Polystyrene in cyclopentane: Dilute solution properties from the upper critical to the lower critical solution temperature

Dilute solutions of polystyrene in cyclopentane are studied with four narrow-distribution polymer fractions ranging in molecular weight from 1.6 × 10⁵ to 1.8 × 10⁶. Light scattering (total intensity) and viscosity measurements cover a temperature range spanning both “theta” temperatures: the limiting upper critical solution temperature (19.6°C) and the limiting lower critical temperature (154.5°C). Within experimental uncertainty, chain dimensions are the same at the two theta temperatures. Correlations among second virial coefficients, mean-square molecular radii of gyration, and intrinsic viscosities, are analyzed. Temperature and molecular-weight dependences are correlated satisfactorily in terms of the excluded-volume parameter z that is central to the “two-parameter” theories of dilute solution behavior. The data can also be correlated in the framework of the newer renormalization theories.     

Sedimentation equilibrium in nonideal heterogeneous systems. I. Fundamental equations for heterogeneous solute systems and some preliminary results

The sedimentation-equilibrium method is extended to treat nonideal solutions of heterogeneous macromolecules. The solute is assumed to be heterogeneous not only in molecular weight but also in other quantities such as partial specific volume, second virial coefficient and specific refractive increment. General expressions for various observable molecular weights, especially for weight-average, z-average, and number-average molecular weights, are derived. Their dependences on sedimentation parameter and solute concentration are discussed in detail. For the extrapolation of observable molecular weights, giving a type of weight-average, and z-average, to infinite dilution to estimate the molecular weight and the second virial coefficient, average concentration is superior as a concentration variable to original concentration. The plots of observable molecular weight versus average concentration are usually less influenced by the choice of the sedimentation parameter, especially of rotor speed. The general expressions are applied to a few special cases; monodisperse polymer, polydisperse homologous polymer, and polymer blend. The results are compared with experiments on a monodisperse, polystyrene, a polydisperse poly(methyl methacrylate), and a mixture of the two polymers, all in 2-butanone at 25°C. The agreement between the theory and experiments is satisfactory.     

Influence of second virial coefficient and persistence length on dilute solution polymer conformation

The effect of different types of short- and long-range intrachain interactions along the polymeric backbone on the persistence length of a polymer, as well as on other properties such as solvation (characterized by the second virial coefficient), dilute solution conformation, specific refractive index increment, and intrinsic viscosity, were studied using multi-detector size-exclusion chromatography and off-line techniques. The polymers in this study, namely, polystyrene (PS), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and poly(p-vinylbenzyl chloride) (PpVBC), were chosen based on intrachain interactions specific to each, intrachain repulsion in PVC, attraction in PS, and hindered attraction in PpVBC, and also based on a coincidence in molar mass averages and distributions between the polymers. The latter allowed polymeric properties of the three polymers to be compared to each other at the same molar mass and/or degree of polymerization. From the comparisons emerged the effects of intrachain repulsion between consecutive monomers and of the second virial coefficient on chain stiffness and solvation. The increase in the second virial coefficient corresponded to an increase in both polymer solvation and rigidity, while increased intrachain repulsion between consecutive monomers increased polymer solvation while decreasing chain rigidity.

Solution properties and chain conformation characteristics of cellulose tricarbanilate

Fractions of two cellulose tricarbanilate samples were characterized by light-scattering (weight-average molecular weight, second virial coefficient, mean-square radius of gyration), gel permeation chromatography (polydispersity index), and viscometry (intrinsic viscosity) in tetrahydrofuran and acetone. The intrinsic viscosity data were analyzed in terms of the theory developed for the continuous wormlike cylinder model, and the chain parameters (Kuhn statistical segment length λ^?1, chain diameter d, and shift factor M_L) were evaluated. The molecular-weight dependence of the mean-square radius of gyration in tetrahydrofuran was calculated for the Kratky—Porod chain model and compared with the experimental results. Data on the intrinsic viscosity and radii of gyration for other solvents at temperatures from 0 to 100°C were analyzed in the same way, and the effects of solvent and temperature on the statistical segment length were evaluated. Polymer—solvent interaction parameters were estimated from the second virial coefficients.     

