Preparation and characterization of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)/polyvinylamine core-shell microgels

In this paper, well-defined temperature- and pH-sensitive core-shell microgels were synthesized by graft copolymerization in the absence of surfactant and stabilizer. The microgel particles consisted of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm)) core crosslinked with N, N′-methylene-bisacrylamide (MBA) and polyvinylamine (PVAm) shell. The effect of MBA content and NIPAm/PVAm ratio on microgel size was investigated. SEM showed that the microgels were spherical and had narrow particle-size distribution. TEM images of the microgels clearly displayed well-defined core-shell morphologies. Zeta-potential measurement further elucidated that the microgels possessed positively charged PVAm molecules on the microgel surface. Turbidity measurement and ¹H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments indicated that the VPTT of microgels was the same as the LCST of PNIPAm. ¹H-NMR experiments also inferred that the methyl proton of N-isopropylacrylamide appeared three peaks and responded to hydrogen-bonding interaction including polymer chain with water molecular, intramolecular interaction and intermolecular interaction, respectively.     

CMC/PNIPAAm半互穿网络水凝胶的溶胀动力学研究

以羧甲基纤维素钠(CMC)和N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAAm)为原料,制备了具有温度和pH敏感性的半互穿网络(CMC／PNIPAAmsemi-IPN)水凝胶,并研究了水凝胶在不同温度和pH值条件下的溶胀行为。结果表明：在弱碱性(pH-7．4)条件下,凝胶的溶胀速率和溶胀度都随着凝胶中CMC含量的增加而增大;而在酸性(pH-1．O)条件下则相反。在弱碱性条件下,水分子在凝胶中的扩散行为都可用non-Fickian扩散来描述,水分子在凝胶中的扩散系数D随着凝胶溶胀速率的增大而增大;在酸性条件下,20℃时凝胶的溶胀过程符合non-Fickian扩散规律,而37℃时凝胶的溶胀过程符合Fickian扩散规律,但水分子的扩散系数D相差不大。     

聚丙烯酸-b-聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)嵌段共聚物的合成及其温度和pH值敏感性自组装研究

通过原子转移自由基聚合方法, 在丁酮/异丙醇混合溶剂中合成了分子量可控和分布较窄的聚丙烯酸叔丁酯-b-聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(PtBA-b-PNIPAM)嵌段共聚物, 用GPC和 1 H NMR对其结构进行了表征. PtBA-b-PNIPAM在甲苯中水解得到聚丙烯酸-b-聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(PAA-b-PNIPAM). 用动态光散射技术对PAA-b-PNIPAM在水溶液中的自组装行为随pH值和温度变化的响应进行了初步研究.     

Synthesis and Properties of Poly(acrylic acid)/Mica Superabsorbent Nanocomposite

A novel poly(acrylic acid)/mica superabsorbent composite was synthesized by graft polymerization reaction between partially neutralized acrylic acid and ultrafine mica mineral powder. The water absorbency of the composite is higher than 1 100 g H₂O/g. The influence of the neutralization degree of acrylic acid, as well as of the amounts of mica and crosslinker on the absorbing properties are discussed in this paper.     

聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺/类水滑石复合水凝胶的制备及温敏性

以类水滑石(LDHs)和N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPA)为原材料,采用自由基引发聚合制得了有机无机PNIPA/LDHs温度敏感复合水凝胶。 通过热重分析仪(TGA)、示差扫描量热仪(DSC)和扫描电子显微镜(SEM)等技术手段表征了材料的结构和性能。 结果表明,PNIPA/LDHs复合水凝胶在33 ℃左右可实现溶胶-凝胶的可逆性变化,LDHs质量分数基本不影响复合水凝胶的胶凝化温度和胶凝时间。 LDHs添加可使PNIPA/LDHs复合水凝胶的热稳定性较NIPA有大幅度提升。 随LDHs质量分数及n(Mg):n(Al)的增加,复合凝胶的吸热峰值稍有增加。 所合成PNIPA/LDHs复合水凝胶表面粗糙不平,具有一定的孔洞结构。     

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels: synthesis and rapid thermoresponsive properties

In this contribution, we reported the synthesis of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PNIPAAm-b-PAA) copolymer networks via sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The PNIPAAm-b-PAA block copolymer networks were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The volume phase transition (VPT) temperatures of the PNIPAAm-b-PAA hydrogels were measured by means of micro-differential scanning calorimetry (micro-DSC). It was found that the block copolymer hydrogels displayed the VPT temperatures lower than the control PNIPAAm hydrogel. Compared to the control PNIPAAm hydrogel, the deswelling and reswelling properties of the block copolymer hydrogels were significantly improved. The improved thermoresponsive properties of the PNIPAAm-b-PAA hydrogels have been interpreted on the basis of the formation of the architecture of the block copolymer networks.     

