Thermodegradation of isomeric polybutylmethacrylates

The thermodegradation of polybutylmethacrylates synthesized from all four isomers of butyl methacrylate has been investigated by TG and DTA methods in oxidative, inert and self-generating atmospheres. It was established that the influence of the atmosphere surrounding the polymer on the temperature characteristics of the samples depends on the degree of branching of the substituents in the polybutylmethacrylate (PBMA). It is assumed that the difference in thermodegradation of isomeric polybutylmethacrylates is related to the difference in the degree of substitution of the α-carbon in the ester substituent.     

Dynamic light scattering from spherical particles

The dynamic light scattering behavior of poly(butylmethacrylate) PBMA microgels and of kappa-casein micelles is compared with that from hard sphere latex particles. The latex particles and the kappa-casein micelles exhibited a single exponential decay of the time correlation function (TCF). For the microgels, progessively stronger deviations from a single exponential were observed as the scattering angle was made larger. These deviations are interpreted as being the result of internal modes of motion. From measurement of the first cumulant of the TCF, extrapolated towards zero angle, the translational diffusion coefficients D were determined, and the hydrodynamically effective radii were calculated via the Stokes-Einstein relationship. The ratio of the radius of gyration to the hydrodynamic radius was found to be?=0.775+0.012 for the latex particles, in good agreement with theory. The microgels, however, exhibit much lower?-parameters of 0.49 to 0.58, while the kappa-casein micelles showed the opposite behavior with values between 1.1 and 2.5. The results are interpreted on the basis of the DebyeBueche and Deutsch-Felderhof theory for porous spheres.     

Structural and thermal properties of HDPE/n-AlN polymer nanocomposites

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) containing various volume fractions (0–20 vol%) of aluminum nitride nanoparticles (n-AlN) is prepared by melt mixing. Structural and morphological characterizations of the prepared composites are carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Thermal stability and degradation kinetics of HDPE/AlN (nano) composites are investigated by Thermogravimetric analysis (TG). HR-TEM micrographs confirm fairly uniform dispersion of AlN nanoparticles, as well as the existence of long interconnected chain-like aggregates. AFM images also confirm homogeneous dispersion of n-AlN in the polymer matrix. Roughness analysis from the AFM data indicates the presence of substantial undulation from the mean surface level. Thermogravimetric data indicate small improvement in the thermal stability of the composites. Kinetic parameters, viz., the activation energy (E _a), frequency factor (A), and reaction order (n) are estimated using the isoconversional methods of Kissinger, Flynn–Wall–Ozawa (FWO), KAS, and Friedman. Activation energies (E _a) calculated by the above four models display nearly similar features and are enhanced by the presence of AlN nanoparticles. Kinetics of degradation of HDPE-AlN (nano) composites follows a first-order reaction.     

Heat of reaction and curing of epoxy resin

The heat of reaction and kinetics of curing of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) type of epoxy resin with catalytic amounts of ethylmethylimidazole (EMI) have been studied by differential power-compensated calorimetry as a part of the program for the study of process monitoring for composite materials. The results were compared with those from 1∶1 and 1∶2 molar mixtures of DGEBA and EMI. A method of determination of heat of reaction from dynamic thermoanalytical instruments was given according to basic thermodynamic principles. The complicated mechanism, possibly involving initial ionic formation, has also been observed in other measurements, such as by time-domain dielectric spectroscopy. The behavior of commercially available DGEBA resin versus purified monomeric DGEBA were compared. The melting point of purified monomeric DGEBA crystals is 41.4 °C with a heat of fusion of 81 J/g. The melt of DGEBA is difficult to crystallize upon cooling. The glass transition of purified DGEBA monomer occurs around ?22 °C with aΔC _p of 0.60 J/K/g.     

Preparation of Cu (II)/PEI–QPEI/SiO2 nanopowder as antibacterial material

The silica nanoparticles were prepared by the sol–gel process, and then twice modified and grafted by polyethylenimine (PEI) on their surface. After quaternary ammonium reaction and chelated copper reaction, the PEI/SiO₂, QPEI/SiO₂, PEI–QPEI/SiO₂ and Cu (II)/PEI–QPEI/SiO₂ nanopowders were obtained in turn. The morphology and structure of the products were characterized through SEM, EDX, HRTEM, FTIR and element analysis. At the same time, the antibacterial activity of the products to E. coli and Candida were evaluated through quantification and qualitative ways, e.g. microcalorimetric method and culture dish method. The results suggested that the Cu (II)/PEI–QPEI/SiO₂, a novel three-component functional nanopowder, presented the best antibacterial activity to both E. coli and Candida duo to the synergistic sterilization capability of the ammonium salt and copper ions, compared with other products. It indicated that the Cu (II)/PEI–QPEI/SiO₂ nanopowder could be a novel antibacterial nanomaterial to widely application in preventing and minimizing bacteria of the organism and environment in future.     

