Entanglement networks of 1,2-polybutadiene crosslinked in states of strain. VII. Stress-birefringence relations

Crosslinks are introduced by γ irradiation into 1,2-polybutadiene while strained in uniaxial extension near T_g with stretch ratio λ₀, thereby trapping a proportion of the entanglements originally present. The stress at any subsequent strain λ is accurately given by the sum σ_N + σ_x, where σ_N is the stress contributed by a trapped entanglement network with λ = 1 as reference and a Mooney–Rivlin stress-strain relation, and σ_x is that contributed by a crosslink network with λ = λ₀ as reference and neo-Hookean stress-strain relation. The birefringence is accurately given as δn = ?_Nσ_N + ?_xσ_x, where the ?'s are the respective stress-optical coefficients. From measurements at λ = λ₀ where σ_x = 0, ?_N can be determined separately. For polymer with 88% 1,2 microstructure, ?_N and ?_x are nearly equal and independent of irradiation dose, though strongly dependent on temperature. For polymer with (95–96)% 1,2, ?_N and ?_x are different (even opposite in sign) and dependent on dose. This behavior is associated with a side reaction of cyclization by the γ irradiation, which is inhibited by the 1,4 moiety in the polymer with lesser 1,2 content. It is responsible for residual birefringence in the state of ease (λ = λ_s) where σ_N = –σ_x and the stress is zero.     

PHOTOREACTIVITY OF HYDROXYPSORALENS AND THEIR PHOTOBIOLOGICAL EFFECTS IN BACILLUS SUBTILIS*

Abstract— Although psoralen and many substituted psoralens are potent skin-photosensitizing agents, hydroxypsoralens are not. A satisfactory molecular interpretation of this structural specificity has been given in terms of dissociation of the hydroxyl group of 5- and 8-hydroxypsoralens in their excited states. The dissociation process in the S₁ state effectively competes with S₁→T₁ intersystem crossing, thus reducing the photoreactive T₁ population. The T₁ states of the anions are more delocalized than those of neutral psoralens so that they are less reactive toward photocycloaddition with pyrimidine bases of DNA. The lack of significant phosphorescence of hydroxypsoralens in ionizing solvent or in the presence of base at low temperatures (14–77 K.) indicates ineffective S₁→T₁ and/or effective T₁→S₀ intersystem crossing. These factors make hydroxypsoralens unreactive, electronically and kinetically, as skin photosensitizers, which are known to react with DNA. In correlation with the hydroxypsoralens' spectroscopic characterization, they are also found to be ineffective or less effective photosensitizers in Bacillus subtilis.     

Conductivity and hydration of lanthanum-substituted barium calcium niobates Ba4 ? xLaxCa2Nb2O11 + 0.5x (x = 0.5; 1; 1.5)

A double perovskite Ba₄(Ca₂Nb₂)O₁₁ known as the oxygen-ionic and protonic conductor is modified by substitution of La atoms for Ba atoms in its composition. Three phases with different lanthanum contents Ba_{4 − x} La _x Ca₂Nb₂O_{11 + 0.5x} with x = 0.5; 1; 1.5 are studied. The temperature dependences of conductivity are measured and the thermogravimetric studies are carried out. The thermogravimetric curves of heating are close for all three compounds, whereas their curves of cooling strongly differ from one another. For compositions with x = 0.5 and 1.5, the dependences of conductivity on the partial oxygen pressure P_O2 P_{O_2 } and the partial water vapor pressure P_{H2 O}P_{H_2 O} are measured. The total transport numbers of ions and the transport numbers of protons are calculated. It is shown that the slope of the logs_tot ( logP_{H2 O} )_Tlog\sigma _{tot} \left( {logP_{H_2 O} } \right)_T dependence reaches 1/3 in the range of medium P_{H2 O}P_{H_2 O} under the condition of electroneutrality 2[O″ _V ] = [H* _i ], which coincides with the result obtained earlier for the Ba₄Ca₂Nb₂O₁₁ (x = 0) composition and the solid solutions on its basis with different Ba/Ca ratios. The obtained results are compared with the literature data describing the incorporation of water into Ba₂In₂O₅ and BaCe_0.89(Y_0.2)O_2.9.     