Solution characterization of poly(isobornyl methacrylate) in tetrahydrofuran

Thermodynamic and hydrodynamic properties of dilute solutions of poly (isobornyl methacrylate) (PIMA) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) were characterized by using viscosity, static, and dynamic light scattering measurements. PIMA samples with different molecular weight were obtained by fractional precipitation of PIMA solution. Chain dimension parameters (R_g and R_H), together with second virial coefficient A₂ and intrinsic viscosity [η], were used to calculate various solution parameters characterizing polymer chains in polymer solutions. The experimental results are compared with calculation, indicating that PIMA behaves as a flexible coil in THF. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Influence of chain conformation on translational diffusion of poly(2-vinyl pyridine) in dilute solution

A comparative photon correlation spectroscopy study is reported of the concentration-dependent translational diffusion coefficient D_t of atactic poly(2-vinyl pyridine) in tetrahydrofuran and in aqueous solution, in the form of the poly(2-vinyl pyridinium)chloride salt (α = 0.4). The limiting Stokes radius of the polymer is observed to be identical within experimental error in tetrahydrofuran (THF) at temperatures below 30°C and in aqueous solutions at high ionic strength. This numerical value is comparable to expectation for an unperturbed atactic vinyl polymer chain and indicates a compact, possibly micellar, conformation. Raising the temperature in THF above 30°C and decreasing the ionic strength or increasing the ionization above α = 0.4 in aqueous solvents causes a discontinuous cooperative transition to a more expanded structure. The effect of the conformational change is also manifest in the concentration dependence of D_t. Using experimental estimates of the second osmotic virial coefficients obtained by total scattered intensity measurements, the experimental data for dD_t/dc are compared with prediction based on hydrodynamic theory. Substantial disagreement is found between theory and experiment, especially in the aqueous system. In 0.01M NaCl, decrease in polyion concentration induces the transition from the compact form to a highly extended structure. Angle-dependent quasielastic light scattering data from the expanded state provides information about the intramolecular chain dynamics.     

Conformational changes of a polyelectrolyte in mixtures of water and acetone

Samples of a polyelectrolyte poly(methacryloylethyl trimethylammonium methylsulfate), PMETMMS, with molar masses M_w = 22−25 × 10⁶ were examined with viscosity, static light scattering, and conductivity measurements in a water–acetone solvent. Because acetone is a nonsolvent for this polymer the measurements were performed to determine the influence of the solvent composition, the polymer concentration, and the presence of added ions on the conformation of the polyelectrolyte in mixed solvents. The possible influence of a hydrodynamic field on the polymer conformation was also studied. The viscosity of the polymer solutions as a function of polymer concentration, as well as of the solvent composition, was studied using a broad range of shear rates. When the mass fraction of acetone in the solvent, γ, is below 0.5, the solutions show a usual polyelectrolyte behavior. When γ ≥ 0.80, the polymer adopts a compact conformation. This is observed as a decrease of the radius of gyration, R_g, second virial coefficient, A₂, the viscosity, and also as a change in the conductivity of the solution. The change in the polymer conformation may be induced also by dilution. When 0.60 ≤ γ < 0.80, a gradual decrease in the polymer concentration leads to a sudden decrease of the reduced viscosity, which indicates a decrease in the particle size. The values of M_w measured by static light scattering were constant in all experiments. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1107–1114, 1998     

Polymerization of oriented monomers. V. Radiation-induced polymerization of 3n-dodecyl-1-vinylimidazolium iodide in micellar aggregates

In the present study radiation-induced polymerization of 3n-dodecyl-1-vinylimidazolium iodide (I) in micellar aggregates was investigated. For comparison, the corresponding isotropic polymerization of I was also studied. Micellization was obtained in concentrated aqueous solutions; that is, above the monomer's critical micelle concentration (CMC) polymers obtained by both modes of polymerization were treated similarly and subsequently subjected to physical characterization. The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether the degree of organization of the monomer in micelles would affect polymer properties. Attempts to determine tacticity by ¹³C-NMR spectrometry failed because of the particular structure of the polymer. Crystallization of these polymers from ethyl alcohol or acetone was not possible as indicated by x-ray powder diffraction patterns that were characteristic of amorphous polymers. On the other hand, viscosity data of polymers do not depend on the mode of polymerization. It is therefore concluded that micellar aggregates are not sufficiently organized to affect polymer properties.     

