Heat capacity of poly(vinyl methyl ether)

The heat capacity of poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) has been measured using adiabatic calorimetry and temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC). The heat capacity of the solid and liquid states of amorphous PVME is reported from 5 to 360 K. The amorphous PVME has a glass transition at 248 K (?25 °C). Below the glass transition, the low‐temperature, experimental heat capacity of solid PVME is linked to the vibrational molecular motion. It can be approximated by a group vibration spectrum and a skeletal vibration spectrum. The skeletal vibrations were described by a general Tarasov equation with three Debye temperatures Θ₁ = 647 K, Θ₂ = Θ₃ = 70 K, and nine skeletal modes. The calculated and experimental heat capacities agree to better than ±1.8% in the temperature range from 5 to 200 K. The experimental heat capacity of the liquid rubbery state of PVME is represented by C_p(liquid) = 72.36 + 0.136 T in J K^?1 mol^?1 and compared to estimated results from contributions of the same constituent groups of other polymers using the Advanced Thermal AnalysiS (ATHAS) Data Bank. The calculated solid and liquid heat capacities serve as baselines for the quantitative thermal analysis of amorphous PVME with different thermal histories. Also, knowing C_p of the solid and liquid, the integral thermodynamic functions of enthalpy, entropy, and free enthalpy of glassy and amorphous PVME are calculated with help of estimated parameters for the crystal. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2141–2153, 2005     

Temperature-sensitive poly(vinyl methyl ether) hydrogel beads

Temperature-sensitive hydrogel beads were prepared by radiation crosslinking of poly(vinyl methyl ether) PVME spheres wrapped in Ca-alginate. The obtained gel beads have diameters in the sub-millimeter or millimeter range (depending on the PVME concentration). They were characterized by sol-gel analysis, swelling measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry. The gel content g increases with increasing radiation dose D. The swelling degree Q_v decreases with increasing PVME concentration c_p and increasing D. In comparison to PVME bulkgels the phase-transition temperature of the synthesized PVME gel beads is a little decreased.     

Thermal stability of poly(vinyl bromide) and copolymers of vinyl bromide with methyl vinyl ketone

Thermal stability and degradation behaviour have been studied for PVB and VB-MVK copolymers spanning the whole composition range, using thermogravimetric analysis. The reactivity ratios in the radial copolymerization were determined by using an NMR technique, leading to r_i(VB) = 3.6 ± 0.2 and r₂(MVK) = 0.2 ± 0.1. The introduction of MVK units into the VB chain leads to an interaction with release of methyl bromide. The stability of the copolymers increases with increasing MVK concentration.     

Interaction of water with poly(vinyl methyl ether) in aqueous solution

Near-infrared, viscometric, and calorimetric measurements were made on aqueous poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) solutions at temperatures between 15 and 43°C. We found a hydrogen-bonded structure of water around the polymer chain (a polymer-water complex), which is characterized by two distinct hydration numbers (i.e., 2.7 and 5.0 water molecules on each monomer unit of the chain) by analyzing the concentration dependence of endothermic enthalpies at a cloud point temperature, ca. 35°C. In particular, the 2.7 water-polymer complex has been suggested to be cooperatively formed by using data of the near-infrared (nir) absorption spectrum around 1930 nm. Furthermore, the peak-wavelength of the nir spectrum has been observed to change drastically at the cloud point when the temperature is raised. This can be interpreted as a cooperative collapse of the hydrogen-bonded water structure to free water, resulting in the aggregation of the polymer chains due to the exposure of their hydrophobic groups at the cloud point. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Blends of glycidyl methacrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymers with poly(vinylidene fluoride)

Blends of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA)/methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers with poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) were found to be miscible when the GMA content of the copolymer is 35.7 wt % or less. The miscible blends did not phase separate upon heating prior to thermal decomposition. The melting point depression method, based on both the Flory-Huggins theory and the equation of state theory of Sanchez-Lacombe, was used to evaluate interaction parameters for each pair. The magnitude of these parameters appears to be much larger than interaction energies evaluated by other methods. Possible reasons for this are discussed. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and properties of poly(aryl ether ether ketone) copolymers with pendant methyl groups

