Miniemulsion Polymerization and the Structure of Polymer and Hybrid Nanoparticles

The miniemulsion process allows the formation of complex polymer nanoparticles and the encapsulation of widely varying materials into a polymer shell (see examples). Functionalization of the nanoparticles can be easily carried out, and polymerization to form polymer nanoparticles can be performed in environmentally friendly solvents, such as water.

     

Increasing Solid Content in Latexes of Polyacrylamide Nanoparticles Made by Semi-continuous Inverse Heterophase Polymerization

The synthesis of polyacrylamide nanoparticles by semi-continuous inverse heterophase polymerization as a function of feeding rate of monomer aqueous solution is reported here. In this process, a concentrated acrylamide aqueous solution is dosed semi-continuously at various rates over an AOT-toluene solution containing the initiator. Our results indicate that particle size and the viscosimetric molar masses diminish as the dosing rate is slowed down and that smaller particles, as well as lower molar masses, are obtained compared to those produced by batch and semi-continuous microemulsion polymerizations, employing the same concentration of surfactant. Moreover, higher polymer/surfactant ratios are higher compared to those obtained in batch microemulsion polymerization and similar or slightly higher than that in semi-continuous microemulsion polymerization.     

预聚-酶催化缩聚法合成超支化聚酯及其结构表征

以丙三醇、1,6-己二醇和己二酸为共聚单体,以固定化脂肪酶Novozym435为催化剂,尝试先进行共聚单体的预聚后在有机介质中进行酶催化直接缩聚反应合成脂肪族超支化聚酯的新途径,考察了反应介质和反应温度对酶催化缩聚反应的影响,并采用凝胶渗透色谱和核磁共振确定产物的分子量和结构.结果表明,将单体的预聚与酶催化缩聚反应相结...     

Enzymatic synthesis and curing of biodegradable crosslinkable polyesters

The lipase-catalyzed synthesis and curing of polyesters that possess an unsaturated fatty acid moiety in the side chain is described. Lipase-catalyzed polymerization of divinyl sebacate and glycerol in the presence of unsaturated fatty acids produced a crosslinkable polyester possessing the unsaturated group. Candida antarctica lipase showed high catalytic activity for their synthesis. Effects of reaction parameters, such as enzyme amount, temperature, and feed ratio of substrates, have been systematically investigated. The polymerization under reduced pressure improved the polymer yield and molecular weight. Divinyl adipate was also enzymatically polymerized with glycerol and linoleic acid to give the crosslinkable polyester. The polymer obtained using linoleic or linolenic acid, was cured using a cobalt naphthenate catalyst or thermal treatment to give a crosslinked, transparent, polymeric film with a high-gloss surface. The cured film was characterized by pencil-scratch hardness testing and FT-IR spectroscopy. The biodegradability of the obtained film was evaluated by biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measurement in an activated sludge.

     

Phosphate‐Loaded Hydrogel Nanoparticles for Sepsis Prevention Prepared via Inverse Miniemulsion Polymerization

Local depletion of intestinal phosphate triggers changes in bacterial phenotypes that adversely affect the health of the host. This article describes a process for encapsulating phosphates in crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) nanoparticles using inverse miniemulsion polymerization as a drug delivery approach for sustained release of phosphates to the intestinal epithelium. The effects of crosslinker, PEGDA co‐monomer, N‐vinyl pyrrolidone, (NVP) and surfactant concentrations on the nanoparticle size distribution, swelling ratio and monomer conversion are investigated. Increased surfactant and PEGDA concentrations result in smaller particle size and swelling ratio. A copolymerization model of crosslinking is used to predict conversion and gelation dynamics as a function of polymerization conditions. The model assumes that bulk polymerization can be used to approximate inverse miniemulsion polymerization with an aqueous‐phase initiator. The initiator efficiency is used as an adjustable parameter to simulate the conversion dynamics, thus accounting for radical confinement effects and interaction with emulsifier molecules.     

