The effect of hard and soft segment composition and molecular architecture on the morphology and mechanical properties of polystyrene-polyisobutylene thermoplastic elastomeric block copolymers

This paper reports the effects of hard (polystyrene, PS) and soft (polyisobutylene, PIB) segment composition and the molecular architecture (linear versus star, PS and PIB block length) on the morphology and mechanical properties of polystyrene/polyisobutylene (SIBS) block copolymers synthesized by living carbocationic polymerization. Atomic force microscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and tensile testing verified the phase-separated nature of the block copolymers, which behaved as thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The morphology of these TPEs is similar to polydiene-based TPEs, and is defined by the soft/hard segment composition. Interestingly, topology (linear vs star) did not have a major influence on morphology. Tensile testing showed that for both linear and three-arm star block copolymers, the modulus and tensile strength increased while elongation at break decreased with higher PS content. However, three-arm star block copolymers showed larger moduli than their linear homologues with similar PS content and PIB arm length, indicating the influence of molecular architecture on mechanical properties. These results might serve as a foundation for macromolecular engineering design for optimizing properties.     

Multicomponent supramolecular thermoplastic elastomer with peptide‐modified nanofibers

Bioactive nanofibers present a promising synthetic niche for in vivo applications due to their morphological and functional resemblance to the extracellular matrix. Potentially interesting nanofibers are constructed from the hard‐segment regimes in well‐defined thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). The supramolecular interactions between these hard segments cause physical crosslinking by the formation of nanofibers and provide excellent mechanical properties. Here, we make use of a new class of biocompatible supramolecular TPEs, in which both the formation of the main chain and the hard block is based on multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions. A self‐assembly process is explored to arrive at well‐defined peptide‐modified nanofibers embedded in a biocompatible soft matrix. Crucial for the success in the synthetic design is the use of an exact match between the molecular recognition units of the peptide and the supramolecular unit that takes care of forming the supramolecular nanofibers of the TPE. Evidence for the strong anchoring of the modified peptides in the hard‐segment nanofibers of the supramolecular TPE is provided by simple extraction experiments. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Relationships between molar mass and fracture properties of segmented urethane and amide copolymers modified by chemical degradation

This publication highlights the structure–property relationships in several thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs): one poly(ether-block-amide) and two thermoplastic polyurethane elastomers with ester and ether soft blocks. Structural changes are induced by chemical degradation from virgin samples through hydrolysis and oxidation. Molar mass measurements show an exclusive chain scission mechanism for all TPEs, regardless of the chemical modification condition. Mechanical behavior was nevertheless obtained from uniaxial tensile testing and fracture testing while considering the essential work of fracture (EWF) concept. During the macromolecular scission process, elongation at break shows a plateau followed by a drop, while stress at break decreases steadily. Once again, the trend is identical for all TPEs in all conditions considered. The βw_p parameter determined using the EWF concept exhibits an interesting sensitivity to scissions (i.e., molar mas decrease). Plotting elongation at break as a function of molar mass reveals a strong correlation between these two parameters. This master curve is particularly remarkable considering the range of TPEs and chemical breakdown pathways considered (hydrolysis and oxidation at several temperatures). Relevant structure–property relationships are proposed, highlighting that molar mass is a predominant parameter for determining the mechanical properties of thermoplastic elastomers.     

Polyisobutylene-containing block polymers by sequential monomer addition. II. Polystyrene–polyisobutylene–polystyrene triblock polymers: Synthesis,characterization, and physical properties