Template-guided synthesis and individual characterization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgels

We have succeeded in making cylindrical PNIPA-based microgels by a novel strategy in which template-guided synthesis and photochemical polymerization were combined. Cylindrical PNIPA-based microgels of relatively uniform sizes were easily obtained corresponding to the pore size of the template PC membranes. We have also individually characterized our PNIPA-based microgels by a laser trapping/Raman spectroscopy technique. On the basis of these results, the individual microscopic objects were confirmed to be PNIPA-based microgels.     

温度敏感聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)/聚(乙烯醇)水凝胶的制备及性能研究

聚 (N -异丙基丙烯酰胺 ) (PNIPA)水凝胶具有温度敏感性 ,其在 33℃左右有一个相转变温度或较低临界溶解温度 (L CST) [1,2 ] .当外界温度低于 LCST时 ,PNIPA水凝胶吸水溶胀 ;而当外界温度高于L CST时 ,PNIPA水凝胶剧烈收缩失水 ,发生相分离 .这种相分离特性应用于药物的控制释放 [3] .固定化酶[4 ] 和循环吸收剂 [5] 等领域 .然而 ,通常的 PNIPA水凝胶是通过化学键交联而成的三维网络聚合物 ,很难发生解体或进行生物降解 ,其在某些特定场合 (如药物的体内释放等 )受到一定限制 .聚乙烯醇 (PVA)的亲水性和生物相容性较好 ,是…     

Effects of addition of anionic and cationic surfactants to poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels with and without acrylic acid groups

The interaction of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the cationic surfactant hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAM) microgels with and without poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was investigated by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and turbidimetry measurements. The DLS results show that the PNIPAAM microgels with PAA will contract when an anionic or cationic surfactant is added to the suspension, while the PNIPAAM microgels without PAA expand in the presence of an ionic surfactant. A collapse of the PNIPAAM microgels is observed when the temperature is increased. From the zeta potential measurements, it is observed that the charge density of PNIPAAM microgels in the presence of an ionic surfactant is significantly affected by temperature and the attachment of the negatively charged PAA groups. The turbidity measurements clearly indicate that the interaction between PNIPAAM and SDS is more pronounced than that of the cationic surfactant.     

Preparation and characterization of sodium carboxymethylcellulose/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/clay semi-IPN nanocomposite hydrogels

A new kind of pH-/temperature-responsive semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels based on linear sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) cross-linked by inorganic clay (CMC/PNIPA/Clay hydrogel) was prepared. The temperature- and pH-responsive behaviors, the mechanical properties of these hydrogels were investigated. The CMC/PNIPA/Clay hydrogels exhibited a volume phase transition temperature around 32 °C with no significant deviation from the conventional PNIPA hydrogels. The swelling ratio of the CMC/PNIPA/Clay hydrogels gradually decreased with increasing the contents of clay. The influence of pH value on swelling behaviors showed that there is a maximum swelling ratio at pH 5.9. Moreover, the CMC/PNIPA/Clay hydrogels exhibited excellent mechanical properties with high tensile stress and elongation at break in excess of 1200%.     

Thermodynamics of temperature-sensitive polyether-modified poly(acrylic acid) microgels

