Nanopore generation in hybrid polycyanurate/poly(ε-caprolactone) thermostable networks

Novel nanoporous thermosetting films were obtained from thermostable polycyanurate (PCN)-based hybrid networks synthesized by polycyclotrimerization of cyanate ester of bisphenol E in the presence of a modifier reactive toward cyanate groups, i.e. dihydroxy-telechelic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The nanoporous structure was generated in PCN/PCL hybrid networks after extraction of unreacted free PCL sub-chains which were not chemically incorporated into the PCN cross-linked framework. Structure–property relationships for precursory and porous PCN/PCL hybrid networks were investigated using a large array of physico-chemical techniques. The porosity associated with the networks after extraction was more particularly evaluated by SEM and DSC-based thermoporometry: pore sizes around 10–90 nm were determined along with pore volumes as high as about 0.3 cm³ g⁻¹. Density and dielectric measurements strongly suggested the occurrence of closed pore structures. Due to their high thermal stability as investigated by TGA, nanoporous PCN/PCL hybrid cross-linked films could be considered as promising materials for potential applications as thermostable membranes.     

Application of complex macromolecular architectures for advanced microelectronic materials

The distinctive features of well-defined, three-dimensional macromolecules with topologies designed to enhance solubility and amplify end-group functionality facilitated nanophase morphologies in mixtures with organosilicates and ultimately nanoporous organosilicate networks. Novel macromolecular architectures including dendritic and star-shaped polymers and organic nanoparticles were prepared by a modular approach from several libraries of building blocks including various generations of dendritic initiators and dendrons, selectively placed to amplify functionality and/or arm number, coupled with living polymerization techniques. Mixtures of an organosilicate and the macromolecular template were deposited, cured, and the phase separation of the organic component, organized the vitrifying organosilicate into nanostructures. Removal of the sacrificial macromolecular template, also denoted as porogen, by thermolysis, yielded the desired nanoporous organosilicate, and the size scale of phase separation was strongly dependent on the chain topology. These materials were designed for use as interlayer, ultra-low dielectric insulators for on-chip applications with dielectric constant values as low as 1.5. The porogen design, chemistry and role of polymer architecture on hybrid and pore morphology will be emphasized.     

Synthesis of water and oil dual-absorption materials by bicontinuous microemulsion polymerization

Water and oil dual-absorption materials for application in oil well cement for self-healing micro creaks has been synthesized through bicontinuous microemulsion polymerization. Bicontinuous structure of microemulsion was used to implement the performance of absorbing both water and oil. Phase behavior of the microemulsion system was analyzed by “ε–β fish-shape phase diagram” from which middle phase line was obtained to provide the formula of polymerization. The product was characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), pore size distribution (BET), water/oil absorption rate test and water/oil absorption speed test. SEM analysis showed that neither water absorption component nor oil absorption component formed separated particles, while they formed continuous component respectively. Due to the bicontinuous structure and pores, the materials have fast water and oil absorption rate.     

Heat-resistant polymers from melt-processable bisimido-bisphthalonitriles

Heat-resistant polymers which are processable into void-free components and suitable for composite applications have been synthesized by thermal/chemical polymerization of four newly developed bisimido-bisphthalonitriles containing silicon, ether, carbonyl, and hexafluoroisopropylidene groups. Thermal polymerization involving addition reactions was performed at 200–275°C for 2–10 h and then post-curing at 310°C for 10 h. Polymers VI, VII, VIII , and IX were obtained. The thermal polymerization was monitored using infrared spectroscopy. Thermal polymerization was also carried out in the presence of an aromatic diamine. A polyhexasocyclane ( V ) was synthesized by condensation polymerization of ether containing bisimido-bisphthalonitrile with 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether in solvent phenol. The synthesized polymers were evaluated for thermal stability using dynamic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Polymers VII, VIII, IX , and X showed thermal decomposition temperature in the range of 475–500°C in nitrogen and air atmosphere. The char yield of the polymers was in the range of 60–69% in nitrogen at 800°C. This study indicated that synthesized thermosetting polymers from ether and keto containing bisimido-bisphthalo-nitrile are potential candidates for development of graphite composites. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

