Thermoplastic elastomers by hydrogen bonding 1. Rheological properties of modified polybutadiene

Polybutadiene of narrow molecular weight distribution was modified using 4-phenyl-1, 2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione. The degree of modification was 1% and 2% with respect to the repeating units. Hydrogen bonding between the highly polar urazole groups thus incorporated into the polymer gives rise to the formation of a thermoreversible elastomeric network. Dynamic mechanical measurements in the temperature range between 220 and 330 K support the picture of the thermoreversible hydrogen bond interaction. The rubber elastic plateau is shifted to higher temperatures and lower frequencies. The increase in the plateau modulus cannot be attributed solely to the contribution of the network structure but is mainly a consequence of the broadening of the relaxation time spectrum in the modified samples. From the temperature dependence of the shift factors log(a _T ) it is concluded that the general WLF approach fails. The strong temperature dependence of the apparent activation energy of flow is a consequence of the temperature dependence of the hydrogen bond interaction.     

Effects of uniaxial stretching and shrinkage on proton spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation times of isotactic polypropylene

An isotactic polypropylene film was stretched at 120 °C in poly(ethylene glycol) and thermally shrunk at various temperatures. Proton spin-lattice,T ₁, and spin-spin,T ₂, relaxation times were measured using a broad line pulse spectrometer operating at 19.8 MHz in the temperature range 40 °C–100 °C. The temperature ofT ₁ minimum shifts to higher temperatures and the value ofT ₁ minimum increases in magnitude as the stretching ratio is increased. In contrast the temperature ofT ₁ minimum shifts to lower temperatures as shrinkage is increased, whereas the value ofT ₁ minimum increases in magnitude because of the increase in crystallimty during shrinkage. T_2a, the longestT ₁ associated with the mobile amorphous regions, increases during shrinkage, indicating that chain mobility in the amorphous regions increases substantially during shrinkage. It was found that an orientation function of the amorphous regions,f _a, correlates well withT _2a .Presented in part at the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Japan Chemical Society, Kyoto, April 1986.     

Spreading and compression of n-hexadecyl acrylate at liquid-air interface

Usingn-hexadecyl acrylate, surface pressure-area (F-A) curves and equilibrium spreading pressuresF ^e were measured at various temperatures (5.7°–46°C) by the Langmuir balance (F-A) and the Wilhelmy-plate method (F ^e). At low temperatures (T<13 °C) condensed films and the liquid-condensed/solid condensed transition can be observed. At high temperatures (T>30 °C) liquid-expanded films occur. In the intermediate range the compression curves have two transition points. The transition pressureF ₁ between liquid-expanded and condensed film has a marked temperature dependence. The transition enthalpiesH ₁ decrease with increasing temperature and become zero at 29.2 °C. The second transition is related to a transition between the condensed films (F ₂). The slight temperature dependence of this transition is accompanied by an increasing change of area as well as by increasing transition enthalpiesH ₂.TheF ^e-T curve has two distinct breaks, at the melting pointT _m and atT=30 °C. The break atT _m is due to the melting process and the break atT=30 °C is caused by a phase transition between a liquid-expanded film and a condensed film.The phase diagram was constructed from the transition pressures. It can be demonstrated that the highest pressures of the thermodynamic stable film occurs atT _m. At temperaturesT>T _m equilibrium spreading pressure and equilibrium collapse pressure are identical whereas atT _m supercompression of the monolayer occurs. The film in this state behaves like a supercooled liquid. Obviously, rupture and collapse of such a film lead to a thermodynamically metastable bulk phase.     

Dynamics of hydrogen bond complexes in polymer melts

The dynamics of hydrogen bond complex formation between functional groups which are attached to a polymer chain, is studied in the molten state. The concentration of complexes in the thermodynamic equilibrium is distorted by the application of a large oscillatory strain in the nonlinear viscoelastic regime. The relaxation back to the thermodynamic equilibrium is studied as a function of the temperature in the linear viscoelastic regime. From the mechanical response the kinetic analysis can be performed using a modified Doi-Edwards theory. Using the equilibrium constants obtained from IR-spectroscopy, the rate constants for complex formation and decomplexation are obtained. The temperature dependence is equivalent to the temperature dependence of the zero shear viscosity which implies that complex formation is a diffusion-controlled process.     