Determination of the Avrami exponent of partially crystallized polymers by DSC- (DTA-) analyses

This paper presents a new method for a rapid determination of the Avrami exponentn by nonisothermal thermoanalytic analysis (DSC and DTA, resp.). Contrary to conventional techniques this method can be used in the entire temperature range and therefore it is applicable to polymers crystallizing from the melt. The proposed technique is applied to injection moulded low density polyethylene (LDPE), injection moulded high density polyethylene (HDPE), unpigmented extruded polypropylene (PP_unpigm.) and pigmented extruded polypropylene (PP_pigm.). The resulting values for the Avrami exponentsn _LDPE～2.9,n _HDPE～1.3, \(n_{PP_{unpigm} }\) ～2.2 and \(n_{PP_{pigm} }\) ～ 2.1 derived by crystallization from the melt were compared with isothermal measurements and with results given by other authors.     

On the determination of HCl+ (A,v′) vibrational populations from HCl+ (A→X) fluorescence spectra: direct comparison between photoionization and penning ionization

Using a beam apparatus, we have measured the HCl⁺ (A,v′→X,v″) fluorescence spectra of HCl⁺ (A,v′) ions formed in HeI (58.4 nm), and NeI (73.6 nm) photoionization and, for the first time, in He (2³ S) Penning ionization under single collision conditions with a wavelength bandwidth around 1 nm. In addition, we have studied Ne (3s ³ P _{2, 0}) Penning ionization of HCl at three different collision energies. The procedure and the problems in extracting HCl⁺ (A,v′) vibrational populations from the data are discussed in some detail. Thedirect comparison of photoionization and Penning ionization data allows definitive conclusions to be drawn on the question whether final state interactions in the Penning reaction change the “nascent” vibrational population (determined by electron spectrometry); for He (2³ S)+HCl, such changes are shown to be absent within the experimental uncertainty (<±10%). For Ne (3s ³ P _{2, 0})+HCl, the HCl⁺ (A,v′=0, 1) populations are also found to be close to those measured by electron spectrometry and essentially independent of collision energy in the range 34–96 meV. From measurements of the fluorescence intensity as a function of HCl density, we have evidence for a fast loss of HCl⁺ (A,v′) ions in collisions with HCl (rate constant around 5·10^?9 cm³s^?1).     

A core-shell surface magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers with fluorescence for λ-cyhalothrin selective recognition

In this study, we report here a general protocol for making core-shell magnetic Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-MPS/MIPs (MPS = 3-(methacryloxyl) propyl trimethoxysilane, MIPs = molecularly imprinted polymers, Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-MPS as core, MIPs as shell) via a surface molecular imprinting technique for optical detection of trace λ-cyhalothrin. The fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer shell was first prepared by copolymerization of acrylamide with a small quantity of allyl fluorescein in the presence of λ-cyhalothrin to form recognition sites without doping. The magnetic Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-MPS/MIPs exhibited paramagnetism, high fluorescence intensity, and highly selective recognition. Using fluorescence quenching as a detecting tool, Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-MPS/MIPs were successfully applied to selectively and sensitively detect λ-cyhalothrin, and a linear relationship could be obtained covering a wide concentration range of 0–50 nM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9962 described by the Stern-Volmer equation. The experimental results of practical detection revealed that magnetic Fe₃O₄/SiO₂-MPS/MIPs as an attractive recognition element was satisfactory for determination of trace λ-cyhalothrin in honey samples. This study, therefore, demonstrated the potential of MIPs for detection of λ-cyhalothrin in food.     

