EPR study of persistent free radicals in cross-linked EPDM rubbers

Cross-linking of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubbers containing different amounts of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), 5-ethylidene-2-norbornene (ENB) and 5-vinyl-2-norbornene (VNB) dienes was examined by EPR spectroscopy. The cross-linking was initiated by thermal decomposition of dicumyl peroxide at 440 K. The concentration of free radicals increased towards the end of the cross-linking process before reaching a maximum and decaying to zero. This is explained by the spatial confinement of the radicals in the cross-linked rubber, which leads to increased life time and, hence, higher radical concentration at a time when most peroxide has decomposed. The EPR spectra showed the presence of two components: a well-resolved spectrum overlapping a broad line. Both components are assigned to allyl radicals possessing different mobility. The more mobile component is assigned to allyl radicals along the EPDM chains, whereas the immobilised allyl radicals are formed in the cross-links. The stability of the allyl radicals decreases in the order DCPD > ENB > VNB. EPDMs containing two dienes show more persistent radicals than their single-diene counterparts. The most persistent radicals are observed for highly cross-linked (e.g., 28% ENB) or mixed diene EPDMs (e.g., 2.2% DCPD-4.4% ENB); the EPR spectra of free radicals in these systems can be observed for several hours.     

Investigation of perfluoroperoxy radicals self-coupling reactions by kinetic EPR spectroscopy

The rate constants and activation parameters for the self-coupling of perfluoroperoxy radicals of structure A and B: C₇F₁₅OO (A) and R_FOCF₂OO (B) have been determined in perfluorohexane solution in the temperature range 228-258 K. The magnitude of the rate constants obtained ranks between 6.6×10⁸ and 2.5×10⁹ l mol⁻¹ s⁻¹ and are therefore, among the largest rate values so far reported in the literature for primary peroxy radicals couplings. The activation energy is positive and lower for the peroxy radicals (A) with respect to the peroxy radicals (B) (10.5 and 23.0 kJ mol⁻¹, respectively).Analysis by kinetic modeling has shown that the peroxy radicals decay curves are compatible with the participation of peroxy radicals↔tetroxide equilibria to the reaction mechanism.Upper limit values of k_bs<10 and <20 s⁻¹ were inferred for the β-scission reactions of the perfluoroalkylperoxy radicals at 228 and 258 K, respectively.     

Free radical products in X-irradiated Rochelle salt: low temperature ENDOR and DFT studies

Single crystals of Rochelle salt, [⁻OOC-CHOH-CHOH-COO⁻, Na⁺, K⁺]·4H₂O, X-irradiated at 10 K, have been examined using EPR, ENDOR and EIE spectroscopic techniques to characterize the radiation induced radicals stable at that temperature and their reactions upon warming. The one-electron gain product was observed and from the hyperfine interaction with a β-proton it was unambiguously centered at the C₄ position of the tartrate moiety. An additional nearly isotropic hyperfine structure of about 21 MHz was tentatively assigned to interaction with a sodium ion exhibiting a close contact to O₃ in the crystal. Evidence was obtained that the one-electron reduced radical had become protonated at one of the C₄ bonded carboxyl oxygens, most probably O₄. No evidence for the corresponding C₁-centered reduction product was found. Two resonance lines (R2, A1) were shown by EIE to belong to a species formed by decarboxylation at C₃, a secondary oxidation product. Two other resonance lines (K1, K2) were assigned to two varieties of another decarboxylation radical, centered at C₂, distinguished by differences in the potassium ion coordination. Furthermore, one other resonance line (A2) was tentatively ascribed to a third decarboxylation radical, centered at the opposite end of the tartrate moiety. The precursor of these products, that is, the one-electron loss product, was not observed after X-irradiation at 10 K. Thermally induced free radical reactions followed by EPR in the temperature range of 12-119 K indicate that a water molecule or a hydroxyl ion is eliminated from the one-electron reduction product radical and that a C₃-centered radical is formed. The reduction and oxidation reaction pathways of hydroxy acid derivatives are discussed.     

