Miscibility and crystallinity of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) blends

With the objective of developing new biodegradable materials, the miscibility and the crystallinity of blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), P(3HB-co-3HV), have been studied. P(3HB) (300 kg mol⁻¹)/P(3HB-co-3HV)–10% 3HV (340 kg mol⁻¹) blends were prepared by casting in a wide range of proportions, and characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The experimental values for the glass transition temperatures (T_g) are in good agreement with the values provided by the Fox equation, showing that the blends are miscible. It was observed that the T_g and the melting temperature (T_m) decreases with the increase in the P(3HB-co-3HV)–10% 3HV content, while the crystallization temperature (T_c) increases. FT-IR analyses confirmed the decrease on the crystallinity of P(3HB)/P(3HB-co-3HV)–10% 3HV blends with higher copolymer contents. Bands related to the crystallinity were changed, due to the copolymer content that produced miscible and less crystalline blends.     

过氧硝酸乙酰酯分解反应的速率常数

在G3MP2B3结构优化和能量计算的基础上, 采用RRKM理论和疏松过渡态模型重新估算了过氧硝酸乙酰酯(PAN)的热分解反应PAN→CH₃C(O)OO+NO₂(R1)的反应速率常数, 得到与实验值吻合的结果.用同样的模型计算了PAN→CH₃C(O)O+NO₃(R2)的反应速率常数. 结果表明, 在相同的反应条件下, R1是主要的分解通道, R2是次要通道, R2的反应速率常数比R1的小两个数量级.     

Cis- and trans-3-hexene: infrared spectrum in liquid argon solution, ab initio calculations of equilibrium geometry, normal coordinate analysis, and vibrational assignments

The infrared spectra of cis-3-hexene and trans-3-hexene dissolved in liquid argon have been obtained at temperatures from 93 to 120 K. The absorptions were observed with a low-temperature cell and a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer. Ab initio molecular orbital calculations were performed to obtain the equilibrium geometry, vibrational frequencies, force fields, and infrared intensities. The calculations were done at the Hartree-Fock level using 6-31G basis set. The Cartesian force fields from ab initio calculations have been converted to the force field in symmetry coordinates. The scale factors of ab initio calculated force fields were determined. Normal coordinate calculations were performed using a scaled quantum mechanical (SQM) force field. Vibrational normal modes calculated for the lowest energy rotamers of cis- and trans-3-hexene have been assigned to infrared absorption bands observed in liquid argon solution. The assignments were based on calculated frequencies and potential energy distributions. The equilibrium geometries of the two lowest energy rotamers (symmetry C₂ and C_s) of cis-3-hexene and of the three lowest energy rotamers (symmetry C_i, C₂, and C₁) of trans-3-hexene were calculated. Variable temperature studies of the infrared spectrum of cis- and trans-3-hexenes dissolved in liquid argon were done to obtain the ΔH of conversion between the rotamers C₂ and C_s of cis-3-hexene and between the rotamers C_i, C₂, and C₁ of trans-3-hexene.     

Synthesis and thermodynamic properties of a metal-organic framework: [LaCu6(μ-OH)3(Gly)6im6](ClO4)6

A metal-organic complex, which has the potential property of absorbing gases, [LaCu₆(μ-OH)₃(Gly)₆im₆](ClO₄)₆ was synthesized through the self-assembly of La³⁺, Cu²⁺, glycine (Gly) and imidazole (Im) in aqueous solution and characterized by IR, element analysis and powder XRD. The molar heat capacity, C_p,m, was measured from T = 80 to 390 K with an automated adiabatic calorimeter. The thermodynamic functions [H_T − H_298.15] and [S_T − S_298.15] were derived from the heat capacity data with temperature interval of 5 K. The thermal stability of the complex was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).     

Molecular motion and phase transition in perovskite-type (CH3)nNH4−nSnCl3 (n=1–4) studied by proton NMR spin–lattice relaxation

Powder X-ray diffraction, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectra, and ¹H NMR spin–lattice relaxation times, T₁, were measured for (CH₃)_nNH_4−nSnCl₃ (n=1–4). From the Rietveld analysis, it is shown that all four compounds crystallize into deformed perovskite-type structures at room temperature. The temperature dependence of ¹H T₁ was analyzed in terms of the CH₃ reorientation and other motions of the whole cation. Except for the phase transition in CH₃NH₃SnCl₃, which is from monoclinic to rhombohedral at 331 K, ¹H T₁ was continuously changed at other phase transitions in this compound as well as in the n=2–4 compounds, suggesting that the transitions are not caused by the change of the motional state of the cation but by an instability of the [SnCl₃]_nⁿ⁻ perovskite lattice.     