Penning ionization electron spectrometry of hydrogen chloride

An electron spectrometric study has been performed on HCl using metastable helium and neon atoms as well as neon resonance photons. High resolution electron spectra were obtained with two different beam apparatuses for a mixed He(2¹ S, 2³ S) beam, a pure He(2³ S) beam, and, for the first time, state-selected pure Ne(3s ³ P ₂) and pure Ne(3s ³ P ₀) beams, and for NeI resonance photons. For the system He(2³ S)+HCl the vibrational populationsP(υ′) of the formed HCl⁺ (X ²∏ _i , υ′) and HCl⁺ (A ²Ω⁺, υ′) ions are found to differ from the Franck-Condon factors for unperturbed potentials, indicating slight bond stretching in HCl upon He(2³ S) approach. For He(2¹ S)+HCl the vibrational peak shapes and vibrational populations are substantially different from the He(2³ S) case, pointing to an additional, charge exchanged interaction (He⁺+HCl^?) in the entrance channel of the former system. For the first time, we have detected the electrons in both the He(2¹ S)+HCl and He(2³ S)+HCl spectra associated with the major mechanism for the formation of Cl⁺ ions: energy transfer to repulsive HCl** Rydberg states, dissociating toH(1s) and autoionizing Cl**(¹ D ₂ nl) atoms. For both Ne(³ P ₂)+HCl and Ne(³ P ₀)+HCl, the populationsP(υ′) of both final molecular states HCl⁺ (X, A) agree closely with the Franck-Condon factors at the average relative collision energyē _coll=55 meV and, for HCl⁺ (A ²Ω⁺), also atē _coll=130 meV.     

Liquidus and glass transition temperatures of the ammonium nitrate-dimethylsulfoxide-water system

The liquidus temperature was measured in the ammonium nitrate-dimethylsulfoxide-water system over in the concentration range 0–60 mole% ammonium nitrate. The probable formation of the NH₄NO₃·nDMSO solvate with n=1.3–1.5 and the mixed solvate NH₄NO₃·DMSO·H₂O at 30 mole% ammonium nitrate and a DMSO:H₂O ratio of 4∶1 are indicated. The glass transition temperatures T _g were measured over a salt concentration range of 0–50 mol% ammonium nitrate and at various compositions of the mixed solvent (y _DMSO =0.1–0.9 mole fraction). At a constant mixed solvent composition, the dependence of the glass transition temperature on the salt concentration can be approximated by a linear relationship, as can its dependence on the DMSO content in the solution at constant salt concentration. The glass-forming composition regions were found and the limits of this region are discussed.     

Impairing effect of fibrinogen on the mono-/bi-layer form of bovine lung surfactant

Lung surfactant (LS), a lipid–protein mixture responsible for alveolar stability, is inhibited by serum proteins leaked into the lungs in disease. Interaction of bovine lipid extract surfactant (BLES), a clinical replacement lung surfactant, with serum protein fibrinogen (Fbg) was studied employing various structural and biophysical techniques in adsorbed films and bulk bilayer dispersions. Surface tension area isotherms of the adsorbed films revealed the suppression of interfacial activity of BLES by Fbg (adsorption and surface tension reduction). Fbg, predominantly associated with the fluid phase of BLES films, resulted in the aggregation of the gel lipid domains as evidenced by atomic force microscopy. BLES bilayer dispersion showed phase transition from a diffused gel to liquid–crystalline phase in the temperature range 10–35 °C as studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fbg resulted in the shift of peak to a higher transition temperature for the maximal heat flow (T _max) of BLES dispersions. Combined Raman and FTIR spectral studies of the BLES/Fbg dispersions revealed that Fbg altered the –CH₂–, –CH₃, and –PO₄ ^? vibrational modes of the phospholipids present in BLES, suggesting the condensing and dehydrating effect of the protein on surfactant. Studies suggest that Fbg, by directly interacting with the gel lipids in LS in bulk dispersions, alter the packing of the films formed at the interface, and can be used as a specific model for lung disease.     

Thermal decomposition of polymethylmethacrylate synthesized with anionic catalysts

TG and DTA data are used to show that the thermal decomposition of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) synthesized with anionic catalysts depends on the nature of the catalyst. It is found that the thermal stability of PMMA obtained by using anionic amide catalysts is higher than that of radical PMMA and of PMMA obtained with other anionic catalysts, and depends on the temperature of polymerization and on the molecular weight of the polymer.     

Preparation and properties of insoluble forms of bacteriophage T4 lysozyme and chicken egg white lysozyme

