Thermal dehydrochlorination of poly(vinylidene chloride)

The kinetics of the early stages of thermal degradation below 1% dehydrochlorination of emulsion-polymerized poly(vinylidene chloride) (PVDC) is studied by the variation of the pH value of potassium hydroxide aqueous solution between 160 and 190°C in the presence of air and other gas streams. The results turned out that the thermal degradation of PVDC can be divided into three stages, which correspond to an induction period, a period with conversion below 0.1% dehydrochlorination, and that with conversion ranging from 0.1 to 1%. For the induction stage, the induction time depends upon the types of environment gas and degradation temperature. Both of the second and the third stages are zero-order reactions, which also result in the discoloration and crosslinking of the neat polymer. The average apparent activational energy of the zero-order degradation reaction was about 21 kcal/mol, which is independent of the types of environment gas. The whole degrading kinetics data can be well explained by the mechanism of a free-radical-induced dehydrochlorination. The viscosity of the degraded sample increases rapidly with degradation and becomes insoluble in regular solvents. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 2035–2044, 1999     

Spectroscopic study of vinylidene chloride—Vinyl chloride copolymers

Summary Deuteration technique was applied to study the micro structures of copolymer series VDC/VC by infrared spectroscopy and high resolution NMR. The CH₂ bending modes of chlorine atom containing polymers assigned as follows; –CCl₂CH₂CCl₂– 1405 cm^–1 (cryst.) and 1410 cm^–1 (amorph.), –CHClCH₂CCl₂– 1422 cm^–1, –CHClCH₂CHCl– 1428 cm^–1 (cryst.) and 1432 cm^–1 (amorph.) –CHClCH₂CH₂CHCl– 1445 cm^–1 and –CCl₂CH₂CH₂CCl₂– 1448 cm^–1. This infrared interpretation shows that only the head to tail addition occurs in the copolymerisation. Nine peaks of the methylene protons were observed clearly in the NMR spectra of the copolymers. The study of the deuterated copolymers revealed that the effects of the chemical groups until the third at both sides from the marked methylene and the stereo configuration of long VC part should be considered to assign the NMR spectra. The CCl₂ group made the chemical shift of the methylene proton to appear at lower magnetic field and the CHCl group gave the opposite behavior.

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Zusammenfassung Mit deuterierten Monomeren wurde die Mikrostruktur der Copolymerenserie Vinyliden-Chlorid/Vinyl-Chlorid im Infraroten und mit hochauflösender Kernresonanz untersucht. Für die Biegeschwingung der Chloratome enthaltenden Polymeren der Methylengruppe ergeben sich folgende Werte: –CCl₂CH₂CCl₂– 1405 cm^–1 (krist.) und 1410 cm^–1 (amorph.), –CHClCH₂CCl₂– 1422 cm^–1, –CHClCH₂CHCl– 1428 cm^–1 (krist.) und 1432 cm^–1 (amorph.), –CHClCH₂CH₂CHCl– 1445 cm^–1 und –CCl₂CH₂CH₂CCl₂– 1448 cm^–1.Diese Interpretation des Infraroten zeigt, daß nur die Kopf-Schwanz-Addition bei der Copolymerisation stattfindet. Neun Maxima des Methylenprotons wurden deutlich in den NMR-Spektren der Copolymeren beobachtet. Die Untersuchungen an den deuterierten Copolymeren zeigen, daß die Effekte der chemischen Gruppen bis zur dritten nach beiden Seiten vom markierten Methylen und die Stereokonfiguration von langen Vinyl-Chlorid-Anteilen betrachtet werden müssen, um die NMR-Spektren zu beschreiben. Die CCl₂-Gruppe läßt die chemische Verschiebung des Methylen-protons bei geringeren magnetischen Feldern und die CHCl-Gruppe bei höheren erscheinen.

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With 5 figures in 13 details and 4 tables     

Polytetrafluoroethylene modification by radiation grafting of vinylidene chloride and its dehydrochlorination

A process has been designed for manufacturing a new composite material consisting of a PTFE matrix with a carbon phase implanted in the surface layer of up to 30 μm thickness. The process involves radiation graft polymerization of vinilydene chloride (VDC) from the vapor phase onto the PTFE matrix followed by dehydrochlorination of implanted PVDC. The VDC grafting kinetics, the distribution of the grafted polymer and the carbon phase, and the mechanical characteristics of the composite material have been investigated. It has been shown that unlike initial PTFE, the composite possesses good adhesive bonding properties and a small contact angle.     

