Photodegradation of poly(neopentyl isophthalate) part I: Laboratory and outdoor conditions

In this paper the mechanisms of photodegradation of poly(neopentyl isophthalate) (PNI) in laboratory (Suntest XXL+, λ > 300 nm) and outdoor conditions are compared. Changes in the chemical composition were studied with ATR-FTIR, SEC and MALDI-ToF MS. Furthermore, the results were compared with data presented in our previous paper on PNI coatings that were aged in the UVACUBE (λ > 254 nm). Two main aspects of photodegradation of PNI are addressed in the present paper: the influence of different wavelengths and the comparison of laboratory and outdoor exposure regarding the mechanism of degradation. Under short (λ > 254 nm) and long (λ > 300 nm) wavelength irradiation similar products of degradation are formed. However, the presence of short wavelength radiation dramatically accelerates the overall rate of photodegradation of PNI. UV light absorption calculations confirm this experimentally found acceleration. Exposure of PNI in laboratory and outdoor conditions, both with wavelengths λ > 300 nm resulted in similar degradation products in the initial stage of ageing.     

Structural changes of poly(ethylene isophthalate) subjected to gamma irradiation

The results of studies of the physico-chemical changes of a polyester, poly(ethylene isophthalate), subjected to gamma irradiation up to 1 MGy, are reported. Viscometric measurements were carried out to monitor variations of the molecular weight. Changes in the amorphous fraction of the polymer were observed by means of differential scanning calorimetry. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used to show possible modifications of the free volume as a consequence of irradiation. The results allow us to conclude that the polymer shows a good resistance to radiation damage.     

Radiation-induced oxidation of solid poly(ethylene oxide). II. Mechanism

The mechanism of γ-initiated oxidation of solid poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) has been investigated, and an overall reaction scheme has been developed which accounts for most of the experimental observations. Data are correlated on the basis that the oxidation process is the sum of two reactions that are first-order and half-order in rate of initiation. They provide evidence that a significant fraction of the interactions of α-alkoxyalkylperoxy radicals is nonterminating at ambient temperature and yield free alkoxy radicals that are very subject to β scission. The unimolecular decomposition of secondary peroxy radicals, which has been invoked previously for the oxidation of PEO in solution, is not needed to explain the products of the oxidation of PEO in the solid phase. Approximately 90% of the total oxygen consumption has been accounted for by the observed products of oxidation. The radiochemical yield for backbone radical formation in irradiated PEO was estimated to be 6.5 ± 1.5.     

Organic thermal stabilizers for rigid poly(vinyl chloride). Part XI: Anthraquinone derivatives

Anthraquinone and 1-aminoanthraquinone derivatives have been examined as thermal stabilizers or co-stabilizers for rigid PVC in air, at 180 °C. Their high stabilizing efficiency is detected by their high induction period values (Ts) when compared with some of the common reference stabilizers used industrially such as dibasic lead carbonate, calcium-zinc soap and octyl tin mercaptide. Blending these organic stabilizers with some of the reference stabilizers in different ratios had synergistic effect on both the induction period and the dehydrochlorination rate.A probable mechanism for the stabilizing mode of these derivatives has been proposed. The stabilizing efficiency is attributed partially to the stabilizers' ability to intervene in the radical chain degradation process of PVC and to the replacement of the labile chlorine atoms on PVC chains by a relatively more stable moiety of the organic stabilizer.     

Mechanism of thermal stabilizers for poly(vinyl chloride). II. Synergistic effect of combination of metal soaps

The esterification of metal soaps, in the combination of zinc and calcium soaps, on poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has been carried out both in liquid and solid phase to determine why the reactivity of zinc soap decreases on addition of calcium soap, improving the long-run heat stability of PVC and causing the well-known synergism. It is suggested as the mechanism of synergism that metal soaps having low ionization-potential values, such as calcium soap, act as ester-exchangers of metal chlorides, such as zinc chloride, which is generated after the stabilization of PVC, and also decrease the reactivity of the zinc soap by forming a complex, as that of zinc soap—calcium soap. If a third material, such as organic ester silane, reacting as ester-exchanger on zinc chloride and preventing the formation of a zinc—calcium soap complex, is added to the system, these compounds have an excellent synergistic effect.     

