Poly(N-vinylimidazole/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) for the purification and isolation of phenolic acids

In this study we report the novel polymeric resin poly(N-vinyl imidazole/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) for the purification and isolation of phenolic acids. The monomer to crosslinker ratio and the porogen composition were optimized for isolating phenolic acids diluted in acetonitrile at normal phase chromatography conditions, first. Acetonitrile serves as polar, aprotic solvent, dissolving phenolic acids but not interrupting interactions with the stationary phase due to the approved Hansen solubility parameters. The optimized resin demonstrated high loading capacities and adsorption abilities particularly for phenolic acids in both, acetonitrile and aqueous solutions. The adsorption behavior of aqueous standards can be attributed to ion exchange effects due to electrostatic interactions between protonated imidazole residues and deprotonated phenolic acids. Furthermore, adsorption experiments and subsequent curve fittings provide information of maximum loading capacities of single standards according to the Langmuir adsorption model. Recovery studies of the optimized polymer in the normal-phase and ion-exchange mode illustrate the powerful isolation properties for phenolic acids and are comparable or even better than typical, commercially available solid phase extraction materials. In order to prove the applicability, a highly complex extract of rosemary leaves was purified by poly(N-vinyl imidazole/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) and the isolated compounds were identified using UHPLC–qTOF-MS.     

Thermal degradation of [poly(N-vinylimidazole)-polyacrylic acid] interpolymer complexes

Interpolymer complexes of a slightly basic polymer, poly(N-vinylimidazole) (PVIm) with a strongly acidic polymer, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) have been prepared by mixing aqueous solutions of the respective components. Spectroscopy and thermal methods were used to reveal interaction between VIm and AA moieties. FT-IR analysis showed that the nitrogen atoms at 3rd position of imidazole ring are involved in strong H-bonding with acid groups of PAA leading to a uniform and fully miscible complex structure. As the quantity of PAA increases the thermal stability of complex increases based on TG results. In the DSC analyses, the single T_g for all IPC samples showed that IPCs have good or definite miscibility over the whole range of composition as a result of H-bond formation between acrylic acid and imidazole units.     

Thermodynamic study of poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) hydration at temperatures close to lower critical solution temperature

The lower critical solution temperature of aqueous solutions of poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) falls in the 305–307 K range and depends on the molecular weight of the polymer. The thermodynamic functions of mixing at 298 K have been calculated from measurements of vapor pressures and heats of dissolution and dilution. Partial Gibbs energy, partial enthalpy, and partial entropy of mixing were negative over the entire range of composition. Increasing temperature resulted in a decrease in the exothermal character of mixing. Excessive heat capacity values, calculated from the dependencies of enthalpy of mixing on temperature, were positive over the entire composition range. Heat capacity of dilute solutions was measured at 298 K and partial heat capacity of poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) at infinite dilution was shown to be positive. The data obtained point out the hydrophilic and hydrophobic hydration of poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) in aqueous solutions. Hydrophobic hydration dominates at temperatures close to binodal curve. As a result, the mutual mixing of the polymer with water is decreased and phase separation takes place.     

Electrosynthesis of the poly(N-vinyl carbazole)/carbon nanotubes composite for applications in the supercapacitors field

Electrochemical polymerization of N-vinyl carbazole (VK) on carbon nanotube (CN) films was studied by cyclic voltammetry in LiClO₄/acetonitrile solutions. Cyclic voltammograms recorded on a blank Pt electrode were compared with those obtained when single or multi-walled CN films were deposited on the Pt electrode; in the latter case, a down-shift of the VK reduction peak potential was observed. Functionalization of CNs with poly(N-vinyl carbazole) (PVK) was invoked by Raman scattering and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopic studies. The influence of sweep rate on the electrochemical properties of the PVK/CN nanocomposite and the performance of supercapacitors constructed using PVK-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotube electrodes were also evaluated.     

Unusual influences of temperature and medium on the tacticity of radically polymerised poly(n-vinyl imidazole)

The tacticities of radical poly(N-vinyl imidazole)s prepared in several organic solvents, in water and at various values of pH and temperature have been investigated by ¹H and ¹³C-NMR. It seems most likely that high temperatures favour racemic placements over meso placements but that, at low pH, meso placements are favoured. Thus the changes in polymerisation rate with pH noted by others for this system are accompanied by changes in the stereochemistry of the resulting polymer.     