Sequence distributions of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate and vinyl chloride-vinyl propionate copolymers

¹³C-NMR spectroscopy was used in a detailed study of vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate and vinyl chloride-vinyl propionate copolymers. The NMR spectra of the methylene carbon region showed three split peaks whose intensities changed with composition of the copolymers. These peaks were assigned to diad sequences and the observed diad concentrations were in good agreement with the calculated concentrations in terms of the random copolymerization theory. For the methine carbon spectra of vinyl acetate or vinyl propionate units in the copolymers the degree of splitting of the signal was improved by the addition of tris(1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluro-7,7-diemthyl-1,4,6-octanedinata)-praseodymium as a shift reagent. Four peaks assigned to the methine carbon were interpreted in terms of triad sequence distribution and tacticity.     

Stability of vinylidene chloride copolymers containing 4-vinylpyridine units

Vinylidene chloride copolymers are prominent in the barrier plastic packaging industry. These materials display excellent barrier to the transport of oxygen (and other small molecules) as well as flavor and aroma molecules. However, they suffer from a propensity to undergo degradative dehydrochlorination at process temperatures. To scavenge hydrogen chloride formed and prevent its interaction with the metallic components of process equipment, a passive base is usually included as an additive prior to processing. The base is most often an inorganic oxide or salt. These may negatively impact the properties of the polymer, particularly as a film. An organic base that could be covalently incorporated into the copolymer might display better behavior. Accordingly, a series of copolymers containing low levels of 4-vinylpyridine (0.05–3 mole%) have been prepared, characterized, and examined by thermogravimetry to assess thermal stability. In all cases, polymers containing 4-vinylpyridine units are less stable than the polymer containing none of this comonomer. Clearly, the pyridine moiety is a sufficiently strong base to promote E2 elimination of hydrogen chloride to generate dichlormethylene units in the mainchain from which thermal degradation may be initiated.     

Thermal degradation of vinylidene chloride/4-vinylpyridine copolymers

Vinylidene chloride polymers are prominent in the barrier plastics packaging industry. They display good barrier to the transport of oxygen (to prevent spoilage of food items) and flavor and aroma constituents (to prevent 'scalping' on the supermarket shelf). However, these polymers undergo thermal dehydrochlorination during processing. This can lead to a variety of problems including the evolution of hydrogen chloride which must be scavenged to prevent its interaction with the metallic walls of process equipment. Such interaction leads to the formation of metal halides which act as Lewis acids to facilitate the degradation. A potentially effective means to capture hydrogen chloride generated might be to incorporate into the polymer a mild organic base. Accordingly, copolymers of vinylidene chloride and 4-vinylpyridine have been prepared and subjected to thermal aging. Results suggest that the pyridine moiety is sufficiently basic to actively promote dehydrochlorination in the vinylidene chloride segments of the polymer.     

Dehydrochlorination of vinylidene chloride-vinyl chloride copolymer by aqueous sodium or potassium hydroxide solutions under two-phase conditions

The reaction of solid copolymer of vinylidene chloride and vinyl chloride with aqueous sodium or potassium hydroxide solutions in the presence of quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salts as phase transfer catalysts gave dehydrochlorinated products with chlorine-substituted polyene structure. Among the catalysts used tetrapropylammonium bromide was the best and potassium hydroxide was more active than sodium hydroxide. The activity of quaternary ammonium salts was discussed in terms of hydrophile–lipophile balance. The effects of temperature and the concentration of the bases and catalysts were investigated to obtain the optimum reaction condition. Treatment of the polymer films and solutions in tetrahydrofuran with aqueous bases under two-phase conditions also produced dehydrochlorinated films and powders.     

Glass transition temperatures of copolymers of ethyl acrylate and vinylidene chloride

Glass transition temperatures of poly(ethyl acrylate-vinylidene chloride) and reactivity ratios for the copolymerization of the parent monomers are reported. All the copolymers have glass transition temperatures higher than those of polyethylacrylate or polyvinylidene chloride: the copolymer containing equal molar quantities of each monomer has the highest. The data are accounted for in terms of the fractions of AA. AB and BB diads contained in the copolymers.     

Study of the thermal dehydrochlorination of poly(vinylidene chloride) and poly(vinyl chloride) by ESR spectroscopy

The evidence for a radical elimination of hydrogen chloride during the thermal degradation of homopolymers and copolymers of vinylidene chloride is summarized and confirmed by an ESR spectroscopic study of the degradation residues. However, sufficient differences in the degradation characteristics exist between these polymers and those of vinyl chloride to suggest that a radical process alone is not sufficient. No evidence of a radical process can be obtained from an ESR spectroscopic analysis of the elimination. The paramagnetic character of the degraded polymer is attributed to the polyene structure produced on dehydrochlorination.     