Conformation of oligo(ethylene glycol) grafted poly(norbornene) in solutions: A small angle neutron scattering study

The conformation of newly synthesized amphiphilic poly(methoxyoligo(ethylene oxide) norbornenyl esters) macro-homopolymers in dilute solutions of toluene-d8 and D₂O was investigated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The macro-homopolymers consist of a polynorbornene (PNB) backbone with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 50, and each repeat unit has a grafted ethylene glycol (EG) side chain with an average DP of 6.6. The hydrophobic backbone and hydrophilic side chains interact differently with solvents of different polarity, which makes the polymer conformation very sensitive to the solvent quality. It was found that in a 0.5 wt.% toluene solution the polymers assume coil-like conformation and gradually contract and become more compact with increasing polymer concentration. In D₂O, the conformation of the polymers were studied at different concentrations: 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 wt.% and at different temperatures: 25, 44, 60 and 74 °C. The polymers are partially contracted in D₂O and their shape can be described by the form factor of a rigid cylinder. The second virial coefficient A₂ was extracted at three temperatures (25, 44 and 60 °C) and the theta point was estimated to be reached at ∼45 °C. The attractive interactions between the polymers in D₂O increase with temperature, which leads to the polymer-solvent phase separation at the cloud point temperature (CPT). The polymer conformation remains virtually temperature independent below the CPT and at 74 °C polymers collapse and form compact structures with water soluble side chains in the shell.     

Excluded volume study of a sulfonate-containing polyelectrolyte in salt solutions

Chain characteristics of a linear sulfonate-containing homopolymer, sodium poly(3-methacryloyloxypropane-1-sulfonate), in aqueous salt solutions (ionic strength, C_s = 0.01N to 5N NaCl) have been investigated by light scattering and intrinsic viscosity. The molecular weight (M?_w)–viscosity relation can be well described by the Mark–Houwink and the Stockmayer–Fixman equations. The coil is highly expanded even in the most concentrated NaCl solution (6N), and no 1:1 electrolyte was found to precipitate this polymer. A linear relation was observed between the viscosity expansion factor, α^3η, and (M?_w/C_s)^1/2. Examination of the data in terms of theories for excluded volume and hydrodynamic interaction suggests that the coil experiences dominant hydrodynamic interaction, corresponding to a nondraining coil, and the second virial coefficient and coil expansion at high C^s can be correlated by the Flory–Krigbaum–Orofino equation. Results for this polymer are compared with those for other polyelectrolytes, and are discussed in terms of chain structure, flexibility, and hydrophobicity.     

Polymerization of adsorbed monolayers. III. Preliminary structure studies in dilute solution of the insertion polymers

Insertion poly(methyl acrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate) were prepared from monomers adsorbed in monolayers on the surface of montmorillonite clay, both in the presence and in the absence of bifunctional crosslinkers (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and tetramethylene glycol dimethacrylate). The insertion poly(methyl acrylate) and the crosslinked insertion poly(methyl methacrylate) and dilute-solution properties quite different from conventional polymers of these monomers, the differences including high light-scattering molecular weights combined with low viscosities, low values of the second virial coefficient, unusually large variations of the Huggins' constant k′ with the time-temperature history of the solutions, and low sedimentation velocities. These properties suggest that the insertion polymers have compact structures and are consistent with the postulate of sheetlike macromolecules. The dilute-solution properties of insertion poly(methyl methacrylate) made without crosslinker, unlike those of similarly prepared poly(methyl acrylate), were similar to those of conventional poly(methyl methacrylate). This difference in behavior is attributed to the different tendencies of the two monomers to undergo branching or crosslinking during radical polymerization.     

A viscometric study of dilute aqueous solutions of poly(vinylalcohol)-polyacrylamide mixtures

The viscosity interaction coefficient, k_AB, for the system poly(vinylalcohol)-polyacrylamide-water was determined at 25° by two methods: (a) estimation of the Huggins slope coefficients for mixtures of polymers in different proportions; (b) determination of the intrinsic viscosity of polymer (A) in aqueous solutions of polymer (B). The result, k_AB = 0.3, indicates a low degree of overlapping of unlike polymer molecules.     