Kinetics study of the gas-phase reactions of C2F5OC(O)H and n-C3F7OC(O)H with OH radicals at 253–328 K

The rate constants, k₁ and k₂ for the reactions of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with OH radicals were measured using an FT-IR technique at 253–328 K. k₁ and k₂ were determined as (9.24 ± 1.33) × 10⁻¹³ exp[−(1230 ± 40)/T] and (1.41 ± 0.26) × 10⁻¹² exp[−(1260 ± 50)/T] cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹. The random errors reported are ±2 σ, and potential systematic errors of 10% could add to the k₁ and k₂. The atmospheric lifetimes of C₂F₅OC(O)H and n-C₃F₇OC(O)H with respect to reaction with OH radicals were estimated at 3.6 and 2.6 years, respectively.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of two novel nickel (imidazole) complexes having hydrogen-bonded networks

Two nickel (imidazole) complexes, Ni(im)₆Cl₂·4H₂O (1) and Ni(im)₆(NO₃)₂ (2) (im=imidazole) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV, TG and single crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with a=8.800(6) Å, b=9.081(6) Å, c=10.565(7) Å, =75.058(9)°, β=83.143(8)°, γ=61.722(8)°, V=718.3(8) Å³, Z=1 and R₁ (wR₂)=0.0469 (0.1497). 2 crystallizes in the trigonal space group R-3 with a=12.370(6) Å, b=12.370(6) Å, c=14.782(14) Å, =90.00°, β=90.00°, γ=120.00°, V=1959(2) Å³, Z=3 and R₁ (wR₂)=0.0358 (0.0955). 1 and 2 exhibit different supramolecular network due to their different counter anions and different hydrogen bonding connection. In compound 1, [Ni(im)₆]²⁺ cation and counter anions Cl⁻ alternatively array in an ABAB fashion via N–HCl hydrogen bonding. In compound 2, the plane of each NO₃²⁻ is almost parallel and each NO₃²⁻ connect three different [Ni(im)₆]²⁺ cations via N–HO hydrogen bonding.     

Biosynthesis and characterization of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) copolymer from wild-type Comamonas sp. EB172

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] homopolymer and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)] copolymer was produced by Comamonas sp. EB172 using single and mixture of carbon sources. Poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) P(3HV) incorporation in the copolymer was obtained when propionic and valeric acid was used as precursors. Incorporation of 3HV fractions in the copolymer varied from 45 to 86 mol% when initial pH of the medium was regulated. In fed-batch cultivation, organic acids derived from anaerobically treated palm oil mill effluent (POME) were shown to be suitable carbon sources for polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production by Comamonas sp. EB172. Number average molecular weight (M_n) produced by the strain was in the range of 153-412 kDa with polydispersity index (M_w/M_n) in the range of 2.2-2.6, respectively. Incorporation of higher 3HV units improved the thermal stability of P(3HB-co-3HV) copolymer. Thus the newly isolated bacterium Comamonas sp. EB172 is a suitable candidate for PHA production using POME as renewable and alternative cheap raw materials.     

Synthesis and characterization of planarly chiral nonbridged bis(1-R-indenyl) zirconium dichloride complexes and X-ray structure of rac-[(η-C9H6-1-C(CH3)2---o-C6H4---OCH3)2ZrCl2]·THF

Reactions of the lithium salts of 3-substituted indenes 1, 2 with ZrCl₄(THF)₂ gave two series of nonbridged bis(1-substituted)indenyl zirconocene dichloride complexes. Fractional recrystallization from THF–petroleum ether furnished the pure racemic and mesomeric isomers of [(η⁵-C₉H₆-1-C(R¹)(R²)---o-C₆H₄---OCH₃)₂ZrCl₂]·nTHF (R¹=R²=CH₃, n=1, rac-1a and meso-1b; R¹=CH₃, R²=C₂H₅; n=0.5 or 0, rac-2a and meso-2b), respectively. Complex 1a was further characterized by X-ray diffraction to have a C₂ symmetrically racemic structure, where the six-member rings of the indenyl parts are oriented laterally and two o-CH₃O---C₆H₄---C(CH₃)₂--- substituents are oriented to the open side of the metallocene (Ind: bis-lateral, anti; Substituent: bis-central, syn). The four zirconocene complexes are highly symmetrical in solution as characterized by room temperature ¹H-NMR, however ¹H–¹H NOESY of meso-1b shows that some of the NOE interactions arise from the two separated indenyl parts of the same molecule, which can only be well explained by taking into account the torsion isomers in solution.     

