Ferroelectric properties of a series of core-fluorinated dopants containing the 2,3-difluoroalkoxy tail

Previous reports from these laboratories [1] have discussed the synthesis and properties of core-fluorinated phenylpyridines with an attached difluoroalkoxy tail. This paper discusses core-fluorinated phenylpyridine difluoroalkoxides and compares their properties to those of the corresponding phenylpyrimidines. The pyridine and pyrimidine series are found to be remarkably similar in properties. They have similar high polarizations and fast rise times, attractive in surfacestabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal (SSFLC) applications, and in high concentration have pitch properties compatible with deformable helix FLC applications.     

Thermal Degradation and Fire Behavior of High Performance Polymers

Abstract

High performance and high temperature polymers are a class of polymeric materials exhibiting high thermal stability and their resistance to fire makes them valuable assets for many applications. Those applications include as typical examples high temperature gas separation membranes, automotive and aerospace industry as well as the construction industry. The high performance polymers have been synthesized since the early 1960s, and have developed rapidly over the past few decades. Most high performance polymers comprise a highly aromatic backbone, linear chains, and strong inter-chain interactions. This review deals mostly with commercial polymeric materials. Studies regarding their thermal behavior, degradation mechanism and their reaction to fire have been synthetically combined in order to bring out potential insight concerning the effect of the thermal decomposition and thermal behavior on the fire properties of those polymers.     

Solution structure and equilibrium of new calix[4]resorcinarene complexes—prototype of molecular machines. NMR data

Association properties and molecular machine application of water soluble calix[4]resorcinarene (1) with two aromatic guests (2-naphthol (2) and 1,5-naphthalenediamine (3)) have been investigated by various NMR methods (chemical shift, nOe and diffusion measurements) in aqueous solution at different concentrations and pH range. In neutral solution 1 strongly associates with 2, while only moderately associating with 3. Increase in concentration causes an increase in the stability of 1 + 3 and 1 + 2 + 3 complexes and produces high order complexes. The decrease of pH does not have an influence on 1 + 2 association, but disrupts 1 + 3 assembly. 1 can be used for the separation of 2 + 3 mixture in aqueous solution at moderate concentrations. The pH dependency of the association properties of the 1 + 3 system makes these compounds prime candidates for pH-responsive molecular machines applications.     

Dental Amalgam in Voltammetry. Some Preliminary Results

ABSTRACT

Liquid mercury and liquid diluted mercury amalgams have been superior as electrode material for the use of voltammetry for analytical purposes. This is mainly due to the high overvoltage to hydrogen, which enables one to use a wide potential range for the measurements. Due to the toxicity of mercury and liquid diluted mercury compounds, the use of such compounds are increasingly restricted, and cannot be included in voltammetric devices for field and online applications.

The present authors have studied the properties of dental amalgam and related solid amalgams as electrode material in voltammetry. Due to the special properties of dental amalgam compared with mercury itself it is not toxic.

It has been found that dental amalgam and related solid amalgams have a very high overpotential to hydrogen, allowing one to carry out trace analyses at potentials sufficiently negative to allow determination of e.g. zinc, cobalt, nickel and iron at trace levels. This have previously been difficult except when using a mercury or a mercury film electrode.

The present preliminary paper describes such electrodes and some practical applications for trace heavy metal analyses, using differential pulse stripping voltammetry. Such determinations are very important for field and online analyses of pollutants in soil and groundwater, and the electrode can be used repeatedly. Further improvements can obviously be obtained by optimising the composition of the alloy.     

Recent progress in coordination chemistry,photo-physical properties,and applications of pyridine-based Cu(I) complexes

Abstract

Copper(I) [Cu(I)] complexes offer cheap and alternative materials for several real-life applications. Pyridine (Py), bipyridine (Bpy), and related analogues have strong donating ability with propensity to ease functionalization via modern synthetic protocols. A large number of Cu(I) complexes/clusters/polymers bearing functionalized Py-based ligands have emerged with rich coordination chemistry, fascinating structures, and intriguing photo-physical properties. This article sheds light on recent advances in the coordination chemistry and photophysical properties of Cu(I) complexes/clusters/polymers and their applications in the areas of optoelectronics (OE) (light emitting devices [LEDs] and dye-sensitized solar cells [DSSCs]) and sensing (aliphatic and aromatic gases).     

