Maleic diamide polymerizable surfactants. Applications in emulsion polymerization

A series of new polymerizable non-ionic and ionic surfactants (surfmers) with amides groups on both sides of the C=C double bonds have been prepared upon reaction of maleic isoimide carrying a long alkyl chain (or a benzyl group) with a hydrophilic amine derivative. Their critical micellar concentration (CMC) was measured with a surface tensiometer. They have been engaged in batch emulsion polymerization of styrene, and semi-batch seeded copolymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate, giving stable latexes during the polymerization process, and upon extraction with ethanol, showing a high rate of incorporation at the particle surface. However these surfmers do not confer good steric stabilization properties, which may be expected from the use of non-ionic surfactants. To cite this article: I. Klimenkovs et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

The effect of first-stage polymer Tg on the morphology and thermomechanical properties of structured polymer latex particles

A series of heterogeneous latexes having stage ratios of 40:60 between the first and second stage polymers were prepared by emulsion polymerization. The first-stage polymers were non-polar S-BuA with T_gs ranging from + 100 °C to + 20 °C and the second stage polymer was polar MMA–BuA–MAA having a T_g of 20 °C. The latex particle morphologies were studied using TEM and the thermomechanical properties of the resulting latex films were studied with DSC and DMA. Calculated diffusion rates for propagating species during the reactions were correlated to the observed morphologies and to the amount of interphase in the latex particles. To cite this article: O.J. Karlsson et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Enantiopure aryl-[1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-pyridinyl] methanols and their use for heterogeneous hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate

Both enantiomers of two new chiral modifiers (naphthyl- and anthryl-[1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-pyridinyl] methanols, 4H and 5H) are obtained for the first time from inexpensive d-mannitol in 10 easy steps. Until now erythro-4H is the only synthetic chiral modifier available under both enantiomeric forms, which provide enantioselectivities almost as high as those obtained with natural cinchonidine, for which only one enantiomer is available. It is shown that the anthryl group may be less efficient than the naphthyl (the e.e.% drops from 75% with erythro-4H to 46% with erythro-5H) and that N-methyl substitution (trisubstituted nitrogen as in cinchonidine) leads also to a drop in the e.e.% (from 75% with 4H to 39% with 4Me).     

Monomer compartmentalisation in miniemulsion polymerisation studied by infrared spectroscopy

Miniemulsion polymerisations of styrene and butyl methacrylate were carried out in order to study mass transfer during the reaction. An in-line Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR–FTIR) probe was used to follow the reactions, and the collected spectra were used to identify the different species that appeared and disappeared during polymerisation. The results show that the droplets were completely compartmentalized during the reaction, and that even when blends of droplets with different composition were polymerised together, no detectable levels of copolymer were formed. To cite this article: K. Ouzineb et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

A unique transurf in styrene emulsion polymerization

The surface-active, chain transfer agent (‘transurf’) sodium ω-mercapto-decane sulfonate, SMDSo, was synthesized, purified, and its interfacial properties determined. The compound acted normally in styrene emulsion polymerization to produce extremely stable colloids containing only sulfonate ionic surface functional groups. It was then used to control the surface charge density of a model polystyrene colloid by means of seeded emulsion polymerization. Surface charge could thus be increased 16-fold over that of the seed particles, and was due solely to sulfonate groups introduced by the SMDSo. Unlike most conventional emulsion polymerizations, this technique allows one to control surface chemistry independently of particle size. To cite this article: C.C. Fifield, R.M. Fitch, C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Particle size distribution in mini-emulsion polymerization

The particle size distribution polydispersities of a number of macro- and mini-emulsion latexes are reported. In cases where the macro-emulsion and mini-emulsions were produced under very nearly identical conditions, the mini-emulsion will have a polydispersity equal to, or only very slightly greater than, the equivalent macro-emulsion. To cite this article: K. Landfester et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Cosurfactant effects on the microemulsion polymerization of styrene

The polymerization of styrene in o/w microemulsions stabilized with dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) with or without cosurfactant (n-butanol, n-hexanol or n-octanol) is examined here. The addition of a cosurfactant enhances the one-phase region in the order: n-butanol > n-hexanol > n-octanol. The kinetics of polymerization slows down in the presence of the alcohol. With the alcohol, the molar masses increase, but no particular trend was noticed on particle size of the lattices. However, by changing the surfactant counter-ion to chloride, alcohol effects on the kinetics almost vanish. Possible explanations to these results are given here. To cite this article: J.E. Puig et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Synthesis of polydimethylsiloxane microemulsions by self-catalyzed hydrolysis/condensation of dichlorodimethylsilane