Thermal degradation of vinylidene chloride/vinyl chloride copolymers in the presence of N-substituted maleimides

As a consequence of their excellent barrier properties vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride copolymers have long been prominent in the flexible packaging market. While these polymers possess a number of superior characteristics, they tend to undergo thermally- induced degradative dehydrochlorination at process temperatures. This degradation must be controlled to permit processing of the polymers. Three series of N-substituted maleimides (N-alkyl-, N-aralkyl, and N-aryl) have been synthesized, characterized spectroscopically, and evaluated as potential stabilizers for a standard vinyl chloride/vinylidene chloride (85 mass%) copolymer. As surface blends with the polymer, these compounds are ineffective as stabilizers. However, significant stabilization may be achieved by pretreatment of the polymer with N-substituted maleimides. The most effective stabilization of the polymer is afforded by N-aralkyl- or N-arylmaleimides, most notably, N-benzylmaleimide and N-p-methoxyphenylmaleimide.     

Molecular weight determination of vinylidene chloride copolymers by gel-permeation chromatography and viscometry

This is the first report on the characterization of several pairs of random copolymers of vinylidene chloride by gel-permeation chromatography in conjunction with viscometry. Such copolymers have not previously Received much attention, so we first determined the individual viscosity–molecular weight relationship. The K–a values were compared with known values for the parent homopolymers. We then derived calibration curves (different for each composition) and the calculation of the average molecular weight. These results are compared to those obtained by direct methods, without fractionation, and to kinetic observations. This method avoids misinterpretation of viscosity data and elution volume. Chromatograms may indicate heterogeneity of the compounds as related to polymerization conditions.     

Analysis of quaternary carbon resonances of vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate copolymers

Analysis of the quaternary carbon resonance signals of vinylidene chloride in vinylidene chloride (V)/methyl acrylate (M) copolymers at pentad level of compositional sensitivity is presented in this paper. The analysis has been done by resolving overlapped and complex resonance signals using an approach based on the intensities of resonances, chemical shift prediction and spectral simulation. Intensities of the resonance signals were calculated using the reactivity ratios optimized from the dyad and triad fractions, obtained from the ¹³C ¹H NMR data, by applying genetic algorithm. Joint confidence interval was obtained for the optimized reactivity ratios. The chemical shift modeling of the quaternary carbon resonance signals in terms of empirical additive parameters was done. The chemical shifts of overlapping pentad resonances were predicted from the empirical additive parameters optimized using genetic algorithm. Comparison of the intensities of pentad resonances assigned by chemical shift modeling and experimental intensities of resonances has been done to ascertain the assignments made. Comparison between simulated and experimental spectra at pentad level of sensitivity has been done.     

Impact of initiator characteristics on the thermal stability of vinylidene chloride copolymers

Two standard vinylidene chloride copolymers, the first containing approximately 9 mass% methyl acrylate and the second containing vinyl chloride at a nominal 15 mass% were prepared by radical suspension techniques using a series of peroxide and azo initiators (all of approximately the same half-life temperature for decomposition). The nature of the initiator could impact the stability of the resulting polymer in two ways. Instability could be introduced either via end-group effects or by attack of residual initiator fragments on the finished polymer during isolation and residual monomer stripping. In this case, the relative thermal stability of the resins produced was assessed by exposing samples to heat and shear in an air environment in a two-roll mill (Brabender Prep-Mill). The rate and extent of degradation was most readily apparent from color development during this treatment. The more thermally stable polymers were produced using initiator radicals that did not attack the polymer during isolation/stripping processes.     