New linear and three-arm star thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) comprising a rubbery polysobutylene (PIB) midblock flanked by glass polystyrene (PSt) blocks have been synthesized by living carbocationic polymerization in the presence of select additives by sequential monomer addition. First, isobutylene (IB) was polymerized by bi- and trifunctional tert-ether (dicumyl- and tricumyl methoxy) initiators in conjunction with TiCl₄ conintiator in CH₃Cl/methylcyclohexane (MeCHx) (40/60 v/v) solvent mixtures at ?80°C. After the living, narrow molecular weight, distribution PIB (M?_w/M?_n = 1.1-1.2) has reached the desired molecular weight, styrene (St) together with an electron pair donor (ED) and a proton trap (di-tert-butylpyridine, DtBP) were added to block PSt from the living chain ends. Uncontrolled initiation by protic impurities that produces PSt contamination is prevented by the use of DtBP. PSt-PIB-PSt blocks obtained in the absence of additives are contaminated by homopolymer and /or diblocks due to inefficient blocking and initiation by protic impurities, and exhibit poor physical properties. In contrast in the presence of the strong ED N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) and DtBP the blocking of St from living PIB chain occurs efficiently and block copolymers exhibiting good mechanical properties can be prepared. Virgin TPEs can be repeatedly compression molded without deterioration of physical properties. The products exhibit a low and a high temperature T_g characteristic of phase separated PIB and PSt domains. Transmission electron microscopy of linear triblocks containing ～ 34 wt % PSt also indicates microphase separation and suggests PSt rods dispersed in a PIB matrix.     

Use of wollastonite in a thermoplastic elastomer composition

Thermoplastic elastomer compositions (TPEs) based on wollastonite-filled SEBS/PP/oil blends were prepared and characterized. The development of new TPEs with improved mechanical strength may broaden their applications, especially for soft goods. Wollastonite is a natural filler that combines high thermal stability with low health hazard in comparison to other fibrous inorganic fillers. Morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the composite materials were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetry (TGA), tensile tests and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results indicate that the filler was mainly distributed as nanoparticles in the PS domains, improving the mechanical resistance of the materials even at low concentration (2 phr).     

Poly(chloropropylmethyl-dimethylsiloxane)–polyurethane elastomers: Synthesis and properties of segmented copolymers and related zwitterionomers

A series of polyurethane block copolymers based on hydroxybutyl terminated poly(chloropropylmethyl-dimethylsiloxane) and poly(tetramethylene oxide) soft segments of molecular weights 2100 and 2000, respectively, were synthesized. The hard segments consisted of 4,4′-methylenediphenylene diisocyanate (MDI) that was chain extended with either 1,4-butanediol (BD) or N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA). The materials chain extended with MDEA were ionized using 1,3-propane sultone. The weight fraction of the hard segments was in the range 0.30–0.45. The effect of mixed soft segments, chain extenders, and zwitterionization on the extent of phase separation and physical properties was studied by utilizing differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical, stress-strain, and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy experiments. All of these short segment block copolymers showed nearly complete phase separation. The zwitterionomer materials exhibited ionic aggregation within the hard domains. Although hard segment crystallinity or ionic aggregation did not affect the morphology, hard domain cohesion was important in determining the tensile and viscoelastic properties of these elastomers.     

Physical, chemical, and chemical-physical double network of zwitterionic hydrogels

Zwitterionic hydrogels are very promising for biomedical applications. They are usually copolymerized with other polymers to improve their mechanical properties often at the expense of their biological properties. In this study, physically cross-linked poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (polySBMA) hydrogels were prepared, and their physical properties including phase behavior were investigated. Linear polySBMAs, with an average molecular weight ranging from 20.9 kDa to 316 kDa, were prepared via free radical polymerization at different KCl concentrations. The opaque-transparent phase transition of polySBMA-water mixtures were measured using a UV-vis spectrometer. Analysis from dynamic rheometry showed the formation of physically cross-linked hydrogels with mechanical ductility due to reversible charge interactions. Chemically cross-linked hydrogels were also prepared, and their swelling and mechanical properties were evaluated. It was found that the introduction of cross-linkers could lead to a decrease in the amount of physical cross-links in chemical hydrogels. In order to improve the mechanical properties of SBMA hydrogels, linear polySBMA was introduced to the network of chemically cross-linked polySBMA gels, creating a chemical-physical double network (DN) with both chemical and physical cross-links. The chemical-physical DN provides a desirable method to improve the mechanical properties of zwitterionic hydrogels without introducing other hydrophobic moieties.     

