Thermomechanical properties of polytetrafluoroethylene in different zones of impact of continuous CO2 laser radiation

The pseudo-network structure of the amorphous block of polytetrafluoroethylene is formed by branching points, the crystallites of low- and high-melting crystalline polymorphs and the cluster segments of macromolecules. The polymer treated by laser irradiation is amorphized, with the degree of amorphization and other changes depending on the radiation fluence. A depression of the molecular flow onset and initial melting temperatures of the crystalline polymorphs, a decrease in the molecular mass, and the disappearance of the crystalline branching points characteristic of the original polymer have been observed in the irradiated polymer. Areas with different degrees of modification of the molecular structure appear in the dynamic mode with moving boundaries during continuous CO₂ laser irradiation. The difference in absorbance of the crystalline and amorphous portions of the polymer at the laser emission wavelength and a relatively high transmittance make laser-induced degradation differ from thermolysis in contact with a hot surface.     

NMR studies of molecular motion of ultradispersed polytetrafluoroethylene

Molecular motion in ultradispersed polytetrafluroethylene obtained by special gas-phase technology has been studied experimentally and theoretically based on a temperature dependence of the second moment of ¹⁹F NMR spectra and the time of spin-lattice relaxation. The results of observations are interpreted as the consequence of reorientation motion of CF₂ groups around the axis of macromolecules at low temperature and of translational motion of macromolecules in the high temperature region. Qualitative differences from the molecular motion in industrial polytetrafluoroethylene (teflon-4) were detected and parameters of dynamic processes determined.     

Laser ablation of polytetrafluoroethylene

Anomalous behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under the action of CO₂ laser radiation in vacuum is discussed. A feature of the ablation process is formation of polymer fibers which quantity depends on the target preliminary treatment and the ablation conditions. Experimental results are set out and possible mechanisms of the polymer fibering are discussed. A conclusion is made concerning two dynamic polymer components differ by the resistance to the laser beam action, appearing in the ablation crater. A method is proposed for producing unique fiber-porous polytetrafluoroethylene materials and other useful products as well as for the polytetrafluoroethylene wastes recycling. The results of industrial application of these new fiberporous materials are discussed.     

Investigation of local density of monomer units and molecular dynamics in solutions of poly-4-vinyl-pyridine by the spin label technique

The local density of monomer units of the macromolecule (local density of the host molecule, ?_host) in poly-4-vinyl-pyridine solutions in ethanol was determined by the spin label technique. In dilute solutions, ?_host is considerably greater than the mean density of monomer units in the volume of the polymer coil; when the polymer concentration rises from 0.5 to 65 wt%, its increase does not exceed 30%. This indicates that the differences between polymer coil microstructure (mutual positions of monomer units close to a chosen unit) in dilute and concentrated solutions is small. The local density of monomer units of neighbouring macromolecules (guest macromolecules, ?_guest) is strongly dependent on the polymer concentration in solution. In dilute solutions, ?_host ? ?_guest; for polymer concentrations above 2–3 wt%, overlapping and interpenetration of macromolecular coils take place, local density of monomer units of neighbouring macromolecules rises and monotonously increases as polymer concentration grows. The concentration dependence of the local rotational and translational mobility of monomer units is determined by the local density of monomer units of the neighbouring macromolecules.     

Smart,Naturally-Derived Macromolecules for Controlled Drug Release

A series of troxerutin-based macromolecules with ten poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) or poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) homopolymer side chains were synthesized by a supplemental activator and reducing agent atom transfer radical polymerization (SARA ATRP) approach. The prepared precisely-defined structures with low dispersity (M_w/M_n < 1.09 for PAA-based, and M_w/M_n < 1.71 for PDMAEMA-based macromolecules) exhibited pH-responsive behavior depending on the length of the polymer grafts. The properties of the received polyelectrolytes were investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement to determine the hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential upon pH changes. Additionally, PDMAEMA-based polymers showed thermoresponsive properties and exhibited phase transfer at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Thanks to polyelectrolyte characteristics, the prepared polymers were investigated as smart materials for controlled release of quercetin. The influence of the length of the polymer grafts for the quercetin release profile was examined by UV–VIS spectroscopy. The results suggest the strong correlation between the length of the polymer chains and the efficiency of active substance release, thus, the adjustment of the composition of the macromolecules characterized by branched architecture can precisely control the properties of smart delivery systems.     

