Synthesis of functionalized α-zirconium phosphate modified with intumescent flame retardant and its application in poly(lactic acid)

A novel functionalized α-zirconium phosphate (F-ZrP) modified with intumescent flame retardant was synthesized by co-precipitation method and characterized. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/F-ZrP nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending method. The thermal stability and combustion behavior of PLA/F-ZrP nanocomposites were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL-94), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and cone calorimeter test (CCT). The results showed that the addition of flame retardant F-ZrP slightly affect PLA's thermal stability, but significantly improve the flame retardancy of PLA composites. In comparison with neat PLA, the LOI value of PLA/F-ZrP was increased from 19.0 to 26.5, and the UL-94 rating was enhanced to V-0 as the loading of F-ZrP at 10%. SEM results suggested the introduction of F-ZrP in the PLA system can form compact intumescent char layer during burning. All these results showed that the F-ZrP performed good flame retardancy for PLA.     

XPS characterization ofγ-zirconium phosphate and of some of its intercalation compounds. A comparison with the α-zirconium phosphate analogues

An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic investigation of-Zr (HP0₄)₂·2 H₂O and its intercalation compounds with 1,10-phenanthroline, Co²⁺-phenanthroline and Cu²⁺-phenanthroline is described. The analysis of theNls spectra of the compound containing only phenanthroline clearly shows that, on average, more than one nitrogen atom of the diamine interacts with the acid groups of the host, giving protonated species. XPS also provides evidence of the coordination of Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions after their diffusion in the phenanthroline--zirconium phosphate intercalation compound. They form mixed N-and O-coordinated species with the diamine and the oxygens of the interlayer region, but the presence of the characteristic peaks of uncoordinated phenanthroline, even at low intensity, shows that the diamine molecules anchored to the host are still present.A comparison is made with the analogous derivatives of -Zr (HPO₄)₂·H₂O and the differences between the two series of compounds are discussed.     

The effect of Fe(II) ions on the 1,10-phenanthroline and neocuproine intercalates of γ-zirconium phosphate

1,10-Phenanthroline (phen), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (neocuproine), and 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline have been intercalated between layers of -zirconium phosphate (-ZrP). The observed interlayer distances are not a simple function of the size of guest molecules. Despite the fact that -ZrP takes up very few Fe²⁺ ions, the phen and neocuproine intercalates do take up some Fe²⁺ ions without further changes in the interlayer distances. The chemical environments around Fe²⁺ ions between layers of the intercalates were investigated by⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. A fairly large fraction of the Fe²⁺ ions was found to be in a high-spin state. The low-spin [Fe(phen)₃]²⁺ ions are also ion exchanged on -ZrP, with the expansion of the interlayer up to 19.9 Å.     

Preparation and properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate nanocomposite films

In this work, poly(vinylalcohol)(PVA)/exfoliated α-zirconium phosphate(e-α-ZrP) nanocomposites of various compositions were created by a solution casting method. The α-ZrP compound was synthesized by refluxing. The characteristic properties of the PVA/e-α-ZrP composite films were examined by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile tests. Tensile tests indicated that with the loading of e-α-ZrP, the tensile strength and the elongation at break were increased by 17.3% and 26.6% compared to neat PVA, respectively. It is noteworthy that optimum film properties were obtained with 0.8 wt% e-α-ZrP, and higher proportions of e-α-ZrP, may be related to the aggregation of e-α-ZrP particles and deterioration of the film properties. On the whole, the nanocomposite PVA/e-α-ZrP systems had mechanical and thermal properties which were superior to that of the neat polymer and its conventionally filled composites.     