Bacteriophage T4 lysozyme and chicken egg white lysozyme were covalently bound to cyanogen bromide activated Sepharose and to glutaraldehyde activated polyacrylhydrazido-Sepharose. The latter method seemed less favorable for T4 lysozyme, since the poly-acrylhydrazido-agarose conjugate exhibited low activity compared to the agarose conjugate. Whole bacteria (M.luteus and chloroform-treatedE. coli B cells) and the soluble uncross-linked peptidoglycan polymer fromM. luteus were used as substrates. Both types of conjugates exhibited low specific activity (lytic activity) toward insoluble substrates (cells), but surprisingly high specific activity toward the soluble substrate (hydrolytic activity). Product analysis showed that the enzyme conjugates retained their specificity of action, i.e., the same products were formed, and their rates of production were the same as those observed with the soluble (native) enzyme. The cell wall disaccharide-tetrapeptide GlcNAc-MurNAc-L-ala-D-gIu-(A₂pm-D-Ala) (C₆) inhibits the hydrolytic activity of both the native and the agarose bound T4 lysozyme. Only a slightly increased thermal stability was observed upon immobilization of T4 lysozyme, whereas the stability of the enzyme during storage and handling was greatly improved. The pH optimum of the lytic activity of Sepharose-T4 lysozyme was shifted about 1 pH unit to the alkaline side, compared to that found for the soluble enzyme, whereas no pH shift was observed for the polyacrylhydrazido-Sepharose conjugate. The optimum of the hydrolytic activity of Sepharose-T4 lysozyme was shifted to the acidic side. The pH optima of the lytic activity of the various lysozymes toward the bacterial cells were all very similar (>7), and differed greatly from the pH optima (<6) observed for their hydrolytic activities toward the negatively charged soluble peptidoglycan polymer. It is proposed that the observed differences in pH optima primarily reflect the basically different properties measured, i.e., the β(1–4) cleaving activity (hydrolytic activity), and dissolution process of the damaged cells (lytic activity).     

DSC study of thermal decomposition of peroxide and azo derivative mixtures in the presence of LDPE

The thermal decompositions of azodicarbamide (AZDICA), 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), benzoyl peroxide (Bz₂O₂), dicumyl peroxide (DICUP) andα, α′-bis(t.-butylperoxy)-m/p-diisopropylbenzene (PEROXIMON F) in binary and ternary mixtures containing low density polyethylene (LDPE) have been studied by means of DSC alone. Binary mixtures including 2% by weight of Bz₂O₂ or DICUP develop a decomposition heat of 64.2 and 59.1 J/g mixture, respectively. These values are higher than those measured for the decomposition of the pure peroxides. In all the ternary mixtures studied, containing LDPE, a peroxide and an azoderivative, the absolute enthalpic values attributed to the peroxide are lower than those obtained from the LDPE-peroxide mixtures. The enthalpy changes observed have been interpreted on the basis of interactions of the peroxide radicals with the polymer support and with the azo derivative.     

On synthesis of Fe2SiO4/SiO2 and Fe2O3/SiO2 composites through sol–gel and solid-state reactions

Major processing factors in forming Fe₂SiO₄/SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃/SiO₂ powders via sol–gel synthesis followed by solid-state reactions are investigated. The results clearly indicate that the chemical compositions of the precursors, the ratio of the precursors, the nature of the catalyst used, and the gas atmosphere during solid-state reactions can all affect the outcome of the reaction product(s). The formation of Fe₂SiO₄/SiO₂ is enhanced by using the precursor iron(III) acetylacetonate as the Fe source with the precursor ratio of iron(III) acetylacetonate to tetraethyl orthosilicate being 1:1 and the addition of formic acid. Otherwise, crystalline Fe and Fe₃C are formed in place of Fe₂SiO₄. By altering the gas atmosphere during solid-state reactions from argon to oxygen, the reaction products change from Fe₂SiO₄/SiO₂ to Fe₂O₃/SiO₂. All of the observed phenomena can be rationalized via the degree of mixing of the Fe–O and Si–O domains at the molecular level in the gel network during sol–gel reactions and the presence of a reducing or oxidizing atmosphere during the solid-state reaction.     

Fluorescent protein-based FRET sensor for intracellular monitoring of redox status in bacteria at single cell level

Monitoring of intracellular redox status in a bacterial cell provides vital information about the physiological status of the cell, which can be exploited in several applications such as metabolic engineering and computational modeling. Fluorescent protein-based genetically encoded sensors can be used to monitor intracellular oxidation/reduction status. This study reports the development of a redox sensor for intracellular measurements using fluorescent protein pairs and the phenomenon of Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). For the development of the sensor, fluorescent proteins Citrine and Cerulean were genetically modified to carry reactive cysteine residues on the protein surface close to the chromophore and a constructed FRET pair was fused using a biotinylation domain as a linker. In oxidized state, the FRET pairs are in close proximity by labile disulfide bond formation resulting in higher FRET efficiency. In reducing environment, the FRET is diminished due to the increased distance between FRET pairs providing large dynamic measurement range to the sensor. Intracellular studies in Escherichia coli mutants revealed the capability of the sensor in detecting real-time redox variations at single cell level. The results were validated by intensity based and time resolved measurements. The functional immobilization of the fluorescent protein-based FRET sensor at solid surfaces for in vitro applications was also demonstrated. Graphical Abstract

Schematic representation of FRET-based redox sensor     

Electron attachment to HCl clusters

Negatively charged cluster ions of hydrogen chloride are formed by electron attachment to HCl clusters, which are produced in a seeded supersonic beam traversing a sustained gas discharge. Cluster ions of (HCl) _n ^? , withn=2, and tentatively withn=3 and 4 are observed. Cluster ions like Cl _n ^? , Cl _n ^? (HCl) _m , and withAr attached to them are also seen. The relevance to radiation chemistry of HCl if briefly discussed. Atoms evaporating from the hot, thoriated tungsten filament of the glow discharge lead to clusters such as Th _n ^? and its oxides.     