Enthalpic Partition-Assisted Size Exclusion Chromatography: 1. Principle of Method

A novel high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method viz. “enthalpic partition assisted size exclusion chromatography” deliberately combines entropic and enthalpic partition mechanisms. It enables separation of homopolymers according to their molar mass with increased selectivity, as well as discrimination of polymer species differing in their nature/composition. Enthalpic partition of macromolecules takes place between the mobile phase and the stationary “liquid” of a different chemical nature, which is immobilized within pores of an appropriate carrier (a bonded phase). The extent of enthalpic partition depends on the accessibility of bonded phase for macromolecules and on the difference of polymer solubility in the mobile phase and in the solvated bonded phase. The enthalpic partition in favor of column packing arises from better solubility of polymer solutes in the solvated stationary phase compared to the mobile phase. Macromolecules are “pushed” into the solvated stationary phase and their retention volumes (V_R) increase. In the area of high molar masses, the extent of enthalpic partition as rule raises with the increasing size of macromolecules. However, under properly chosen experimental conditions the enthalpic partition may rapidly diminish with the sample molar mass (M), likely due to the solubility changes and/or due to partial exclusion of macromolecules from the pores. As result, the corresponding retention volumes sharply drop within a narrow range of M with the increasing size of macromolecules. This results in the log M vs. V_R dependences, which resemble in their form that for size exclusion chromatography but are much more flat indicating highly selective separations of homopolymers according to their molar masses. In this way, enthalpic partition “assists” entropic partition (size exclusion). Polymer species, which do not undergo enthalpic partition, elute from the HPLC column in the conventional size exclusion mode and can be discriminated from the partitioning species. Enthalpic partition assisted size exclusion chromatography can be utilized in separation and characterization of various homopolymers, and polymer blends.     

The temperature effect on electrokinetic properties of the silica–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) system

The influence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) adsorption on the structure of the diffuse layer of silica (SiO₂) in the temperature range 15–35 °C was examined. The microelectrophoresis method was used in the experiments to determine the zeta potential of the solid particles in the absence and presence of the polymer. The adsorption of PVA macromolecules causes the zeta potential decrease in all investigated SiO₂ systems. Moreover this, decrease is the most pronounced at the highest examined temperature. Obtained results indicate that the conformational changes of adsorbed polymer chains are responsible for changes in electrokinetic properties of silica particles. Moreover, the structure of diffuse layer on the solid surface with adsorbed polymer results from the following effects: the presence of acetate groups in PVA chains, the blockade of silica surface groups by adsorbed polymer and the shift of slipping plane due to macromolecules adsorption.     

Carbosilane dendrimers based on siloxane polymer

A method for synthesizing growth ring‐type dendritic macromolecules starting from siloxane polymer with Si H bonds [Me₃SiO(MeSiOH)_nSiMe₃] as the core and dichlorovinylsilane, dichloromethylsilane, lithium phenylacethylide, and allylmagnesium bromide as the building blocks is described. The siloxane polymer was produced to the second dendritic generation by the repetition of hydrosilation and alkenylation as well as by an alkynylation process. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 724–729, 2000     

Effect of electrization on molecular mobility in gold nanocomposites based on arabinogalactan

A correlation is found between the proton spin-spin relaxation times in gold nanocomposites based on arabinogalactan in aqueous solutions and the maximum conducting layer thicknesses of films cast from solutions of composites. The obtained correlation is considered from the viewpoint of electrization’s effect on the mobility of macromolecules of the investigated polymer nanocomposites. The dependence of arabinogalactan mobility on the type of solvent (H₂O or D₂O) is established, and a conclusion is drawn as to the effect of the hydrogen bonds of arabinogalactan with solvent on polymer mobility in solutions.     

Structure and properties of core-shell microparticles in paraffin-ultradispersed polytetrafluoroethylene systems

Microsized spherical core-shell particles consisting of hydrocarbon cores encapsulated into fluoropolymer shells are obtained in supercritical carbon dioxide. Paraffins serve as a core material, while the polymer shell is formed from ultradispersed polytetrafluoroethylene. The morphology and molecular structure in the bulk and on the surface of the particles and the influence of conditions of particle formation on the shell thickness and the thermal properties of the materials are studied. The materials are composites comprised of paraffin cores coated with shells of loosened globular fluoropolymer particles with sizes of 0.2–1.7 μm. The shells is built of low- and high-molecular-mass fractions consisting of CF₃(CF₂)nCF₃ molecular chains with different lengths. The shell thickness is governed by preparation conditions, exposure time, and the percentage of the polymer in the initial dispersion.     