Bacterial polyhydroxyalkanoates-eco-friendly next generation plastic: Production,biocompatibility, biodegradation,physical properties and applications

ABSTRACT

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are intracellular aliphatic polyesters synthesized as energy reserves, in the form of water-insoluble, nano-sized discrete and optically dense granules in cytoplasm by a diverse bacteria and some archae under conditions of limiting nutrients in the presence of excess carbon source. Bacteria synthesize different PHAs from coenzyme A thioesters of respective hydroxyalkanoic acid, and degrade intracellularly for reuse and extracellularly in natural environments by other microorganisms. In vivo, PHAs exist as amorphous mobile liquid and water-insoluble inclusions but in vitro, exhibit material and mechanical properties, ranging from stiff and brittle crystalline to elastomeric and molding, similar to petrochemical thermoplastics. Further, they are hydrophobic, isotactic, biocompatible and exhibit piezoelectric properties. But as commodity plastics their applications are limited by high production cost, low yield, in vivo degradation, complexity of technology and difficulty of extraction. Therefore, to replace the conventional plastic with PHAs, it is prerequisite to standardize the PHA production systems.     

Phosphorus (III) - and Phosphorus (IV)-Substituted Alkoxyacetylenes as New Synthons in Phosphororganic Synthesis

Abstract

The diheterosubstituted acetylenes of EC=COR type, where E is Si, Ge, Sn, B, possessing an increased react-ivity both in reactions with electrophilic reagents and fragmentation processes, are extensively investigated in the Moscow University. At the same time phosphorylated alkoxyacetylenes have gained less attention. The main purpose of this work was the synthesis of previously unknown phosphorus (III)-substituted alkoxyacetylenes (I), investigation of their stability, properties and applications in phosphororganic syntheses.     

Design of new super-high birefringent isothiocyanato bistolanes – synthesis and properties

We report the synthesis of new laterally ethyl-substituted high birefringent phenylethynyltolane liquid crystals with alkylsulphanyl chain and isothiocyanate terminal group. The thermal and optical properties such as birefringence are measured and discussed based on their molecular structures. The compounds exhibit birefringence (Δn) in the range of 0.63–0.75 and are expected to be excellent components of high birefringent nematic mixtures for various applications.     

Global Government applications of analogues,SAR s and QSAR s to predict aquatic toxicity,chemical or physical properties,environmental fate parameters and health effects of organic chemicals

Faced with the need to predict physical and chemical properties, environmental fate, ecological effects and health effects of organic chemicals in the absence of experimental data, several Government organizations have been applying analogues, Structure Activity Relationships (SARs) and Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSARs) to develop those predictions. To establish some benchmarks for monitoring future increases in applications of analogues, SARs and QSARs by global Government organizations, this paper describes the current applications of analogues, SARs and QSARs by Australian, Canadian, Danish, European, German, Japanese, Netherlands, and United States Government organizations to predict physical and chemical properties, environmental fate, ecological effects and health effects of organic chemicals.     

Processing and Properties of Nanofibrous Bacterial Cellulose-Containing Polymer Composites: A Review of Recent Advances for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is an extracellular natural polymer produced by many microorganisms and its properties could be tailored via specific fabrication methods and culture conditions. There is a growing interest in BC derived materials due to the main features of BC such as porous fibrous structure, high crystallinity, impressive physico-mechanical properties, and high water content. However, pristine BC lacks some features, limiting its practical use in varied applications. Thus, fabrication of BC composites has been attempted to overcome these constraints. This review article overviews most recent advance in the development of BC composites and their potential in biomedicine including wound dressing, tissue engineering scaffolds, and drug delivery. Special emphasis is placed on the fabrication and applications of BC-containing nanofibrous composites for biomedical usage. It summarizes electrospinning of BC-based nanofibers and their surface modification with an outline on challenges and future perspective.     