Hydrogen bonds in unpolar matrix — Comparison of complexation in polymeric and low molecular-weight systems

By ene-reaction of 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione with double bonds, polar 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione (phenyl urazole) groups are introduced into unpolar matrices. Hydrogen-bond complexes are formed between two amide-like units. The temperature dependence of complex formation in dilute hydrocarbon medium is obtained from remperature-dependent IR spectra in the region of the C=O stretching vibration. Results obtained for a low molecular-weight model system are compared with modified polybutadienes, where the groups are attached statistically along the polymer backbone. The enthalpy and the entropy of complex formation (ΔH _f =−28.6 kJ/mol; ΔS _f =−52 J/mol K⁻¹) obtained for the low molecular-weight model prove a dimeric chelate like complex involving two hydrogen bonds. The lower equilibrium constants observed for the groups attached to the polymer are related to additional topological constraints emerging from the polymer backbone.     

Thermodynamic consideration on the interface formation of water and ethylene glycol isobutyl ether mixture

The interfacial tension of the binary two-phase mixture of water and ethylene glycol isobutyl ether (EIB) was measured as a function of temperature in the vicinity of the lower critical solution temperatureT _c under atmospheric pressure. The interfacial tension decreased with decreasing temperature and approached zero atT _c . The thermodynamic quantities of interface formation were evaluated by applying equations developed previously to the interfacial tension vs temperature curves. The results were compared with those of the water and diethylene glycol diethyl ether system examined previously, and the effect of the molecular structure of the ether molecule on its interfacial behavior was discussed. It was suggested that the hydration of the ethylene oxide groups of ether molecules was an important factor in the interface formation as well as in the mixing of component molecules of the systems investigated here.     

The association of urethane-polyethyleneoxide (HEUR) thickeners,as studied by NMR self-diffusion measurements

The concentration and molecular weight dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient (D _self) of associative polymers of HEUR-type in aqueous solution have been investigated using FT-PGSE-NMR technique. The idea of three-dimensional network formation as a result of aggregation of the hydrophobic end-groups of the polymer in junctions is supported through the observed dramatic lowering ofD _self with increased concentration. The network-formation efficiency depends on the polymer molecular weight as well as the hydrophobicity of the end-groups.A double logarithmic dependence of the self-diffusion coefficient versus concentration (c) has been observed:D _selfc ^–a1,a2 . The first exponent,a ₁, is valid at low concentration, <1% polymer per weight solution, and ranges from 0.5 to 1, whereas the second exponent,a ₂, describing systems of higher concentration, ranges from 2 to 2.7.     

Melting temperature of colloidal crystals of monodisperse silica spheres in ethanol-water and ethylene glycol-water mixtures

The melting temperature (T _m) of colloidal crystals of monodisperse silica spheres in ethanol-water and ethylene glycol-water suspensions has been measured by reflection spectroscopy. A sphere of 110 nm in diameter and 0.041 in monodispersity index is used after purification and deionization processes. Transformation from the body-centered cubic lattice to the face-centered cubic lattice subphases is observed as the suspension temperature rises, which is similar to the purely aqueous suspension of the same sphere. A phase diagram including liquid-like and crystal-like structures is obtained in the presence of ion-exchange resins coexisted. The data ofT _m are analyzed successfully with the theory of Williams, Crandall, and Wojtowicz. The heat of melting decreases by the addition of ethanol or ethylene glycol in the mixtures.     