Toughening Brittle Bio-P3HB with Synthetic P3HB of Engineered Stereomicrostructures

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), a biologically produced, biodegradable natural polyester, exhibits excellent thermal and barrier properties but suffers from mechanical brittleness, largely limiting its applications. Here we report a mono-material product design strategy to toughen stereoperfect, brittle bio or synthetic P3HB by blending it with stereomicrostructurally engineered P3HB. Through tacticity ([mm] from 0 to 100 %) and molecular weight (M_n to 788 kDa) tuning, high-performance synthetic P3HB materials with tensile strength to ≈30 MPa, fracture strain to ≈800 %, and toughness to 126 MJ m⁻³ (>110× tougher than bio-P3HB) have been produced. Physical blending of the brittle P3HB with such P3HB in 10 to 90 wt % dramatically enhances its ductility from ≈5 % to 95–450 % and optical clarity from 19 % to 85 % visible light transmittance while maintaining desirably high elastic modulus (>1 GPa), tensile strength (>35 MPa), and melting temperature (160–170 °C). This P3HB-toughening-P3HB methodology departs from the traditional approach of incorporating chemically distinct components to toughen P3HB, which hinders chemical or mechanical recycling, highlighting the potential of the mono-material product design solely based on biodegradable P3HB to deliver P3HB materials with diverse performance properties.     

Characterization and enzymatic degradation of microbial copolyester P(3HB-co-3HV)s produced by metabolic reaction model-based system

The two types of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)s [P(3HB-co-3HV)s] were produced by Paracoccus denitrificans ATCC 17741 using two different feeding methods. The produced P(3HB-co-3HV)s were fractionated and the copolymer sequence distributions were analyzed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. It was found that the P(3HB-co-3HV) samples produced by conventional feeding method were statistically random copolymers. The sequence distributions of P(3HB-co-3HV) samples produced by optimization method were different from random P(3HB-co-3HV)s. The thermal properties and melting behaviors were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These results demonstrated that P(3HB-co-3HV) samples produced by optimization method are close in nature to P(3HB-co-3HV)s rich in long-sequence of block 3HB units, but less in 3HV random regions. The enzymatic degradation profile of P(3HB-co-3HV) films was investigated in the presence of 3-hydroxybutyrate depolymerase from Pseudomonase lemoignei. The degradation process was observed by monitoring the time-dependent change in the weight loss of copolymer films. The surface erosion of copolymer films was qualitatively monitored by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The highest degradation rate of 2.6% per day was observed for random P(3HB-co-38%3HV) produced by conventional method. In comparison, the hydrolysis degradation rates of random P(3HB-co-3HV)s were about one time faster than those of P(3HB-co-3HV)s produced by optimization method.     

Optically Controlled Coercive Field of MAPbI3/P(VDF-TrFE) Ferroelectric Composite Films

Ferroelectric polymers, such as poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene)[P(VDF-TrFE) or PVTF] have attracted growing interest in developing flexible devices because of their excellent ferroelectricity and piezoelectricity. High coercive field(E_c) inherent to PVTF for switching its polarization, however, is not beneficial for practical memory or sensor device application. Different strategies, including irradiation and interface control, have been thus developed to reduce E_c. Despite many efforts, a facile approach to tailoring intrinsic E_c of PVTF has not been documented. In this work, an optically controlled E_c was reported, which is achieved for the first time by introducing photosensitive MAPbI₃ nanocrystals into PVTF matrix. When exposed to the irradiation of 532 nm laser light, a decreased E_c of the composites can be achieved reversibly by increasing the light density. The decreased level of E_c increases as the MAPbI₃ content enhanced, and a 10.7% reduction of E_c can be achieved in 15%(mass fraction) MAPbI₃/PVTF samples. These results could be attributed to loading an internal stress on PVTF, which was generated by the photostriction of MAPbI₃ nanocrystals. This explanation was further supported by in-situ XRD results under irradiation of 532 nm laser light. Our findings may offer the opportunity to optically modulate the ferroelectric properties of PVTF composites for optimized device performances.     

