Modeling of the θ(lower critical solution temperature) in polymer solutions using molecular connectivity indices

In this work, correlations for the estimation of the θ(lower critical solution temperature, LCST) for Polystyrene, Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polybutene-1, Polypentene-1, Poly(4-methylpentene-1), Polydimethylsiloxane and Polyisobutylene solutions were proposed based on the molecular connectivity index. The correlations give satisfactory estimation of the θ(LCST), with the absolute error smaller than 20 K for most systems studied. Since the new correlations require only molecular connectivity indices of the solvent in the calculations, and the molecular connectivity indices can be calculated easily once the molecular structure of the substance concerned is known, they have better predictive capability and are easier to apply comparing with the existing methods and models.     

Effect of the topology of benzotriazole derivatives on their chromatographic retention under RP-HPLC conditions

Sixth order connectivity indices are calculated for 29 benzotriazole derivatives. Correlations between the connectivity indices, physicochemical characteristics, and retention factors of the mentioned compounds are obtained for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography conditions. Based on the correlations obtained, a predictive calculation of the retention factors of some benzotriazole derivatives is performed.     

A comparative QSAR study using Wiener, Szeged, and molecular connectivity indices

In this study we have investigated the relative correlation potential of Wiener (W), Szeged (Sz), and molecular connectivity indices (0chiR, 1chiR and 2chiR) in developing quantitative structure-activity relationships, QSAR; log P values of benzoic acid and its nuclear-substituted derivatives were used for this purpose. The statistical analyses for univariate and multivariate correlations had indicated that both W and Sz are closely related to the connectivity indices (mchiR) and that the W, the Sz, and the 1chiR indices have similar modeling potentials. 1chiR gives slightly better results than both W and Sz. Other connectivity indices 0chiR and 2chiR correlate poorly with log P.     

Development of a methodology to predict material properties from environmental exposure. II. Structural features

A general scheme is presented in the first part of this series in which degradation‐induced changes in a polymer that are produced by exposure to an aggressive environment are linked to measurable kinetic parameters and molecular weight distribution variations. Although general in nature for all polymers and environments, the data were collected on bisphenol A polycarbonate that was degraded by elevated temperatures. A parameter, τ, the product of a kinetic rate constant, k, and the environmental exposure time, provided a metric that was suitable for superposition methods to reduce the data. τ was directly related to the molecular weight distribution shifting during environmentally induced changes. This article extends the methodology to structure–property correlations such as the relationship of the glass‐transition temperature, rheology, and the tensile strength of polycarbonate after the environmental treatment. Again, in a universal fashion, the τ value (the degree of degradation) was sufficient to model the observed physical property changes with the amount of exposure to the hostile environment. As long as the kinetics of the process of change are amenable to a mathematical model and a quantitative measure of the change in a fundamental polymer parameter is available, this methodology should be applicable to any polymer in any environment. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 802–812, 2002     

Optimization of HPLC Analysis of Biogenic Amines with Reference to Molecular Structure

Abstract

The selectivity and molecular connectivity indices (x) up to the sixth order were calculated and compared with measured reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) retention data for biogenic amines common in foodstuffs and animal feed. The separation of seventeen dansylated amines including primary, secondary and polyamines, was investigated using an isoselective multisolvent gradient (IMGE), reversed-phase HPLC method. The mobile phase was optimized with the “PRISMA” model testing thirteen selectivity points. The compounds were divided into two groups according to their retention; the low-order valence level indices best described the retention. As the high correlations between the calculated and observed retention indicate, retention could be predicted in different selectivity points with a high degree of accuracy by the molecular connectivity indices.     

Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) as the host ligand of metal‐containing chromophores for second‐order nonlinear optical active materials

Two formulas of grafted polymers with metal‐containing chromophores, potentially suitable for second‐order nonlinear optics applications, are described. Two chromophores were obtained from a tridentate ligand coordinated to Cu(II) or Pd(II) ions. The organometallic chromophore fragments were grafted to poly(4‐vinylpyridine) by the pyridinic nitrogen of the host polymer. Some qualities displayed by the new metallated polymers are remarkable: (1) a high value of the first hyperpolarizability coefficient of the chromophores, (2) a high content of the grafted chromophore in the polymers (up to 60 wt %), (3) a considerable increase in the glass‐transition temperatures (up to 240 °C), (4) good thermal stability in air (ca. 280 °C), and (5) good optical transparency of the films. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 2987–2993, 2002     

Correlation of infinite dilution activity coefficients of solvents in polymer solutions using connectivity indices

In this work, correlations for the estimation of the infinite dilution activity coefficients of non-polar solvents in polystyrene (PS), poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc), poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA), poly(dimethyl siloxane), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polyisobutylene and polyethylene (PE), and that of polar solvents in PS, PVAc, PBMA, PMMA, PEO, PVC and PE are proposed. A total of 205 polymer/non-polar solvent systems with 1708 data points, and 118 polymer/polar solvent systems with 695 data points were used to develop the correlations. The overall average errors were 9.6% and 11.3%, respectively, significantly lower than other predictive models. Since the new correlations require only the connectivity indices of the solvents in the calculations, and the connectivity indices can be calculated easily once the molecular structure of the substance in question is known, they are easy to apply, and are useful for process design and development.     