New Saccharinato/Ammonia Complexes of Nickel(II) and Zinc(II). A Structural and Spectroscopic Study

Two new saccharinate/NH₃ complexes of composition [Ni(sac)₂(NH₃)₄] and [Zn(sac)₂(NH₃)₂] were obtained and their crystal structures determined by single crystal X‐ray diffractometry. The elongated octahedral Ni^II complex crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group with Z = 2 whereas the tetrahedral Zn^II complex is triclinic (space group and Z = 2). For [Ni(sac)₂(NH₃)₄] the magnetic moment and electron absorption spectrum were obtained and discussed. The infrared spectra of both complexes were also recorded and briefly commented.     

New synthetic routes to poly(isothianaphthene). II. Mechanistic aspects of the reactions of phthalic anhydride and phthalide with phosphorus pentasulfide

The results of some mechanistic studies on the formation of poly(isothianaphthene) from phthalic anhydride and phthalide by reaction with phosphorus pentasulfide (P₄S₁₀) are described. Based on the observed intermediates during the polymerization and their reactivity, it is proposed that both reactions occur by a sequence of substitution (thionation), isomerization, and polymerization reactions. P₄S₁₀ is the most efficient reagent for the conversion of phthalic anhydride and phthalide, and Lawesson's Reagent (a commonly used thionating reagent) gives less satisfactory results. It is suggested that P₄S₁₀ assists the rate-determining step. Oxygen-containing monomers do not polymerize in the absence of a thionating reagent under the conditions for the synthesis of PITN, thereby keeping the incorporation of oxygen into the polymeric backbone to a minimum. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Structural and dynamical studies of poly(vinyl alcohol) gels by high-resolution solid-state C NMR spectroscopy

The ¹³C CP/MAS NMR spectra of isotactic, syndiotactic and atactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gels were measured in order to clarify the structure of the immobile component of PVA gel. In the ¹³C CP/MAS NMR spectra, the three CH carbon peaks I, II and III (at about 77, 71 and 65 ppm) were clearly observed, which originate from the formation of strong intermolecular or intramolecular hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups like solid PVA. It has been assigned that these peaks originate from the crosslinked region in the gel state. On the basis of the experimental results, intermolecular hydrogen bonds play an important role in the formation of the crosslinked-region in the gel state. Further, the effect of PVA's tacticity on the amount of the crosslinked regions by intermolecular interactions was discussed. In addition, molecular motion in the immobile and mobile region of PVA gel was discussed through the observation of ¹³C spin-lattice relaxation time T₁.     

The conformational effect of form I helical poly(L-proline) and form II helical poly(L-proline) to the complex formation with helical poly(L-glutamic acid) through hydrogen bonding

The complex formation between helical poly-L-glutamic acid (PLGA) and helical poly-L-proline (PLP) was studied in a methanol-water (2 : 1) cosolvent and a propanol-water cosolvent (9 : 1). Reduced viscosity, circular dichroism, pH, and molar absorptivity were measured. The experimental results exhibit that the interpolymer complex was formed between helical PLGA and helical PLP through hydrogen bonding. When the complex was formed the unit mole ratio of PLGA : PLP(II) is 2 : 1 and PLGA : PLP(I) is 1.5 : 1, the ability of complex formation of PLP (II) with PLGA is better than that of PLP(I). On complexation the conformations of PLGA and PLP change and this change is more enhanced in the PLGA-PLP(II) than the PLGA-PLP(I) complex; its cause is studied. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Electron transfer at tetrahedral cobalt(II). Part V: kinetics of permanganate ion reduction

Summary The kinetics and mechanism of the reduction of MnO₄ ⁻ by CoW₁₂O₄O₆₋ in aqueous HC1O₄ were studied. The reaction follows the rate law:-d[MnO _inf4 ^sup− ]/dt = 5K _a k[H⁺][MnO _inf4 ^sup− ][CoW₁₂O₄O⁶⁻] with K _a = 2.99 × 10⁻³mol⁻¹ dm³ and k = 2.00 ± 0.02 × 10³dm⁶mol⁻²s⁻¹ at 25°C. Close agreement between k _obs and k _calc on the basis of Marcus theory suggest an outersphere mechanism operates. Alkali metal ions catalyse the reaction in the order K⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ and this result has been rationalized.     