Degradation of γ-irradiated linear perfluoroalkanes at high dosage

The effects of the carbon backbone chain length on the EPR spectra of linear perfluoro-n-alkanes (PFAs) γ-irradiated at 77 K was studied for the short chain n-C₆F₁₄, n-C₈F₁₆, n-C₁₂F₂₆, and n-C₁₆F₃₄ molecules as well as the polymer polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The experimental data show that the processes occurring during radiolysis of perfluoro-n-alkanes and polytetrafluoroethylene are very similar. EPR spectra of irradiated perfluoro-n-alkanes at low radiation dose show superimposed signals from three radicals: -F₂CCFCF₂-, -CF₂CF₂ and F₃C. The signal intensity decreases with perfluoro-n-alkanes chain length. At doses above 2.0 MGy, a constant increase in concentration of the radicals -F₂CCFCF₂- and -CF₂CF₂ is observed with decreasing chain length. The concentration of these radicals formed during radiolysis of PFA is described by the ratio: [-CF₂CF₂]/[-F₂CCFCF₂-] ≈3/(n − 2), where n is the number of carbon atoms in the linear perfluoroalkanes. Density functional theory was used to calculate the structures of the radicals and C-F bond energies in model perfluoro-n-alkanes as well as the EPR spectra of the associated radicals. This data is used to provide further insight into the radiation stability of PTFE. Four topographical structures of polytetrafluoroethylene, one amorphous and three crystalline, were identified by thermomechanical analysis. In the crystal phase, γ-irradiation results in their transformation to the amorphous form. The helical structure of individual perfluroalkanes readily distorts on removal of a fluorine and this will have an impact on the overall structure of the material. Such structural reorganization can lead to loss of the mechanical stability of polytetrafluoroethylene.     

Interaction of polypyromellitimide with nitrogen dioxide

The mechanism of interaction of nitrogen dioxide with aromatic polyimides is considered by the example of polypyromellitimide. The formation of stable radicals of acylarylaminoxyl, iminoxyl and phenoxyl types has been detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Acylarylaminoxyl radicals were detected in polypyromellitimide after its exposure to nitrogen dioxide at room temperature followed by pumping nitrogen dioxide from the samples. Iminoxyl and phenoxyl radicals were formed during thermolysis of the nitration products of the polymer at 373 K. The proposed mechanism is based on the reaction of dimers of nitrogen dioxide in the form of nitrosyl nitrate. It was observed that intermediate radical cations and nitric oxide were formed in the primary reaction of electron transfer from the polyimide to nitrosyl nitrate. The subsequent cage reactions with participation of radical cations and nitric oxide give nitroso compounds and nitrates which are precursors of stable nitrogen-containing and phenoxyl radicals.     

Magnetic properties of single crystal alpha-benzoin oxime: An EPR study

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of gamma irradiated single crystals of alpha-benzoinoxime (ABO) have been examined between 120 and 440 K. Considering the dependence on temperature and the orientation of the spectra of single crystals in the magnetic field, we identified two different radicals formed in irradiated ABO single crystals. To theoretically determine the types of radicals, the most stable structure of ABO was obtained by molecular mechanic and B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) calculations. Four possible radicals were modeled and EPR parameters were calculated for the modeled radicals using the B3LYP method and the TZVP basis set. Calculated values of two modeled radicals were in strong agreement with experimental EPR parameters determined from the spectra. Additional simulated spectra of the modeled radicals, where calculated hyperfine coupling constants were used as starting points for simulations, were well matched with experimental spectra.     

An EPR, ENDOR and EIE study of gamma-irradiated poly (lactide-co-glycolide) polymers

Gamma radiation of poly (lactide-co-glycolide) raw polymers and processed microspheres under vacuum and at 77 K results in the formation of a series of free radicals. The resulting powder electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum contains a distribution of several different radicals, depending on the annealing temperature, and is therefore difficult to interpret. By utilising the selectivity of the electron nuclear DOuble resonance (ENDOR) and associated ENDOR induced EPR (EIE) techniques, a more direct approach for the deconvolution of the EPR spectrum can be achieved. Using this approach, the radiolytically induced CH3 *CHC(O)R- chain scission radical was identified at 120 K by simulation of the EIE spectrum. At elevated temperatures (250 K), this radical decays considerably and the more stable radicals -O*CHC(O)-, CH3 *C(OR)C(O)- and CH3 *C(OH)C(O)- predominate. This work demonstrates the utility of the EIE approach to supplement and aid the interpretation of powder EPR spectra of radicals in a polymer matrix.     