Preparation and characterization of microspheres based on blend of poly(lactic acid) and poly(ɛ-caprolactone) with poly(vinyl alcohol) as emulsifier

In this paper, microspheres were prepared by oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation method. Biodegradable polymer such as blend of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) with certain compositions and characteristics was used to prepare the microspheres with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as an emulsifier. This study observed the microspheres particle’s size distribution at various concentrations of PVA (1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% PVA). The PVA volume variations effects during the process (50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mL) were also observed. The blend of PLA and PCL is formed only by physical interaction between them. This can be seen from the FTIR spectrum which shows both PLA and PCL component. The microspheres physical size and appearance were observed by optical microscope (MO). The overall results of this study showed that the formula which used 50–150 mL of 2.5% polyvinyl alcohol produced the microspheres with the most uniform size distribution.     

Effect of halloysite nanotubes on the thermal degradation behaviour of poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) microfibrillar composites

This paper reports on the thermal degradation behaviour and kinetics of halloysite nanotubes containing microfibrillated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends. It was found that the nanotubes probably catalyzed the PLA degradation, and that the free radicals formed during the PLA degradation initiated PCL degradation at lower temperatures, maybe in combination with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) catalysis. Drawing to form microfibrillated nanocomposites had little influence on the degradation behaviour of these materials, but pre-mixing of the HNT with PLA or PCL prior to melt-mixing and extrusion-drawing of the blends did influence the degradation behaviour, but in different ways. No evidence could be found that the presence and amount of HNT, or the mode of preparation, had an influence on the degradation mechanism, as evidenced through a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the degradation products.     

Enzymatic hydrolysis by Humicola lanuginosa lipase of poly(lactic acid)–poly(glycolic acid) monolayers

 The enzymatic hydrolysis by Humicola lanuginosa lipase (HLL) of spread insoluble monolayers of poly (α-hydroxy acid)s with various molecular weights and various lactic–glycolic molar ratios was studied using a barostat surface balance. The interfacial hydrolysis under enzyme action leads to the progressive fragmentation of the polymer molecules. The appearance at the interface of charged insoluble fragments was detected by measuring the surface potential, while the solubilization of the small soluble fragments was detected by measuring the decrease in the surface area. The data obtained were used to test the mode of fragmentation: either random or chain-end scission. The catalytic specific activity of HLL was estimated in the framework of the random scission model and compared with the activities obtained for the hydrolysis of simple molecules of di- and tri-glycerides organized as monolayers or emulsion. Received: 9 August 1999 Accepted: 4 January 2000     

Theoretical investigations into the enantiomeric and racemic forms of α-(trifluoromethyl)lactic acid

There are many different hypotheses on the origin of biomolecular homochirality. One possible scenario concerns the enantiomeric enrichment of a nearly racemic solid via self-disproportionation of enantiomers. In particular, in a recent paper Soloshonok and co-workers showed a first example of optical self-purification of α-(trifluoromethyl)lactic acid by sublimation [V. A. Soloshonok et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 12112]. Here we present detailed theoretical studies of α-(trifluoromethyl)lactic acid in the solid state as well as in the gas-phase dimeric form. The calculations of energy differences between dimers show that in the solid state the enantiomeric pure compound is energetically preferred, while in the gas phase the equilibrium shifts towards the racemic mixture although thermodynamic corrections cannot be neglected, thus providing a detailed microscopic explanation for the enantio-purification process for the first time.     

The catalytic effect of acetate and its α-chloroderivatives on the acid hydrolysis of Cr(CN)(H2O)4NO+

The hydrolysis of Cr(CN)(H₂O₄)NO⁺ in carboxylate buffer solutions was studied. Acetate and its α-chloroderivatives catalyze the aquation reaction of the complex. The observed rate of the aquation of the CN ligand is the sum of the contributions of acid hydrolysis and the catalytic factor. The reactions are pseudo-first order with respect to the Cr complex. The catalytic contribution to the hydrolysis depends on the concentration of carboxylic acid anion and of H⁺ ions. The rate law also contains a term independent of the acid.The kinetic parameters of the catalyzed aquation were found and the reaction scheme proposed. The influence of carboxylate anions depends on their effect on the protonation equilibrium constant for the CN ligand and on the effect on the limiting rate of substitution of HCN and is explained in terms of ion-pair association. This mechanism is discussed and compared with other possible catalytic effects of anions on substitution reactions of the Cr(III) complexes.     

