVN proved to be successful in obtaining water‐soluble PVA with a number‐average degree of polymerization (P_n) of 300–900, a syndiotactic dyad content of 60–63%, and an ultimate conversion of VPi into PVPi of over 75%. Despite the low molecular weight of PVA with P_n = 800, water‐soluble PVA microfibrillar fibers were prepared because of the high level of syndiotacticity. In contrast, for PVA with P_n = 330, shapeless and globular morphologies were observed, indicating that molecular weight has an important role in the in situ fibrillation of syndiotacticity‐rich PVA. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1103–1111, 2002     

Electro‐ and photoconductive properties of the PVA/PAN‐I2 blends

The electrical conductivity of poly(vinylalcohol)/polyaniline‐iodine blend (PVA/PAN‐I₂) prepared by solution process was investigated. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed a structural change of both shape and intensity of the polyaniline (PAN) bands after doping with iodine, indicating the formation of a charge transfer complex. The J‐V curves for pure PAN; PAN‐I₂ and PVA/PAN‐I₂ film obey the ohm law at lower voltages, deviate from the linear response at higher voltages and finally display the breakdown behavior. The PVA/PAN‐I₂ exhibit photoconductivity by UV/visible irradiation as well as oscillations that may be attributed to a nonlinear behavior of the blend.     

Iodine-Chemisorption,Interpenetration and Polycatenation: Cationic MOFs and CPs from Group 13 Metal Halides and Di-Pyridyl-Linkers

Eight cationic, two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized in reactions of the group 13 metal halides AlBr₃, AlI₃, GaBr₃, InBr₃ and InI₃ with the dipyridyl ligands 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe), 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpa) and 4,4’-bipyridine (bipy). Seven of them follow the general formula ²_∞[MX₂(L)₂]A, M=Al, In, X=Br, I, A⁻=[MX₄]⁻, I⁻, I₃⁻, L=bipy, bpa, bpe. Thereby, the porosity of the cationic frameworks can be utilized to take up the heavy molecule iodine in gas-phase chemisorption vital for the capture of iodine radioisotopes. This is achieved by switching between I⁻ and the polyiodide I₃⁻ in the cavities at room temperature, including single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation. The MOFs are 2D networks that exhibit (4,4)-topology in general or (6,3)-topology for ²_∞[(GaBr₂)₂(bpa)₅][GaBr₄]₂⋅bpa. The two-dimensional networks can either be arranged to an inclined interpenetration of the cationic two-dimensional networks, or to stacked networks without interpenetration. Interpenetration is accompanied by polycatenation. Due to the cationic character, the MOFs require the counter ions [MX₄]⁻, I⁻ or I₃⁻ counter ions in their pores. Whereas the [MX₄]⁻, ions are immobile, iodide allows for chemisorption. Furthermore, eight additional coordination polymers and complexes were identified and isolated that elaborate the reaction space of the herein reported syntheses.     

Direct borohydride fuel cell performance using hydroxide-conducting polymeric nanocomposite electrolytes

Solid electrolyte membranes based on alkali-doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PVA/carbon nanotubes (PVA/CNTs) are used in direct borohydride fuel cells (DBFCs). As 0.05 wt % of CNT is incorporated into the PVA matrix, the polymer crystallinity is decreased from 42.4% to 38.0% and the fractional free volume increases from 2.48% to 3.53%. The KOH-doped PVA/CNT exhibits the highest ionic conductivity of 0.0805 S cm⁻¹, because of the increased polymer free volume (which promotes vehicular OH⁻ transport) and the presence of CNT (which serves as the conducting microchannels). Sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) in NaOH solution and potassium borohydride (KBH₄) in KOH mixture are fed into the cells. The power density of the KBH₄-based DBFC is almost twice that of the NaBH₄-based DBFC (184 vs. 92 mW cm⁻²) due to less KBH₄ permeability through the films, higher conductivity of the KOH-doped PVA composites than those in the sodium counterpart, and probably higher electro-catalytic kinetics. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1779–1789, 2013     

Role of Mononuclear Rare Earth Metal Complexes in Promoting the Hydrolysis of 2-Hydroxypropyl p-Nitrophenyl Phosphate

