Temperature dependence of microhardness in the 70/30 polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluorethylene copolymer: New structural aspects of the curie transition

A combined X-ray diffraction and microhardness investigation of the 70/30 polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluorethylene copolymer was carried out as a function of temperature. The changes in microhardness are interpreted in terms of variations in lattice spacing of the ferro- and paraelectric phases, crystallinity and long period. The changes of microhardness with temperature show four distinct temperature regions. In addition to a low temperature range, in which microhardness decreases exponentially with temperature, the ferroparaelectric Curie transition involves a faster hardness decrease. At higher temperature, the sudden microhardness rise is ascribed primarily to an increase of crystal thickness within the remnant paraelectric phase. Near the melting point, the fusion of thinner crystals leads to a range in which microhardness decreases exponentially again.     

Thermochromism of poly-1-butene gels

Poly-1-butene gels in some solvents of benzene-derivatives show a colouring phenomenon. The colour changes from blue to yellow under irradiation of natural light as the temperature rises from the melting point of the solvent to the sol-gel transition temperature. The colouring phenomenon is due to selective scattering, but not to optical absorption. The apparent characteristics of the phenomenon resemble the thermochromism of cholesteric liquid crystals, although poly-1-butene itself is colourless and has no asymmetric carbons.     

Studies on the mechanisms of gelation of kappa-carrageenan and agarose

It has been established that hydrogen bonds control both gelation and helix formation completely in the case of agarose and partially in the case of kappa-carrageenan, the major role belonging in the latter case to the interactions of a polysaccharide with metal ions. Na⁺ and K⁺ ions form contact ion pairs with sulphate groups of kappa-carrageenan. It is supposed that an increase in the number of contact ion pairs together with association of macromolecules having unordered conformation, a decrease in the second virial coefficient, and a decrease in the refraction index increment (i.e., an increase in the solvation degree of dissolved particles) is a necessary condition for forming the kappa-carrageenan gel netwórk. A sufficient condition of kappa-carrageenan gelation is the intermolecular coordination binding of ions such as K⁺ ions, promoting gelation. The coil-to-helix transition of the polysaccharide is controlled by shielding the charge of kappa-carrageenan-sulphate groups. Hydrophobic interactions proved to be unessential for gelation of either agarose or kappa-carrageenan.     

Segmental orientation in entangled chains

Slip-link model of an entangled chain is used to calculate average orientation of chain segments. The results in the asymptotic regime of very long chains prove linear dependence of optical anisotropy on stress despite complex stress-strain relation. The linear stress-optical law is predicted both for a single chain and a model network subjected to uniaxial deformation. The calculated stress exhibits non-linearity in Mooney-Rivlin plot. Effects due to entanglements are proportional to assumed number of slip-links per chain.     

Swelling pressure equilibrium of physical networks in the field of an analytical ultracentrifuge

Investigations of the swelling pressure equilibria of a physical network are performed with an analytical ultracentrifuge. The advantage of this method is that in contrast to the known swelling pressure instruments, swelling pressures in a range of composition are obtained from only a single equilibrium experiment. The Schlieren optical system of the ultracentrifuge allows the observation of the concentration gradient during the process of deswelling and swelling, and furthermore, the detection of the gel concentration at every point. The system gelatin/water shows a different behavior than that expected from the theory of Flory-Huggins for a swollen random network. The measured curves of concentration vs. the swelling pressure intersect each other in case of low initial concentrations. This shows that these networks are inhomogeneous. A new method to measure and evaluate the Schlieren pattern is described.This paper was presented at the VI. Symposium on Analytical Ultracentrifugation, Marburg, FRG, February 16–17, 1989.     

Differential scanning calorimetric study of phase changes in poly(ethylene glycol) dodecyl ether-water systems

Phase changes in binary systems of poly(ethylene glycol) dodecyl ethers, C₁₂H₂₅(OC₂H₄)_xOH (x=5, 6 and 8) with water have been studied between –40 to 100 C by differential scanning calorimetry. A number of transitions, including the liquidliquid phase separation, were seen and the transition temperatures and enthalpy changes were determined. The observed temperatures were generally in good agreement with reported phase diagrams. In the C₁₂E₅ system, three of the four three-phase lines were seen and a more complete phase diagram is suggested for the water-rich part of the system. Most of the phase changes seen above 0 C are accompanied by small endothermic enthalpy changes of 0.7 to 0.9 kJ (mol C₁₂E_x)^–1, independent of system studied, type of transition and transition temperature. Water-rich solutions and liquid crystalline phases separate upon freezing into ice and crystals of hydrated amphiphile. Eutectics are developed at the following temperatures and compositions: C₁₂E₅ –3.0 C and 54 wt % C₁₂E₅; Q₂E₆ –4.5 C and 54 wt % C₁₂E₆, C₁₂E₈ –3.8 C and 49 wt % C₁₂E₈.     