Characterization of CdS nanoparticles in solutions of P(TFE-co-PVDF-co-Prop)/N,N-dimethylformamide

We report in here the preparation of CdS nanoparticles (Q-CdS) in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and poly(tetrafluoroethylene-co-vinylidenefluoride-co-propylene) (PTFE-co-PVDF-co-Prop) by reaction of cadmium acetate and thiourea at room temperature. The formation and size evolution of Q-CdS particles were followed by optical absorption spectroscopy as a function of the aging process of the solutions. The obtained results indicated that not only the Q-CdS particles were more stable in DMF than in aqueous solutions, probably due to the interaction with the CHNO group, but also they were formed in smaller sizes. The particle size obtained in DMF was estimated in 4-6 nm against 10-20 nm in aqueous solution. The results also showed that the velocity of Q-CdS formation is lower when the reaction was carried out in PTFE-co-PVDF-co-Prop dissolved in DMF. The Q-CdS particles formed in this system were also less stable than in pure DMF, probably due to the interaction of the CHNO fragment and CF₂ of polymer chain or phase segregation.     

Excimer kinetics in poly(n-vinyl carbazole)

The kinetics of excimer formation and decay in dilute dichloromethane solutions of poly(N-vinyl carbazole) have been investigated using time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. Further evidence for dual excimer formation in this polymer is presented; interconversion of the excimeric states appears to be a significant process at room temperature.     

A macromolecular N,N-dichlorosulfonamide as oxidant for residual sulfides

A redox copolymer, a macroporous poly(S/DVB) resin bearing N,N-dichlorosulfonamide groups, was used to remove residual sulfides from aqueous solutions by its oxidation to non-toxic products. The resin contains 8.2 meq active chlorine/g and shows strong oxidizing properties. It was employed in static and flow processes for treatment of sulfide solutions containing 32, 100 or 320 mg S²⁻/dm³. The effects of various parameters on the reaction course have been studied (molar ratio of the reagents, alkalinity of the reaction media, flow rate in column processes). The data showed that the reactive copolymer easily oxidizes sulfides--it was possible to reduce the concentration below 10 μg S²⁻/dm³. During oxidation processes the formation of two end products was confirmed--these were sulfates (in majority) and sulfur which causes the turbidity of the effluents. The reaction conditions to eliminate sulfur formation were sought. To utilize the polymer-bonded active chlorine with good efficiency, it was necessary to maintain a suitable level of alkalinity of the influx. The exhausted copolymer contained unsubstituted sulfonamide groups. It could be regenerated with a slightly acidified sodium chlorate(I) and reused for further processes.     

Copolymerization of N-vinylcaprolactam with N-vinyl(benz)imidazoles and the properties of aqueous solutions of the copolymers

The free-radical solution copolymerization of N-vinylcaprolactam with 1-vinylimidazole, 1-vinyl-2-methylimidazole, 1-vinyl-2-methyl-3-propylimidazolium iodide, or 1-vinyl-2-methylbenzimidazole was investigated and the monomer reactivity ratios in the copolymerization were calculated. It was shown that 1-vinylimidazole exhibits a relatively higher activity in the copolymerization as compared to the monomers that bear substituents on the ring. It was established that, except for the copolymers of 1-vinyl-2-methylbenzimidazole, water-soluble products could be obtained. Aqueous solutions of N-vinylcaprolactam copolymers with N-vinyl(methyl)imidazoles were found to have a higher phase separation temperature relative to poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) solutions. The thermal stability of the aqueous solutions increases with a rise in the amount of hydrophilic 1-vinyl-and 1-vinyl-2-methylimidazole units in macromolecular chains and in the presence of NaCNS or KBr. The effect of salts on the thermal stability of aqueous copolymer solutions has the same character as in the case of the N-vinylcaprolactam homopolymer.     

Interaction and Scale of Mixing in Cellulose Acetate/Poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-vinyl Pyrrolidone-co-vinyl Acetate) Blends

Binary blends and pseudo complexes of cellulose acetate (CA) with vinyl polymers containing N-vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) units, poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) [P(VP-co-VAc)], were prepared, respectively, by casting from mixed polymer solutions in N,N-dimethylformamide as good solvent and by spontaneous co-precipitation from solutions in tetrahydrofuran as comparatively poor solvent. The scale of miscibility and intermolecular interaction were examined for the blends and complexes by solid-state ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. It was revealed that the formation of complexes was due to a higher frequency of hydrogen-bonding interactions between the residual hydroxyl groups of CA and the carbonyl groups of VP residues in the vinyl polymer component. From measurements of CP/MAS spectra and proton spin-lattice relaxation times (T_1ρ^H) in the NMR study, the existence of the hydrogen-bonding interaction was also confirmed for the miscible blends and the homogeneity of the mixing was estimated to be substantially on a scale within a few nanometers.     