Matched ring diblock and linear triblock copolymers in dilute solution

A unique diblock copolymer ring and its linear triblock copolymer precursor composed of polystyrene and polydimethylsiloxane have been characterized by static and dynamic light scattering in dilute solution. The measurements were carried out with cyclohexane as the solvent over a temperature range of 12–35°C. Cyclohexane has the useful property that it is nearly isorefractive with the PDMS so that the PDMS block segments are invisible to the light-scattering technique and it is a theta solvent for polystyrene at 34.5°C. The block polymers in this work contain 35.1 wt % of styrene as determined by proton NMR. In the linear triblock polymer, the polystyrene is the center block with PDMS blocks on each side. Static light scattering measurements give 4.31 × 10⁴ for the average molecular weight of the whole polymer. Light scattering also shows that the apparent theta temperature for the linear triblock is shifted by 15°C to a value of 20°C at which point the second virial coefficient drops sharply and phase separation begins to induce aggregation. The diblock ring, however, shows a strongly positive second virial coefficient and no aggregation even at 12°C which is the limit of these experiments. The diffusion coefficients of cyclic diblock (D_c) and linear triblock copolymer (D₁) are measured by dynamic light scattering. The ratio of diffusion coefficients of cyclic and linear copolymers at 14.9°C and 30°C are D_c/D_l = 1.13 and 1.107 respectively. These compare well with prediction of 1.18 for this ratio from consideration of the hydrodynamics of matched linear and cyclic polymer chains. Dynamic light scattering quantitatively confirms that the linear copolymer experiences a solvent quality change near 20°C but the cyclic polymer remains in good solvent over the entire experimental temperature range. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis of heteroarm star polymers comprising poly(4-methylphenyl vinyl sulfoxide) segment by living anionic polymerization

<正>A series of 3-arm ABC and AA'B and 4-arm ABCD,AA'BC and AA′A″B heteroarm star polymers comprising one poly(4-methylphenyl vinyl sulfoxide) segment and other segments such as polystyrene,poly(α-methylstyrene), poly(4-methoxystyrene) and poly(4-trimethylsilylstyrene) were synthesized by living anionic polymerization based on diphenylethylene(DPE) chemistry.The DPE-functionalized polymers were synthesized by iterative methodology,and the objective star polymers were prepared by two distinct methodologies based on anionic polymerization using DPE-functionalized polymers.The first methodology involves an addition reaction of living anionic polymer with excess DPE-functionalized polymer and a subsequent living anionic polymerization of 4-methylphenyl vinyl sulfoxide(MePVSO) initiated from the in situ formed polymer anion with two or three polymer segments.The second methodology comprises an addition reaction of DPE-functionalized polymer with excess sec-BuLi and a following anionic polymerization of MePVSO initiated from the in situ formed polymer anion and 3-methyl-1,1-diphenylpentyl anion as well.Both approaches could afford the target heteroarm star polymers with predetermined molecular weight,narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n1.03) and desired composition,evidenced by SEC,~1H-NMR and SLS analyses.These polymers can be used as model polymers to investigate structure-property relationships in heteroarm star polymers.     

Excluded-volume effects in dilute polymer solutions. IV. Polyisobutylene

Statistical radii of gyration, second virial coefficients, and intrinsic viscosities of sharp fractions (M?_w/M?_n ≈ 1.1) of polyisobutylene (PIB) covering a wide range of molecular weight (1.6 × 10⁵ to 4.7 × 10⁶) were determined in isoamyl isovalerate (IAIV) at a number of temperatures ranging from 20 to 60°C, in n-heptane at 25°C, and in cyclohexane at 25°C by light-scattering and viscosity measurements. It was found that IAIV at 22.1°C is a theta solvent for PIB. Analysis of the data by the methods described in preceding papers of this series indicated that, except for minor differences, the conclusions derived from similar studies with polychloroprene, polystyrene, and poly-p-methylstyrene hold equally for solutions of the typical linear polymer investigated here. In particular, no decisive evidence for the drainage effect was found.     

