Polymer crystalline structure and morphology changes in nylon‐6/ZnO nanocomposites

The influence of ZnO nanoparticles on the crystalline structures of nylon‐6 under different crystallization conditions (annealing at different temperatures from the amorphous solid, isothermal crystallization from the melt at different temperatures, and crystallization from the solution) has been examined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared. ZnO nanoparticles can induce the γ‐crystalline form in nylon‐6 when it is cooled from the melted state and annealed from the amorphous solid. This effect of ZnO nanoparticles increases with decreasing particle size and changes under different crystallization conditions. The effects of ZnO nanoparticles on the crystallization kinetics of nylon‐6 have also been studied with DSC. The results show that ZnO nanoparticles have two competing effects on the crystallization of nylon‐6: inducing the nucleation but retarding the mobility of polymer chains. Finally, the melting behavior of the composites has been investigated with DSC, and the multiple melting peaks of composites containing ZnO nanoparticles and pure nylon‐6 are ascribed to the reorganization of imperfect crystals. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 1033–1050, 2003     

Preparation and photoelectric properties of mesoporous ZnO films

Mesoporous ZnO films doped with Ti⁴⁺ (M-ZnO) have been prepared by doping process and sol–gel method. The films have mesoporous structures and consist of nano-crystalline phase, as evidenced from small angle X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The wide angle X-ray diffraction of M-ZnO films confirms that M-ZnO has hexagonal wurtzite structure and ternary ZnTiO₃ phases. Ultraviolet–visible transmittance spectra, absorbance spectra and energy gaps of the films were measured. The Eg of M-ZnO is 3.25 eV. Photoluminescence intensity of M-ZnO centered at 380 nm increases obviously with the excitation power, which is due to the doping process and enhanced emission efficiency. M-ZnO thin films display a positive photovoltaic effect compared to mesoporous TiO₂ (M-TiO₂) films.     

The effects of natural zeolite and silane coupling agents on melting and crystallization behaviour of polypropylene

The thermal characterization of polypropylene (PP) composites containing untreated and treated zeolite with different silane coupling agents was carried out using thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to investigate the effects of natural zeolite and surface modifiers on melting, crystallization and degradation behaviour of PP. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (AMPTES), methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) were used as surface modifiers at four different concentrations (0.5–2.0 mass%). Thermal analyses indicated that silane treatment and 2–6 mass% zeolite addition have no significant effect on the melting and degradation temperatures of the composites. The crystallization temperatures of the composites were increased due to the nucleating effect of the zeolite. The influence of the modifiers on the interactions between PP and zeolite was determined by the activities of untreated and treated zeolite. The maximum interactions leading to good adhesion were observed in the AMPTES treated composites. Also, non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the composites was analyzed using Avrami and Kissinger models.     

微孔/介孔复合分子筛的合成及其对CO2的吸附性能

采用两步晶化法将合成的沸石前驱液(S)或沸石固体粉末(P)经不同浓度(c)的NaOH处理后, 分别以表面活性剂十六烷基三甲基溴化铵(CTAB)软模板或介孔炭(Meso-C)硬模板为导向剂, 自组装合成S-β-MCM41(c)、P-β-MCM41(c)、P-ZSM-MCM41(c)、P-ZSM-C系列微孔/介孔复合分子筛. 考察了沸石分子筛种类、碱处理液浓度以及介孔模板剂对合成复合分子筛结构与性能的影响. X射线衍射(XRD)、透射电子显微镜(TEM)和氮气吸附-脱附表征结果表明产物具有微孔/介孔多级孔结构. 该材料对CO₂的吸附能力比纯微孔或介孔材料均有明显提高, 其中P-ZSM-MCM41(2)的CO₂吸附容量最大可达1.51 mmol·g^-1, 为ZSM-5沸石吸附量的两倍多.     

混合阳离子-非离子表面活性剂为模板剂合成含沸石次级结构单元的介孔分子筛

利用混合阳离子-非离子表面活性剂为模板剂采用两步晶化法合成了孔壁具有沸石次级结构单元的介孔分子筛，通过XRD、N2吸附-脱附、FT-IR以及异丙苯裂解探针反应等手段对样品进行了表征。结果表明，合成的介孔材料在结构上与相应的M41S材料类似，无微孔沸石相的存在。立方介孔材料具有较高的热稳定性和水热稳定性，在催化异丙苯裂解反应中，六方介孔材料的催化活性明显高于相似条件下用单一表面活性剂为模板剂合成的含沸石次级结构单元的六方介孔材料。     

Prototype of Low Thermal Expansion Materials: Fabrication of Mesoporous Silica/Polymer Composites with Densely Filled Polymer inside Mesopore Space