Two long-chain multidentate ligands： 2,9-di-（n-2＇,5＇,8＇-triazanonyl）-1,10-phenanthroline （L^1） and 2,9-di- （n-4＇,7＇,10＇-triazaundecyl）-1,10-phenanthroline （L^2） were synthesized. The hydrolytic kinetics of 2-hydroxypropyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate （HPNP） catalyzed by the complexes of L^1 or L^2 with La（Ⅲ） or Gd（Ⅲ） have been studied in aqueous solution at （298.2±0.1） K, I=0.10 mol·dm^-3 KNO3 in pH 7.5-9.1, respectively, finding that the catalytic effect of GdL^1 was the best among the four complexes for hydrolysis of HPNP. Its kLnLH-1, kLnLand pKa are 0.047 mol^-1·L·s^-1, 0.000074 mol^-1·L·s^-1 and 8.90, respectively. This paper expounded the studied result with the structure of the ligands and the properties of the metal ions, and deduced the catalysis mechanism.     

A laser flash photolysis kinetic study of reactions of the Cl2− radical anion with oxygenated hydrocarbons in aqueous solution

A laser photolysis–long path laser absorption (LP‐LPLA) experiment has been used to determine the rate constants for H‐atom abstraction reactions of the dichloride radical anion (Cl₂⁻) in aqueous solution. From direct measurements of the decay of Cl₂⁻ in the presence of different reactants at pH = 4 and I = 0.1 M the following rate constants at T = 298 K were derived: methanol, (5.1 ± 0.3)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; ethanol, (1.2 ± 0.2)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; 1‐propanol, (1.01 ± 0.07)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; 2‐propanol, (1.9 ± 0.3)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; tert.‐butanol, (2.6 ± 0.5)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; formaldehyde, (3.6 ± 0.5)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; diethylether, (4.0 ± 0.2)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; methyl‐tert.‐butylether, (7 ± 1)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; tetrahydrofuran, (4.8 ± 0.6)·10⁵ M⁻¹ s⁻¹; acetone, (1.41 ± 0.09)·10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹. For the reactions of Cl₂⁻ with formic acid and acetic acid rate constants of (8.0 ± 1.4)·10⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ (pH = 0, I = 1.1 M and T = 298 K) and (1.5 ± 0.8) · 10³ M⁻¹ s⁻¹ (pH = 0.42, I = 0.48 M and T = 298 K), respectively, were derived. A correlation between the rate constants at T = 298 K for all oxygenated hydrocarbons and the bond dissociation energy (BDE) of the weakest C‐H‐bond of log k_2nd = (32.9 ± 8.9) − (0.073 ± 0.022)·BDE/kJ mol⁻¹ is derived. From temperature‐dependent measurements the following Arrhenius expressions were derived: k (Cl₂⁻ + HCOOH) = (2.00 ± 0.05)·10¹⁰·exp(−(4500 ± 200) K/T) M⁻¹ s⁻¹, E_a = (37 ± 2) kJ mol⁻¹ k (Cl₂⁻ + CH₃COOH) = (2.7 ± 0.5)·10¹⁰·exp(−(4900 ± 1300) K/T) M⁻¹ s⁻¹, E_a = (41 ± 11) kJ mol⁻¹ k (Cl₂⁻ + CH₃OH) = (5.1 ± 0.9)·10¹²·exp(−(5500 ± 1500) K/T) M⁻¹ s⁻¹, E_a = (46 ± 13) kJ mol⁻¹ k (Cl₂⁻ + CH₂(OH)₂) = (7.9 ± 0.7)·10¹⁰·exp(−(4400 ± 700) K/T) M⁻¹ s⁻¹, E_a = (36 ± 5) kJ mol⁻¹ Finally, in measurements at different ionic strengths (I) a decrease of the rate constant with increasing I has been observed in the reactions of Cl₂⁻ with methanol and hydrated formaldehyde. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 31: 169–181, 1999     

Blends of polyester having amino sulfonic acid moieties with poly(vinyl alcohol) and their metal complex formation

Polyester having amino sulfonic acid moieties (TBES) was prepared by a liquid/solid biphase polycondensation of terephthaloyl chloride (TPC) and N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid (BES) in trimethyl phosphate (TMP) using triethylamine (TEA) as an acid acceptor. Blends of TBES with PVA and their metal complexes with Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ ions were prepared. A strong interaction was observed between TBES and PVA. An electric conductivity of 10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ was attained for the blend films containing about 5 wt % water. A coordination structure with two chelate rings is proposed for the metal complex with Ni²⁺ and Co²⁺ ions when the molar ratio of amino sulfonic acid groups in TBES to metal ions is larger than 2. Polymer blends complexed with Ni²⁺ or Co²⁺ ions result in semi-interpenetrating polymer networks from chelate formation. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35 : 3561–3569, 1997     

