Catechol-Functionalized Polyolefins

The incorporation of comonomers during ethylene polymerization can efficiently modulate important material properties of the polyolefins. Utilizing bioresourced comonomers for the generation of high-performance polyolefin materials is attractive from a sustainability point of view. In this contribution, bioresourced eugenol and related comonomers were incorporated into polyolefins through palladium-catalyzed copolymerization and terpolymerization reactions. Importantly, high-molecular-weight catechol-functionalized polyolefins can be generated. The introduction of different metal ions induces efficient interactions with the incorporated catechol groups, leading to enhanced mechanical properties and self-healing properties. Moreover, the catechol functionality can greatly improve other properties such as surface properties, adhesion properties, and compatibilizing properties. The catechol-functionalized polyolefin was demonstrated as a versatile platform polymer for accessing various materials with dramatically different properties.     

Catechol‐Functionalized Polyolefins

The incorporation of comonomers during ethylene polymerization can efficiently modulate important material properties of the polyolefins. Utilizing bioresourced comonomers for the generation of high‐performance polyolefin materials is attractive from a sustainability point of view. In this contribution, bioresourced eugenol and related comonomers were incorporated into polyolefins through palladium‐catalyzed copolymerization and terpolymerization reactions. Importantly, high‐molecular‐weight catechol‐functionalized polyolefins can be generated. The introduction of different metal ions induces efficient interactions with the incorporated catechol groups, leading to enhanced mechanical properties and self‐healing properties. Moreover, the catechol functionality can greatly improve other properties such as surface properties, adhesion properties, and compatibilizing properties. The catechol‐functionalized polyolefin was demonstrated as a versatile platform polymer for accessing various materials with dramatically different properties.     

Synthesis of PP-g-MAH and evaluation of its effect on the properties of glass fibre reinforced nylon 6/polypropylene blends

Polymer blends based on polyolefins constitute materials of a great interest owing to their broad spectrum of properties and practical applications. However, due to the poor compatibility of the components, most of these systems are generally characterized by high interfacial tension, low degree of dispersion and poor mechanical properties. It is generally accepted that PP and Nylon 6 are not compatible and that blending of these materials results in poor properties. This compatibility can be improved by the addition of a compatibilizer. In this study, the PP is first functionalised by Maleic Anhydride (MAH) in the presence of an optimized amount of Dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The reaction was carried out in the molten state using an internal mixer. Then, once the compatibilizer (PP-g-MAH) was prepared, it was added at a various concentration (2.5 - 10 wt.%) to 30/70 Glass Fiber Reinforced Nylon 6 (GFRN6)/PP and their mechanical properties are evaluated. It has been found that the incorporation of the compatibilizer enhances the tensile properties (tensile strength and the modulus) as well as the izod impact properties of the notched samples. This was attributed to better interfacial adhesion as evidenced by SEM. The optimum in these properties is reached at a critical PP-g-MAH concentration (5 wt.%).     

On the effectiveness of different additives and concentrations on the re-building of the molecular structure of degraded polyethylene

Mechanical recycling is an easy and economic way to re-use plastic waste as secondary materials, but, in general, their properties are worse with respect to the reclaimed materials and the virgin polymer. The aim of this work was to study the effect of concentration and reaction kinetics of two additives, an ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate (Lotader) and a hydroxylamine derivative (CGX), in the re-building of a degraded polyethylene. CGX is a nitroxyl radical generator able to form branching in polyolefins while the epoxy groups of Lotader can react with the functional groups present in the recycled polyethylene. The results indicate that the CGX has a higher reaction rate than Lotader, probably due to its lower molecular weight and the different reaction path. As for the effect of concentration, as expected, a higher amount of additive accelerates and increases re-building, especially when CGX is used. The melt strength increases with the additive content and the mechanical properties show a significant reduction at the highest concentrations of both additives due to excessive cross-linking.     

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) of branched polymers and polysaccharides

Branched polymers are among the most important polymers, ranging from polyolefins to polysaccharides. Branching plays a key role in the chain dynamics. It is thus very important for application properties such as mechanical and adhesive properties and digestibility. It also plays a key role in viscous properties, and thus in the mechanism of the separation of these polymers in size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Critically reviewing the literature, particularly on SEC of polyolefins, polyacrylates and starch, we discuss common pitfalls but also highlight some unexplored possibilities to characterize branched polymers. The presence of a few long-chain branches has been shown to lead to a poor separation in SEC, as evidenced by multiple-detection SEC or multidimensional liquid chromatography. The local dispersity can be large in that case, and the accuracy of molecular weight determination achieved by current methods is poor, although hydrodynamic volume distributions offer alternatives. In contrast, highly branched polymers do not suffer from this extensive incomplete separation in terms of molecular weight.     