Multivariate correlation analysis of outdoor weathering behavior of polypropylene under diverse climate scenarios

A full understanding on the relationships between weathering factors and deteriorations in the physical or mechanical properties of polymeric materials as well as their intercorrelations is critically important to forecast the durability of materials. In this work, the outdoor weathering behaviors of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) across a 1.5-year period under six typical climate scenarios in China are investigated. A wide sets of natural exposure conditions and test methods allow the establishment of the substantial correlations between chemical/physical structures and appearance/mechanical properties under simultaneous effects of multiple weathering factors (such as light, heat, oxygen etc.). The results under diverse natural environments suggest that the crystallinity and crack development depend largely on the molecular weight while the yellowing index correlates directly with the carbonyl index irrespective of the exposure conditions. The relationship between tensile strength and molecular weight is found to be in accord with an empirical linear model. Subsequently, using principal component analysis (PCA), a data reduction and visualization method, the degradation risk map of PP materials in China is established and the relative importance of relevant weathering factors is evaluated. Temperature is found to be the most dominant weathering factor on iPP aging under the climate scenarios investigated in the present work.     

活性聚合法合成结构精确的含氟嵌段共聚物

结构精确的含氟嵌段共聚物具有优异而独特的化学和物理性能,有广阔的应用前景,因此受到广泛的关注.含氟嵌段共聚物可分为两类,一类是侧基含氟嵌段共聚物,另一类是主链含氟嵌段共聚物.活性聚合为嵌段共聚物的合成提供了最为重要的方法,利用它可以合成结构精确、分子量可控、分子量分布窄的嵌段共聚物.根据单体的反应特性选择不同的聚合方法,可以得到不同的含氟嵌段共聚物.本文主要综述了近几年利用各种活性聚合方法合成结构精确的含氟嵌段共聚物方面的进展.     

脂肪族水性聚氨酯的力学性能研究

考察了软段的种类、分子量大小、混合软段的组成对产物力学性能的影响作用。同时还研究了二羟甲基丙酸(DMPA)用量以及中和剂的影响作用．实验结果表明。软段结构对脂肪族水性聚氨酯成膜的力学性能影响很大，聚酯型产物具有较高的模量和拉伸强度。聚醚型产物则具有较高的伸长率．混合软段对产物力学性能的影响较为复杂，随着软段中聚醚含量的升高，产物的硬度和模量均大幅度下降，但拉伸强度和伸长率的变化并不是一个线性关系．产物的模量随软段分子量的提高而降低，但伸长率和拉伸强度却有所提高．当DMPA用量较高时。产物的模量和拉伸强度均较高：当DMPA用量较低时，产物则具有较高的伸长率．中和剂的种类对产物力学性能的影响明显，当以NaOH为中和剂时，产物具有较高的硬度、模量、拉伸强度：以三乙胺为中和剂时，产物具有较高的伸长率．     

Quadruple hydrogen bonding containing supramolecular thermoplastic elastomers: Mechanical and morphological correlations

We report the design of bioinspired, reversible supramolecular thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) functionalized with ureido‐cytosine (UCyt) complementary quadruple hydrogen bonding (QHB) sites. The polymer contained a soft poly(n‐butyl acrylate) central block that imparted flexibility and two external, hard nucleobase‐containing blocks that contributed to structural integrity. In addition, the hard block with pendant QHB motifs served as efficient physical crosslinks to further enhance the thermomechanical performance, where the polymer service window extended up to 30 °C higher compared to the controls that bear dimeric hydrogen bonding units. The resulting UCyt copolymers also exhibited improved surface and bulk morphology, which self‐assembled into well‐ordered lamellar microstructures. Moreover, the polymer displayed an unexpected moisture‐resistant property with less than 1 wt % equilibrium moisture uptake even at 95% relatively humidity, which presumably correlated with its well‐ordered and densely‐packed morphology facilitated by strong hydrogen bonding. Variable temperature Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy experiments further confirmed the thermoreversibility of hydrogen bonding, indicating melt‐processablility and recyclability of the polymer. These physical properties verified quadruple bonding dominated behavior, and structure–property–morphology relationships suggest key design parameters for future TPEs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 , 57, 13–23     