Diffusion-based adhesive bonds between phases in fibrous composites

In this paper the mesophase developed between main phases in fibrous composites was studied assuming that it constitutes a diffuse boundary. This type of mesophase is normally developed in polymer-polymer adjacent phases and it it useful for the study of modern composites disposing a coupling agent between main phases. At the high temperature of reaction of phases during the casting process both neighboring phases are partly liquified, allowing a two-way movement of elements of either phase whose intensity and extent depends on the particular diffusion characteristics of either phase and the affinities between them.The characteristics of this diffusion reaction were studied and their influence on the development and the properties of the adhesion between phases were established, especially for fiber composites. Interesting results were derived concerning the extent of the diffusive mesophase and its mechanical properties, as well as its contribution on the global mechanical behavior of the composite. Finally, the results were found to be in agreement with previously established models.     

On Tanaka-Fillmore's kinetics swelling of gels

Tanaka and Fillmore treated the swelling of a gel as a process where a crosslinked polymer network having been initially under uniform stress is expanded by osmotic pressure, sucking up the surrounding fluid medium. We point out that their physical reasoning is unnatural and leads to an unacceptable conclusion; we propose a more sound approach to the same problem. Our treatment assumes that the gel network is extended not by the osmotic pressure of the gel, but rather by the swelling pressure which is generated by the excess fluid penetrating in against the real nature of a polymer network that tends to shrink. The diffusion equation of the fluid, hence, plays a dominant role and gives the distribution of fluid concentration in contrast to Tanaka-Fillmore's scheme. The expression for the distribution of local strain in a spherical gel is deduced from the relation of mechanical balance between two forces, the one is due to the elasticity of the network and the other due to the gradient in the chemical potential of the fluid. The results obtained have forms analytically similar to Tanaka-Fillmore's, but are differ in the physical meanings.     

Photochemically induced phase transitions in the system cetyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide-water containing N-methyl-N,N-diphenylamine

Phase transition temperatures from lyotropic liquid crystals to the isotropic micellar solution of the system cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-water (CTAB-H₂O) were measured in the presence of 0.1-0.9 weight % of N-methyl-N,N-diphenylamine (MPA). They were determined by optical and viscometric methods and were found to increase as a function of MPA concentration in solutions containing 21 and 23 weight % of CTAB. This effect was reversed when MPA was in situ photochemically converted to N-methylcarbazole, allowing photochemically induced phase transitions.     

Growth of polyethylene single crystals from the melt: change in lateral habit and regime I–II transition

Using the technique of extraction, single crystals have been obtained from polyethylene fractions isothermally crystallized from the melt at atmospheric pressure. It has been found that the lateral habit of single crystals changes in the vicinity of the transition temperature of growth regime (regime I–II): lenticular shape elongated in the direction of theb axis (type A) in the range of regime I and truncated lozenge with curved edges of {200} and {110} growth faces (type B) in that of regime II. The transition of lateral habit causes a drastic change in the width of {110} growth faces; {110} growth faces are well developed in type B crystals while they cannot be observed and must be very small in type-A crystals. It has been shown that the growth regime of the small {110} growth face of type-A crystals must be in regime I; hence the regime I–II transition can be explained as the result of this change in lateral habit (width of the {110} growth face).     

CPS LG 315 Correlation between the phase behavior of ternary systems and removal of oil in the washing process

The correlation between the phase behavior of aqueous solutions of nonionic surfactants and the removal of oil from fabrics has been determined. Model washing experiments with pure and technical grade nonionic surfactants indicated that, in the dispersion ranges of liquid crystals, oil removal is substantially more temperature-dependent compared to micellar or surfactant liquid phases. In this phase region, interfacial tension does not seem to play a substantial role. The results are discussed in terms of the macroscopic properties of mesophases.The publications on which this report is based were promoted with funds of the Federal German Ministry of Research and Technology (No. 03 C 219 2). However, the authors alone are responsible for its contents.     