The preparation of PDMS microemulsions was carried out by adding at controlled rate dichlorodimethylsilane (DCMS) in a solution of sodium dodecylpolyoxyethylene(8) sulphate. The instantaneous hydrolysis of DCMS and subsequent condensation of the corresponding dihydroxysilane generate dispersions of cyclosiloxanes of small lengths (4 to 6 D units). The high load of chloride ions released during the hydrolysis step requires the presence of the above-mentioned electrosteric surfactant to avoid rapid coagulation of the dispersion. In addition, its sulphate end-group captures a proton that catalyses the ring-opening polymerization of cyclosiloxane as well as the polycondensation of disilanol PDMS chains. Final particles exhibit a diameter of about 50 nm for a polydispersity index of less than 1.1. They are constituted of PDMS chains exclusively linear ( ; ) and of small cycles in low contents (less than 5 wt% in the best conditions). To cite this article: G. Palaprat, F. Ganachaud, C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Synthesis and reactivity of new heterodinuclear iron/rhenium Cx complexes of the formula (η-C5Me5)Re(NO)(PPh3)(CC)n(η-dppe)Fe(η-C5Me5) (n = 3, 4): Redox properties and a dicobalt hexacarbonyl adduct

We report in this communication the synthesis and characterization of two Fe/Re heterodinuclear complexes 3_n of formula (η⁵-C₅Me₅)Re(NO)(PPh₃)(CC)_n(η²-dppe)Fe(η⁵-C₅Me₅) (n = 3, 4) as well as the hexacarbonyl dicobalt adduct (4) of the hexatriynediyl complex 3₃. We show by cyclic voltammetry that the “electronic communication” between the organometallic endgroups and thereby the thermodynamic stability of the corresponding mixed-valent (MV) parent 3_n⁺ is strongly influenced by bridge extension or by complexation of the [Co₂(CO)₆] fragment. In the case of the hexatriynediyl complex, the MV complex 3₃⁺ or 4 can be isolated by performing the chemical oxidation of 3₃ at low temperature. Spectroscopic studies of this compound and of other stable oxidized redox congeners should now help us to unravel how bridge extension modifies the electronic communication between the different redox-active endgroups in this family of unsymmetrically-substituted polyynediyl compounds.     

Hybrid copolymer latexes cross-linked with methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane. Film formation and mechanical properties

We describe in this work the copolymerization reaction of 3-trimethoxysilyl propyl methacrylate (MPS) with styrene (Styr.) and n-butyl acrylate (BuA) monomers through emulsion polymerization. The so-produced hybrid copolymer (P(BuA-co-MPS)) and terpolymer (P(Styr-co-BuA-co-MPS)) latexes were cast into films that displayed a good optical transparency. The copolymers microstructure in the films was characterized by FTIR, ¹³C and ²⁹Si solid state NMR spectroscopies, and was found to be highly dependent on parameters such as the monomer feed composition, the suspension pH and the silane addition profile. The films obtained from the hybrid latexes showed improved dynamic mechanical properties indicating that a reinforcing organo-mineral network had formed in the composite materials. The dynamic modulus of the hybrids increased with increasing silane contents while, concurrently, the tan δ peak shifted to higher temperatures, broadened and decreased in intensity. To cite this article: S. Vitry et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

New rheological developments for reactive processing of poly(ε-caprolactone)

This short review aims to show how an integrated activity on reactive processing have been developed these last years in our laboratory. We can say that the originality of this approach is based on combining developments in chemistry, in line instrumentation, and rheology aspects. Our rheological works can be divided into four important contributions: rheo-physics, rheo-chemistry, rheo-mixing and rheo-processing. These different parts are illustrated from the ε-caprolactone polymerisation in bulk and dispersed media. Rheo-physics studies allowed us to calculate the molecular weight distribution and chain structures of in situ polymerised poly(ε-caprolactone) samples. From rheo-chemistry works, we are now able to predict the variation of the complex shear modulus versus the extent of the polymerisation. The developments of new rheological tools such as rheo-mixer enable us to investigate complex mixing situations encountered in reactive polymer blends and formulations. Lastly, a rheo-processing approach based on the in-line measurement of the viscosity in a slit rheometer at the die exit of the extruder allows us to envisage its application to the experimental control of the reactive processing in extruder. To cite this article: P. Cassagnau et al., C. R. Chimie 9 (2006).     