Polyether ether ketone and polyether ether ketone copolymers were prepared by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 4,4′-difluorobenzophenone with hydroquinone and with varying mole proportions of hydroquinone and methyl hydroquinone using sulfolane solvent in the presence of anhydrous K₂CO₃. The polymers were characterised by different physico-chemical techniques. The crystallinity of the polymers was found to decrease with increase in concentration of the methyl hydroquinone units in the polymer. Thermogravimetric studies showed that all the polymers were stable upto 430 °C with a char yield above 49% at 900 °C in N₂ atmosphere. The glass transition temperature was found to increase and the crystalline melting temperature and activation energy were found to decrease with increase in concentration of the methyl hydroquinone units in the polymer.     

Photooxidation of blends of polystyrene and poly (vinyl methyl ether)

Photooxidation of blends of polystyrene and poly (vinyl methyl ether) was studied at 30°C. The oxygen uptake by PS was negligible but PVME oxidized readily. The induction period of oxidation of PVME was prolonged by the presence of PS. The steady state rate of oxidation of the blend was strongly influenced by the segmental mobility of the blend which also governed the kinetics and morphology of phase separation. The molecular weight of PVME decreased more slowly in the blend as PS content increased. It was believed that the reaction between PVME radicals and PS resulted in less reactive PS radicals which retarded oxidation. The PS radicals eventually underwent chain scission reactions.     

Phase behaviour of poly(vinyl methyl ether)-cross-polystyrene semi-interpenetrating networks

Semi-interpenetrating polymer networks of varying composition are prepared by crosslinking polystyrene containing a small number of maleic anhydride groups (4.8 mol% of MA units) with hexamethylene-diamine (HMDA) in the presence of linear poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). Lightly crosslinked samples are homogeneous at room temperature and show a phase behaviour similar to uncrosslinked blends, i.e. lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behaviour. The influence of crosslinking on the phase behaviour has been studied by small angle light scattering (SALS) and turbidity measurements. The cloud point strongly depends on the heating rate. The presence of the network reduces the stable single phase region in agreement to theory. In systems showing spinodal decomposition, it is expected that some concentration fluctuations will grow more rapidly than others resulting in a separated phase system which shows high degree of connectivity with characteristic dimensions. Using temperature jump experiments, SALS can be used to estimate parameters of the phase separation kinetics and the characteristic dimensions of the phases. In temperature jump experiments into the spinodal region a maximum in the scattered light intensity is observed with time at a certain scattering vector. However, the semi-IPN's develop no scattering maximum. This is explained by a damping of the thermodynamical dominant wavelength in spinodal decomposition in the network.     

Degradation of polymer mixtures. VIII. Blends of poly(vinyl acetate) with poly(methyl methacrylate)

The degradation of blends of PVA and PMMA in the form of films cast from a common solution of the polymers has been studied by TVA, TG, and EGA (evolved gas analysis) for acetic acid. Volatile degradation products have been characterized by spectroscopic and GLC techniques. Molecular weight, spectral and thermal stability changes in PMMA extracted from partially degraded blends have been examined. These blends behave in a closely analogous manner to PVC-PMMA blends already investigated. The results suggest that the PMMA component of the heterogeneous blends is modified in two ways: (1) in a destabilization reaction series initiated by attack of acetate radicals generated in the PVA phase which migrate into the PMMA phase, and (2) in a stabilization reaction involving conversion of ester side groups to acid and subsequently to anhydride ring structures which act as blocking points for depolymerization. The rate of acetic acid production in the blend is less than in PVA degraded alone. The mechanism of degradation of PVA is reconsidered in the light of these results.     

Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic diblock copolymers of methyl tri(ethylene glycol) vinyl ether and isobutyl vinyl ether

Water-soluble diblock copolymers of methyl tri(ethylene glycol) vinyl ether (hydrophilic block) and isobutyl vinyl ether (hydrophobic block) of different molecular weights and composition were synthesized by living cationic polymerization. The molecular weight and comonomer composition of these copolymers were determined by GPC and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, respectively. Aqueous solutions of the copolymers were characterized in terms of their micellar behavior using dynamic light scattering, aqueous GPC, and dye solubilization. All the copolymers formed aggregates with the exception of a diblock copolymer with only two hydrophobic monomer units. The micellar hydrodynamic size scaled with the 0.61 power of the number of hydrophobic units, in good agreement with a theoretical exponent of 0.73. An increase in the length of the hydrophobic block at constant hydrophilic block length or an increase in the overall polymer size at constant block length ratio both resulted in lower critical micelle concentrations (cmcs). The cloud points of 1% w/w aqueous solutions of the polymers were determined by turbidimetry. An increase in the length of the hydrophobic block at constant hydrophilic block length caused a decrease in the cloud points of the copolymers. However, an increase in the overall polymer size at constant block length ratio led to an increase in the cloud point. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Phase transformation in mixtures of polystyrene and poly(vinyl methyl ether)

Homogeneous films comprised of mixtures of polystyrene and poly(vinyl methyl ether) can be obtained by evaporation from a ternary solution containing toluene as the solvent. Heterogeneous films result when the solvent is trichloroethylene. The possibility that a heterogeneous film cast from trichloroethylene can be transformed to a homogeneous one by physical means is a logical expectation when the polymer-polymer interaction is favorable, though as yet no comprehensive report has appeared in the literature. We have accomplished the transformation by increasing the temperature. Optical microscopy and glass transition experiments were employed to observe the effects.     

A dielectric study of chain motions in poly(vinyl methyl ether)

The dielectric permittivity and loss of poly(vinyl methyl ether) (mol. wt. 30,000) have been measured from 12 Hz to 100 kHz at temperatures from 77 K to 320 K. Two relaxation processes, γ and β, are observed at T < T_g (245 K), and one above T_g. The Arrhenius plots of the γ and β processes have activation energies of 20 and 41 kJ mole^?1 respectively. The relaxation rate of the α process is described by the Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman equation or the William-Landel-Ferry equation. The relaxation rates of γ and β processes evaluated from the isochrones differ from those evaluated from the isothermal spectrum. The features of chain motions observed are similar to those in other polymer and rigid molecular glasses.     

Fourier-transform infrared study of polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blends

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) studies of polystyrene (PS)/poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) blends are presented. Both compatible (one-phase) and phase-separated blends were studied. In the case of compatible PS/PVME blends, there is strong evidence for molecular interactions. The interaction spectrum was obtained by digital subtraction techniques. In contrast, no interaction is detected for the phase-separated blends. In view of these results, molecular interactions must play a role in the compatibility of the two polymers. The merits of factor analysis and least-squares fit methods, as pertaining to our data, are also discussed.     

Tracer diffusion of star-branched polystyrenes in poly(vinyl methyl ether) gels

The tracer diffusion of 3-, 4-, and 12-arm polystyrene (PS) stars in poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) gels has been measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The intensity correlation functions were analyzed by two methods. One was that employed previously in a DLS study of linear PS diffusion in PVME gels [N. A. Rotstein and T. P. Lodge, Macromolecules, Vol. 24. p. 1316 (1992)], and the other was based on consideration of possible nonergodicity effects [P. N. Pusey and W. van Megen, Physica A, Vol. 157, p. 705 (1990)]. Both methods gave equivalent results, suggesting that nonergodicity plays a small role in this system. This conclusion is not unreasonable, given that the PVME gels are almost isorefractive with the solvent (toluene), and that the signal is dominated by scattering from the PS chains. The resulting star diffusivities are consistently less than or equal to those for linear probes of comparable size, with the difference increasing with molecular weight. The diffusivities are also less than or equal to those obtained for the same stars in PVME solutions. A weak dependence on the number of arms is also observed. Finally, the mobility of a given star in a gel is much more sensitive to variations in the average molecular weight between cross-links than is the mobility of a linear chain. All of these features in the data are broadly consistent with the reptation hypothesis. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Thermal degradation of poly(vinyl bromide), vinyl bromide-methyl methacrylate copolymers,and poly(vinyl bromide)-poly(methyl methacrylate) blends