The Unique Ambiphilicity of Tellurium in the [MesitylTe(I)(I2)(I3)]− Anion

A first example of an aryltellurium(II) compound with three different bonding modes to iodine featuring covalent and non-covalent bonds such as two orthogonal, ambiphilic σ-hole interactions is introduced: [MesTe(I)(I₂)(I₃)]⁻. It is a member of a series of mesityltellurenyl anions, which are formed during reactions of (MesTe)₂ with ZnI₂, phenanthroline (phen) and iodine. [Zn(phen)₃][MesTe(I)₂] ( 1 ), [Zn(phen)₃][{MesTe(I)-(I)…Te(I)Mes}{MesTeI₂}] ( 2 ) and [Zn(phen)₃][MesTe(I)(I₂)(I₃)][MesTeI₂] ( 3 ) are isolated depending on the amount of iodine used. The products contain tellurium atoms bonded to a variety of iodine species (I⁻, μ₂-I⁻, I₂ and I₃⁻) and are, thus, perfectly suitable to explore the amphiphilic behavior of tellurium(II) and its relevance for the formation of non-covalent bonds, where tellurium acts as both donor and acceptor simultaneously. The character of chalcogen and halogen bonds are evaluated by the combination of crystallographic data and computational methods.     

Capture of Gaseous Iodine in Isoreticular Zirconium-Based UiO-n Metal-Organic Frameworks: Influence of Amino Functionalization,DFT Calculations,Raman and EPR Spectroscopic Investigation

A series of Zr-based UiO-n MOF materials (n=66, 67, 68) have been studied for iodine capture. Gaseous iodine adsorption was collected kinetically from a home-made set-up allowing the continuous measurement of iodine content trapped within UiO-n compounds, with organic functionalities (−H, −CH₃, −Cl, −Br, −(OH)₂, −NO₂, −NH₂, (−NH₂)₂, −CH₂ NH₂) by in-situ UV-Vis spectroscopy. This study emphasizes the role of the amino groups attached to the aromatic rings of the ligands connecting the {Zr₆O₄(OH)₄} brick. In particular, the preferential interaction of iodine with lone-pair groups, such as amino functions, has been experimentally observed and is also based on DFT calculations. Indeed, higher iodine contents were systematically measured for amino-functionalized UiO-66 or UiO-67, compared to the pristine material (up to 1211 mg/g for UiO-67-(NH₂)₂). However, DFT calculations revealed the highest computed interaction energies for alkylamine groups (−CH₂NH₂) in UiO-67 (−128.5 kJ/mol for the octahedral cavity), and pointed out the influence of this specific functionality compared with that of an aromatic amine. The encapsulation of iodine within the pore system of UiO-n materials and their amino-derivatives has been analyzed by UV-Vis and Raman spectroscopy. We showed that a systematic conversion of molecular iodine (I₂) species into anionic I⁻ ones, stabilized as I⁻⋅⋅⋅I₂ or I₃⁻ complexes within the MOF cavities, occurs when I₂@UiO-n samples are left in ambient light.     

Choline Oxidase Based Composite ZrO2@AuNPs with Cu2O@MnO2 Platform for Signal Enhancing the Choline Biosensors

A novel metal composite material based on zirconium dioxide decorated gold nanoparticles (ZrO₂@AuNPs), copper (I) oxide at manganese (IV) oxide (Cu₂O@MnO₂) and immobilized choline oxidase (ChOx) onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) (ChOx/Cu₂O@MnO₂-ZrO₂@AuNPs/GCE) has been developed for enhancing the electro-catalytic property, sensitivity and stability of the amperometric choline biosensor. The ChOx/Cu₂O@MnO₂-ZrO₂@AuNPs/GCE displayed an excellent electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of the byproduct H₂O₂ from the choline catalyzed reaction, which exhibited a charge transfer rate constant (K_s) of 0.97 s⁻¹, a diffusion coefficient value (D) of 4.50×10⁻⁶ cm² s⁻¹, an electroactive surface area (A_e) of 0.97 cm² and a surface concentration (γ) of 0.54×10⁻⁸ mol cm⁻². The modified electrode also provided a wide linear range of choline concentration from 0.5 to 1,000.0 μM with good sensitivity (97.4 μA cm⁻² mM⁻¹) and low detection limit (0.3 μM). The apparent Michaelis-Menten constant was found to be 0.08 mM with I_max of 0.67 μA. This choline biosensor presented high repeatability (%RSD=2.9, n=5), excellent reproducibility (%RSD=2.9, n=5), long time of use (n=28 with %I>50.0 %) and good selectivity without interfering effects from possible electroactive species such as ascorbic acid, aspirin, amoxicillin, caffeine, dopamine, glucose, sucrose and uric acid. This optimal method was successfully applied for choline measurement in prepared human blood samples which demonstrated accurate and excellent reliability in the recovery range from 96.7 to 102.0 %.     