Flux growth and structure of two compounds with the EuIn2P2 structure type,AIn2P2 (A = Ca and Sr), and a new structure type,BaIn2P2

Single crystals of the new Zintl phases AIn₂P₂ [A = Ca (calcium indium phosphide), Sr (strontium indium phosphide) and Ba (barium indium phosphide)] have been synthesized from a reactive indium flux. CaIn₂P₂ and SrIn₂P₂ are isostructural with EuIn₂P₂ and crystallize in the space group P6₃/mmc. The alkaline earth cations A are located at a site with m symmetry; In and P are located at sites with 3m symmetry. The structure type consists of layers of A²⁺ cations separated by [In₂P₂]²⁻ anions that contain [In₂P₆] eclipsed ethane‐like units that are further connected by shared P atoms. This yields a double layer of six‐membered rings in which the In—In bonds are parallel to the c axis and to one another. BaIn₂P₂ crystallizes in a new structure type in the space group P2₁/m with Z = 4, with all atoms residing on sites of mirror symmetry. The structure contains layers of Ba²⁺ cations separated by [In₂P₂]²⁻ layers of staggered [In₂P₆] units that form a mixture of four‐, five‐ and six‐membered rings. As a consequence of this more complicated layered structure, both the steric and electronic requirements of the large Ba²⁺ cation are met.     

Modeling of H2 and H2/CH4 Moderate-Pressure Microwave Plasma Used for Diamond Deposition

One-dimensional transport models of moderate-pressure H ₂ and H ₂ /CH ₄ plasmas obtained in a diamond deposition microwave reactor are presented. These models describe the plasma as a thermochemically nonequilibrium flow with three different energy modes. The solution of the one-dimensional plasma transport equations enabled the estimation of plasma species concentrations and temperatures on the axis of the reactor. As far as pure H ₂ plasmas are concerned, results showed that the model predictions of gas and vibration temperatures are in good agreement with experimental measurements. The model also yields a relatively good qualitative prediction of the variations of H-atom mole fraction with the power density absorbed by the plasma. The results obtained for H ₂ /CH ₄ discharges showed that the model prediction on the variations of H-atom mole fraction with methane percentage in the discharge is in good qualitative agreement with experimental results. They also showed that methane is rapidly converted to acetylene before reaching the discharge zone. The concentrations of neutral hydrocarbon species in the reactor are mainly governed by thermal chemistry. The addition of methane strongly affects the ionization kinetics of the plasma. Three major ions are generally obtained in H ₂ /CH ₄ plasmas: C ₂ H ₂ ⁺ , C ₂ H ₃ ⁺ , and C ₂ H ₅ ⁺ . The relative predominance of these ions depends on the considered plasma region and on the discharge conditions. The ionic species concentrations are also mainly governed by chemistry, except very near the substrate surface. Finally the use of this transport model along with the surface chemistry model of Goodwin ⁽¹⁾ enabled us to estimate the diamond growth rate for several discharge conditions.     

Inorganic coordination polymers. XIV. Chromium(III) phosphinate perfluorocarboxylate polymers

A series of polymers, {Cr(OH)(OPRR′O)[OOC(CF₂)_nCF(CF₃)₂]}_x has been prepared and studied. The polymers with R = R′ = C₆H₅ are soluble in CCl₂FCClF₂, whereas those with R = CH₃ and R′ = C₆H₅ and with R = R′ = C₈H₁₇ are insoluble in all solvents. Attempts to prepare similar materials without hydroxyl groups gave the polymers {Cr(OH)_r(OPRR′O)_p[OOC(CF₂)_nCF(CF₃)₂]_q}_x with 0 < r < 1. The latter polymers are much more tractable than the former; however they are also less thermally stable. The perfluoro-carboxylate groups in these materials can either be chelating or bridging, depending on the other ligands present.     

The valence and Rydberg excited states of CH2: A theoretical exploration

Using the completed active space second‐order perturbation (CASPT2) method, valence and Rydberg excited states of CH₂ molecule are probed with the large atomic natural orbital (ANO‐L) basis set. Five states are optimized and the geometric parameters are in good agreement with the available data in literatures, furthermore, the state of 2¹B₁ is obtained for the first time. Valence and Rydberg excited states of CH₂ are also calculated for the vertical transitions with the ANO‐L+ basis set that is constructed by adding a set of 1s1p1d Rydberg orbitals into the ANO‐L basis set. Two Rydberg states of the p?³A₂ and r?³B₁ at 9.88 and 10.50 eV are obtained for the first time, and the 3a₁ → 3d_yz nature of the state p?³A₂ and the 3a₁ → d_x2?y2 nature of the state r?³B₁ are confirmed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Conformational stability and flexibility of the ala dipeptide in free space and water: Monte Carlo computer simulation studies