Phase diagrams and structures of lecithin/water systems with branched lecithin components

The influence of chain branching on the phase transition parameters and structures of the homologous series of 1-(x-methylpalmitoyl)-2-hexadecyllecithins in the water-saturated two-phase region (50 wt.% water) were studied by differentialscanning-calorimetry as a function of the position x of methyl branching. With increasing x a linear decrease in the enthalpies and alternating temperatures of main transition were observed. The phase diagram of the ternary system 1-(3-methyl-palmitoyl)-2-hexadecyllecithin/1,2-dipalmitoyllecithin/water (50 wt.% water) showed that both components are completely miscible within the high-temperature phase (L -phase). However, in the low-temperature phase (gel phase), the components are partially miscible only. It follows that gel phases with interdigitated chains and those with tilted chains are not completely miscible. The phase diagram of the ternary system 1,2-di-(8-methylpalmitoyl)-lecithin/1,2-dipalmitoyllecithin/water (50 wt.% water) showed that both components are completely miscible within the high-temperature phase and low-temperature phase. Within the concentration range between the mole fraction x=0.91 and x=0.97, a drop-like course in the phase diagram was obtained.     

A study of the ageing of the gel structure in a nonionic O/W cream by X-ray diffraction,differential scanning calorimetry and spin-lattice relaxation measurements

The time dependent changes of the lamellar gel structure in a nonionic O/W cream were studied. It appeared that the changes were connected with alterations in the hydrophilic layers of this lamellar gel structure. The structure of the hydrocarbon layers did not change. The alterations were induced by an increasing hydration of the surfactant molecules on cooling from the preparation temperature to room temperature. Ageing of the cream involves a decrease of the thickness of the hydrophilic layers and a change of the distribution of the surfactant molecules, resulting in, among other things, a decrease of the release rate of a hydrophilic drug. Ageing of the cream can be prevented by using the appropriate amount of starting materials or by the use of polymerizable surfactants. In the former case a cream, from which a drug is slowly released, is obtained. On the other hand, creams containing polymerized surfactants can release drugs at a relatively high rate.     

New conducting polymers, 3. Doping,stability, electrical,and optical characteristics of poly-(P-phenylphosphoethynediyl)

Studies on direct-current electrical conductivity and optical properties of a new solution of processable conducting polymer are reported. Electrical conductivity of thin films of the polymer on glass plate at room temperature was 6×10⁻⁶ S/cm. Study of conductivity with variation of temperature does not provide any definite thermal activation energy, which is in accordance with the amorphous nature of polymer. Optical absorption data adopting the Bardeen equation showed that maximum ‘optical gap’ (E _g ) is 3.30 eV. Doping with Br₂-vapor was found to be only partially effective in decreasingE _g by 0.43 eV. The polymer was found to be quite stable under normal atmospheric conditions. Environmental stability of both undoped and doped polymer has been discussed. Part 2: [5]     

Adhesive effect of high density polyethylene gels on polyethylene moldings

Adhesive effect of polyethylene moldings by use of high density polyethylene gels in organic solvents such as decalin, tetralin, ando-dichlorobenzene was investigated by shearing tests, electron microscope, and DSC measurements. All of the gels showed such a strong adhesive strength over 36 kg/cm² that polyethylene plates of 3 mm in thickness gave rise to necking sufficient for practical use, when heated at 120 °C for 2 h. In particular, the gel in tetralin showed a strong adhesive strength when heated at 110 °C. It was found that adhesive strength increases with the heating temperature; the temperatures at which adhesive strength begins to increase differ depending on the type of polyethylene sample and solvent. It is apparent that polyethylene gels exhibit an adhesive effect when they are heated at higher temperatures than the gel melting temperatures, and that the closer the SP values of solvents used for the gelation are to the molded polyethylene, the stronger the adhesion of the polyethylene molding.     

Estimation of the critical micelle concentrations and the aggregation numbers of sodium alkyl sulfates by capillary-type isotachophoresis

The analytical procedure for the separation and quantification of bulk and micellar phases for sodium alkyl sulfates has been investigated by a capillary-type isotachophoresis using a potential gradient detector. Monomer solutions were distinguished from micellar solutions at pH 5.5–6.0; hydrochloric acid — L-Histidine mixture was used as the leading electrolyte and 2-(N-Morpholino) ethanesulfonic acid as the terminating electrolyte.The potential unit value (PU value) due to the monomer solutions was larger than that due to the micellar solutions. The zone length due to monomer solutions increased with increasing concentration of surfactant until a given concentration (CMC); beyond this point the values became constant. On the other hand, the zone length due to micellar solutions increased from this point. We report an applicability of capillary-type isotachophoresis to determination of the CMC's and aggregation number for various sodium alkyl sulfates.     