Organic thermal stabilizers for rigid poly(vinyl chloride). Part XIII: Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxy-phenol)

Eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxy-phenol) has been examined as a thermal stabilizer and co-stabilizer for rigid PVC in air, at 180 °C. Its high stabilizing efficiency is detected by its high thermal stability value (Ts) when compared with some of the common reference stabilizers used industrially such as dibasic lead carbonate, calcium-zinc soap and octyl tin mercaptide.Blending this organic stabilizer with some of the reference stabilizers in different ratios had synergistic effect on both the induction period and the dehydrochlorination rate together with the longer extent of discolouration of PVC stabilized by eugenol as compared with the blank and the samples stabilized with reference commercial stabilizers.A probable mechanism for the stabilizing action of eugenol has been proposed. The stabilizing efficiency is attributed partially to the stabilizer's ability to intervene in the radical chain degradation process of PVC and to the replacement of the labile chlorine atoms on PVC chains by a relatively more stable moiety of the organic stabilizer.     

Properties and morphology of poly(L-lactide). II. Hydrolysis in alkaline solution

Hydrolysis of poly(L -lactide) (PLLA) films in 0.01N NaOH at 37°C was investigated by gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and polarizing optical microscopy. The change in molecular weight distribution and surface morphology of PLLA films during hydrolysis revealed that PLLA film hydrolysis in dilute alkaline solution proceeded mainly via the surface erosion mechanism. An insignificant dependence of the rate of weight loss per unit surface area on the PLLA film thickness also supported this conclusion. Etching of the outside of PLLA spherulites resulted in preferred hydrolysis of PLLA chains in the amorphous region. The disorientation of lamella and inhomogeneous erosion in the spherulites implied that hydrolysis of PLLA chains occurred predominantly in the amorphous region between the crystalline regions in the spherulites. The rate of weight loss per unit surface area decreased linearly with the increase in the initial crystallinity of PLLA film, while the radius of spherulites had practically no significant effect on the hydrolysis of PLLA film. The specific low molecular weight of PLLA chains produced by hydrolysis increased with the rise in annealing temperature of the PLLA film, suggesting that the PLLA chains released were the component of one fold in the crystalline region. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 59–66, 1998     

Tailored crystallization behavior,thermal stability,and biodegradability of poly(ethylene adipate): Effects of a biocompatible diamide nucleating agent

An eco-friendly linear organic diamide derivative (EBH) acting as a nucleating agent (NA) was incorporated into the biodegradable poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA) polyester to prepare a kind of new biocompatible composite. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement of PEA showed that crystallization temperature (T_c) and crystallization rate increased significantly and crystallization time (t) reduced markedly upon incorporation of EBH. The hydrogen bond interaction existed between PEA and EBH, resulting in the uniform dispersion of EBH in the PEA matrix. In the in situ FTIR test, PEA showed a higher crystallization rate during isothermal crystallization in the presence of EBH. The adjustment rate of the PEA –CO group in the presence of EBH was lower than that of the –C-O-C and –CH₂ groups, also caused by the hydrogen bond interaction between PEA and EBH. In the TG analysis, EBH enhanced the thermal degradation temperature of PEA. Enzymatic degradation of PEA slowed down upon incorporation of EBH. Mechanisms on the nucleation, increased thermal stability, and decreased enzymatic degradation rate of PEA in the presence of EBH have also been proposed and discussed.     

Polymerization products of p-benzoquinone as thermal stabilizers for rigid poly(vinyl chloride). Part II—Evaluation of the stabilizing efficiency

Quinone-tin polymers prepared by the cationic polymerization of p-benzoquinone with tin(II)chloride in the absence of solvent have been investigated as thermal stabilizers for rigid PVC at 180°C in air by measuring the rate of dehydrochlorination. The results reveal the higher stabilizing efficiency of these products relative to dibutyltin maleate, basic lead carbonate and barium-cadmium stearate stabilizers commonly used in industry. The induction period in the early stages of the dehydrochlorination process increases as a function of the metal content in the stabilizer molecule. The evidence indicates that the quinone and the metal part (

) of the stabilizer participate in the stabilization process by trapping the radical intermediates, as well as blocking the odd electron sites formed on the PVC chains. The mechanism of stabilization suggested to account for the results obtained supports a radical mechanism for the dehydrochlorination reaction.     