Monte Carlo determinations of the intramolecular thermodynamics of the Ala dipeptide in the C₇, C₅, α_R, and P_II conformations are reported. The calculations are carried out in the quasiharmonic approximation, with intramolecular entropies determined from the covariance matrix of the atomic displacements. The free energy of transition from C₇ to C₅, α_R, and P_II are found to be endergonic and dominated by the intrinsic energy of disrupting the intramolecular hydrogen bond in the C₇ conformation. These results are combined with previous estimates of the free energy of hydration of the Ala dipeptide in water computed from liquid state Monte Carlo simulations using the probability ratio method. The net free energy of C₇, α_R, and P_II are found to be similar, and it is thus reasonable to expect that all three forms are thermally populated at ambient temperature. The intermolecular carbonyl-water hydrogen bond in C₅, α_R, and P_II competes successfully with the intramolecular N? H…?O? C interaction in C₇.     

STEREOELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF PHOTOSYNTHETIC AND RELATED SYSTEMS — V. AB INITIO CONFIGURATION INTERACTION CALCULATIONS ON THE GROUND AND LOWER EXCITED SINGLET AND TRIPLET STATES OF ETHYL CHLOROPHYLLIDE a AND ETHYL PHEOPHORBIDE a

Abstract— Ab initio configuration interaction wavefunctions and energies are reported for the ground state and many low-lying excited singlet and triplet states of ethyl pheophorbide a (Et-Pheo a) and ethyl chlorophyllide a (Et-Chl a), and are employed in an analysis of the electronic absorption spectra of these systems. In both molecules the visible spectrum is found to consist of transitions to the two lowest-lying ¹(π, π*) states, S₁ and S₂. The configurational compositions of S₁ and S₂ in both molecules are similar, and are described qualitatively in terms of a four-orbital model. The S₁← S₀ transition in each case is predicted to be intense, and is largely in-plane y-polarized, while the S₂← S₀ transition is predicted to be extremely weak and in-plane polarized. The orientation of the S₂← S₀ transition dipole is not conclusively established in the present calculations. The Soret band in both molecules is composed of transitions to no less than ten states (S_3-S₁₂ in Et-Chl a and S₃-S₇S₉-S₁₂. and S₁₄ in Et-Pheo a), which exhibit primarily (π, π*) character. The configurational compositions of these states are generally a complex mixture of excitations from both occupied macrocyclic π molecular orbitals and occupied orbitals with electron density in the cyclopen-tanone ring and the carbomethoxy chain. No clear correspondences are evident between respective Soret states of the two systems. Transitions to these states are generally intense and display a variety of in-plane polarizations. Two additional Soret states of Et-Pheo a, S₈ and S₁₃, exhibit primarily (n. π*) character. S₈ is characterized by excitations from u and non-bonding regions of the carbomethoxy chain, while S₁₃ is described by n →π* excitations involving the nitrogen atom of ring II. No corresponding (n, π*) states were found for Et-Chl a. In both molecules the lowest two triplet states, T₁ and T₂, are found to lie lower in energy than S₁. while T, and S₁ are approximately degenerate. The configurational compositions of T₁-T₄ of both molecules are nearly identical, and may be described by a four-orbital model. However, the compositions of T₁-T₄ differ sharply from those of S₁ and S₂. A number of higher-lying ³(π, π*) states of both molecules (T₅-T₁₃ in Et-Chi a and T₈-T₉, T₁₁-T₁₃ in Et-Pheo a) are found to have energies similar to the singlet Soret states, relative to S₀. They are characterized by a complex mixture of configurations which do not include significant contributions involving the four-orbital model. In addition, two ³(n, π*) states of Et-Pheo a, T₁₀ and T₁₄, are found, which are somewhat analogous to S₈ and S₁₃. Additional data presented include the charge distributions and molecular dipole moments of the S₀. S₁, and T₁ states of both molecules, as well as energies and oscillator strengths of computed S_n←S₁ and T_n←₁ transitions.     