EPR investigations on radiation induced chemical transformations in Pd(ClO4)2/i-PrOH/HClO4 system from 77 to 300 K

The EPR studies have been carried out on gamma irradiated samples of Pd(ClO4)2 in 9 M/4M HClO4 in the presence and absence of isopropanol [i-PrOH (5%, v/v)], in the temperature range of 77-300 K. The EPR studies revealed the formation of Pd+ complex, Pd3+ complex and several radicals such as H., OH., ClO3., ClO4. and O3- on radiolysis of these systems. Reduction of Pd2+ to Pd clusters could not be observed in the absence of i-PrOH and warming of the irradiated sample finally resulted in recovery of Pd2+ complex. However, in the presence of 5% i-PrOH, strongly oxidizing radicals like OH., ClO3. and ClO4. are suppressed and (CH3)2C.OH radical was produced along with reducing species like H.. EPR spectra in these strongly reducing conditions showed formation of Pd+ complex, which on heating above 230 K, disproportionated into Pd0 and Pd2+ complex and finally lead to formation of Pd metal aggregates. Simultaneously, pulse radiolysis technique has been employed as an alternative method to verify the EPR observations.     

Spin density distribution in mononuclear Rh(0) complexes: A combined experimental and DFT study

The paramagnetic complex [Rh(trop₂dach)]2 was obtained by reduction of the almost planar 16-electron cationic precursor complex, [Rh(trop₂dach)]⁺1 and characterized by EPR spectroscopy [g₁₁ = 2.069, g₂₂ = 2.014, g₃₃ = 1.964, g_iso = 2.016; A(Rh) = (<40, 29, 30)]. The unobservable small nitrogen hyperfine coupling and DFT calculations show that most of the spin density is localized on the hydrocarbon ligand framework and only about 35% on the metal center. DFT calculations on various 17 electron rhodium complexes with carbonyl, olefine, or phosphane ligands like [Rh(CO)₄], [Rh(cod)₂], and [Rh(dppe)₂] reveal that in none of these the spin density at the metal center exceeds 45%. That is all formally Rh(0) complexes reported to date are better described as highly delocalized radicals and an assignment of the formal metal oxidation state is not meaningful.     

ON THE PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF X-RAY PRODUCED RADICALS TRAPPED IN FROZEN ETHANOL MATRICES

Abstract— Ethanol and ethanol-water matrices were exposed to X-rays at 77K and the photochemistry and paths of radical conversion were investigated by EPR methods. The main X-ray induced radical, CH3ĊHOH, is probably photoionized by 254 nm light. The following radicals are produced during prolonged UV-irradiation of CH₃ĊHOH radicals: ĊH₃, ĊHO, H and 2 types of radicals giving singlet EPR spectra. One of these radicals (d) is bleachable with 580 nm light, ĊH₃ and ĊH₃ĊHOH being formed during the bleaching, the other one (e) is unbleachable and the most stable radical in the matrix during annealing. The CH₃ radicals decay at 77 K (τ∽ 10 min) and produce CH₃-CHOH radicals and the unbleachable radical (e). Stable H-atom signals were seen in X-irradiated ethanol-water mixtures (volume ratio 2:1) at 77 K. The H-atom signals increased during photobleaching of the trapped electrons in the matrix and during UV-photolysis of CH₃CHOH radicals.     

ESR STUDY OF PLASMA-TREATED POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE FILMS

The plasma treatment of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) films was carried out in a capacitively coupled reactor with external electrodes. The free radicals generated in the process of treatment were detected by ESR techniques. The ESR spectra tended to indicate that the free radicals of the pLasma-treated PTFE film sample were turned into peroxy radicals on exposure to air. The extrema separation (W) of the ESR spectrum of the peroxy radical increased with the lowering temperature and underwent a sudden change within the temperature range of 170 to 190K. The ESR spectrum observed at 77K was quite different from that observed at room temperature. Finally, the effects of treatment time, input power and system pressure on radical concentration of the treated samples were studied. The attenuation of the peroxy radical at room temperature was also investigated.     