Solubilization of polyaniline in water by interpolymer complexation

Water solubility of electro-active polymers in their doped state may provide a possibility for environmentally feasible manufacturing processes. Because previous results in this direction require expensive modifications or impractical template polymerization methods, we created a simple method of mixing components with a large molecular weight difference. The polymer which acts as an acidic dopant and provides water solubility, has to have the higher molecular weight. The formed complex resembles a block copolymer but in this case the polyaniline block is attached to the sulfonated polystyrene chain by strong physical interactions instead of chemical end-to-end linkage.     

Physical characterization of commercial polyolefinic thermoplastic elastomers

In this work, a systematic study of physical characterization on a series of commercial polyolefinic thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), is reported. Formulations from different manufacturers, having a wide range of Shore hardness values (from A45 to D51), were examined using simple, inexpensive and standard laboratory methods. From this analysis, the TPE chemical composition and its relationship with hardness and tensile set—the key parameters that define the TPE performance in most of the applications—could be established.

It was found that the strategy followed by the manufacturers to design TPEs is very similar. The EPDMs used for the different formulations look similar in ethylene content and thermal properties. Therefore, the TPE bulk modulus (or hardness) is mainly controlled by the PP content. Nice elastomeric behavior was observed only in grades with a dominant proportion of EPDM, in agreement with the deformation mechanism generally accepted for this type of materials. Grades with higher hardness values—and a dominant proportion of PP—showed a mechanical response corresponding to a toughened thermoplastic, even when these grades are marketed by the producers as “thermoplastic elastomers”. Differently from conventional crosslinked elastomers, where hardness and ability to recover from highly deformed states can be simultaneously controlled by changing the degree of crosslinking, the results of this work indicate that it is very difficult to increase TPE hardness without sacrificing elastomeric properties.     

Anti‐vibration and vibration isolator performance of poly(styrene‐butadiene‐ styrene)/ester‐type polyurethane thermoplastic elastomers

This investigation presents novel thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) based on poly(styrene‐butadiene‐styrene) (SBS) and ester‐type polyurethane (TPU‐EX) materials were prepared with varying compositions. A series of investigations were conducted on the relationships between mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, anti‐vibration and vibration isolator properties given, and the different compositions. The experimental results show incompatibilities between SBS and TPU‐EX. SBS mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, anti‐vibration and vibration isolator properties are improved with an increase in the amount of TPU‐EX, suggesting that the blending of SBS with TPU‐EX was consistent with the compound rule. Based on the obtained results, the viscoelasticity of SBS materials, their capacity to isolate vibration, and their anti‐vibration performance can be adjusted by controlling the proportion of TPU‐EX. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

白炭黑增强型硅橡胶的组成及抗原子氧性能分析

为明确空间级硅橡胶的化学组成及填料添加对材料物理性能的影响, 采用填料复合方式制备硅橡胶高聚物材料, 并通过化学成分测试、 原子氧暴露试验及力学性能测试等研究其结构组成与物理性能. 经微观粒径测试得出硅橡胶中白炭黑填料粒径主要分布在8~16 μm; 经傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、 核磁共振波谱( ¹H NMR和 ²⁹Si NMR)和溶胶凝胶渗透色谱(GPC)测试得出硅橡胶中含有Si—Me, Si—Ph, Si—O—Si等基团和甲基、 苯基等官能团, 其分子量分散系数为1.56, 并进一步推断出硅橡胶的分子结构及基胶与交联剂的反应类型为脱羟胺型; 经原子氧暴露试验及力学试验证实, 与未改性白炭黑填充的硅橡胶高聚物材料相比, 经硅烷改性白炭黑填充的硅橡胶高聚物材料表现出更好的抗原子氧性能, 动态力学测试后储能模量高54%, 并具有更好的应力应变响应性能. 研究结果表明, 采用表面改性处理方式可增强填料与硅橡胶基质的相互作用, 从而提高填料复合型硅橡胶高聚物材料的抗原子氧性能及综合力学性能.     