A prototype of novel low thermal expansion materials using mesoporous silica particles is demonstrated. Mesoporous silica/polymer composites with densely filled polymer inside the mesopore space are fabricated by mechanically mixing both organically modified mesoporous silica and epoxy polymer. The mesopores are easily penetrated by polymers as a result of the capillary force during the mechanical composite processing. Furthermore, we propose a new model of polymer mobility restriction using mesoporous silica with a large pore space. The robust inorganic frameworks covering the polymer effectively restrict the polymer mobility against thermal energy. As a result, the degree of total thermal expansion of the composites is drastically decreased. From the mass‐normalized thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) charts of various composites with different amounts of mesoporous silica particles, it is observed that the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) values gradually increase with an increase of the polymer amount outside the mesopores. It is proven that the CTE values in the range over the glass‐transition temperatures (T_g) are perfectly proportional to the outside polymer amounts. Importantly, the Y‐intercept of the relation equation obtained by a least‐square method is the CTE value and is almost zero. This means that thermal expansion does not occur if no polymers are outside the mesopores. Through such a quantative discussion, we clarify that only the outside polymer affects the thermal expansion of the composites, that is, the embedded polymers inside the mesopores do not expand at all during the thermal treatment.     

Physicomechanical and Tribological Properties of Polymer Composites Filled with Lubricant-Containing Microcapsules

Polymer composite materials based on Fenilon S-2 (FS-2) heat-resistant aromatic polyamide and filled with microcapsules containing a lubricating material were developed and used for tribological purposes. FS-2 acts both as a matrix and as a material of microcapsule shells. The choice of oils suitable for preparing the composite is limited and is determined by the capability of oils to preserve lubricating properties at high temperatures of FS-2 forming, up to 320°С. The tribotechnical and physicomechanical tests of the developed composites containing microcapsules demonstrated significant improvement of the tribological characteristics of the materials relative to the initial polymer. The polymer composites filled with microcapsules form an oriented lubricating film on the friction surfaces; this film is retained under high loads for a long time.     

ZnO纳米线基MWNTs/PVDF复合热电材料的制备及特性研究

将不同比例的多壁碳管(MWNTs)与聚偏二氟乙烯(PVDF)聚合物混合后,喷涂于n型ZnO半导体纳米线阵列上,制备了一种新型ZnO纳米线基MWNTs/PVDF热电复合材料.与以往采用价格昂贵的p型与n型单壁碳纳米管(SWNTs)与聚合物混合制备的复合热电材料特性相比,这种新型热电复合材料在降低制造成本的同时,利用分散于聚合物中MWNTs的一维电子传输特性及形成的大量界面势垒,加上ZnO半导体纳米线具有的较高载流子密度与迁移率,提高了复合热电材料中电子的输运特性,增加了材料对声子的散射强度.测试发现,在一定的温度梯度下,随着MWNTs添加质量百分比的增加,热电材料的温差电动势和电导率也随之增加,但其Seebeck系数变化量不大.研究表明,这种热电材料有望替代采用p型与n型SWNTs构建的SWNTs/PVDF复合热电材料.研究结果对开发超轻、无毒、廉价、可应用于各种微纳电子领域的新型电源具有重要的参考价值.     

The Link between ZSM-5 Zeolite Crystallization and Mesopore Formation by Leaching

Acid or base leaching are well-established tools in the synthesis of mesoporous zeolites. Previous studies suggest an inherent link between the structure-property relationship of mesoporous zeolites, that is, chemical resistance, pore diameter and distribution, with zeolite synthesis or crystallization conditions. The exact nature and/or origin of this link is currently however, poorly established. Here, we provide evidence how zeolite crystallization conditions influence the leaching behavior and thus structure of mesoporous zeolites. Electron microscopy and in situ small angle X-ray scattering both confirmed the crystallization of ZSM-5 to utilize both nanoparticles and oligomers as elemental building blocks. Utilization of these species is highly depended on supersaturation. The precursor solution of decreased water content favored a faster consumption of nanoparticles compared to its oligomers at the early stage of crystallization. Then the addition of oligomers can heal the surface imperfections and thus the resulting zeolite showed a higher resistance against acid leaching. In contrast, within the precursor solution of increased water content the slower consumption of nanoparticles led to crystals with a less robust rim. Defects existed in the rim due to limited healing by oligomers and, as such, mesopores can be created by the following post-treatment. Precise control over selected crystallization conditions can therefore further aid the design of optimized mesoporous zeolites.     