Recent progress in nitroxide-mediated polymerizations in miniemulsion

Recent developments in nitroxide-mediated polymerizations conducted in emulsion and miniemulsion have advanced the field across a range of both experimental and theoretical fronts. This article reviews progress in bicomponent initiating systems (including use of camphorsulfonic acid to enhance rate), unimolecular initiating systems, miniemulsions not requiring the use of volatile costabilizers, polymerization of acrylates, mathematical modeling and simulation, and theoretical understanding with regards to issues such as compartmentalization, preservation of polymer chain livingness, the role of aqueous phase kinetics and phase partitioning. These topics are discussed and analyzed to present an integrated portrait of the current status of nitroxide-mediated polymerizations in emulsion/miniemulsion and to identify the most pressing concerns, issues, and opportunities. To cite this article: M.F. Cunningham, C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

Technetium transmutation and production of artificial stable ruthenium

The recent Russian results on technetium transmutation into ruthenium are summarized, including the first isolation of artificial stable ruthenium from irradiated technetium targets. To cite this article: V. Peretroukhine et al., C. R. Chimie 7 (2004).

Résumé

Transmutation du technétium et production du ruthénium artificiel. Les résultats obtenus en Russie sur la transmutation du technétium en ruthénium artificiel et son isolement des cibles irradiées sont présentés. Pour citer cet article : V. Peretroukhine et al., C. R. Chimie 7 (2004).     

Viscoelastic behaviour of butyl acrylate/styrene/2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/acrylic acid latices thickened with associative thickeners

The rheological behaviour of butyl acrylate/styrene/acrylic acid latices thickened with a hydrophobically modified ethoxylated polyurethane (HEUR) or hydrophobically modified alkali-soluble polyacrylate emulsion (HASE) was investigated. While the pseudoplastic character of frequency dependence of complex viscosity was similar for both thickeners, viscoelastic behaviour, expressed as the ratio of loss and storage moduli, significantly differed, indicating that the HEUR molecules, unlike swollen HASE particles, create a viscoelastic space structure. The increase in hydrophilicity of the particle surface, achieved by incorporation of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer into the latex copolymer reduced the viscoelasticity of latices thickened with HEUR, but not of those thickened with HASE. This confirms that adsorption of hydrophobic end-groups on particle surface is important for thickening of latices with HEUR and that a physical network of latex particles interconnected by the thickener macromolecules is formed. To cite this article: O. Quadrat et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

On the optimal surfmer addition profile in emulsion polymerisation

In this work, the optimal surfmer feeding profile for stabilizing a high-solid-content acrylic latex with a non-ionic alkenyl functional ^TMMaxemul 5011 was calculated. For this purpose, the model developed by de la Cal and Asua (J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 39 (2001) 585) was used. It was observed that, in spite of the low reactivity of the surfmer, it was possible to increase substantially the surfmer conversion using an optimal surfmer addition policy. To cite this article: E. Aramendia et al., C. R. Chimie 6 (2003).     

One-pot synthesis of an ionic half-sandwich complex of neodymium. Application to isoprene polymerisation catalysis

The reaction of one equivalent of Nd(BH₄)₃(THF)₃ with an half equivalent of dialkylmagnesium in the presence of a stoichiometric amount of pentamethylcyclopentadiene cleanly affords a new kind of half-sandwich of neodymium that is stable toward comproportionation. This strategy can be advantageously applied to generate in situ catalysts allowing the controlled polymerisation of isoprene.     