Some novel crystallization kinetic peculiarities in finely dispersing polymer blends

The morphology and the crystallization of blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) with polyamide-6 (PA-6), and with poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBTP), were investigated in detail by electron microscopy and by DSC. In some of the blends, the dispersed component exhibits rather small particle sizes and, followingly, a high number density of the dispersed particles which is in the order of magnitude of, or exceeds the number density of the usually nucleating heterogeneities. In these blends, the crystallization of the dispersed component proceeded in two steps, induced by different nucleating species (fractionated crystallization). The nuclei concentrations in the components and the specific interfacial energies of the PVDF nucleation steps were estimated. An unusual type of fractionated crystallization occurs in some cases: matrix and disperse phases crystallize completely coincident due to a specific mutual nucleating efficiency of both components. An estimation of the interfacial energies involved suggests a nucleating activity of PVDF crystals for PA-6. Moreover, a rise of the crystallization temperatures of the PA-6 and PBTP matrix phases is observed that may indicate a migration of nucleating impurities during melt processing from PVDF towards the second component.     

Adhesive effect of low-density polyethylene gels on polyethylene moldings

Adhesive effect of low density polyethylene (LDPE) gels in organic solvents such as decalin, tetralin, ando-dichlorobenzene on high density polyethylene (HDPE) moldings has been investigated by shearing tests, electron microscopy, and DSC measurements. When heated at 110°C for 2 h, all of the gels showed strong adhesive strengths around 30 kg/cm², which is sufficiently strong for practical uses. It has been found that the adhesive strength increases with the heating temperature and that the temperature at which the heated gel begins to exhibit the adhesive effect depends upon solvents and is about 30° lower than that of the HDPE gels.     

Morphology and mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polypropylene prepared by gelation/crystallization at various temperatures

Films of ultrahigh molecular weight (5.4×10⁶) polypropylene were produced by gelation/crystallization at various temperatures from dilute decalin solutions according to the method of Smith and Lemstra. The temperatures chosen were 20°, 30°, 50°, and 60°C. With increasing the temperature, the long period and crystallinity of the resultant gel film increased. By contrast, when the films were stretched up to 50 } 60 times, the increases in Young's modulus and crystallinity become more significant, as the temperature of the gelation/crystallization became lower. This interesting phenomenon is thought to be due to the dependence of the number of entanglements on the temperatures concerning gelation/crystallization and evaporation of solvent from the gel to form a film.     

The aggregation behavior of poly-(oxyethylene)-poly-(oxypropylene)-poly-(oxyethylene)-block-copolymers in aqueous solution

Aqueous solutions of blockcopolymers, consisting of a polyoxypropyleneblock (POP) with a polyoxyethylene-block (POE) at each side, were studied using surface and interfacial tension measurements, static and dynamic light scattering and smallangle neutron scattering techniques, electric birefringence, rheological and DSC-measurements. The compounds were commercial samples and had an approximate average composition EO₂₀PO₇₀EO₂₀, EO₁₈PO₅₈EO₁₈, and EO₁₀₆PO₆₉EO₁₀₆. All three compounds formed micelles above a critical concentration. The size of the micellar core is determined by the length of the hydrophobic poly-propyleneoxide block. The transfer energy of a propyleneoxide unit from the aqueous to the micellar phase is about 0.3 kT at room temperature and hence a quarter of the corresponding value for a CH₂-group.The aggregation number of the micelles increases strongly with increasing temperature while the hydrodynamic radius remains constant in first approximation. The smallangle neutron scattering (SANS) data show at higher concentrations a strong correlation peak. Both the SANS- and the light-scattering data can be interpreted on the basis of the theory of hard sphere particles.Solutions with a volume fraction beyond about 0.2 gellifie when the temperature is raised above a characteristic value that is at the lowest concentrations slightly above room temperature, shift to lower values with increasing concentrations. Below this gelation temperature DSC-measurements show a phase transition with enthalpies between 40J/g and 80J/g, which is probably due to the dehydration of the PO-groups; this transition can also be observed at low concentrations where no gelation takes place. The position of the correlation peak of the SANS-data is not affected by the gel formation. Some samples, however, show clear evidence of long-range order and seem therefore to consist of cubic liquid crystalline phases. The shear moduli of the gels can qualitatively be understood on the basis of hard sphere models.