The temperature-induced structural changes and thermodynamics of ionic microgels based on poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) networks bonded with poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) (Pluronic) copolymers have been studied by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), ultra-small-angle neutron scattering (USANS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and equilibrium swelling techniques. Aggregation within microgels based on PAA and either the hydrophobic Pluronic L92 (average composition, EO8PO52EO8; PPO content, 80%) or the hydrophilic Pluronic F127 (average composition, EO99PO67EO99; PPO content, 30%) was studied and compared to that in the solutions of the parent Pluronic. The neutron scattering results indicate the formation of micelle-like aggregates within the F127-based microgel particles, while the L92-based microgels formed fractal structures of dense nanoparticles. The microgels exhibit thermodynamically favorable volume phase transitions within certain temperature ranges due to reversible aggregation of the PPO chains, which occurs because of hydrophobic associations. The values of the apparent standard enthalpy of aggregation in the microgel suspensions indicate aggregation of hydrophobic clusters that are more hydrophobic than the un-cross-linked PPO chains in the Pluronic. Differences in the PPO content in Pluronics L92 and F127 result in a higher hydrophobicity of the resulting L92-PAA-EGDMAmicrogels and a larger presence of hydrophobic, densely cross-linked clusters that aggregate into supramolecular structures rather than micelle-like aggregates such as those formed in the F127-PAA-EGDMA microgels.     

Functional group distributions in carboxylic acid containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels

Control of the functional group distribution is of fundamental importance in the design of functional polymer particles, particularly in biological applications. Surface-functionalized particles are useful for bioconjugation and medical diagnostics, while internally functionalized particles may have applications in drug delivery. We have prepared a series oftemperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based microgels containing carboxylic acid functional groups via copolymerization with methacrylic acid and acrylamide, which was selectively hydrolyzed under optimized conditions to generate the carboxylic acid functionality. The resulting microgels were analyzed using conductometric and potentiometric titration, dynamic light scattering, and electrophoresis. Acrylamide-containing microgels hydrolyzed below the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) show broad particle size versus temperature profiles, relatively low electrophoretic mobilities at basic pH, and time-dependent base titration profiles, suggesting the presence of internal functional groups whose titration is diffusion-controlled. Methacrylic acid containing microgels show sharper particle size versus temperature profiles, higher electrophoretic mobilities at basic pH, and time-independent base titration profiles, suggesting the presence of a "core-shell" structure with primarily surface functionalization. Similar results were obtained when acrylamide-containing microgels were hydrolyzed at temperatures above the VPTT. Thus, through selection of comonomer and hydrolysis conditions, we have developed strategies to control and characterize the number and distribution ofcarboxylic acid functional groups in PNIPAM-based microgels.     

Photo-grafting Poly(acrylic acid) onto Poly(lactic acid) Chains in Solution

Poly(lactic acid)(PLA)is one of the most important bio-plastics,and chemical modification of the already-polymerized poly(lactic acid)chains may enable optimization of its material properties and expand its application areas.In this study,we demonstrated that poly(lactic acid)can be readily dissolved in acrylic acid at room temperature,and acrylic acid can be graft-polymerized onto poly(lactic acid)chains in solution with the help of photoinitiator benzophenone under 254 nm ultraviolet(UV)irradiation.Similar photo-grafting polymerization of acrylic acid(PAA)has only been studied before in the surface modification of polymer films.The graft ratio could be controlled by various reaction parameters,including irradiation time,benzophenone content,and monomer/polymer ratios.This photo-grafting reaction resulted in high graft ratio(graft ratio PAA/PLA up to 180%)without formation of homopolymers of acrylic acid.When the PAA/PLA graft ratio was higher than 100%,the resulting PLA-g-PAA polymer was found dispersible in water.The pros and cons of the photo-grafting reaction were also discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(magnesium acrylate) microgels

In this work, we present the synthesis of a novel poly(magnesium acrylate) microgel, its microstructural characterization, and its application as an enzyme immobilization system. The variation of the monomer concentration employed in the synthesis permitted to tune up the shape of the microgels in such a way that using 1.5 mol L(-1) we produced microgels of average size 40 microm formed by smaller subunits of around 1 microm. This fact confers the microgels a pomegranate-like structure that increases the specific surface of the system. Glucose oxidase (GOx) from Aspergillus niger was immobilized within the microgels with the aim of using them as bioreactors. The microgels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and by neutron scattering. The incorporation of the enzyme results in an increment in the network mesh size and the appearance of a new correlation length in the neutron scattering pattern. Finally, the enzymatic activity of the microgels with GOx entrapped was studied as a function of the microgel cross-linking content.     