New aspects of the photo-oxidation and photo-stabilization of polymers

The mechanism of the photo-oxidation of an ethylene-propylene random copolymer (EPM) has been compared with that of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS). The former is considered as a model for polyolefins that undergo chain scission on irradiation and the latter as a model for unsaturated rubbers that become cross-linked. A hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) that is a better inhibitor of the absorption of oxygen in SBS than in EPM is, however, less efficient to prevent formation of carbonyl groups and change of the mechanical properties. These results are discussed and an explanation is proposed.     

反应共混制备光触发形状记忆聚合物材料

基于羧基和环氧基的高反应活性,以甲基丙烯酸缩水甘油醚与乙烯共聚物(PE-GMA),甲基丙烯酸与乙烯共聚物(EAA)为原料,采用熔融共混的方法制备了交联聚烯烃材料。 采用差示扫描量热仪(DSC)和动态热机械分析仪(DMA)研究了其热力学性能及其形状记忆效应。 结果表明,材料具备很宽的熔融温度范围(40~110 ℃)和很宽的晶体尺寸分布。 利用材料晶体温度记忆的特性,成功地实现了材料的双重形状记忆效应,多重形状记忆效应和双向形状记忆效应。 利用石墨烯材料的光热效应,研究了材料的光触发形状记忆效应。 我们提出设计材料本体“温度梯度”的策略,实现了材料在无外力条件下的双向形状记忆效应。     

聚酰胺1010／聚乙烯－马来酸酐接枝共聚物共混物力学和热学性能研究

为了表明马来酸酐接枝聚烯烃后对聚酰胺的相容作用，本文研究了聚酰胺１０１０（ＰＡ１０１０）／聚乙烯－马来酸酐接枝共聚物（ＰＥ－ｇ－ＭＡＨ）共混物在不同ＭＡＨ接枝量下的结晶性与力学性能。研究表明，ＭＡＨ的存在导致ＰＥ－ｇ－ＭＡＨ－ｃｏ－ＰＡ１０１０共聚物的形成，而该共聚物在标题共混物中起着相容剂的作用。共混物的结晶性能变化显示了共混组分间存在一定程度的混溶性。在一定的ＭＡＨ含量内，标题共混物具有协同效应。     

Polymer Photochromic Composites and Their Spectral and Kinetic Properties

A method for the synthesis of polymer photochromic composites containing photochromic nitro-substituted spiropyran via mechanical mixing in melt is developed, and dependences of the spectral and kinetic properties of the samples on the nature of chosen thermoplastic polymer matrices (polyolefins, polycarbonate) and their processing temperatures are studied.     

Synthesis of well-defined hydrogel networks using click chemistry

New PEG-based hydrogel materials have been synthesized by Click chemistry and shown to result in well-defined networks having significantly improved mechanical properties; the selectivity of the azide/acetylene coupling reaction also allows for the incorporation of various additives and functional groups leading to chemical tailoring of the hydrogels.     

The effect of silica–alumina catalysts on degradation of polyolefins by a continuous flow reactor

Catalytic degradation of polyolefins was performed in a continuous flow reactor that allows the study of the degradation processes at steady state, characterized by constant values of reaction parameters and properties of the products. The continuous flow reactor was operated at atmospheric pressure and at feed rate of 0–1.5 kg h^?1 polyolefins over two silica–alumina catalysts having different SiO₂/Al₂O₃ mole ratio. Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) were degraded at 420, 380 and 360 °C respectively. The cracking effect of silica–alumina was proved by the increased amount of gaseous products and by the decreased molecular weight of liquid products. The differences in surface area and in concentration and acidic strength of active centers of the two catalysts affected the distribution of degradation products. Molar rate of degradation was increased in the presence of catalysts, however the mass rate of degradation was decreased leading to higher values of the calculated activation energies. These interesting results might open new perspectives in understanding the macroscopic mechanism for catalytic degradation of polyolefins.     

Bivariate chain length and long chain branching distribution for copolymerization of olefins and polyolefin chains containing terminal double-bonds

Polyolefins containing long chain branches can be synthesized using certain metallocene catalysts such as Dow Chemical's constrained geometry catalyst. These polyolefins combine the excellent mechanical properties of polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution with the easy processability of polymers containing long chain branches. A mathematical model for the chain length distribution for these novel polyolefins was derived from basic principles and an analytical solution for the chain length distributions of the populations containing different number of long chain branches per polymer molecule was obtained. The analytical solution agrees with the direct solution of the population balances and with a Monte-Carlo simulation model. It is also shown that this solution applies for copolymers using pseudo-kinetic rate constants and Stockmayer's bivariate distribution.     

Photooxidation of polyolefins and their light stability

It is shown that all peculiarities of polypropylene photooxidation and alteration of its mechanical properties in this process are a process of second-order termination reaction. The influence of natural conditions (varied temperature and light intensity) on this process are considered.     