Observations on the dielectric anisotropy of solutions of flexible polymers in flow

Measurements of the increase in the relative permittivity for solutions of polystyrenes, poly(p-ethoxystyrene), poly(methyl methacrylate), and poly(N-vinyl carbazole) when subjected to shear gradients are reported. The influences of such factors as shear rate, concentration, viscosity, solvent permittivity, polymer dipole moment, and polymer molecular weight on the phenomenon are described. An empirical correlation for the diverse data obtained with polystyrenes and poly(p-ethoxystyrene) has been established, but this relation does not entirely match the theoretically predicted effects. We discuss the various physical processes which may have an influence on the observed phenomenon.     

Polymers containing quaternary ammonium groups based on poly(N-vinylimidazole)

A poly(N-vinylimidazole) (PNVI)—based poly(carboxybetaine) with two methylene groups between the opposite charges was achieved by the nucleophilic addition reaction of the mentioned aminic polymer to the carbon-carbon double bond of acrylic acid (AA). Treatment of poly(carboxybetaine) with concentrated HCl (2 N) for long time leads to the corresponding cationic polyelectrolyte. The poly(carboxybetaine) is soluble in both water and aqueous solutions of salts such as: LiCl, NaCl, NaHCO₃, CaCl₂, Na₂SO₄. In water and in the first three salts, poly(carboxybetaine) exhibits a non-polyelectrolyte behaviour (a linear dependence of reduced viscosities on polymer or salt concentration), while in the remaining two salts, a slight polyelectrolyte behaviour is observed. The cationic polyelectrolyte is soluble in water and aqueous solutions of LiCl, NaCl, CaCl₂ and NaHCO₃, except Na₂SO₄. It has a polyelectrolyte behaviour in all solutions. Also, the binding trends of the added salts by polymers are discussed.     

Electrooxidation of alcohols in an N-oxyl-immobilized rigid network polymer particles/water disperse system

The electrooxidation of alcohols in an aqueous disperse system with N-oxyl-immobilized poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) network polymer particles (PBZT_NT-N-Oxyl) as a disperse phase was performed successfully in a simple beaker-type undivided cell under a constant current condition to afford the corresponding ketones, aldehydes, and/or carboxylic acid in moderate to good yields. Recycle use of both the PBZT_NT-N-Oxyl particles and the aqueous media could be achieved successfully by immobilization of additional N-oxyl moiety on the polymer particles in an appropriate interval. Notably, the shape and the particle size of PBZT_NT-N-Oxyl were not appreciably changed even after 60 times recycle use.     

Conductivity and thermal behavior of proton conducting polymer electrolyte based on poly (N-vinyl pyrrolidone)

The polymer electrolytes based on poly N-vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and ammonium thiocyanate (NH₄SCN) with different compositions have been prepared by solution casting technique. The amorphous nature of the polymer electrolytes has been confirmed by XRD analysis. The shift in T_g values and the melting temperatures of the PVP-NH₄SCN electrolytes shown by DSC thermo-grams indicate an interaction between the polymer and the salt. The dependence of T_g and conductivity upon salt concentration have been discussed. The conductivity analysis shows that the 20 mol% ammonium thiocyanate doped polymer electrolyte exhibit high ionic conductivity and it has been found to be 1.7 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹, at room temperature. The conductivity values follow the Arrhenius equation and the activation energy for 20 mol% ammonium thiocyanate doped polymer electrolyte has been found to be 0.52 eV.     

Preparation of polymeric nanocapsules by radiation induced miniemulsion polymerization

In this research, polystyrene (PSt) nanocapsules with liquid cores were prepared by ⁶⁰Co γ-ray radiation induced miniemulsion polymerization, in which N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) was used as the polar monomer. The characterization of polymer was carried out by ¹H NMR. It was verified that during polymerization, graft copolymerization between poly (pyrrolidone) (PVP) and PSt had taken place instead of random copolymerization. The interfacial tension between polymer and water was reduced because of the grafting reaction that had occurred, which was helpful to form nanocapsules. The influence of the ratio of St to NVP, the type and amount of the surfactant and the monomer/dodocane ratio on the particle morphology was studied by TEM. Finally, the releasing process of the synthesized nanoparticles was monitored by UV-vis measurement.     