SCF LCGO MO studies on the fluoronium ion FH 2 + and its hydrogen bonding interaction with hydrogen fluoride FH

The stability and geometrical structure of the fluoronium ion is investigated using the onedeterminant SCF LCAO MO method. The equilibrium geometry is characterized by a bond length of d(FH)=0.95 Å and a bond angle of 114.75°. The proton binding energy is determined to be 120.1 kcal/mole. The molecules FH ₃ ²⁺ and FH₃ are found to be unstable. A binding energy of 30.7 kcal/mole is obtained for the hydrogen bond formation between the systems FH ₂ ⁺ and FH. In the minimum energy structure the central proton is situated midway between the two F atoms in a symmetrical single minimum potential. The general behavior of the potential curves of the di-solvated proton involving NH₃, OH₂, and FH as solvent molecules is discussed. In all these cases double minimum potentials are found, if the equilibrium separation between the heavy atoms is larger than approximately 2.4 Å, and single minimum potential for separations smaller than this value.     

Phase transition of polycarbonate in blends with liquid crystal

Phase transition temperatures of polycarbonate film consisting of micron-sized liquid crystalline droplets were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo-optical analysis (TOA) methods. Both a decrease in (T _g ) and (T _m ) of the polycarbonate with an increase of liquid crystal (LC) content in the sample were observed. The decrease ofT _g is related to the plastifying effect of a low molecular weight LC substance remaining soluble in the polycarbonate matrix. A fraction of the liquid crystal contained in the droplets was estimated on the basis of theT _g decrease.     

Characterization of polymer networks by measurements of the freezing point depression

Based on the phenomenon of freezing point depression of a solvent byT, experimental evidence is presented to show that the distance between the junction points can be calculated fromT. Direct measurements of the temperature-time-curve of the cooling network and the Differential Scanning Calorimetry offer the determination ofT. Except the mean distances ¯d _c in dependence on cross-linking density, swelling degree, and other network parameters, the distribution of the distance between the junction pointsH(d_c) can be determined, which allows conclusions on the course of cross-linking reaction. This paper attempts to give experimental evidence of influences of the breadth ofH(d_c) on application-relevant properties.     

Wide angle X-ray diffraction studies of polytetrafluoroethylene and ethylen-tetrafluoroethylen-bipolymers in the range 9.5 K–270 K

PTFE shows in the whole temperature range investigated a triclinic crystal structure with cell parametersa=0.952 nm,b=0.559 nm,c=1.706 nm,=87.9°, = 90.0° and=91.8°. The temperature dependence ofa andb-axis is linear, thec-axis shows a change in thermal expansion at 150 K. The inherent strain is small. The crystallite sizes are measured, paracrystalline distortions are absent.The bipolymers show only an ordered arrangement in lateral direction under maintenance of the helical structure. The lateral arrangement is very distorted and the range of order is aboutD _L 10 nm.     

Interfacial effects on the ageing behavior of high density polyethylene filled with glass spheres

The stress relaxation and creep behavior of unfilled high density polyethylene (HDPE) and HDPE filled with untreated and surface-treated glass spheres were measured at room temperature. A silane-based coupling agent capable of providing a covalent bond between HDPE and the glass spheres was used for the surface-treatment. Two different amounts of the coupling agent were employed giving silane layers on the fillers with different thicknesses. The effect of ageing time at room temperature on the viscoelastic properties after quenching from 100 °C to room temperature in ice water was also investigated. The effects of the surface treatment of the fillers and the ageing time was characterized by means of the internal stress ( _i ) concept. The _i -value increased with the degree of interaction of the filler/matrix interface and the ageing time. It was here not possible to superimpose the different flow curves with regard to the ageing time with sufficient accuracy. This is due to the variation of _i with ageing time. The surface-treatment of the filler had a marked effect on the creep behavior at high applied stress levels and on the ageing behavior of the composites, presumably due to the formation of an interphase region close to the filler surface with different properties and different ageing characteristics than that of the bulk of the matrix.     

Ultracentrifuge studies on the interaction of some basic polypeptides with water-structure influencing anions

The aim of this work is to investigate the dependence of the molecular weight and the 2. virial coefficient of poly-L-lysine and N -methylated poly-L-lysine in solutions of water-structure-influencing anions.In the case of poly-L-lysine, the ultracentrifugal and CD-spectroscopic measurements show an increasing molecular weight and a complex between poly-L-lysine and the strong-water-structure-breaking anion ClO ₄ ^– . In solutions of structure-forming anions, an independence of the molecular weight from the anion-concentration can be recognized.The 2. virial coefficient of structure-breaking anions is generally higher than for structure-forming anions.At a pH of 10.6, the molecular weight and the 2. virial coefficient is independent of the structure-breaking anion.In NaCH₃ SO₄ solutions, the tendency of the anion concentration and the molecular weight are parallel.Compared to this behavior, N -methylated poly-L-lysine was likewise investigated; it shows a similar trend of the molecular weight in dependence of the NaCH₃ SO₄ concentration.     