Degradation of vinylidene chloride/phenylacetylene (VDC/PA) copolymers. Effect of internal unsaturation on poly(vinylidene chloride) stability

The thermal degradation of vinylidene chloride/phenylacetylene copolymers containing small but varying amounts of phenylacetylene has been examined in both the solid phase and in bibenzyl solution. Incorporation of phenylacetylene into the poly(vinylidene chloride) structure greatly facilitates degradative dehydrochlorination. Indeed, the presence of phenylacetylene promotes the formation of polyene segments during the polymerization process so that all the copolymers, even at very low phenylacetylene loading, are tan in color. The decreased stability of polymers containing interal unsaturation arises from an increased rate of initiation for degradative dehydrochlorination. The propagation rate is largely unaffected by the level of unsaturation initially present in the polymer. The ratio of hydrogen chloride to stilbene formed for degradation of these copolymers in bibenzyl solution is approximately 35:1. This suggests that the chlorine atom of the initially-formed radical pair preferentially abstracts an adjacent hydrogen atom rather than interacting with solvent, i.e., the chain-carrying radical pair does not dissociate appreciably as the unzipping dehydrochlorination occurs. Thus random double bonds introduced in a variety of ways may be identified as principal defect sites responsible for the initiation of the degradative dehydrochlorination of poly(vinylidene chloride). Species which promote the degradation of poly(vinylidene chloride) probably do so by facilitating the introduction of random double bonds into the structure.     

Degradation of vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate copolymers in the presence of metal formates

Vinylidene chloride copolymers have a number of superior properties, most notably, a high barrier to the transport of oxygen and other small molecules. As a consequence, these materials have assumed a position of prominence in the packaging industry. At processing temperatures these copolymers tend to undergo degradative dehydrochlorination. The dehydrochlorination reaction is a typical chain process with distinct initiation, propagation, and termination phases. It has been demonstrated that initiation of degradation is strongly facilitated by the presence of unsaturation along the backbone. Such unsaturation may be introduced via interaction of the polymer with a variety of agents which might commonly be encountered during polymerization or processing. The presence of an unsaturated unit within the polymer generates an allylic dichloromethylene which may function as a major defect (labile) site for the initiation of degradation. The conversion of these dichloromethylene units into non-reactive groups would interrupt propagation of the dehydrochlorination reaction and lead to the stabilization of the copolymer. Potential stabilization in the presence of metal formates has been examined using a vinylidene chloride/methyl acrylate (five mole percent) copolymer and thermogravimetric techniques. The effect of the metal formate on the stability of the polymer reflects the relative halogenophilicity of the metal cation present. Metal formates (sodium, calcium, nickel(II) and to a lesser extent lead(II), cadmium, manganese(II) and magnesium) may be expected to be ineffective as stabilizers for vinylidene chloride copolymers. At the other extreme, metal formates which contain cations sufficiently acidic to actively strip chlorine from the polymer backbone, e.g., zinc formate, will function to enhance the degradation process. An effective carboxylate stabilizer must contain a metal cation sufficiently acidic to interact with allylic chlorine and to facilitate its displacement by the carboxylate anion. Copper(II) formate may possess the balance of cation acidity and carboxylate activity to function as an effective stabilizer for vinylidene chloride copolymers.     

New copolymers of vinylidene fluoride

After a brief presentation of the standard non-functionalized copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, the preparation of new functionalized copolymers is described, by copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride, with other fluoromonomers and non-fluorinated monomers including at least one hydroxy or other functional group. The copolymers are analysed by the conventional methods. Examples of formulation show that these new copolymers are able to give coatings applicable outdoors and offering the same excellent durability as PVDF.     

Fluoroalkylation of vinylidene chloride

Conclusions The conjugated fluoroalkylation of vinylidene chloride was carried out; a series of alkyl halides containing the CCl₂F group was synthesized.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 3, pp. 675–677, March, 1967.     

Sequencing of trans-4-methacryloyloxyazobenzene/vinylidene chloride copolymers by one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy

Trans-4-methacryloyloxyazobenzene/Vinylidene Chloride (M/V) copolymers of different monomer concentrations were prepared by solution polymerization using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The copolymer composition was determined from the ¹³C{¹H}-NMR spectrum. The quaternary carbon of M- and V-centered resonances were used for determining the sequences in terms of the distribution of M- and V-centered triads. The sequence distribution of M- and V-centered triads determined from ¹³C{¹H}-NMR spectra of the copolymer is in good agreement with the triad concentration calculated from the statistical model. The comonomer reactivity ratios, determined by both the Kelen Tudos (KT) and the nonlinear error in variables (EVM) methods are r_M = 3.59 ± 0.19, r_V = 0.89 ± 0.07; r_M = 3.76, and r_V = 0.93, respectively. ¹³C Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer (DEPT) spectrum was used to differentiate between the resonance signals of M- and V-methylene and methyl carbon units. Assignments to the methylene resonance signals have been assigned up to the tetrad levels using 2D HSQC experiments. The geminal couplings in the methylene proton region is shown in the 2D DQF-COSY spectrum. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 3179–3185, 1999