Star-shaped polymers with the fullerene C60 branching center

The anionic methods for the synthesis of homo- and heteroarm (hybrid) star-shaped polymers using fullerene C₆₀ aPre considered. The possibilities of fullerene C₆₀ as an agent of combination of living polymer chains and the procedures of transformation of polymer derivatives of C₆₀ (hexaadducts) into polyfunctional macroinitiators of anionic polymerization of vinyl monomers are shown. The methods for functionalization of polymer fullerene derivatives and their combinations into structures of complex controlled architecture are presented. The structural features and initiating properties of the living polymer fullerene derivatives and their role in the formation of heteroarm star-shaped macromolecules with the controlled number of branches and predetermined molecular weight characteristics of the arms are discussed. The hydrodynamic properties of the star-shaped fullerene-containing polymers are considered. The data on the small-angle neutron scattering study of self-organization of the stars in solutions are presented.     

The role of miktoarm star copolymers in drug delivery systems

Abstract

Miktoarm star copolymers are relatively considered to be a new and unique class of macromolecules, and are a new topical area due to the unique properties by varying their polymer arms. This macromolecules with the A_mB_n architecture, have m arms of polymer A and n arms of polymer B connected at one central junction point. Over the past decade, miktoarms have been used in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, gene delivery, tissue engineering, diagnosis, and antibacterial/antifouling biomaterials. The intensified interest in miktoarms is attributed to their unique topological structures and attractive physical/chemical properties, including low critical micelle concentration (CMC) in solutions, encapsulation capability, internal and peripheral functionality, and enhanced stimuli-responsiveness. This review outlines the advances in the use of miktoarms in drug delivery for their good performance in biocompatibility, biodegradability and sustained, controlled and targeted drug delivery during the past decade and some unique self-assembly behaviors of miktoarm star copolymers have been reported.     

The nature of the initiating centres for grafting in air-irradiated perfluoro polymers

Grafting of acrylic acid on polytetrafluoroethylene has been performed using films of the polymer gamma-irradiated in air and then treated with aqueous acrylic acid. It is concluded that the initiating centres are peroxides POOP′, where P′ is a small perfluorinated fragment, and also trapped peroxy radicals PO₂· which undergo deoxygenation. Homopolymerization is suppressed by polymerization inhibitors.     

Extension of Polyphenolics by CWPO-C Peroxidase Mutant Containing Radical-Robust Surface Active Site

Expressed as insoluble forms in Escherichia coli, native cationic cell wall peroxidase (CWPO-C) from the poplar tree and mutant variants were successfully reactivated via refolding experiments and used to elucidate the previously presumed existence of an electron transfer (ET) pathway in the CWPO-C structure. Their catalytic properties were fully characterized through various analyses including steady-state kinetic, direct oxidation of lignin macromolecules and their respective stabilities during the polymerization reactions. The analysis results proved that the 74th residue on the CWPO-C surface plays an important role in catalyzing the macromolecules via supposed ET mechanism. By comparing the residual activities of wild-type CWPO-C and mutant 74W CWPO-C after 3 min, mutation of tyrosine 74 residue to tryptophan increased the radical resistance of peroxidase up to ten times dramatically while maintaining its capability to oxidize lignin macromolecules. Furthermore, extension of poly(catechin) as well as lignin macromolecules with CWPO-C Y74W mutant clearly showed that this radical-resistant peroxidase mutant can increase the molecular weight of various kinds of polyphenolics by using surface-located active site. The anti-oxidation activity of the synthesized poly(catechin) was confirmed by xanthine oxidase assay. The elucidation of a uniquely catalytic mechanism in CWPO-C may improve the applicability of the peroxidase/H₂O₂ catalyst to green polymer chemistry.     

Polymer radicals trapped in radical-initiated polytetrafluoroethylene

The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of polymer radicals found to be trapped in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymerized with radical initiators were comparatively examined under various conditions and assigned. They are identified as the primary (propagating) radicals RCF₂CF₂·, which are transformed to primary peroxy radicals RCF₂CF₂OO· in the atmosphere. Studies of the rates of polymerization and postpolymerization and ESR measurements indicate that the radical content steadily increases during polymerization. The results are discussed in connection with the mechanism of polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and the unusual thermal stability of these radicals in PTFE prepared with initiator.     