γ-巴豆酰内酯激发态动力学的共振拉曼光谱和完全活性空间自洽场(CASSCF)计算研究

采用共振拉曼光谱和完全活性空间自洽场(CASSCF)方法研究了γ-巴豆酰内酯的光吸收S₂态的结构动力学和衰变机制. 采用含时密度泛函理论方法结合光谱实验确认了紫外光谱和振动光谱. 获得了涵盖A-带吸收的4个激发波长下的共振拉曼光谱. 用CASSCF计算得到了S_1,min, S_2,min, T_1,min, T_2,min和T_3,min及其相关势能面交叉点的结构与能量. 研究了A-带共振拉曼光谱强度模式与S_2,min和CI(S₂/S₁)交叉点结构的关系. 借助El-Sayed规则分析了各系间窜跃路径的效率, 提出了γ-巴豆酰内酯从S_2,FC弛豫到基态S₀的2条主要路径: 内转换路径和系间窜跃路径.     

硅土/酚酞聚芳醚砜复合材料的制备及性能

使用γ-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷对硅土进行功能化改性,将功能化的硅土掺入酚酞聚芳醚砜(PES-C)中制备复合材料,并对其热学性能、力学性能及阻隔性能进行表征分析。结果表明,γ-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷使硅土片层的层间距变大,使硅土处于半剥离状态,且通过溶液共混将表面修饰的片层硅土掺杂于PES-C中更有利于PES-C分子链的插入。所制备的复合材料的T-5%、T-10%和T max分别提升了10.2、10和3.9℃。另外,复合材料的拉伸强度提升8.4 MPa,断裂伸长率提升2.4%,模量提升560.7 MPa。复合材料的氧气渗透系数(P O 2)降低77.4%。     

Synthesis of (2R,3S,4S)-4-aryl-3-hydroxyprolinols

Synthesis of (2R,3S,4S)-4-aryl-3-hydroxyprolinols has been established starting from 2-benzyloxymethylpyrrolidin-2-one framework, which is derived from commercially available trans-(2S,4R)-4-hydroxyproline. The single diastereomer having a trans–cis relative configuration with C₂ and C₃ and C₃ and C₄ is constructed in two one-pot functional group transformations of Grignard addition/dehydration and epoxidation/isomerization as the key steps in moderate yield.     

Evaluation of jatropha oil to produce poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) by Cupriavidus necator H16

Jatropha oil, a non-edible vegetable oil, may be an alternative substrate to food-grade oils for bioplastic production. Jatropha oil contains 93.9% palmitic acids, oleic acids and linoleic acids. High P(3HB) accumulation of 87 wt% from 13.1 g/L of cell dry weight (CDW) was obtained by Cupriavidus necator H16 when 12.5 g/L of jatropha oil and 0.54 g/L of urea were used. Lipase activity increased in the initial stages of P(3HB) production, when 1 g/L of jatropha oil was added to the preculture medium. Addition of oil in preculture did not affect final CDW or P(3HB) accumulation. P(3HB) production in a 10 L lab-scale fermenter gave a yield of 0.78 g P(3HB) per g jatropha oil used after 48 h. For the first time, this study proved that jatropha oil is a feasible and excellent carbon source for P(3HB) biosynthesis by C. necator H16 with potential for large-scale production. The toxins in jatropha oil did not affect the P(3HB) biosynthesis.     

Use of in‐situ atomic force microscopy to monitor the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)

Thin films of a co‐polymer mixture of poly 3‐hydroxybutyrate and poly 3‐hydroxyvalerate P(3HB‐3HV) were spun‐cast onto glass slides resulting in 35 nm thick layers with a spherulitic microstructure. An untyped strain of Streptomyces sp. bacteria was isolated from soil samples, and it's PHA depolymerase was used to degrade the P(3HB‐3HV) thin films. Both ex‐situ and in‐situ atomic force microscopy (AFM) biodegradation studies were performed to determine the kinetics of the biodegradation over the course of three hours at room temperature. Ex‐situ AFM was performed in Tapping Mode and in‐situ AFM was performed in the PHA depolymerase using contact mode AFM in the liquid cell, allowing for the real‐time analysis of P(3HB‐3HV) biodegradation. Biodegradation is observed uniformly throughout the surface, and can be observed within 30 min. of depolymerase exposure. In‐situ AFM analysis yields a linear degradation rate as a function of time, while the ex‐situ study suggests a more complex kinetics.     