Poly(vinylidene fluoride)/clay nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation: Crystallization and dynamic mechanical behavior studies

The preparation and properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/clay nanocomposites are reported for the first time. PVDF/clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation with organophilic clay. The composites were characterized with X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. X‐ray diffraction results indicated intercalation of the polymer into the interlayer spacing. PVDF in the nanocomposites crystallized in the β form. Differential scanning calorimetry nonisothermal curves showed an increase in the melting and crystallization temperatures along with a decrease in crystallinity, as evidenced by the melting and crystallization peaks. Isothermal crystallization studies showed an enhanced rate of crystallization with the addition of clay, as evidenced by a reduction in the crystallization time. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated significant improvements in the storage modulus over a temperature range of ?100 to 150 °C. The tan δ peak signifying the glass‐transition temperature of PVDF shifted to higher temperatures. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 1682–1689, 2002     

Multifunctional NO-delivery vessel derived from aminopropyl-modified mesoporous zeolites

A new strategy, releasing nitric oxide (NO) and adsorbing nitrosamines simultaneously by zeolitic materials in the digestive system, is validated in this paper. Three types of moisture-saturated molecular sieves, HZSM-5 zeolite, mesoporous zeolite, and mesoporous silica MCM-41, are used as NO-delivery vessels in mimic gastric juice after modification of γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). APTES modification dramatically increased the capability of zeolite and mesoporous silica in NO release in acidic solution, because more NO can be adsorbed in the composite and stored in the form of nitrite. Some composites released the NO 10 times more than their parent materials, and synchronously captured the carcinogen nitrosamines in mimic gastric juice. The influences of APTES modification on the porous structure and surface state of zeolite and mesoporous silica were investigated by XRD, N(2) adsorption, and FTIR tests, through which the mesoporous zeolite is proven to be the optimal support. With this hierarchical material a controllable APTES modification is realized in which a lot of aminopropyl groups are grafted in mesopores while the zeolitic structure is maintained, so the resulting sample exhibits a high capability in releasing NO and adsorbing nitrosamines. This investigation provides a clue for elevating the efficiency of zeolites in the application of life science.     

IRMOF-1衍生介孔ZnO微球催化合成低聚聚碳酸酯二醇

IRMOF-1是一种最经典的IRMOF系列材料,通过直接在空气中不同温度下热处理IRMOF-1得到三种ZnO催化剂,并采用XRD、SEM、BET、CO_2-TPD等分析技术对所得样品的晶体结构、表观形貌、孔结构、表面碱性进行了表征。结果显示,ZnO为球状结构,是一种典型的介孔材料,BET比表面积和孔径分别为49.7~62.2 m2/g和2.18~2.92 nm。研究了ZnO微球在碳酸二苯酯(DPC)与新戊二醇(NPG)酯交换合成低聚碳酸酯二醇(PCDL)反应中的催化性能。结果表明,500℃下得到的ZnO微球在DPC与NPG酯交换反应中表现出良好的催化活性。     

Non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of UHMWPE composites filled by oligomer-modified CaCO3

The processability of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) improved by oligomer-modified calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) was observed in our previous work. In order to understand the effect of oligomer-modified CaCO₃ on the crystallization of UHMWPE, the non-isothermal crystallization behavior and crystallization kinetics of UHMWPE composites filled by oligomer-modified CaCO₃ was studied by differential scanning calorimetry in this work. Jeziorny and Mo methods were used to describe the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of UHMWPE composites. The effect of modified filler content and cooling rate on the crystallization temperature and crystallization rate was discussed. The heterogeneous nucleation of modified CaCO₃ slightly increases the crystallization temperature of UHMWPE. The crystallization enthalpy of UHMWPE composites is significantly higher than that of UHMWPE. The crystallization rate of UHMWPE composites depends on the filler contents and cooling rate.

     

气相转移法与水热合成法合成ZSM-5/SAPO-5核壳结构复合分子筛的比较

以磷酸、拟薄水铝石和硅溶胶为原料,三乙胺为模板剂,在不同晶化温度和晶化时间的实验条件下,分别采用水热合成法和气相转移法合成了一系列ZSM-5/SAPO-5核壳结构复合分子筛,并用X射线衍射、扫描电镜、X射线能量散射谱、红外光谱和N2吸附等手段对其进行了表征.结果表明,所合成的分子筛是以ZSM-5为核,以SAPO-5为壳的双结构复合分子筛.晶化温度的提高和晶化时间的延长有利于分子筛结晶度的提高.与水热合成法相比,采用气相转移法可以减小壳层SAPO-5的颗粒尺寸,减少脱离ZSM-5表面独立生长的SAPO-5的量,改善SAPO-5在ZSM-5表面的分布.重油裂化结果表明,核壳结构复合分子筛对生成低碳烯烃的催化性能优于机械混合的样品.     