Structure-property relationship of polyurethane ionomer

Polyurethane (PU) ionomers were prepared using various types of polyol (PTAd, PCL, PTMG, and PPG) and isocyanate (MDI, HDI, and IPDI), together with different extender (DMPA) contents, degree of neutralization, and number average molecular weight (M _n) of polyol. Modulus (E), strength (_b), and glass transition temperature (T _g) significantly increased with the increased amount of extender and extender neutralization. Among three of the iocyanate used, PU from MDI gave the highest modulus, strength, andT _g. With regard to theM _n of PTAd (600, 1000, 2000), PU from PTAd 600M _n gave the highest modulus, strength, andT _g, due probably to the highest hard segment content and phase mixing. On the other hand, PU from PTAd 2000M _n gave significantly improved strength over PTAd 1000M _n, and the highest elongation. The results were interpreted in terms of soft-segment crystallization, and soft-hard phase separation, which was concluded from the lowered softT _g.     

Longitudinal volume viscosity of 1,4 cis polybutadiene

Volume flow of 1,4 cis polybutadiene (1,4 cis PB) of ¯M _n =311.900,T _g =156 K, andT _m =266 K, has been measured.Elastic modulus of the elastic wave, longitudinal volume viscosity, initial longitudinal volume viscosity, and retardation times are described at compression rates of ca. 1.0 to 200.0×10^–5 s^–1, and at temperatures of 293 K to 373 K, and pressures up to 150 MPa.Longitudinal volume viscosity decreases with increasing compression rate, and with decreasing volume deformation, the behavior being in all cases a typical non-equilibrium one. Longitudinal volume viscosity decreases with increasing temperature (except at 293 K), the volume flow activation energy being of about 18.2 KJ/mol.     

1H NMR studies of solvent effects on hydrogen bonding in some pyridine trifluoroacetates

The chemical shifts of hydrogen bonded protons in complexes of 11 substituted pyridines with trifluoroacetic acid were examined, in five dry solvents of different activity, with respect to proton transfer and aggregation effects. The results were correlated with ΔpK_a, the Kirkwood function and E _T parameters. The solvent effect on the intersection point obtained from the plot of the chemical shift of the hydrogen bonded protons against ΔpK_a can be used, similar to an isotopic effect, to differentiate strong hydrogen bonds. The aggregation of acid–base complexes can lead to downfield or upfield shifts; the variation of chemical shift with aggregation depends on the position of the proton in the hydrogen bridge.     

Discussion of craze formation and growth in amorphous polymers in terms of the multiplicity of glass transition at low temperatures

A craze, the typical deformation zone in an amorphous polymer, can be divided into a precraze and a proper craze. A better understanding of the two corresponding formation processes is possible in terms of glass transition multiplicity.The precraze is associated with the molecular mobility in the confined flow zone, which is part of the main transition. The proper craze corresponds to the mobility in the flow transition zone (terminal zone for shear). A negative pressure generated by nonuniaxial stress is considered to be important for the maintainance of the molecular mobility in these zones belowT _g . The behavior of the zones at negative pressure and low temperatures Tg is considered using a pressure-temperature diagram. The fibril structure of crazes is discussed by a defect diffusion model for the proper glass transition; it is correlated with the sequential physical aging of the corresponding frozen structural defects. Typical mode lengths of the molecular mobilities in the different zones are compared with typical craze parameters. The structure of the craze material is considered to result from confined flow processes which cannot percolate because in the main transition the flow is confined by entanglements, and in the flow transition zone the flow is stopped by releasing the negative pressure due to crack propagation.