Conventional hydrothermal process versus microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of La1−xAgxMnO3+δ (x = 0, 0.2) perovskites used in methane combustion

A study on the synthesis of La_1−xAg_xMnO_3+δ (x = 0, 0.2) using a microwave process (MWhyd) has been carried out by comparing the heating time and reaction temperature with the same factor under conventional thermal process (CHhyd). Experiments have been conducted using the hydrothermal method at medium pressure (T = 200 °C, P = 20 atm) followed by a thermal treatment of the precursor at 700 °C (10 h).Structural and physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET sorption, temperature-programmed reduction or desorption, mass spectrometry (TPR-MS and TPD-MS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). While CHhyd and MWhyd powder catalysts exhibited the same XRD patterns indexed as pure perovskite structure, their surface physico-chemical properties were found to be strongly influenced by the preparation method. The effect of the nature of oxygen species, their amount and mobility, evidenced by temperature programmed experiments, on the catalytic properties in methane combustion in the presence and in the absence of hydrogen sulphide has been studied. MWhyd-La_0.8Ag_0.2MnO_3+δ catalysts were found to exhibit a much better performance in methane combustion together with higher resistance to sulphur poisoning than CHhyd catalysts.     

Biodegradable materials by reactive extrusion: from catalyzed polymerization to functionalization and blend compatibilization

This contribution aims at reviewing how reactive extrusion (REx) technique can participate in the design and development of biodegradable polymeric materials more particularly based on aliphatic polyesters issued from both renewable (agrochemical) and fossil (petrochemical) resources. On one side, REx will be approached for producing in a continuous way biodegradable aliphatic polyesters by ring-opening polymerization of lactones. Tin and aluminum-based catalysts will be considered for quantitatively converting the cyclic monomer in high molecular weight polyester chains within residence time of a few minutes only. On the other hand, such polyesters will undergo various chemical modifications again performed by REx. Self-branching reactions will be investigated in order to compensate the characteristic molecular weight reduction of the polyester chains as triggered by hydrolysis and/or transesterification side-reactions. Controlled functionalization reactions by maleic anhydride treatment will be studied as well. Finally biodegradable composite materials will be produced by REx and will rely upon the interface compatibilization between the polyester matrix and natural fillers such as starch granules or talc microparticles. To cite this article: J.-M. Raquez, et al., C. R. Chimie 9 (2006).     

Research and application of inorganic selective sorbents at Mayak PA

This work has been performed in order to identify selective inorganic sorbents for caesium and strontium. Thin-layer sorbents with nickel ferrocyanide embedded in an inert matrix were found to be the best for caesium. Sorbents including non-stoichiometric manganese dioxide were selected for strontium. Bench tests have been carried out on the purification of desalted water of SNF storage-pool from ¹³⁷Cs, and on the purification of contaminated natural water from ⁹⁰Sr. The facility for synthesizing the ferrocyanide sorbent with the registered mark ‘Seleks-CFN’ has been brought into operation. The sorbent ISM-S seems promising for ⁹⁰Sr decontamination. To cite this article: M.V. Logunov et al., C. R. Chimie 7 (2004).

Résumé

Recherches et applications sur l’utilisation de sorbants spécifiques à Mayak. Des sorbants sélectifs du césium et du strontium ont été identifiés. Pour le césium, le meilleur s’avère être le ferrocyanure de nickel, s’il est utilisé sous forme de couche mince. Pour le strontium, on a sélectionné des composés non stœchiométriques de dioxyde de manganèse. On a mené des tests visant à épurer en césium l’eau des piscines d’entreposage des combustibles nucléaires usagés, et en strontium des eaux contaminées. Une installation industrielle permettant de préparer le sorbant à base de ferrocyanure de marque « Seleks-CFN » a été réalisée. Le sorbant ISM-S semble prometteur pour la décontamination en strontium. Pour citer cet article : M.V. Logunov et al., C. R. Chimie 7 (2004).     

Solid-state synthesis of boron subnitride, B6N: myth or reality?

Solid-state synthesis of boron subnitride, B₆N, as a result of chemical interaction between boron and boron nitride at 7.5 GPa and 1700 °C has been previously reported by Hubert et al. However, a critical analysis of the results has shown that the evidence for the formation of boron subnitride with B₆O-like structure is inconclusive. We have studied in situ the interaction between boron and BN at the same p–T conditions using X-ray diffraction with synchrotron radiation. At 7.4 GPa and 1700 °C the formation of a new phase has not been observed. At the same time, HP–HT treatment has resulted in strong and unpredictable preferred orientation of boron crystallites. This leads to the rise of some weak boron reflections that might be erroneously attributed to the appearance of a new phase. To cite this article: V.L. Solozhenko et al., C. R. Chimie 9 (2006).