Phénomène de transfert de matière au voisinage des centres actifs en polymérisation anionique coordinée en solution du butène-1, en relation avec l'effet de l'hydrogène

Although the bulk and solution polymerization of but-l ene with a very stable catalytic composition (TiCl₃ AA + AlEt₂Cl) allows avoidance of effects of monomer mass transfer, one observes nevertheless a limitation of polymerization rate attributable to a diminution of the monomer concentration in the neighbourhood of active centres because of dilution of monomer caused by the polymer formed and bonded at these active centres.The favourable effect of hydrogen can be attributed to a decrease of this polymer concentration as a result of transfer which detaches macromolecules and allows a higher concentration of the monomer. A method is proposed for determination of the real catalytic activity.     

Effect of Keggin-type heteropolyacids on electron transfer in TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/conjugated organic polymer (MEH-PPV) hybrid nanocomposites

Electron transfer occurs in composites derived from TiO₂ (TiO₂∙HPA) and MEH-PPV from the polymer macromolecules to the inorganic matrix as indicated by the hypsochromic shift of the absorption and luminescence bands of the polymer as well as an increase in intensity of the EPR signal of the organic radical. The increased efficiency of electron transfer in going from TiO₂/MEH-PPV to TiO₂∙PTA/MEH-PPV and TiO₂∙PMA/MEH-PPV may be related to an increase in this order of electron acceptor properties of the inorganic matrix due to the introduction of HPA.     

Hydrodynamic, electrooptical, and conformational properties of fullerene-containing poly(2-vinylpyridines) in solutions

For C₆₀ fullerene-containing poly(2-vinylpyridines) synthesized by anionic polymerization, the molecular mass and hydrodynamic size of macromolecules in solutions have been determined by molecular hydrodynamics (translational diffusion and viscometry) and electrooptics in dilute benzene and THF solutions. Under the same conditions in the molecular mass range (9.8–123) × 10³, the hydrodynamic behavior of linear poly(2-vinylpyridines) and their molecular-mass dependences have been examined and the conformational characteristics of macromolecules have been established. The branching of macromolecules has been characterized by comparing the properties of star-shaped fullerene-containing and linear poly(2-vinylpyridines). With consideration of the hydrodynamic data interpreted within the framework of regular star model, it is inferred that on average three to four linear polymer chains with a molecular mass of (8 ± 3) × 10³ for each chain are attached to a fullerene core of C₆₀ in molecules of fullerene-containing poly(2-vinylpyridines). The specific Kerr constant of fullerene-containing poly(2-vinylpyridines) in dilute benzene solution is ?(14 ± 1) × 10^?12 cm⁵/[g (300 V)²]. As evidenced by the electrooptical data, the incorporation of fullerene into the polymer weakens self-association of macromolecules in solution.     

Studies of temperature influence on adsorption behaviour of nonionic polymers at the zirconia–solution interface

The temperature influence (15–35 °C) on the adsorption mechanism and conformation of nonionic polymers (polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) on the zirconium dioxide surface was examined. The applied techniques (spectrophotometry, viscosimetry, potentiometric titration and microelectrophoresis) allowed characterization of the changes in structure and thickness of polymer adsorption layers with the increasing temperature. The rise of temperature favours more stretched conformation of polymer chains on the ZrO₂ surface, which results in higher adsorption and thicker adsorption layer. Moreover, these conformational changes of adsorbed macromolecules affect the electric (solid surface charge density) and electrokinetic (zeta potential) properties of the zirconia–polymer interface. The obtained data indicate that the polyvinyl alcohol adsorption has a greater influence on zirconia properties in comparison to that of PEG and PEO. It is due to the presence of acetate groups in the PVA macromolecules (degree of hydrolysis 97.5%), which undergo dissociation.     

CATIONIC POLYMERIC SURFACTANTS

An influence of polyvinyl alcohol molecular weight and acetate groups, present in the macromolecule, on adsorption and electrochemical properties of the TiO₂–polymer solution interface was studied. Calculated thickness of adsorption layers of PVA, on the surface of the oxide, allowed assume that acetate groups may have meaningful influence on the polymer chain conformation at the interface. Structure of macromolecules at titania–polymer solution interface was compared with that of bulk of solution. Obtained data allow determine the changes of the size and shape of polymer coils in the system. The results of experiments let us conclude main factors, responsible for observed zeta potential and surface charge changes of TiO₂. It was proved that change of the ion structure of Stern layer, depends on molecular weight and number of acetate groups (degree of hydrolysis) of PVA macromolecule. Possible mechanism of zeta potential changes was proposed as a function of pH of the solution and molecular weight of the polymer.