Anion binding by pyrrole–pyridine-based macrocyclic polyamides

The synthesis, characterisation and anion-binding properties of new pyrrole–pyridine-based macrocyclic polyamides 7a and 7b are presented. Chloride anion templation in the macrocyclisation reaction has been shown to control [1 + 1] acylation. The anion-binding properties of the receptors have been determined by UV–vis titrations in a DMSO solution and compared with systems with a similar design. The new receptors have been found to display a 10-fold selectivity for hydrogensulphate, dihydrogenphosphate and acetate anions over other anions studied.     

Highly polarized absorption and emission from polymer-stabilized smectic guest-host systems

ABSTRACT

The optical properties of luminescent molecules dissolved in liquid crystals have led to their proposed use in luminescent thin-film polarizers. These molecules are typically required to fulfil a range of criteria related to their absorption and emission properties, degree of alignment and stability; however, concurrently satisfying these requirements has proven a barrier in their practical use. We obtained highly polarized absorption and emission luminescent thin-film polarizer using reactive liquid crystalline monomers and highly dichroic luminescent dyes, both of which have polymerizable end groups. In situ photopolymerization of the liquid crystalline mixtures in the highly ordered SmB phase resulted in the formation of cross-linked polymeric networks in which the anisotropic absorption and emission of the film were fixed. The as-obtained product exhibited a high dichroic ratio (DR = 30) with a large fluorescence quantum yield (?_F = 0.77). The device is both cheap and easy to fabricate and has the potential to be used in practical electro-optic applications.     

Inherent Electrochemistry of Layered Post‐Transition Metal Halides: The Unexpected Effect of Potential Cycling of PbI2

The development of two‐dimensional nanomaterials has expedited the growth of advanced technological applications. PbI₂ is a layered inorganic solid with important and unique properties suitable for applications in the detection of electromagnetic radiation. While the optical and electrical properties of layered PbI₂ have been generally established, its electrochemistry has remained largely unexplored. In this work, we examine the inherent electrochemistry of PbI₂ in relation to its morphological and structural properties. A direct comparison between commercially available and solution‐grown PbI₂ showed high similarity in properties based on characterizations by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The respective layered PbI₂ materials also exhibited similar inherent electrochemistry. Electrochemical potential cycling of PbI₂ in phosphate buffer resulted in the dissolution of iodide ions from PbI₂ to form complex lead‐phosphate‐chloride with the oxygen groups of the phosphate ions while retaining the hexagonal structure. In the case of KCl solution, the formation of PbO₂ was observed.     

GRAFT COPOLYMERIZATION OF CELLULOSE,CELLULOSE DERIVATIVES,AND LIGNOCELLULOSE

Abstract

The growth of polymer science has led to the development of new materials in direct competition with natural materials, many of which have been in use since earliest times. This has caused researchers to look more critically at both natural and synthetic macromolecules in order to learn more about their underlying structures and their relation to the properties exhibited by the macromolecules. In this regard, chemical modifications have been devised to impart certain desirable properties of both natural and synthetic macromolecules, and their applications have become an integral part of such chemical modifications. Various chemical modifications (e.g., change of functionality, oxidative degradation, inter- and intramolecular gelation, graft copolymerization), have been practiced to add improved properties to the base polymers. However, among all these methods, modification of polymers via graft copolymerization has been the subject of much interest and has made paramount contribution toward improved industrial and biomedical applications.     

Effects of the chain length of crosslinking agent and dye-doped amount on the electro-optical properties of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal films prepared by nucleophile-initiated thiol-ene click reaction

ABSTRACT

A series of crosslinking agents with different chain lengths were used to explore their effect on electro-optical properties of dye-doped polymer dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) film prepared by nucleophile-initiated thiol-ene click reaction. The influences of dye contents and temperatures on electro-optical properties were also investigated. It was found that the increase in chain length of crosslinking agent leads to the increase in driving voltage and the decrease in memory effect. The decrease in reaction temperature causes a decrease in driving voltage and an increase in transmittance. Particularly, the dye content could be optimised to obtain promising materials with minimum driving voltage and high contrast ratio for display applications.     