Study of amphiphilic poly(1-dodecene-co-para-methylstyrene)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol). Part II: Preparation and micellization behavior of the amphiphilic copolymers

Poly(1-dodecene-co-pMS) copolymers were brominated by HBr/H₂O₂ system with high selectivity at the methyl groups of pMS units. It was found that longer reaction time, higher pMS content, and lower molecular weight of the copolymers were helpful for higher degree of bromination. Through a modified Williamson ether synthesis, poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ethers (PEG) were grafted onto the brominated copolymers, and the amphiphilic poly(1-dodecene-co-pMS)-graft-PEG copolymers which can be readily dissolved in n-octane were successfully synthesized. Due to their amphiphilic characteristics, they can self-assemble spontaneously into reverse micelles in n-octane. Their micellization behaviors were investigated by fluorescence probe technique, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The critical micelle concentrations of the three copolymers in n-octane were determined at about 1.26 × 10⁻⁴, 1.58 × 10⁻⁴, and 1.95 × 10⁻⁴ g ml⁻¹ by fluorescence measurements. The morphologies of micelles were preliminarily explored by TEM and were found to be spheres.     

Degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) by u.v. radiation—II: Mechanism

The mechanism of the light-induced degradation of solid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) has been investigated, and an overall reaction scheme has been developed, based on values of the quantum yields for the primary photoproducts. Only a very small fraction (0.2%) of the excited polyenes induces the degradation of PVC, primarily by photocleavage of the allylic CCl bond. The high instability of β-chloroalkyl radicals is responsible for the chain dehydrochlorination that leads to formation of polyenes. In the absence of O₂, chain scissions and crosslinking are postulated to originate mainly from α-chloroalkyl radicals through β-cleavage of CC bonds and radical coupling, respectively. In the presence of O₂, the chain dehydrochlorination still proceeds, together with an oxidative chain process which yields, via peroxy and alkoxy radicals, hydroperoxides, ketones and peroxide crosslinks. Cleavage of the polymer backbone results most probably from the decomposition of tertiary alkoxy radicals by a carbon-carbon β-scission process.     

Synthesis and degradation of polyurethanes containing phosphorus—Part II: Thermal degradation of poly(butylene phenylphosphonate) and poly(butylene phenylphosphonate) bis(phenylcarbamate)

The principal characteristics and products of thermal degradation of an oligomeric phosphorus containing polyol, poly(butylene phenylphosphonate) (I), and the same compound endcapped with phenyl isocyanate, poly(butylene phenylphosphonate) bis(phenylcarbamate) (II) were studied. (I) and (II) are precursors of a high molecular weight phosphorus containing polyurethane.The products from (I) were butadiene, tetrahydrofuran, dihydrofuran, water, the cyclic ester of phenylphosphonic acid and 1,4-butanediol, phenylphosphonic acid and a linear diester of phenylphosphonic acid and butane diol. The residue at 550°C incorporated pyrophosphonic acid links. All these products were also formed from (II) with the addition of carbon dioxide and aniline.The products and characteristics of the reactions have been accounted for in terms of acceptable processes.     

Polymeric catalysis: Imidazoles grafted onto poly(vinylamine). II. Kinetics of the esterolysis of activated phenyl esters

In the previous paper, some ω-(1-imidazolyl) and ω-[4(5)-imidazolyl]alkanoic acids were synthesized and grafted onto poly(vinylamine). These water soluble catalysts of varying apolarity contain both hydrophobic and electrostatic binding sites for neutral and charged substrates. The influence of side chain length, percent graft, and the substitution in the imidazole ring are described. The grafts possessing the longer side chains and lesser apolar weight were more efficient catalysts than the grafts containing numerous short side chains and greater apolar weight. These grafts exhibited slower rates than poly[4(5)-vinylimidazole].