Oxidative NHC-Catalysis as Organocatalytic Platform for the Synthesis of Polyester Oligomers by Step-Growth Polymerization

The application of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis to the polycondensation of diols and dialdehydes under oxidative conditions is herein presented for the synthesis of polyesters using fossil-based (ethylene glycol, phthalaldehydes) and bio-based (furan derivatives, glycerol, isosorbide) monomers. The catalytic dimethyl triazolium/1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene couple and stoichiometric quinone oxidant afforded polyester oligomers with a number-average molecular weight (M_n) in the range of 1.5–7.8 kg mol⁻¹ as determined by NMR analysis. The synthesis of a higher molecular weight polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, PET) by an NHC-promoted two-step procedure via oligoester intermediates is also illustrated together with the catalyst-controlled preparation of cross-linked or linear polyesters derived from the trifunctional glycerol. The thermal properties (TGA and DSC analyses) of the synthesized oligoesters are also reported.     

Enzymatic Precision Polymerization for Synthesis of Glycosaminoglycans and Their Derivatives

Hyaluronidase (HAase)-catalyzed polymerization was performed to provide synthetic hyaluronan (HA), chondroitin (Ch) and their derivatives. The 2-methyl oxazoline derivatives derived from their repeating disaccharides of N-acetylhyalobiuronate ( 1a ) and N-acetylchondrosine ( 3a ) were effectively polymerized by the enzyme, giving rise to synthetic HA and synthetic Ch in good yields through regio-selective and stereo-controlled ring-opening polyaddition. The oxazoline derivatives of 2-ethyl ( 1b , 3b ), 2-n-propyl ( 1c , 3c ), 2-isopropyl ( 1d , 3d ), 2-phenyl ( 1e , 3e ), 2-vinyl ( 1f , 3f ) and 2-isopropenyl ( 1g ) were synthesized and subjected to the enzymatic reaction. Monomers 1b , 1c , 1f , 3b and 3f were polymerized to corresponding polysaccharides 2b , 2c , 2f , 4b and 4f , all of which are unnatural glycosaminoglycans. Compounds 1d , 3c and 3d were also catalyzed by the enzyme, affording oligomers of 2d , 4c and 4d were produced in trace amounts. Monomers 1e , 1g and 3e were not catalyzed by HAase.     

Synthesis of Polyphosphate‐Loaded Nanoparticles Using Inverse Miniemulsion Polymerization for Sustained Delivery to the Gastrointestinal Tract

Polyphosphate salts, such as sodium hexametaphosphate (PPi), are effective in the attenuation of collagenase and biofilm production and prevention of anastomotic leak in mice models. However, systemic administration of polyphosphate solutions to the gut presents a series of difficulties such as uncontrolled delivery to target and off‐site tissues. In this article a process to produce PPi‐loaded poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel nanoparticles through miniemulsion polymerization is developed. The effects of using a polyphosphate salt, as compared to a monophosphate salt, is investigated through cloud point measurements, which is then translated to a change in the required HLB of the miniemulsion system. A parametric study is developed and yields a way to control particle swelling ratio and mean diameter based on the surfactant and/or initiator concentration, among other parameters. Finally, release kinetics of two different crosslink density particles shows a sustained and tunable release of the encapsulated polyphosphate.     

Polyester nanoparticles by non‐aqueous emulsion polycondensation

A versatile non‐aqueous emulsion polycondensation process for the mild fabrication of polyester nanoparticles is presented. Spherical nanoparticles with diameters smaller than 60 nm are prepared in non‐aqueous emulsion systems. These emulsions consisted in one case of DMF dispersed in n‐hexane and in a second with acetonitrile dispersed in a continuous cyclohexane phase. Stabilization of these systems was achieved by using a polyisoprene‐polymethylmethacrylate block copolymer. The suitability of these aprotic emulsions for synthesizing polyester nanoparticles by emulsion polycondensation having molecular weights up to 22,000 g/mol is demonstrated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 1101–1108, 2007     

Polymerization Compounding on the Surface of Zirconia Nanoparticles

Zirconia nanoparticles were encapsulated by polyethylene via a polymerization compounding method using a Ziegler-Natta catalyst. The chemical reaction was carried out in an organic solvent under moderate pressure of ethylene monomer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated the presence of a thin layer of polymer, about 6 nm, uniformly applied around the particles. However, the thickness of coating layer can be controlled as a function of time and operating conditions of the process. The morphology study using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as TEM revealed that although the nanoparticles seem to be coated individually, some agglomerates, encapsulated by a polymer film, could be observed. The grafting of the catalyst to the original surface of particles was further confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).     