丙烯酰胺-苯乙烯双亲嵌段共聚物水溶液的表面活性及增溶性

在微乳液介质中制备了系列的丙烯酰胺 (AM)与苯乙烯 (St)的双亲嵌段共聚物 (PAM b PSt) ,用紫外分光光度法测定了共聚物的组成 ,用乌氏粘度计测定了共聚物的特性粘数 [η],并用其相对表征共聚物的分子量大小 .重点研究了双亲嵌段共聚物 (PAM b PSt)疏水链段在水溶液中的缔合行为、共聚物的表面活性及其对有机物的增溶性能 ,考察了共聚物分子组成 (疏水链段含量 )与分子量对其表面活性与增溶性能的影响规律 .研究结果表明 ,由于疏水链段的憎水性 ,PAM b PSt的分子链在水溶液表面会形成表面吸附 ,从而降低水溶液的表面张力 ;而在水溶液中 ,在疏水相互作用下 ,PAM b PSt分子链中的苯乙烯疏水链段会形成分子间或分子内的胶束 ,烃类有机物可增溶其中 ;疏水链段含量越大 ,分子量越小 ,PAM b PSt的表面活性与增溶性能越强     

ATRP法合成含氟丙烯酸酯类聚合物的研究进展

含氟丙烯酸酯聚合物由于氟原子的改性作用而具有优异的表面特性,不仅稳定,具有很好的耐氧化和耐腐蚀性,而且具有较好的耐水、耐油及耐污性,可望在新材料的开发、理论研究和实际应用等方面获得广泛的应用.而原子转移自由基聚合(ATRP)又可为分子设计和合成提供很有效的途径,利用这种聚合可以获得预期结构和性能的含氟嵌段聚合物材料,充分发挥含氟元素的改性作用.本文综述了ATRP在丙烯酸氟烷基酯聚合物合成方面的应用,并介绍了国内外在此领域的研究状况.     

Synthesis and characterization of polydimethylsiloxane polyurea-urethanes and related zwitterionomers

A series of segmented polyurea urethane and polyurea block copolymers based on a hexane diisocyanate (HDI) modified aminopropyl terminated polydimethylsiloxane soft segment was synthesized. The hard segments consisted of 4,4′-methylene diphenylene diisocyanate (MDI) which was chain extended with 1,4-butanediol (BD), N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), or ethylene diamine. Zwitterionomers were prepared by quaternizing the tertiary amine of the MDEA extended material with γ-propane sultone. The effect of chemical structure on the extent of phase separation and physical properties was studied using a variety of techniques including thermal analysis, dynamic mechanical spectroscopy, tensile testing, and small-angle x-ray scattering. It was observed that the compatibility between the nonpolar polydimethylsiloxane soft segments and the polar urethane hard segments was improved by inserting HDI linkages into the polydimethylsiloxane soft segments. The aggregation of hard segments was enhanced by increasing hard-segment content or by the introduction of ionic functionality. The tensile strength and modulus of these materials was higher than those of polyurethanes containing soft segments based on polydimethylsiloxane and its derivatives.     

Polyurethane elastomers with hydrolytic and thermooxidative stability. II. Polyurethanes with n-alkylated polyurethane soft blocks

Block copolyurethanes with N-alkylated polyurethanes as nonself-associating soft segments are prepared. The polymers compare well in hydrolytic stability with block copoly(N-alkylamide urethane)s prepared in an earlier study but have better dimensional stability on exposure to moist heat. They show comparable hydrolytic stability and better oxidative stability than a poly(ether urethane) from the earlier study. The effect of different alkyl substituents on tensile properties and thermostability is studied. The tensile properties are also examined as a function of soft-segment molecular weight at constant weight-percent of hard-block. It is shown that yield stress and ultimate stress increase and elongations decrease as the soft-block M?_n increases. DSC measurements do not generally show well defined endotherms with few exceptions but dynamic mechanical testing of some samples does show transitions between 14 and 23°C.