Temperature‐dependent desorption of surfactants in LLDPE blend films

The temperature‐dependent desorption behavior of surfactants in linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) blend films was studied with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy at 25, 40, and 50 °C. The LLDPE/low‐density polyethylene blend was 70/30. Three different specimens (labeled II, III, and IV) were prepared with various compositions of the surfactant, sorbitan palmitate (SPAN‐40), and the migration controller, poly(ethylene acrylic acid) (EAA). The calculated diffusion coefficients of SPAN‐40 in specimens II, III, and IV at 25, 40, and 50 °C varied from 9.6 × 10⁻¹² to 17.4 × 10⁻¹² cm²/s, from 5.5 × 10⁻¹² to 11.0 × 10⁻¹² cm²/s, and from 3.1 × 10⁻¹² to 5.8 × 10⁻¹² cm²/s, respectively. In addition, the activation energies of specimens II, III, and IV measured between 25 and 50 °C were 18.74, 19.42, and 20.14, respectively. Hence, the desorption rate of the surfactant increased with the temperature and decreased with an addition of EAA, but the activation energy increased with EAA. The diffusion kinetics, analyzed with a plot of the integrated intensity ratio as a function of time, log(I_t/I_∞) versus log t, at 25, 40, and 50 °C obeyed Fickian diffusion behavior. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 218–227, 2001     

Lead-free Perovskite Materials (NH4)3Sb2IxBr9−x

A family of perovskite light absorbers (NH₄)₃Sb₂I_xBr_9−x (0≤x≤9) was prepared. These materials show good solubility in ethanol, a low-cost, hypotoxic, and environmentally friendly solvent. The light absorption of (NH₄)₃Sb₂I_xBr_9−x films can be tuned by adjusting I and Br content. The absorption onset for (NH₄)₃Sb₂I_xBr_9−x films changes from 558 nm to 453 nm as x changes from 9 to 0. (NH₄)₃Sb₂I₉ single crystals were prepared, exhibiting a hole mobility of 4.8 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and an electron mobility of 12.3 cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹. (NH₄)₃Sb₂I₉ solar cells gave an open-circuit voltage of 1.03 V and a power conversion efficiency of 0.51 %.     

Propagation rate coefficients of isobornyl acrylate,tert‐butyl acrylate and 1‐ethoxyethyl acrylate: A high frequency PLP‐SEC study

Pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) coupled to size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is considered to be the most accurate and reliable technique for the determination of absolute propagation rate coefficients, k_p. Herein, k_p data as a function of temperature were determined via PLP‐SEC for three acrylate monomers that are of particular synthetic interest (e.g., for the generation of amphiphilic block copolymers). The high‐T_g monomer isobornyl acrylate (iBoA) as well as the precursor monomers for the synthesis of hydrophilic poly(acrylic acid), tert‐butyl acrylate (tBuA), and 1‐ethoxyethyl acrylate (EEA) were investigated with respect to their propagation rate coefficient in a wide temperature range. By application of a 500 Hz laser repetition rate, data could be obtained up to a temperature of 80 °C. To arrive at absolute values for k_p, the Mark‐Houwink parameters of the polymers have been determined via on‐line light scattering and viscosimetry measurements. These read: K = 5.00 × 10⁵ dL g⁻¹, a = 0.75 (piBoA), K = 19.7 × 10⁵ dL g⁻¹, a = 0.66 (ptBA) and K = 1.53 × 10⁵ dL g⁻¹, a = 0.85 (pEEA). The bulky iBoA monomer shows the lowest propagation rate coefficient among the three monomers, while EEA is the fastest. The activation energies and Arrhenius factors read: (iBoA): log(A/L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹) = 7.05 and E_A = 17.0 kJ mol⁻¹; (tBuA): log(A/L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹) = 7.28 and E_A = 17.5 kJ mol⁻¹ and (EEA): log(A/L mol⁻¹ s⁻¹) = 6.80 and E_A = 13.8 kJ mol⁻¹. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 6641–6654, 2009