Radiation synthesis and characterization of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-N-vinyl 2-pyrrolidone) hydrogels

In this study, radiation synthesis and characterization of swelling behavior and network structure of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), and poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate-co-N-vinyl 2-pyrrolidone) (P(DMAEMA-co-VP)), hydrogels were investigated. PDMAEMA and P(DMAEMA-co-VP) hydrogels in the rod forms were prepared by irradiating the ternary mixtures of DMAEMA/VP/cross-linking agent, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), by gamma rays at ambient temperature. In composition ranges where the three components were completely miscible, water was also added to the ternary mixture to provide the formation of homogeneous polymerization and gelation. The influence of irradiation dose, comonomer, VP, and cross-linking agent, EGDMA, content on the total percentage gelation and monomer conversion were investigated. The effect of pH and temperature on the swelling behavior of hydrogels have also been examined. Hydrogels showed typical pH response and temperature responses, such as low-pH and low temperature swelling and high-pH and high temperature deswelling. Polymer-solvent interaction parameter (χ) and enthalpy and entropy changes appearing in the χ parameter for the P(DMAEMA-co-VP)-water system were determined by using Flory-Rehner theory of swelling equilibrium. The negative values for ΔH and ΔS indicate that prepared pure PDMAEMA and P(DMAEMA-co-VP) hydrogels have lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and Flory-Rehner theory of swelling equilibrium provides a satisfactory agreement to the experimental swelling data of the hydrogels.     

Investigation of complex formation between poly(N-vinyl imidazole) and various metal ions using the molar ratio method

The complex formation of poly(N-vinyl imidazole) (PVIm) with various metal ions was studied. UV-vis spectroscopy was employed to study the interaction of PVIm and metal ions in aqueous solution. Formation constants of PVIm-metal complexes were calculated by applying a “mole ratio” method. The stoichiometric ratios between polymer and metal ions were found to be␣4. The stability constants for the complexes of PVIm with bivalent transition metal ions were in agreement with the Irving-William series. The biggest formation constant was found for the PVIm-Cu²⁺ complex system. Received: 4 January 1999 Accepted in revised form: 1 February 1999     

Description of the turbidity measurements near the phase transition temperature of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) copolymers: the effect of pH, concentration, hydrophilic and hydrophobic content on the turbidity

Absorbance values between 300 and 800 nm of aqueous solutions of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-itaconic acid-9.80), poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-itaconic acid-52.05) and poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)s containing Tegomer H-Si 2111 end groups and/or blocks were measured using a Shimadzu 160-A UV-visible spectrometer. Turbidities obtained from these absorbance values were used to interpret the macromolecular phase transition from a hydrophilic to a hydrophobic structure of the polymers. The effects of comonomer type and content, concentration of the solutions, pH and temperature on the coil-globule transition were discussed in terms of turbidity form factor, β related to size and shapes of particles and calculated by using the simplified form of Debye equation.The results presented in this work show that the presence of Tegomer H-Si 2111 (Si containing end groups and/or blocks) or high amount of itaconic acid (IA) in the chains prevent a collapse transition from hydrated extended coils to hydrophobic globules, which aggregate and form a separate phase (β<2). Furthermore, it was observed that in the case of concentrated solutions intermolecular hydrophobic interactions between isopropyl groups overcame the repulsive forces resulting from the ionized carboxylic acid groups of IA or surface active nature of Si containing hydrophobic groups (β>2). This stage of the transition corresponds to macroscopic phase separation after an intramolecular process.     

Dilute solutions of polyelectrolytes—III. Unperturbed dimensions of poly(methylene) N,N-dimethylpiperidinium chloride) in aqueous and methanolic solutions in presence of tetraethylammonium bromide

The behaviour of poly(methylene N,N-dimethylpiperidinium chloride) in aqueous and methanolic solutions in the presence of tetraethylammonium bromide has been investigated by light scattering; the parameters characterizing the macromolecular chain have been calculated. Peculiar behaviour of the macromolecules in aqueous solutions was attributed to the influence of the simple electrolyte co-ion due to hydrophobic interactions.     

Electrochemical synthesis of a novel sulfonated polyaniline and its electrochemical properties

A novel N-substituted aniline, N-(4-sulfonicbutyryl)aniline was synthesized and subsequently to be electropolymerized to yield a new conductive polymer, poly(N-(4-sulfonicbutyryl)aniline). X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) of the polymer film was examined to propose the polymer molecular structure. The sulfonated polyaniline was also characterized by ¹H NMR, TGA, DTA, FTIR, and UV–vis spectra. The sulfonated polyaniline showed high conductivity in neutral aqueous solutions, which is two orders of magnitude higher than that of poly(N-acetylaniline) (PNAANI).