Rheological response and small-angle neutron-scattering study of diester-bonded cationic biodegradable gemini surfactants in presence of different additives

Morphological changes and internal packing arrangements of planar dicationic-ester-bonded biodegradable gemini surfactants ethane-1, 2-diyl-bis(N,N-dimethyl-N-alkylammonium acetoxy) dichlorides (m-E2-m) have been explored by exploiting small-angle neutron-scattering (SANS) measurements. The data have been analyzed on the basis of Hayter and Penfold model for macroion solutions to obtain information about the aggregation behavior at the molecular level. The extent of micellar growth and structural changes of the micelles formed by these surfactants have been found to depend on the number of methylene units in their tail length. The growth and variation of micellar shape are more pronounced for the surfactant with longer tail length (m?=?16), whereas the surfactants with shorter tail length showed less variation of these properties in aqueous solution. Semi-major axes of the micelles show flexibility while varying the concentration and temperature of the systems; however, semi-minor axes remain rigid. Changes in the structural parameters of the micelles with addition of different salts were also inferred from SANS measurements. The intensity of scattered neutrons at the low Q region was found to increase while varying the nature of salt from monovalent to trivalent. On the basis of rheological responses, the rich aggregation behavior resulting from the addition of sodium salicylate (NaSal) is attributed to the special molecular structure of the gemini surfactant and the appropriate interaction between the surfactant and NaSal. This is inferred on the basis of behavior observed by varying the chain length (m) of the gemini surfactant that resulted in the formation of different types of microstructures.     

Kinetics and possible mechanism of hydrogen chloride oxidation over supported copper-containing salt catalysts: I. Kinetics of HCl oxidation in the deacon and methane oxychlorination reactions over a copper-potassium salt catalyst

The kinetics of HCl oxidation at 350–425°C over a (CuCl₂-KCl)/support catalyst in two complementary processes—Deacon and methane oxychlorination reactions—has been investigated using a gradientless technique. This has allowed the range of \(P_{Cl_2 }\) in the reaction mixture to be markedly extended. New kinetic features of HCl oxidation under conditions such that this process does and does not depend on P _HCl have been discovered. The kinetic equations obtained in this study fit experimental data in a wider range of conditions than the equations proposed earlier. The results of this study suggest the existence of two HCl oxidation pathways in the Deacon reaction.     

Solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method optimization for characterization of surface adsorption forces of nanoparticles

A complete characterization of the different physico-chemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) is necessary for the evaluation of their impact on health and environment. Among these properties, the surface characterization of the nanomaterial is the least developed and in many cases limited to the measurement of surface composition and zetapotential. The biological surface adsorption index approach (BSAI) for characterization of surface adsorption properties of NPs has recently been introduced (Xia et al. Nat Nanotechnol 5:671–675, 2010; Xia et al. ACS Nano 5(11):9074–9081, 2011). The BSAI approach offers in principle the possibility to characterize the different interaction forces exerted between a NP's surface and an organic—and by extension biological—entity. The present work further develops the BSAI approach and optimizes a solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME/GC-MS) method which, as an outcome, gives a better-defined quantification of the adsorption properties on NPs. We investigated the various aspects of the SPME/GC-MS method, including kinetics of adsorption of probe compounds on SPME fiber, kinetic of adsorption of probe compounds on NP's surface, and optimization of NP's concentration. The optimized conditions were then tested on 33 probe compounds and on Au NPs (15 nm) and SiO₂ NPs (50 nm). The procedure allowed the identification of three compounds adsorbed by silica NPs and nine compounds by Au NPs, with equilibrium times which varied between 30 min and 12 h. Adsorption coefficients of 4.66?±?0.23 and 4.44?±?0.26 were calculated for 1-methylnaphtalene and biphenyl, compared to literature values of 4.89 and 5.18, respectively. The results demonstrated that the detailed optimization of the SPME/GC-MS method under various conditions is a critical factor and a prerequisite to the application of the BSAI approach as a tool to characterize surface adsorption properties of NPs and therefore to draw any further conclusions on their potential impact on health. Graphical Abstract

The basic principle of SPME/GC-MS method for characterization of nanoparticles surface adsorption forces