Enhanced photodegradation of TiO2-containing poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(lactic acid) blends

The calamitous accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, especially single-use disposables, calls for new approaches to materials design. One method to address the persistence of plastics beyond their intended use is to impart them with functionalities that will either allow for their recyclability or their degradation to basic natural components. This work focuses on the fabrication of photodegradable polyester blends and investigates the impact of compatibilization on photodegradation rates. Specifically, we blended poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymers by (reactive) extrusion in the presence or absence of dicumyl peroxide (DCP), a radical generator, and titanium dioxide (TiO₂), an inorganic photocatalyst. We examined the effects of DCP and TiO₂ loadings as well as copolymer composition on the thermomechanical properties, photodegradability, and morphology. We found that the inclusion of TiO₂ dramatically increased flexural moduli and photodegradation rates in both dry and wet conditions, while reactive compatibilization had little effect of the tested properties. This simple and scalable approach is promising to fabricate materials that can readily photodegrade.     

Synthesis and Characterization of α-Hexadecyl-DOTA and its Gd(III) Chelate

Introduction Recent interest in polyazamacrocyclic paramagnetic Gd(III) chelates largely results form their clinical appli-cation for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents. The ligand DOTA (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclodo- decane-N,N',N',N'-tetraacetic acid) forms one of the most thermodynamically stable and kinetically inert complexes with the trivalent lanthanide cations of any known chelate. These properties make Gd-DOTA one of the most effective and the safest MRI contrast …     

Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable pH-sensitive hydrogels based on poly(?-caprolactone), methacrylic acid, and poly(ethylene glycol)

In this work, a novel biodegradable pH-sensitive hydrogel based on poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL), methoxpoly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) and methacrylic acid (MAA) was prepared by UV-initiated free radical polymerization. The resulting macromonomers and hydrogels were characterized by FTIR and/or ¹H NMR. Swelling behaviour and pH sensitivity of the hydrogels were studied in detail. With increase in pH of aqueous medium from 1.2 to 7.2, swelling ratio of the hydrogels increased accordingly. The hydrolytic degradation behaviour was also investigated. The prepared biodegradable pH-sensitive hydrogel based on PCL, MPEG, and MAA might have great potential application in smart drug delivery system.     

Intercalation of porphyrin (TMPyP) and copper-porphyrin into γ-zirconium phosphate

Water-soluble ,,,-tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphine(TMPyP) was directly intercalated into -zirconium phosphate (-ZrP) with expansion of the interlayer distance from 12.3 to a maximum of 17.2 Å, indicating parallel orientation of porphyrin to the layer of -ZrP. Diffuse reflectance spectra of the intercalate shows that the porphyrin is protonated in the interlayer space. Uptake of Cu²⁺ ions into the porphyrin intercalate takes place with further increase in the interlayer distance. It was observed that TMPyP metalated Cu²⁺ in -ZrP. Copper porphyrin can also be taken up quite easily and an interlayer spacing of 18.6 Å is attained.     

Crystalline insoluble acid salts of tetravalent metals—XXXI: Effect of the particle-size on the H+/K+ ion-exchange in α-zirconium phosphate

A detailed investigation of the H⁺/K⁺ exchange on two fractions of α-Zr(HPO₄)₂·H₂O having the same degree of crystallinity but different particle-size has been carried out. It was found that an appreciable amount of Zr(KPO₄)₂·3H₂O is formed even when the amount of KOH added is just sufficient to neutralize only one of the two protons of the exchanger. The formation of the fully K⁺ -exchanged form is particularly evident for large particles. The fast ion-exchange of K⁺ is followed by slow reactions in the crystals between the fully K⁺ -exchanged form and Zr(HPO₄)₂·H₂O. In the case of large particles the reaction is so slow that true equilibrium is not reached even after 100 days of equilibration. The mechanism of H⁺/M⁺ exchange in the usual titrations of Zr(HPO₄)₂·H₂O with MOH solutions is discussed in the light of these results.     