Single-step synthesis of proton conducting poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) graft copolymer electrolytes

The single-step synthesis of proton conducting poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) graft copolymer electrolytes is demonstrated. The graft copolymers of PVDF backbone with poly(sulfopropyl methacrylate) (PVDF-g-PSPMA) and poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PVDF-g-PSSA) were synthesized using PVDF as a macroinitiator for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). ¹H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy show that the “grafting from” method using ATRP was successful and the maximum grafting degrees were 35 and 25 wt% for PVDF-g-PSPMA and PVDF-g-PSSA, respectively. The IEC values were 0.63 and 0.45 meq/g, the water uptakes were 46.8 and 33.4 wt% and the proton conductivities were 0.015 and 0.007 S/cm at room temperature, for PVDF-g-PSPMA and PVDF-g-PSSA, respectively. Both membranes exhibited excellent thermal stability up to around 350 °C, verified by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA).     

The oxidation of 2-alkoxy-3,6-di-tert-butylphenols. The reversible dimerization of 2-alkoxy-3,6-di-tert-butylphenoxy radicals

The oxidation of 2-alkoxy-3,6-di-tert-butylphenols has been studied. It was found that 2-RO-3,6-di-tert-butylphenoxy radicals (R = Et, Pr, Ph) undergo dimerization by C-O coupling. The X-ray structure of 2-ethoxy-3,6-di-tert-butylphenoxy dimer has been determined. Radical dimers dissociate reversibly in solution to give two phenoxy radicals at 200-350 K. By using EPR spectroscopy the equilibrium concentration of the phenoxy radicals, equilibrium constants and ΔH and ΔS of dissociation have been determined.     

Low-temperature radiation-assisted polymerization and the nature of active site in the methyl methacrylate-silica system

Differential scanning calorimetry and EPR and IR spectroscopies were used to study the low-temperature postradiation polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) sorbed on a microporous glass (SiO₂). Sorbed MMA was found to exhibit an enhanced tendency to polymerize within a temperature range of 160–250 K. At a preliminary irradiation dose of 10 kGy, the degree of conversion of the monomer was 100%, with the fraction of homopolymer formed being within 18%. The radiation-chemical yield of radicals in the SiO₂-MMA system at 77 K was estimated at G = 53–55 per 100 eV. The paramagnetic centers formed during the low-temperature (77 K) radiolysis of SiO₂ and MMA were demonstrated to be of ionic and radical natures. The polymerization of sorbed MMA via the radical growth of polymer chains was largely initiated by ions. That the polymer synthesized forms a chemical bond with the support was demonstrated using IR spectroscopy.     

Effect of surface fluorination on the electrochemical behavior of petroleum cokes for lithium ion battery

Surface structure change and electrochemical behavior of fluorinated petroleum coke samples (petroleum cokes: petroleum coke and those heat-treated at 1860 °C, 2300 °C and 2800 °C, abbreviated to PC, PC1860, PC2300 and PC2800, respectively) have been investigated. Surface oxygen of petroleum coke was decreased by the fluorination using elemental fluorine. Raman and EPR spectroscopies revealed that surface fluorination increased surface disorder and lattice defects. ¹⁹F NMR spectrum suggests that distribution of fluorine atoms in PC fluorinated 300 °C was similar to that in graphite fluoride with covalent CF bonds. Surface areas of fluorinated petroleum cokes were nearly the same as those of non-fluorinated ones or only slightly increased by fluorination, except PC fluorinated at 300 °C. It is noted that first coulombic efficiencies of PC2300 and PC2800 were highly increased to 80-84% by the fluorination at 300 °C. These values of 80-84% were 12-18% higher than those of non-fluorinated PC2300 and PC2800.     