Degradation behavior has been compared for PVB, five VB-MMA copolymers which span the composition range, PMMA, and PVC by using thermogravimetry in dynamic nitrogen and thermal volatilization analysis (TVA) under vacuum for programmed heating at 10°C/min. Volatile products have been separated by subambient TVA and identified. PVB is substantially less stable than PVC but shows inmost respects analogous degradation behavior. The introduction of VB into the PMMA chain leads to intramolecular lactonization with release of methyl bromide at temperatures a little above 100°C; after this reaction is complete, however, the polymer is more stable toward volatilization than PMMA. Copolymers with moderate and high VB contents also lose hydrogen bromide. Carbon dioxide is a significant product at intermediate compositions. The variation of product distribution with copolymer composition is discussed in relation to the several reactions involved and comparisons are made with VC-MMA copolymers. PVB-PMMA blends snow some features of degradation behavior in common with the PVC-PMMA system but also very important differences. The effect of PVB is only to stabilize the PMMA; the mechanism is discussed. The role of PVB as an additive and VB as a comonomer for fire-retardant PMMA compositions is briefly considered in relation to earlier studies.     

Interpolymer complexes of copolymers of vinyl ether of diethylene glycol with poly(acrylic acid)

 The complex formation reactions of poly(vinyl ether of diethylene glycol) as well as vinyl ether of diethylene glycol–vinyl butyl ether copolymers with poly(acrylic acid) have been studied in aqueous and alcohol solutions. The formation of interpolymer complexes which were stabilized by hydrogen bonds was shown. The effects of molecular weight of poly(acrylic acid) and the nature of the nonionic polymer on the composition and stability of interpolymer complexes were clarified. The critical pH values of complexation were determined for different systems with various molecular weights and hydrophobic–hydrophilic balances. The stability of the interpolymer complexes formed in aqueous and alcohol solutions with respect to dimethylformamide addition was evaluated. The role of hydrophobic interactions and the presence of active groups on stability of the interpolymer complexes is discussed. Received: 23 July 2001 Accepted: 27 September 2001     

Stereoregularity of poly(vinyl ether)

α-Methylvinyl isobutyl and methyl ethers were polymerized cationically and the structure of the polymers was studied by NMR. Poly(α-methylvinyl methyl ether) polymerized with iodine or ferric chloride as catalyst was found to be almost atactic, whereas poly(α-methylvinyl isobutyl ether) polymerized in toluene with BF₃OEt₂ or AlEt₂Cl as catalyst was found to be isotactic. In both cases, the addition of polar solvent resulted in the increase of syndiotactic structure as is the case with polymerization of alkyl vinyl ether. tert-Butyl vinyl ether was polymerized, and the polymer was converted into poly(vinyl acetate), the structure of which was studied by NMR. A nearly linear relationship between the optical density ratio D₇₂₂/D₇₃₆ in poly(tert-butyl vinyl ether) and the isotacticity of the converted poly(vinyl acetate) was observed.     

Conversion of solid poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleimide) to poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-maleic anhydride)

Solid poly(methyl vinyl-alt-maleimide), when subjected to heating at 100°C while being vacuum pumped at 0.1 mm Hg pressure, was converted to a copolymer in which a substantial portion of the imide groups were converted to anhydride groups. Similarly, heating at 100°C at atmospheric pressure in a circulating air oven brought about the same reaction but at a faster rate. This confirms the hypothesis that the formation of maleic anhydride comonomer units from poly(methyl vinyl ether-alt-ammonium maleamate) not only proceeds directly by ring closure of amic acid formed by loss of ammonia but probably also includes, as a parallel pathway, hydrolysis by atmospheric moisture of maleimide comonomer units.     

Thermal oxidation of blends of poly(vinyl methyl ether) and modified polystyrenes

Thermal oxidation of blends of poly(vinyl methyl ether) and styrene copolymers containing hydroxyl groups as hydrogen-bond donors was studied. The hydrogen-bonding interaction provide for improved miscibility between the component polymers and more extensive crosspropagation/cross-termination reactions. In addition to their contribution to improved miscibility, phenol groups in the copolymers exhibited apparent antioxidant and prooxidant effects.