Syntheses and structural determination of nine-coordinate K3[Nd(nta)2(H2O)]·6H2O and K3[Er(nta)2(H2O)]·5H2O

The syntheses and structural determination of Nd^III and Er^III complexes with nitrilotriacetic acid (nta) were reported in this paper. Their crystal and molecular structures and compositions were determined by single-crystal X-ray structure analyses and elemental analyses, respectively. The crystal of K₃[Nd^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]·6H₂O complex belongs to monoclinic crystal system and C2/c space group. The crystal data are as follows: a=1.5490(11) nm, b=1.3028(9) nm, c=2.6237(18) nm, β=96.803(10)°, V=5.257(6) nm³, Z=8, M=763.89, D_c=1.930 g cm⁻³, μ=2.535 mm⁻¹ and F(000)=3048. The final R₁ and wR₁ are 0.0390 and 0.0703 for 4501 (I>2σ(I)) unique reflections, R₂ and wR₂ are 0.0758 and 0.0783 for all 10474 reflections, respectively. The Nd^IIIN₂O₇ part in the [Nd^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]³⁻ complex anion has a pseudo-monocapped square antiprismatic nine-coordinate structure in which the eight coordinate atoms (two N and six O) are from the two nta ligands and a water molecule coordinate to the central Nd^III ion directly. The crystal of the K₃[Er^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]·5H₂O complex also belongs to monoclinic crystal system and C2/c space group. The crystal data are as follows: a=1.5343(5) nm, b=1.2880(4) nm, c=2.6154(8) nm, b=96.033(5)°, V=5.140(3) nm³, Z=8, M=768.89, D_c=1.987 g cm⁻³, μ=3.833 mm⁻¹ and F(000)=3032. The final R₁ and wR₁ are 0.0321 and 0.0671 for 4445 (I>2σ(I)) unique reflections, R₂ and wR₂ are 0.0432 and 0.0699 for all 10207 reflections, respectively. The Er^IIIN₂O₇ part in the [Er^III(nta)₂(H₂O)]³⁻ complex anion has the same structure as Nd^IIIN₂O₇ part in which the eight coordinate atoms (two N and six O) are from the two nta ligands and a water molecule coordinate to the central Nd^III ion directly.     

含三苯基氧磷结构聚芳醚醚酮酮的合成与表征

以苯酚、对二溴苯及苯基磷酰二氯为原料合成出二(4-苯氧基苯基)苯基氧磷(BPOPPO)。 三氯化铝(AlCl₃)为催化剂,通过缩聚反应,BPOPPO与对苯二甲酰氯(TPC)反应制备出一种含有三苯基氧磷结构的聚醚醚酮酮(P-PEEKK)树脂。 采用傅里叶变换红外光谱仪(FT-IR)、差示扫描量热仪(DSC)、热重分析仪(TGA)和广角X射线衍射(WAXD)等技术手段对P-PEEKK树脂的结构和性能进行表征。 结果表明,P-PEEKK树脂属于非晶聚合物,玻璃化转变温度(T_g)较高,为190.5 ℃;热分解温度(T_5%)为515 ℃,耐热性能较好;极限氧指数(LOI)为42,阻燃性能好,为难燃材料;易溶解于氯仿、1,2-二氯乙烷、N,N-二甲基乙酰胺等有机溶剂中,溶解性能较好,便于涂膜加工;拉伸强度为62 MPa,力学性能较好。     

Ideal gas state thermodynamic functions for a series of halogenated propenes

The thermodynamic functions, C√_p, S√,—F√_o—H√)/T and (H√—H√_o)/T have been calculated in the ideal gas state at one atmosphere for the following halogenated propenes: cis-1-chloropropene; trans-1-chloropropene; cis-1-bromopropene; trans-1-bromopropene; 2-fluoropropene; 2-chloropropene; 2-bromopropene; 2-iodopropene; cis-3-fluoropropene; gauche-3-fluoropropene; isomeric-3-fluoropropene; mixture; cis-3-chloropropene; gauche-3-chloropropene; isomeric-2-chloropropene mixture; cis-3-bromopropene; gauche-3-bromopropene; isomeric-3-bromopropene; mixture; cis-3-iodopropene; gauche-3-iodopropene and isomeric-3-iodopropene mixture. The agreement with other results, whenever available, is very good.