Optical spectroscopic study of long-lived radicals formed in radiolysis and fluorination of the trimer of hexafluoropropylene

Optical studies demonstrated the noncorrespondence of the long-lived radicals formed in radiolysis of the trimer of hexafluoropropylene (THFP) to the previously proposed perfluoroallyl radical. The reaction of addition of fluorine at the double bond with the formation of long-lived perfluoroalkyl radicals in the liquid with an optical absorption band at _max < 220 nm takes place in radiolysis and fluorination of THFP. Three types of photosensitive centers which are stable in a liquid and have different lifetime at 300 K were distinguished with the optical absorption spectrum of THFP undergoing radiolysis.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 2203–2207, October, 1989.     

Structure of the Paramagnetic Products of Thiocyanate Photolysis at 77 K

Solid paramagnetic products of thiocyanate photolysis were studied at 77 K by EPR and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Ab initio calculations of the electronic structure of these products have been carried out. Direct UV irradiation can generate the SCN⁰ radical due to ionization of the thiocyanate ion. Interaction of the SCN⁰ radical with the neighboring thiocyanate ion forms another radical product of photolysis — (SCN)₂ ^- radical ion.     

Physico-chemical aspects of polyethylene processing in an open mixer. Part 26: Formal kinetics of aldehyde and carboxylic acid formation at a constant rate

Formation of carboxylic acids at a constant rate can be easily explained. It seems to result from the formation and decomposition of α,γ-keto-hydroperoxides. Formal kinetics based on formation and decomposition of these structural units is in agreement with the experimental findings. The activation energy deduced from the calculations is negligible, in agreement with the experimental data showing the constant rate to be practically temperature independent. Comparison of the acids with the hydroperoxides and ketones formed initially shows that the rate of oxygen addition to alkyl radicals is significantly smaller than in low molecular mass liquids. The same conclusion is reached on comparing directly the acids formed on decomposition of α,γ-keto-hydroperoxides in polyethylene melt and in hexadecane. The rate of oxygen addition in polyethylene melt is closer to 2 × 10⁵ than to 6 × 10⁵ (s⁻¹) that is valid in hexadecane.It is possible to attribute the relatively small amount of aldehydes that might be formed at a constant rate to different reactions of alkoxy radicals that are not in a cage with other radicals. These alkoxy radicals result from the addition of peroxy radicals to unsaturated bonds. This addition is followed mainly by epoxide formation and simultaneous release of an alkoxy radical.     

A study on the free-radical evolution and its correlation with the optical degradation of 170 keV proton-irradiated polyimide

In this paper, the damage process was investigated on the 170 keV proton-irradiated polyimide, based on the evolution of free radical and its correlation with degradation of the optical transmittance using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optical-transmittance measurements. The results indicate that the g value of irradiated free radicals keeps at a constant of 2.0025 but the spectral intensity of the free radicals increased with the increasing proton fluence. It is found that during the post-storage after irradiation, the concentration of free radical decreased in an exponential rule with the post-storage time and the free-radical stability can be defined by the corresponding time constant at around 2.3 h. It is interested that the recovery of optical-transmittance follows the same mode as that of free radicals. The mechanisms on the free-radical evolution and the correlation between free radical and optical property are discussed in the paper.     

Spin trapping of alkoxyl radicals generated from 5-methyl and 5-aryl-3-alkoxy-4-methylthiazole-2(3H)-thiones in photochemically induced and microwave-initiated reactions

Methoxyl and isopropoxyl radicals were generated from N-alkoxy-4,5-dimethylthiazole-2(3H)-thiones (λ_max∼320 nm) and 5-aryl derivatives (aryl=p-XC₆H₄; X=MeO, H, AcNH, Cl) (λ_max∼335 nm) in photochemically and microwave-induced reactions. Alkoxyl radicals were trapped with dimethylpyrrolidine N-oxide and characterized as spin adducts via EPR. Cumyloxyl radicals were liberated in a similar manner from N-cumyloxy-5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-methylthiazole-2(3H)-thione. A noteworthy bathochromic shift was found for the lowest energy transition of N-(hydroxy)indeno[2,1-d]thiazole-2(3H)-thione (λ_max=376 nm), if compared to the UV-vis absorption of N-hydroxy-4-methyl-5-phenylthiazole-2(3H)-thione (λ_max=338 nm). Syntheses of alkoxyl radical precursors and procedures for conducting N,O-homolysis are described in a full account.