分散聚合法制备聚苯乙烯-铝纳米粒子复合材料

采用分散聚合法成功合成了高掺杂、窄分子量分布的聚苯乙烯-铝纳米粒子（PS-AlNPs）复合材料。采用XRD、FT-IR、GPC、TGA、SEM和TEM等手段对产物的晶体结构、分子结构、PS基体的分子量及分子量分布、热稳定性及形貌等进行了分析测试。结果表明：所得球形复合材料的平均粒径约为1.5μm,聚合过程中AlNPs的晶体结构未见变化,AlNPs掺杂量可高达1.81%,PS基体重均分子量达1.98×105,分子量分布指数为1.21,热稳定性优异。     

Enzymatic polyesterification in organic media. II. Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of lateral-substituted aliphatic polyesters and copolyesters

Enzymatic polymerization of hydroxyesters in organic media has been the subject of a previous and ongoing research in our laboratory. As part of that study, four ?-substituted-?-hydroxyesters were synthesized, and then polymerized using crude porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) in n-hexane. These lateral-substituted hydroxyesters polymerized enantioselectively to produce optically active oligomers and a resolved optically active unreacted monomer. It was found that with increasing bulkiness of the lateral substituent, in the order Me >Et >Ph, the enzymatic reaction becomes slower, yet the enantioselectivity is higher. The lateral-substituted hydroxyesters were also copolymerized enzymatically with the more reactive linear methyl ?-hydroxyhexanoate. Optically active copolymers were obtained, higher in molecular weight than the analogous homopolymers. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Block Copolymers in Emulsion and Dispersion Polymerization

Summary: This article deals with recent progress including the authors' work concerning the application of block copolymers as polymeric surfactants in heterophase polymerizations. The synthesis methods for preparing block copolymers by emulsion and dispersion techniques are outlined, with emphasis on recently developed controlled free radical polymerizations in aqueous media. Specific characteristics of amphiphilic block copolymers are described, for example, micellization and emulsifying effects. A general overview of emulsion and dispersion polymerization in an aqueous and organic medium with ionic and nonionic block copolymers is presented for the preparation of electrosteric and sterically stabilized latex particles. Typical examples of microemulsion, miniemulsion, oil‐in‐oil emulsion, and micellar polymerizations are provided. Current and potential developments of so‐called “hairy latexes”, inverse‐, multiple‐, and solid emulsions, as well as of nonaqueous polymeric dispersions are also discussed.

PS foam obtained by free radical polymerization of water‐in‐styrene, stabilized with a PS–PEO diblock copolymer.     

Enzymatic polyesterification in organic media. Enzyme-catalyzed synthesis of linear polyesters. I. Condensation polymerization of linear hydroxyesters. II. Ring-opening polymerization of ϵ-caprolactone

With the object to synthesize polyesters by enzymatic catalysis in organic media, two directions have been investigated: (1) the condensation polymerization of linear ω-hydroxyesters and (2) the ring-opening polymerization of lactones. The commercially-available crude porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL), suspended in organic solvents, was the preferred enzyme for the reactions. In order to determine the optimal conditions for the condensation polymerization, the bifunctional methyl 6-hydroxyhexanoate was used as a model compound to study the influence of the following parameters: type of the enzymecatalyst, kind of solvent, concentration, temperature, duration, size of the reaction mixture, and stirring. Film-forming polyesters with a degree of polymerization (DP) up to about 100 were obtained from linear aliphatic hydroxyesters in n-hexane at reflux temperature (69°C). Yet concurrently with the intermolecular condensation polymerization, macrolactones were also formed by intramolecular reaction. Two aromatic hydroxyesters did not react under these conditions. For the ring-opening polymerization of lactones the reaction of ?-caprolactone with methanol as the preferred nucleophile, was studied. Polyesters with a DP of up to 35 were obtained in n-hexane at temperatures between 25 and 40°C. The degrees of polymerization of the polyesters were determined by comparative analyses of the end groups in the ¹H-NMR spectra and by determination of molecular weights either by vapor phase osmometry, gel permeation chromatography, or intrinsic viscosity. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