The variations of the configurational and solvency properties of low molecular weight sodium polyacrylate with ionic strength

The configurational and solvency properties of low molecular weight sodium polyacrylate have been determined for a wide range of ionic strength solutions, from intrinsic viscosity data in the polymer literature.The variations of the polymer properties with ionic strength (I) are described very well by simple mathematical expressions. Thus, a linear relationship was found between the solvency parameter and 1/I ^(1/2), while the variations of the expansion factor and the radius of gyration with 1/I ^(1/2) were described by second order polynomials.LowI solutions (i.e. < 0.01) have a high solvency for sodium polyacrylate. In such solutions the polymer is in a highly expanded configuration. Thus, the radius of gyration of a typical, low molecular weight (ca. 5000 g mol^–1) sodium polyacrylate approaches the limiting value of ca. 4.5 nm atI<0.01.Conversely, high ionic strength solutions (i.e. >0.10) have a low solvency for sodium polyacrylate. In such solutions the polymer is in a virtually unexpanded configuration. Thus, the radius of gyration of a typical, low molecular weight sodium polyacrylate approaches the limiting value of ca. 2.0 nm atI>0.10.     

Polymerization of butadiene sulfone

Polymerization of butadiene sulfone (BdSO₂) by various catalysts was studied. Azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), butyllithium, tri-n-butylborn (n-Bu)₃B, boron trifluoride etherate, Ziegler catalyst, and γ-radiation were used as catalysts. Butadiene sulfone did not polymerize with these catalysts at low temperatures (below 60°C.), but polymers were obtained at high temperature with AIBN or (n-Bu)₃B. The polymerization of BdSO₂ initiated by AIBN in benzene at 80–140°C. was studied in detail. The obtained polymers were white, rubberlike materials and insoluble in organic solvents. The polymer composition was independent of monomer and initiator concentrations and reaction time. The sulfur content in polymer decreased with increasing polymerization temperature. The polymers prepared at 80 and 140°C. have the compositions (C₄H₆)_1.55- (SO₂) and (C₄H₆)_3.14(SO₂), respectively, and have double bonds. These polymers were not alternating copolymers of butadiene with sulfur dioxide. The polymerization mechanism was discussed from polymerization rate, polymer composition, and decomposition rate of BdSO₂. From these results, the polymerization was thought to be “decomposition polymerization,” i.e., butadiene and sulfur dioxide, formed by the thermal decomposition of BdSO₂, copolymerized.     

Synthesis of ionic polymers by free radical polymerization using aprotic trimethylsilylmethyl-substituted monomers

Aprotic ionic polymers containing trimethylsilylmethyl-substituted imidazolium structures are synthesized using free radical polymerization of monomers comprising a vinyl group either at the cation or at the anion. Bulk polymerization is used for the room temperature ionic liquid monomer 1-trimethylsilylmethyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. In contrast to this, solution polymerization is applied for 1-trimethylsilylmethyl-3-methylimidazolium p-styrene sulfonate because this monomer undergoes self-polymerization during melting at a higher temperature than selected for bulk polymerization. Glass transition temperature (T _g) of the ionic polymers and intrinsic viscosity measurements indicate differences between these polymers, which are composed either of a polycation with a trimethylsilylmethyl substituent at each vinylimidazolium segment of the polymer chain and mobile bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (NTf₂⁻) anions or a polyanion containing p-styrene sulfonate segments and mobile 1-trimethylsilylmethyl-3-methylimidazolium cations. The new aprotic ionic polymers containing trimethylsilylmethyl substituents may be interesting for application in adhesive, interlayer and membrane manufacturing.     

Solution properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polymers. VII. Conformational characteristics of poly(butyl methacrylate)

The paper is concerned with light scattering studies on solutions of ultrahigh molecular weight poly(butyl methacrylate). The dependence of the radius of gyration and of the second virial coefficient on the weight-average molecular weight of the polymers was established in methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylformamide, and CCl₄. Short-range and long-range interactions were discussed in terms of the steric factor σ, of the interaction parameter B, and of the interpenetration function ψ(z).