Effect of zeolite and boric acid on epoxy‐based composites

Epoxy composites filled with boric acid and natural zeolite with different percentage (1, 5, and 10 wt%) were prepared. Hexamethylenediamine and polyethylenpolyamine were used as curing agents. The prepared samples and starting materials were examined using the methods of thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The parameters of thermal decomposition in argon were analyzed. The limiting oxygen index was calculated in accordance with Van Krevelen and Hoftyzer equation. The thermal characteristics of the studied composites depend on the filler content. The results showed that the incorporation of 10 wt% fillers both boric acid and natural zeolite significantly improved the thermal properties of the obtained composites. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of Beta/MCM-41 composite molecular sieve with high hydrothermal stability in static and stirred condition

Beta/MCM-41 micro/mesoporous composite materials have been prepared through assembly of zeolite Beta nanoclusters and their hydrolysis products in the presence of CTAB under static or stirred conditions. The resulting materials were characterized by powder XRD, TEM and nitrogen adsorption-desorption. Hydrothermal stability of the obtained Beta/MCM-41 composites was evaluated by boiling in distilled water for different periods of time under refluxing. All materials exhibit very high hydrothermal stability.     

Properties of ultrahighly filled composites based on polymers and ground rubber

The stress-strain and strength properties of ultrahighly filled composites based on thermoplastic polymers and ground rubber wastes are studied. The content of the elastic filler is higher than 70 wt%. As is shown, introduction of minor amounts of the plastic polymer, which serves as the binder for the filler particles, makes it possible to improve the strength properties of ultrahighly filled composites and to prepare materials of a desired thickness. A correlation between the stress-strain properties of the plastic polymer-rubber systems and the effective viscosity of the matrix polymer is established. When a polymer with homogeneous deformation and good adhesion to the elastic filler is used as the matrix, the resultant composites are characterized by properties close to those of vulcanized rubbers. A new method is proposed for processing of ground rubber wastes and preparation of materials that are similar to hard rubbers.     

Polyelectrolyte-surfactant complex as a template for the synthesis of zeolites with intracrystalline mesopores

Mesoporous zeolite silicalite-1 and Al-ZSM-5 with intracrystalline mesopores were synthesized with polyelectrolyte-surfactant complex as the template. Complex colloids were first formed by self-assembly of the anionic polymer poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in basic solution. During the synthesis procedure, upon the addition of the silica source, microporous template (tetrapropylammonium hydroxide), and NaCl, these PAA/CTA complex colloids underwent dissociation and gave rise to the formation of hollow silica spheres with mesoporous shells templated by CTAB micelles and PAA domains as the core. Under hydrothermal treatment, the hollow silica spheres gradually merged together to form larger particles with the PAA domains embedded as the space occupant, which acted as a template for intracrystalline mesopores during the crystallization of the zeolite framework. Amphiphilic organosilane was used to enhance the connection between the PAA domain and the silica phase during the synthesis. After calcination, single crystal-like zeolite particles with intracrystalline mesopores of about 5-20 nm were obtained, as characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N(2) adsorption measurements. With the addition of an aluminum source in the synthesis, mesoporous zeolite Al-ZSM-5 with intracrystalline mesopores was also synthesized, and enhanced catalytic property was observed with mesoporous Al-ZSM-5 in acetalization of cyclohexanone with methanol.     

Enhanced thermal properties of highly monodispersed ZnO nanoparticle/poly(styrene-<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-acrylonitrile) nanocomposite

Chemical based approach for the synthesis of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile)/ZnO nanocomposites with different ZnO nanoparticle content by in situ emulsion polymerization is discussed. A significant increase in the thermal degradation temperature, melting and crystallization temperatures in all nanocomposite is observed. Increasing ZnO loading to polymer matrix enhances the flame retardant ability of polymer matrix with an appreciable increase in thermal degradation temperature of pristine polymer.     

ZnO-based hollow microspheres with mesoporous shells: Polyoxometalate-assisted fabrication, growth mechanism and photocatalytic properties

With the assistance of Keggin-type polyoxometalate, ZnO hollow microspheres with mesoporous shells were synthesized via a simple solvothermal approach without any templates and surfactants. The observations of morphology and structure performed by field emission scanning electronic microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the shells of the ZnO hollow spheres were built from nanosheets which were composed of nanoparticles. The transformation of structure and composition of samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry and fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The formation mechanism of the hollow spheres is proposed based on time-dependent experimental results. The ZnO hollow microspheres exhibited a high photocatalytic activity for decolorization of Rhodamine B under ultraviolet irradiation.