Röntgenographische Bestimmung der thermischen Störung in den Kristalliten partiell kristallisierter Polyäthylene

Summary The dielectricα _a - andβ _a -absorptions in the linear high polymers whose dipoles are short and rigidly attached to their main chains are investigated theoretically and compared with our observed data. Suffix “a” represents that dielectric absorption comes from amorphous part. Examples of this kind are polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl bromide, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene terephthalate and polyoxymethylene. Theα _a -absorptions are attributed to the re-orientations of their dipoles due to the segmental micro-Brownian motions of the polymer chains in the amorphous part. Theβ _a -absorptions seem to be caused by local micro-Brownian motions of the polymer chains. Theβ _a -absorptions are described by a model of local viscoelastic relaxations of the “dipoles” in the vicinity of their equilibrium directions. Here, the term “dipole” represents the resultant dipole of the permanent dipoles in the motional unit which has about the same order of magnitude as the monomer unit. Thus the various properties ofα _a - andβ _a -absorptions are calculated and agree with our observed values at least semi-quantitatively. In the second section the equations ofα _a - andβ _a -absorptions are derived. The properties of theα _a -absorptions are calculated in the third section and compared with our observed data. The magnitudes ofα _a -absorptions of the semi-crystalline polymers are smaller than those of the amorphous polymers even in the amorphous samples of the semi-crystalline-polymers. The temperature dependence of the magnitude ofα _a -absorption is far gentler in the crystalline polymer compared with the amorphous at temperatures higher than glass transition temperature (T _g ). These observed tendencies are explained by our theory. The calculated values of the activation energies ofα _a -absorptions are 50 ≈ 150 kcal/mol, the same orders as the observed values. The shape of theα _a -absorption is given by the form [ε(iω) -ε∞]/[ε ₀-g3 _∞] = [(1+iω π ₁ (1 +iωπ ₂)^−1/2 at temperatures higher thanT _g . This is in good agreement with the observed shape in the amorphous polymer, not only for the order of breadth but also for the order of asymmetry. The shape of theα _a -absorption in the semi-crystalline polymer is given by a superposition of the above formula and leads to the same order of breadth as the observed shape, too. The properties ofβ _a absorptions are calculated in the fourth section with the aid of the above mentioned model. The calculated values of the magnitudeβ _a -absorptions show fairly good agreement with the observed values too. The temperature dependence of the magnitude ofβ _a -absorption is discussed. The calculated values of the activation energies of theβ _a -absorptions are of the order 10 ≈ 20 kcal/mol, in good agreement with the observed values. The shape ofβ _a -absorption is also given by a superposition of the above formula and leads to the same order of breadth as the observed shape. The order of asymmetry of our theoretical absorption curve agrees with that of the observed curve.

---

---

Vorgetragen auf der Sitzung des Fachausschusses Physik der Hochpolymeren im Verband der Deutschen Physik. Gesellschaft auf der Physikertagung in Wien, 21. Okt. 1961.

---

Mit 11 Abbildungen und 3 Tabellen     

Dielectric studies of the 4-n-alkyl-4'-thiocyanatobiphenyl (nBT) homologous series (n=2-10) in the isotropic and E phases

Results of the dielectric studies of nine members of the nBT (4-n-alkyl-4'-thiocyanatobiphenyl, n= 2-10) homologous series in the crystal E (E) and isotropic (I) phases are presented. The dependence of the static permittivity ?_s in the isotropic phase, the longitudinal relaxation times τ_is and τ_∥, and the activation enthalpies ΔH _is and ΔH _∥ on the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl chain n are analysed. A considerable increase in the retardation factor g= τ_∥/τ_is with decreasing n is observed. The results are compared with those obtained for similar two-ring homologous series. The parameters characterizing the molecular rotations around the short axis in the E phase (τ_∥ and ΔH _∥) indicate a hardening of this solid-like phase with shortening of the alkyl chain.     

Zum thermochemischen Verhalten von Halogeniden,Oxidhalogeniden, Aluminiumhalogeniden und Ammoniumhalogeniden der Seltenerdelemente

The Thermochemical Behaviour of Halides, Oxidehalides, Aluminiumhalides and Ammoniumhalides of Rare‐Earth‐Elements After a critical sifting of the thermal behaviour of Rare earth halides LnX₃, oxide halides LnOX, aluminium halides Ln_mAl_nX_3(m+n) and ammonium halides (NH₄)_xLn_yX_3y+x the enthalpies of formation and the standard entropies are evaluated and the recommended values are indicated. From the straight‐line dependence between the differences of the enthalpies of formation of Rare earth oxides and ‐halides as well as ‐oxidhalides and the ion radii of the concerned elements the values for some halides and oxide halides, which are missing in the literature, are deduced. The evaporation and sublimation behaviour of the LnX₃ as well as the decomposition behaviour of the compounds LnOX are generalizing described and chemical vapour transport properties of the LnX₃ with AlX₃ are systematically arranged. The thermal stability of the Europium trihalides is quantified. From the well known phase barograms and diagrams of the systems Rare earth trihalide/aluminium halide (LnX₃/AlX₃) and ammonium halide (LnX₃/NH₄X) general conclusions are deduced for systems with LnX₃.     