Synthesis of aliphatic–aromatic polyamide carbonized system with phosphoramide structure and study on its thermal degradation mechanism and flame retardancy in polypropylene system

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - A novel char-forming agent (PETAP) containing aliphatic–aromatic polyamide and phosphoramide structure was successfully prepared via the...     

Impact of Zn(Ⅱ) Ions on Crystallization and Thermal Properties of Poly(lactic acid)

The issues of low crystallinity and slow crystallization rate of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) have been widely addressed. In this work, we find that doping PLA with Zn(Ⅱ) ions can speed up the process of crystallization of PLA. Three kinds of Zn(Ⅱ) salts (ZnCl\begin{document}$ _2 $\end{document}, ZnSt and ZnOAc) were tested in comparison with some other ions such as Mg(Ⅱ) and Ca(Ⅱ). The increased crystallinity and crystallization rate of PLA doping with Zn(Ⅱ) are reflected in FT-IR and variable temperature Raman spectroscopy. The crystallinity is further confirmed or measured with differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. The crystallinity rate of the PLA/ZnSt-0.4 wt% material can reach 22.46% and the crystallinity rate of the PLA/ZnOAc-0.4 wt% material can reach 24.83%, as measured with differential scanning calorimetry.     

Theoretical studies on the mechanism of α-hydroxy-acid gas-phase elimination process and its substituent effect

The α-hydroxy-acid gas-phase elimination process has been studied theoretically by HF/3-21G.The calculated results can be summed up as follows:(1) The elimination process is a stepwise reaction.In the first step,a 3-membered ring intermediate is formed via a 5-membered ring transition state;while the product is formed in the second step via a 3-membered ring transition state.(2) The obtained results of the substituent effect show that the increase of electronic donation of the alkyl groups is favorable for the reaction.Other substituents which show the electron-withdrawing inductive effect (e.g.-Cl,-CN,-CF3) are unfavorable for this process.     

Compatibilization of immiscible poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε-caprolactone) blend through electron-beam irradiation with the addition of a compatibilizing agent

The aim of this study was to compatibilize immiscible poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blend by using electron-beam radiation method with the addition of a compatibilizing agent. Glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was chosen as the compatibilizing agent, in the expectation that the GMA plays a role as a monomeric compatibilizer and a reactive agent at the interface between the PLA and the PCL phases. Compatibilization process has been investigated through the melt mixing of the PLA/PCL and the GMA by using a twin-screw extruder and the exposure of the PLA/PCL/GMA mixture to electron-beam radiation at room temperature. The melt mixing process was performed to locate the GMA at the interface, thereby expecting a finer morphology due to the GMA as the monomeric plasticizer. The exposure process was carried out to induce definite interfacial adhesion at the interface through electron-beam initiated cross-copolymerization by the medium of the GMA as the reactive agent. To investigate the results of this compatibilization strategy, the morphological, mechanical, and rheological properties of the blend were analyzed. The morphological study clearly showed the reduced particle size of dispersed PCL domains and significantly improved interfacial adhesion by the electron-beam irradiation with the addition of the GMA. The stress–strain curves of the blends irradiated at less than 20 kGy showed the typical characteristics of ductile materials. The tensile properties of the blend were strongly affected by the dose of irradiation.     

Synthesis of α-bromoisolevoglucosenone and its cyclopenta annulation

4,4-Dimethyl-3-nitro-10,11-dioxatricyclo[6.2.1.0^2,6]undec-5-en-7-one possessing a bicyclic iridoid skeleton was synthesized in two steps from isolevoglucosenone which was obtained in turn from levoglucosenone through 4-benzyloxy-2-tosyloxy derivative.