聚去氢枞酸丙烯酸乙二醇酯的合成与表征

从歧化松香中提取的去氢枞酸(DHA)出发,经酰氯化后与丙烯酸(2-羟基)乙酯反应,合成了去氢枞酸丙烯酸乙二醇酯(DHAAGE);并以此为单体,偶氮二异丁腈(AIBN)为引发剂,四氢呋喃为溶剂,在60℃下,利用常规自由基聚合(CPR)法制备了聚去氢枞酸丙烯酸乙二醇酯(PDHAAGE)。考察了单体转化率随聚合时间的变化,并利用FT-IR1、H-NMR、GPC、TG和DSC等对PDHAAGE进行了分析和表征。同时考察了PDHAAGE在不同溶剂中的溶解性。结果表明,得到的PDHAAGE的数均分子量(Mn)约为5400,分子量分布小于1.40;Tg为95.8℃,Tm为375.8℃,热分解温度Td为396.4℃,说明PDHAAGE具有很好的热稳定性;PDHAAGE易溶于中等极性的有机溶剂中。     

聚丙烯酸接枝辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚的合成、表征和胶束化

通过自由基聚合, 丙烯酸(AA)与辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚丙烯酸酯活性大单体(C8PhEO10Ac)共聚,合成了以聚丙烯酸为主链、C8PhEO10Ac 为支链的水溶性两亲接枝共聚物(PAA-g-C8PhEO10Ac), 用凝胶渗透色谱(GPC)测定其相对数均分子质量为4.37×10⁴, 用FTIR和1H-NMR表征了共聚物的结构和组成, 共聚物分子中丙烯酸单体与活性大单体的摩尔比为9:1, 每个共聚物分子中平均约有32个C8PhEO10侧链. 用表面张力法、荧光探针法和透射电子显微镜对共聚物在水溶液中的自组装行为进行了初步研究, 结果表明, 共聚物分子在第一临界胶束浓度cmc1)和第二临界胶束浓度(cmc2)时都形成了球型胶束. 与cmc1时相比, cmc2时溶液表面张力进一步降低, 胶束内部极性进一步减小, 而且胶束粒径增大、结构紧密. 氯化钠的加入可使共聚物溶液的表面张力和胶束内部极性降低.     

辉光放电电解等离子体引发合成聚丙烯酸钠/腐植酸复合高吸水性树脂

以丙烯酸和腐植酸为原料,N,N-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺为交联剂,在水溶液中采用辉光放电电解等离子体引发聚合反应制备聚丙烯酸钠/腐植酸复合高吸水性树脂。 考察了放电电压、交联剂、丙烯酸中和度、后聚合温度、腐植酸钠和丙烯酸的含量对树脂吸水率的影响,讨论了树脂在0.9%氯化钠溶液中的溶胀速率和不同pH值溶液中的溶胀行为。 用红外光谱和热重分析分别对产物进行了结构表征和稳定性测试,结果表明,最佳的合成条件为：放电电压470 V、交联剂质量分数为0.6%、腐植酸钠质量分数为4%、丙烯酸质量分数为10%、中和度60%、后聚合温度70 ℃。 所得复合树脂对蒸馏水的吸水率为1152 g/g,对0.9%NaCl溶液的吸水率为89 g/g,800 ℃后复合树脂残留率为44.3%。     

Preparation and characterization of N-isopropylacrylamide/acrylic acid copolymer core-shell microgel particles

A new method has been developed to prepare smart copolymer microgels that consist of well defined temperature sensitive cores and pH sensitive shells. The microgels were obtained from N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and acrylic acid (AAc), containing different mole ratios of AAc. Transmission electron micrographs of the microgels show that the colloidal copolymers are nearly monodisperse spheres (core-shell structures). The lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) (or phase separation temperatures) of the aqueous microgel solutions were measured by cloud-point method. At slight acidic conditions, the LCST decreased with increase in AAc content, which suggests that the hydrophobic group of NIPAAm has a greater influence on the LCST than the polar COOH group at those conditions. An increase of pH value leads to a significant increase in LCST due to the formation of a more hydrophilic copolymer. The LCST were studied as a function of copolymer composition over the pH range from 4.0 to 6.5. Because the pK(a) of the polymers can be tuned to fall close to neutral pH, these polymer compositions can be dispersed to have phase transitions triggered near physiological pH or at slight acidic pH values that fall within acidic gradients found in biology. Because of their stimuli-responsive behavior, these nanoscale materials are excellent candidates for biotechnology and biomedical applications where small changes in pH or temperature are of great consequence.