Weitere Evidenz für die mikroskopische Gleichzeitigkeit des Bruches zweier Bindungen bei einer E2-Reaktion: H-Isotopeneffekte und Substituentenwirkungen bei der Reaktion von 2,2-Diphenyläthyl-benzolsulfonat mit Methoxid-Ion

Second order rate constants are determined for the E2 reactions of 2,2-diphenyl-ethyl benzenesulfonates Ph₂C^xHCH₂O · O₂S–C₆H₄–X with CH₃ONa in methyl cellosolve solution (^xH = H or D, X = p-CH₃O, p-CH₃, H or p-NO₂). The HAMMETT ? values are of the same order of magnitude as those found in the first order solvolyses of methyl, ethyl or isopropyl benzenesulfonates. The primary deuterium isotope effects k_H/k_D are 5.27, 5.42 and 6.70 for X = p-CH₃O, H and p-NO₂. The ? values as well as the increase of k_H/k_D with introduction of p-NO₂ supply evidence for simultaneous C_αO and C_βH bond cleavages also in the E2 reactions of these compounds.     

Spatial Separation of Covalent,Ionic, and Metallic Interactions in Mg11Rh18B8 and Mg3Rh5B3

The crystal structures of Mg₁₁Rh₁₈B₈ and Mg₃Rh₅B₃ have been investigated by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Mg₁₁Rh₁₈B₈: space group P4/mbm; a=17.9949(7), c=2.9271(1) Å; Z=2. Mg₃Rh₅B₃: space group Pmma; a=8.450(2), b=2.8644(6), c=11.602(2) Å; Z=2. Both crystal structures are characterized by trigonal prismatic coordination of the boron atoms by rhodium atoms. The [BRh₆] trigonal prisms form arrangements with different connectivity patterns. Analysis of the chemical bonding by means of the electron‐localizability/electron‐density approach reveals covalent B? Rh interactions in these arrangements and the formation of B? Rh polyanions. The magnesium atoms that are located inside the polyanions interact ionically with their environment, whereas, in the structure parts, which are mainly formed by Mg and Rh atoms, multicenter (metallic) interactions are observed. Diamagnetic behavior and metallic electron transport of the Mg₁₁Rh₁₈B₈ and Mg₃Rh₅B₃ phases are in agreement with the bonding picture and the band structure.     

Monomer Reactivity Ratios for the Copolymerization of Styrene with Pure Meta-and Pure Para-Divinylbenzenes

Reactivity ratios for the copolymerization of styrene (r ₁) meta-divinylben-zene (r ₂–m) and with para-divinylbenzene (r ₂–p) have been redetermined under different reaction conditions and with different radioactivity assay techniques. The copolymers were prepared at two conversion levels [0.55 to 3.7% and 2.7 to 7.5% and at 80° (rather than 100°)] with benzoyl peroxide (in place of τ-butylhydroperoxide) initiator. The ionization chamber-vibrating reed electrometer radioactivity assay technique developed for other copolymerization studies was used in place of the direct counting technique previously used for the styrene/divinylbenzene systems. The new values are r ₁ = 0.605/r ₂-m = 0.88: r ₁ = 0.77/r ₂-p = 2.08 at 0.55 to 3.7% conversion and r ₁ = 1.27; r ₂–m = 1.08 at 2.7 to 7.5% conversion. These are not in close agreement with previous values partly because of the difference in conditions of copolymerization (temperature, per cent conversion, initiator) and in the improved analytical precision. Also the high-DVB-content (80%) para copolymer data are not assumed to be invalid and are not omitted (as they were before) from selection of the r ₂–p values.     

Pulsed NMR observation of ultradrawn polypropylene

Proton spin-spin relaxation times have been measured as a function of temperature for ultradrawn polypropylene with draw ratios λ up to 24. The three relaxation times T_2a (the longest), T_2i (intermediate), and T_2c (the shortest), observed for all the samples, have been ascribed to the relaxations of the amorphous, constrained amorphous, and crystalline components, respectively. T_2i and T_2a, which reflect the changes in structure and mobility in the noncrystalline regions, decrease with increasing λ; T_2i becomes saturated at λ > 9, whereas T_2a shows a substantial decrease up to λ = 24. The continued decrease in T_2a indicates that the constraint on the amorphous segments keeps increasing up to the highest λ. The associated mass fractions F_a, F_i, and F_c also change with λ. At λ < 9, the increasc in F_i with increasing λ is accompanied by a decrease in F_a, with F_c remaining unchanged. At higher λ, however, F_a is almost constant, and stepwise rises in F_c at about λ = 12 and 24 are accompanied by corresponding drops in F_i. It seems that, in this high draw ratio range, some of the taut molecules are fully extended and are in sufficiently good lateral register to transform into crystalline bridges. This conjecture is supported by the similarity in the λ dependence of F_c and the mass-fraction crystallinity obtained from the heat of fusion.     