乳液聚合制备纳米银/聚苯乙烯核壳复合粒子

采用乳液聚合方法制备出纳米银／聚苯乙烯核壳复合粒子，并借助TEM、XPS、FTIR分析了其微观结构。研究了纳米银粒子存在下苯乙烯聚合反应转化率-时间关系，分析了纳米银／聚苯乙烯核壳复合粒子的形成机理。     

Synthesis of Composite Polystyrene/Silica Nanoparticles via Precipitation and Emulsion Polymerization Methods

Polystyrene/silica composite nanoparticles were synthesized via precipitation and emulsion polymerization methods, in the presence of a basic co‐monomer (e.g., 4‐VP and 1‐VID), and a colloidal aqueous silica solution. The effects of key process parameters, that is, solvent type, monomer/co‐monomer volume ratio and total monomers concentration for precipitation polymerization, and reaction temperature, pH value, initial silica‐sol concentration and initial monomer/co‐monomer molar ratio for emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization on the particle morphology, silica content, and particle size distribution of the composite nanoparticles were experimentally investigated. Stable, spherical, and uniform in size composite nanoparticles were synthesized by both techniques. The average particle diameter varied from 108 to 182 nm for the emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerization and from 400 to 800 nm for the precipitation polymerization, while the silica content was as high as 38.3 wt.‐% for the former method and up to 15.5 wt.‐% for the later. The synthesized composite polymer/silica particles were then electrolytically co‐deposited with zinc on steel plates to improve the corrosion resistance of the metal's surface.

     

基于细乳液聚合的纳米颗粒制备与应用研究进展-撤稿（Withdrawed）

细乳液聚合能够将多种材料封装在聚合物壳层中形成结构复杂的聚合物纳米颗粒。 与普通乳液聚合技术相比,细乳液聚合具有方便、环保、粒径可控、稳定性高等优点。 通过引入功能单体,可以很容易地实现对纳米颗粒的功能化。 目前,细乳液聚合技术已经应用于很多领域,如纺织颜料的合成、粘接剂、分子印迹、磁性靶向纳米颗粒等。 本文综述了近年关于细乳液聚合法合成纳米颗粒的各种应用。     

Isoprene Polymerization on Iron Nanoparticles Confined in Carbon Nanotubes

The confinement of air‐protected metallic magnetic nanoparticles in the inner cavity of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) should offer an interesting perspective for biomedical applications or for controlling CNT alignment in composites. Because the direct confinement of polymer‐precoated nanoparticles in CNTs could be restricted by diffusion limitations, we developed a process based on: 1) the confinement of iron nanoparticles surface‐modified with an iron polymerization catalyst in the cavity of CNTs and 2) the polymerization of isoprene on the confined nanoparticles. The resulting material consists in CNT‐confined iron nanoparticles coated with a polyisoprene air barrier. This approach constitutes a proof of concept for the development of smart materials for use in medicine or composites.     

Thermal Polymerization of Styrene,Part 2 – (Mini)emulsion Polymerization

An experimental and theoretical study on the thermal (spontaneous) polymerization of styrene in compartmentalized systems is presented. Experimental data on thermally polymerized miniemulsions varying temperature and droplet size is provided. This data is used to test a new model approach to describe the thermal polymerization process of a disperse phase. The mathematical model is based on a chemical master equation balancing radical species that are capable of desorption (monomeric radicals) and ones that cannot leave a particle. Reasonable agreement between theory and experiment for the data provided here and for literature data can be achieved. Part 1 of this series is a review on the thermal bulk polymerization of styrene.