Molecular simulation of thermophysical properties of aromatic polymers containing oxetane ring in the main chain

Molecular simulation techniques have been applied to newly synthesized aromatic polymers, containing oxetane rings in the main chain, to characterize the shape of rod‐like macromolecules. Single chains and periodic unit cells of a series of aromatic polymers with degree of polymerization 15 were used in the simulations, in accordance with the experimentally obtained one. The total potential energy was minimized and then NVE and NPT molecular dynamics simulations were performed for 1,000 ps at 11 temperatures between 10 and 1,000 K. The coefficient of asymmetry was calculated from the computer‐generated structures. The predictive capability of the NPT molecular dynamics simulation and Polymer Properties modules of Cerius² were used to estimate the orientational properties (order parameter), glass transition temperature, cohesive energy, and decomposition temperature of the polymers simulated. In general, there is a good‐to‐excellent agreement between simulated results and available experimental data of the above investigated properties. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 2334–2352, 1999     

Prediction of the critical temperatures (liquid-vapor) of organic compounds

The ampule method was used to measure the critical temperatures (liquid-vapor) for 1,4-and 1,3-tert-butylbenzenes, 1,3,5-tri-tert-butylbenzene, and 3,5-di-tert-butyltoluene. For alkanes, alkenes, alkylbenzenes, alkylphenols, and alcohols, sets of parameters for the additive components in the Tatevskii bond method and in the method based on the Randic molecular connectivity indices were obtained. The need to create individual correlations for alcohols within the framework of any method in which the normal boiling temperature is used as the basis property was substantiated. The predictive possibilities of various methods were compared. The method based on the Randic molecular connectivity indices was demonstrated to be most effective.     

Use of molecular connectivity indices to predict LC retention of dansylamides in six different eluent systems

Summary Molecular connectivity indices (x) through the sixth order were calculated and compared with measured reversed-phase liquid chromatographic retention data of sixteen dansyl derivatives of amines (dansylamides). Retention measurements were performed in the capacity factor, k′, range 1–30 with organic solvent-water eluents using acetone, acetonitrile, ethanol, methanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol. Mainly valence level indices were selected to describe retention. Indices of different order were selected in the different eluents, suggesting that there are differences in the retention mechanism in these eluents. Retention can be predicted with great accuracy by the molecular connectivity indices, as the high correlations between the calculated and observed retention indicate. Presented at the 15th International Symposium on Chromatography, Nürnberg, October 1984     

Hyperbranched polymers—All problems solved after 15 years of research?

Fifteen years of research on hyperbranched polymers in the group of Brigitte Voit are described, with a focus first on hyperbranched polyester synthesis and then on the addition and cycloaddition reactions used for the preparation of the hyperbranched structure. The characterization of structural details and bulk, solution, and thin‐film properties is highlighted, and steps toward the elucidation of a general property profile of hyperbranched polymers are discussed. Some effects of hyperbranched polymers in reactive formulations and blends and in thin films are addressed that can lead to applications in coatings, as additives, and in microelectronics or sensorics. The great progress possible in the last years is shown, but open questions and unsolved problems are also pointed out. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2679–2699, 2005     

Effect of photoinitiator on photopolymerization of inorganic–organic hybrid polymers (ORMOCER®)

Inorganic–organic hybrid polymers have been developed and tested for evaluation in optical and electrical applications. Although hybrid inorganic–organic polymers can be synthesized by sol–gel chemistry at first, the physical properties of hybrid inorganic–organic polymers are changed during thin film-making processes, that is, photocuring and thermal curing. To investigate the effect of photoinitiator on the material properties during processing, a model system containing methacrylic groups as organically polymerizable units was selected. The conversion of CC double bond of methacrylic groups depending on some kinds of photoinitiator quantities was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was confirmed to correlate the degree of CC double bond conversion with the refractive indices. Thermodynamically, the enthalpy of the photopolymerization of hybrid polymer was investigated by UV–DSC. UV–DSC spectra showed the exothermic nature of photopolymerization of ORMOCER® to be in dependence of photoinitiator quantities. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 1979–1986, 2004     