Emerging Palladium and Nickel Catalysts for Copolymerization of Olefins with Polar Monomers

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed copolymerization of olefins with polar monomers represents a challenge because of the large variety of substrate‐induced side reactions. However, this approach also holds the potential for the direct synthesis of polar functionalized polyolefins with unique properties. After decades of research, only a few catalyst systems have been found to be suitable for this reaction. Some major advances in catalyst development have been made in the past five years. This Minireview summarizes some of the recent progress in the extensively studied Brookhart and Drent catalyst systems, as well as emerging alternative palladium and nickel catalysts.     

Copolymerization of ethylene and α‐olefins with combined metallocene catalysts. I. A formal criterion for molecular weight bimodality

Metallocene and other single‐site catalysts can be combined to produce polyolefins with broadened distributions of molecular weight, chemical composition, and long‐chain branching. These resins are finding increasing applications because of their enhanced properties compared to ones made with conventional Ziegler–Natta catalysts. Resins with bimodal molecular weight distributions (MWDs) have especially attractive mechanical and rheological properties. Although the use of these resins is expected to increase, there are very few studies available to quantify MWD bimodality or to decide a priori which combinations of metallocene catalysts will lead to the formation of polyolefins with bimodal MWDs. In this article, a necessary condition for the production of polymer with bimodal MWD using two single‐site‐type catalysts is derived. Additionally, a bimodality index is defined to quantify MWD bimodality. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 1408–1416, 2000     

双烯烃橡胶复分解-加氢制备端羧基聚烯烃

采用烯烃复分解法,以双烯烃橡胶为原料,在Grubbs II代催化剂和链转移剂(马来酸)的作用下制得相应的端羧基聚二烯烃,通过对甲苯磺酰肼/三正丙胺试剂对其进一步加氢得到端羧基聚烯烃.主要研究了反应时间、反应温度、橡胶中双键/催化剂摩尔比、橡胶中双键/链转移剂摩尔比等因素对产物分子量及分子量分布的影响.通过核磁共振氢谱(1H-NMR)和碳谱(13C-NMR)、红外光谱(FTIR)、凝胶渗透色谱仪(GPC)、热重分析(TGA)和示差扫描量热分析(DSC)对产物的结构和性能进行了测试表征.结果表明,通过调整橡胶中双键/催化剂的摩尔比或橡胶中双键/链转移剂的摩尔比可以调控产物的分子量.另外,采用该方法制得的端羧基聚丁二烯具有较高的反式1,4-结构含量,与原料相比其顺式1,4-结构含量大幅下降,从而对产物的性能产生一定影响;而以异戊橡胶为原料时并没有观察到该现象.端羧基聚二烯烃经加氢反应后转变成端羧基聚烯烃,具有更好的热稳定性.该方法合成步骤简单,产物分子量可控,为功能材料的制备提供了新的可能.     

Starch plasticized with glycerol from biodiesel and polypropylene blends

Plastics have been used in short-life products, which have presented harmful consequences for the nature, due to the low degradation rate reached by the most common polyolefins, such as the polypropylene. By this way, the incorporation of pro-oxidants has been shown nice results to the bio-assimilation of the common polymers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of pure iPP, plasticized starch (TPS) with biodiesel glycerol (TPS_Bio) or commercial glycerol (TPS_Com), and their blends (iPP/TPS_Plas). TPS was plasticized in proportions of 80/20 (wt starch/wt glycerin). Blends of iPP/TPS_Plas were obtained by extrusion in the following composition rates: 95/5, 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 of modified PP/TPS_Plas. Mechanical properties, calorimetric analysis, and thermogravimetric data were obtained, and biodegradation under simulated soil was performed. It can be verified that there were no meaningful variation induced by the incorporation of TPS_Plas on the melting temperature on the blends, when compared to pure iPP. The addition of TPS_Plas caused an increasing on the crystallinity of iPP, mainly for the compositions 90/10 and 80/20 of iPP/TPS_Plas, probably due a morphological alteration such as crosslinking, which may have modified the molecular arrangement of the iPP macromolecules by the presence of glycerol, which was also indicated by mechanical evaluations.     

Lithium-ion battery separators: Recent developments and state of art

Lithium-ion battery separators are receiving increased consideration from the scientific community. Single-layer and multilayer separators are well-established technologies, and the materials used span from polyolefins to blends and composites of fluorinated polymers. The addition of ceramic nanoparticles and separator coatings improves thermal and mechanical properties, as well as electrolyte uptake and ionic conductivity. The state-of-art separators are actively involved in the cell chemistry through specific functional groups on their surface. Among the numerous properties, safety features and long cycle life are high-priority requirements for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.     

聚烯烃的化学接枝改性

综述了化学接枝改性聚烯烃的三种方法,即溶液法,熔融法及固定相法,并讨论了接枝单体的选择,接枝机理和接枝物的性能表征。