Polysulfide Polymers: Synthesis,Blending, Nanocomposites,and Applications

Abstract

Polysulfide polymers as an important class of polymers are used in different applications as sealants, adhesives, etc. They are usually synthesized by reaction of disodium polysulfides with dihalo compounds to yield liquid or solid polymers. Their most important advantages are excellent adhesion to different surfaces, creation of no defect in sealant under stress and pressure, resistance against to fuels and solvents, very low gas and steam permeability, and high resistance to ozone and UV. This article aims to review methods of synthesis, properties, and applications of polysulfide polymers. Also, polysulfide-based nanocomposites and blends are also briefly discussed.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of a series of dimers derived from thioether-terminated and cholesteryl

ABSTRACT

The synthesis and material properties of a series of new liquid crystalline compounds containing thioether and cholesteryl, these homologues with different alkyl chain lengths of 2–8, are reported. Thermal analysis shows that all oligomers have wide mesophase temperature ranges with high thermal stability. The oligomers were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarising optical microscopy (POM). The molecule not only successfully exhibits strong optical properties and rainbow colours, but also the cholesteric helical pitch decreased with increasing temperature. The mesogenic incidence and tendency were found to be strongly dependent on the numbers of carbon in the flexible alkyl chain. Even members formed widely mesophase compared to odd members that showed narrower ones. The reflection wavelengths of 6S8Ch are almost across the entire visible region when they are heated, which offer tremendous potential for various optical applications. Also, it not only shows a lower transition temperature but also has a narrower cholesteric phase compared to analogues with alkoxy groups. These results not only provide practical design principles for the synthesis of new sulphur-containing LC materials with optical applications, also make a significant contribution to use as thermally sensitive liquid crystal devices requiring fast response.     

Protein chromatography by molecular imprinted cryogels

Abstract

Molecularly imprinted cryogels for protein recognition have received much attention in recent years with the development of supermacroporous polymer systems. Molecularly imprinted cryogels, which offer great advantages for the selective and effective purification and separation of biomacromolecules from their sources, have become an important candidate for affinity matrix. Cryogels with their macroporous structure give rise to use them in different applications, such as tissue engineering, protein recognition and separation fields and environmental issues. This review highlights the principles of molecular imprinting technology, the preparation and properties of cryogels, the recent developments and applications of molecularly imprinted cryogels especially in protein chromatography.     

Electroanalytical Application of Carbon Based Electrodes to the Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

Carbon and its derivatives, as the high performance material, occupy a special place in electrochemistry due to its ‐in many ways‐ extreme properties. Recent trends and advances in the electrochemistry of carbon‐based electrodes are reviewed. The varieties of carbon‐based electrodes, their basic physicochemical properties and some characteristics are surveyed. Special attention is paid to the possibilities of carbon‐based electrodes in electroanalytical investigation in pharmaceutical dosage forms and biological samples using modern electrochemical techniques. This review includes a summary of the rules that must be considered for drug analysis from its dosage forms and biological samples using carbon‐based electrodes. The present review is the first comprehensive report on the heterogeneous and homogeneous carbon electrodes, and an addition to many excellent reviews on carbon electrodes in the literature. This review summarizes some of the recent developments and applications of carbon‐based electrodes for drug compounds in their dosage forms and in biological samples in the period from 1996 till 2006. Also some further selected designs (screen‐printed; carbon nanotubes, etc.) and applications have been discussed.     

Two luminescent complexes constructed from different metals with pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (H2PDC)

Two coordination complexes, [Mg(HPDC)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) and [Dy(PDC)₂(H₂O)₂]·5H₂O·NH₄ (2), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The structures and fluorescent properties of the complexes were studied by elemental analysis, IR, thermal analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and X-ray crystallography. In 1, Mg(II) coordinated with six oxygens from H₂PDC and water. For 2, there were NH₄ ⁺ ions in the holes of the metal quarternary rings to balance electronic charges. Compared to 1, 2 constructed from Dy(III) had larger void space and potential applications on gas adsorption. The two complexes show similar fluorescence in the visible region.