The Polymer Physics of Multiscale Charge Transport in Conjugated Systems

Conjugated polymers are promising candidates for next‐generation low‐cost flexible electronics. Field‐effect transistors comprising conjugated polymers have witnessed significant improvements in device performance, notably the field‐effect mobility, in the last three decades. However, to truly make these materials commercially competitive, a better understanding of charge‐transport mechanisms in these structurally heterogeneous systems is needed for providing systematic guides for further improvements. This review assesses the key microstructural features of conjugated polymers across multiple length scales that can influence charge transport, with special attention given to the underlying polymer physics. The mechanistic understanding from collective experimental and theoretical studies point to the importance of interconnected ordered domains given the macromolecular nature of the polymeric semiconductors. Based on the criterion, optimization to improve charge transport can be broadly characterized by efforts to (a) promote intrachain transport, (b) establish intercrystallite connectivity, and (c) enhance interchain coupling. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 , 57, 1559–1571     

Scratch behavior and material property relationship in polymers

The scratch behaviors of a broad range of polymers are investigated to understand how the material characteristics of a polymer affect the scratch resistance. A constant load scratch test and a progressive load scratch test are chosen for the present study. A scratch model proposed by Hamilton and Goodman is applied to correlate the mechanics and material parameters during the scratch process. An attempt is made to correlate the scratch behavior and basic material properties, such as the Young's modulus, yield stress, and tensile strength. A correlation between the scratch behavior and material surface characteristics, such as the friction coefficient, scratch hardness, and elastic recovery, under the current scratch tests are also made. Scratch subsurface damage in polymers is studied using optical microscopy. It is shown that shear yielding is the main cause of the plastic flow scratch pattern, while tensile tear on the surface and shear‐induced fracture on the subsurface are the main damage mechanisms found in the fracture scratch pattern. The main causes for the susceptibility of thermoplastic polyolefins to scratch damage are discussed. Approaches for making scratch‐resistant polymers are also addressed. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 47–59, 2001     

A novel fractional viscoelastic constitutive model for shape memory polymers

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of smart materials which can recover from a deformed shape to their original shape by a certain external stimulus. To predict the deformation behaviors of SMPs, different constitutive models have been developed in the last few years. However, most of the constitutive models need many parameters to be determined by specific experiments and complex calibration processes. This drawback has limited their application in promoting the development of SMPs. Thus, it is imperative to develop a new constitutive model which is not only accurate, but also relatively simple. In our work, a novel fractional viscoelastic constitutive model coupling with time‐temperature superposition principle is first proposed for SMPs. Then, frequency sweep and temperature sweep experiments are conducted to determine the parameters of the model. Finally, the shape memory free recovery experiments are carried out to validate the predictive capability of the developed model. By comparing the predicted results with experimental data, we find that though our model has only eleven parameters in total, it could capture the thermomechanical behaviors of SMPs in very good agreement with experimental results. We hope the proposed new model provide researchers with guidelines in designing and optimizing of SMP applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018 , 56, 1125–1134     

In vitro hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity study of poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline) for biomedical applications

Since poly(2‐methyl‐2‐oxazolines) (PMeOx) attract high attention for the potential use in drug delivery, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility of a set of PMeOxs with molar masses in the range from 2 to 20 kDa are systematically investigated under standardized conditions in terms of molar mass, concentration and time dependency. PMeOx polymers are well tolerated in red blood cell aggregation and hemolysis assays without any damaging effects even at high concentrations up to 80 mg/mL. Only in long term cytotoxicity tests PMeOx polymers moderately influence cell viability in a time, concentration, and molar mass dependent manner. Referring to these results it can be concluded that PEtOx could be promising nonionic hydrophilic polymers for many biomedical applications without any cyto‐ and hemotoxic effects at typically used therapeutic doses. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

A simple algorithm for unique representation of chemical structures-cyclic/acyclic functionalized achiral molecules

An algorithm, based on "vertex priority values" has been proposed to uniquely sequence and represent connectivity matrices of chemical structures of cyclic/acyclic functionalized achiral hydrocarbons and their derivatives. In this method, "vertex priority values" have been assigned in terms of atomic weights, subgraph lengths, loops, and heteroatom contents. Subsequently, the terminal vertices have been considered upon completing the sequencing of the core vertices. This approach provides a multilayered connectivity graph, which can be put to use in comparing two or more structures or parts thereof for any given purpose. Furthermore, the basic vertex connection tables generated here are useful in the computation of characteristic matrices/topological indices and automorphism groups and in storing, sorting, and retrieving chemical structures from databases.