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations of the cobalt porphine complex. I. LCAO SCF MO calculation of low-spin,high-spin,and π-ionized states of Co-porphine

Ab initio LCAO SCF MO calculations are carried out on planar Co-porphine with a basis set of roughly double zeta quality for Co and N and of single zeta quality for C and H. The net charge on Co and N and the overlap population between them are 1.78, ?0.57, and 0.06, respectively, in the ²A_1g, state, which is known to be the ground state by experiment. The bonding in this complex is thus largely ionic. The first and second calculated ionization potentials are 6.51 and 6.77 eV, respectively, and are in reasonable agreement with the observed ionization potentials of 6.44 and 6.62 eV for Ni-tetraphenylporphine. CI calculations within the framework of the ligand field theory are also performed. The calculated order of the five lowest states is ⁴B_2g ≈ ⁴E_g, ⁴A_2g, ²A_1g, ⁴E_g from below and is not in agreement with the semiempirical order of ²A_1g ≈ ⁴B_2G, ⁴A_2g, ²E_g, ⁴E_g determined by Lin.     

Principal component analysis of dipole moment derivative signs of chloroform

The use of principal components as a basis for a graphical procedure to analyze polar tensor data is proposed. Molecular orbital and experimental polar tensor data for all possible sign combinations of the ? p /?Q_j of CHCl₃ and CDCl₃ are represented graphically as principal component scores facilitating sign selection for the ? p /?Q_j. The graphs are particularly useful in analyzing an apparent conflict in ? p /?Q_j sign choices based on the isotopic invariance criterion and molecular orbital results for the A₁ symmetry species of these molecules. The numerical impacts of individual sign ambiguities for the ? p /?Q_j on the polar tensor data are measured by the variances associated with the principal components. Assuming the ? p /?Q_j sign sets with indeterminate signs provide replicated results for the polar tensor elements, their errors are estimated and compared with errors obtained previously by propagating intensity uncertainties through the polar tensor equations.     

Solution‐Based Synthesis of Layered Intergrowth Compounds of the Homologous PbmBi2nTe3n+m Series as Nanosheets

Layered intergrowth compounds in the homologous Pb_mBi_2nTe_3n+m family are interesting because they are examples of natural heterostructures. We present a simple solution‐based synthesis of two‐dimensional nanosheets of PbBi₂Te₄, Pb₂Bi₂Te₅, and PbBi₆Te₁₀ layered intergrowth compounds, which are members of the Pb_mBi_2nTe_3n+m [that is, (PbTe)_m(Bi₂Te₃)_n] homologous series. Few‐layer nanosheets exhibit narrow optical band gaps (0.25–0.7 eV) with semiconducting electronic‐transport properties.     

The effect of network architecture on the thermal and mechanical behavior of epoxy resins

The effects of crosslink functionality (f_c), molecular weight between crosslinks (M_c), and chain stiffness display on the thermal and mechanical behavior of epoxy networks are determined. Both f_c and M_c are controlled by blending different functionality amines with a difunctional epoxy resin. Chain stiffness is controlled by changing the chemical structure of the various amines. In agreement with rubber elasticity theory, the rubbery moduli are dependent on f_c and M_c, but independent of chain stiffness. The glassy moduli and secondary relaxations of these networks are relatively independent of f_c, M_c, and chain stiffness. However, the glass transition temperatures (T_g) of these networks are dependent on all three structural variables. This trend is consistent with free volume theory and entropic theories of T_g. f_c, M_c, and chain stiffness control the yield strength of these networks in a manner similar to that of T_g and is the result that both properties involve flow or relaxation processes. Fracture toughness, as measured by the critical stress intensity factor (K_Ic), revealed that f_c and M_c are both critical parameters. The fracture behavior is the result of the fracture toughness being controlled by the ability of the network to yield in front of the crack tip. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1371–1382, 1998