The Research on Polymer Microcapsulation for Cell Technology

Microcapsulation is a technology that enwrapped the solid or liquid or some gas matter with membrane materials to form microparticles(i.e.microcapsules). The materials of microcapsule is composed of naturnal polymers or modified naturnal polymers or synthesized polymers. The water-soluble core matter can only use oil-soluble wall materials, and vice versa.Synthesized methods of polymer microcapsulesSynthesized methods with monomers as raw materialsThis kind of methods include suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, dispersal polymerization, precipitation polymerization,suspension condensation polymerization, dispersal condensation polymerization, deposition condensation polymerization, interface condensation polymerization, and so on.Synthesized methods with polymers as raw materialsThese methods are suspension cross-linked polymerization, coacervation phase separation,extraction with solvent evaporation, polymer deposition, polymer chelation, polymer gel,solidification of melting polymer, tray-painted ways, fluidized bed ways, and so forth.Polymer materials to synthesize microcapsules2.1. Naturnal polymer materialsThe characteristics of this kind of materials are easy to form membrane, good stability and no toxicity. The polymer materials include lipids(liposome), amyloses, proteins, plant gels, waxes, etc.2.2. Modified polymer materialsThe characteristics of these materials are little toxicity, high viscidity(viscosity), soluble salt materials. But they cannot be used in water, acidic environment and high temperature environment for a long time. The materials include all kind of derivants of celluloses.2.3. Synthesized polymer materialsThe characteristics of the materials are easy to form membrane, good stability and adjustment of membrane properties. The synthesized polymer materials include degradable polymers(PLA, PGA,PLGA, PCL, PHB, PHV, PHA, PEG, PPG and the like) and indegradable polymers(PA, PMMA,PAM, PS, PVC, PB, PE, PU, PUA, PVA and otherwise).The applications of polymer microcapsules in cell technologyThe "artificial cell" is the biological active microcapsule used in biological and medical fields.The applications of cells (including transgenic cells, the same as artificial cells) technology include several aspects as follows:3.1. Microcapsulation of artificial red cell3.2. Microcapsule of artificial cell of biological enzyme3.3. Microcapsule of artificial cell of magnetic material3.4. Microcapsule of artificial cell of active carbon3.5. Microcapsule of active biological cell     

Deep Eutectic Supramolecular Polymers: Bulk Supramolecular Materials

Application of new strategies for supramolecular self‐assembly can significantly impact the properties and/or functions of supramolecular polymers. To realize a facial strategy for the development of solvent‐free supramolecular polymers in bulk, “deep eutectic solvents” were employed. Cyclodextrins and natural acids were used to prepare deep eutectic supramolecular polymers ( DESP s). Deep eutectic solvents have special characteristics that endow DESP s with unique macroscopic properties and excellent processability. DESP s exhibit supramolecular adhesion and temperature‐dependent behavior originating from the combined effects of deep eutectic solvents and supramolecular polymerization. Because DESP s are solvent‐free and display interesting macroscopic properties, they have potential as new adaptive materials.     

Nanochannel array plastics with tailored surface chemistry

The utilization of nanoporous substrates in applications such as selective ion transport, biomolecule separation, seeded templating, and catalysis necessitates the ability to efficiently control pore surface properties. We approached this task by preparing nanoporous polymer monoliths from ABC triblock copolymer precursors that assemble into a cylindrical morphology, where the A block constitutes matrix, C is the removable minor component, and B provides the functionality on the surface of the pores. Polystyrene-polydimethylacrylamide-polylactide (PS-PDMA-PLA) triblock copolymers were prepared by a combination of controlled ring-opening and free-radical polymerization techniques. After selective etching of the PLA cylinders from shear-aligned monoliths, a nanoporous polystyrene matrix containing a hexagonally packed array of hydrophilic, PDMA-coated channels was obtained. Extremely high degrees of alignment and order could be attained, and nanoporous substrates with second-order orientation factors of as high as 0.96 were prepared. PDMA brushes inside the pores were then hydrolyzed in a controlled fashion to introduce a desired number of carboxylic acid groups to the internal pore surface. Carbodiimide mediated couplings with amines were then used to confirm the accessibility of the interior acidic groups and to render materials with different functional content. This modular approach allows for the convenient preparation of functionalized nanoporous materials from a single block copolymer precursor.     

Polycyclic phosphonate resins: Thermally cross-linkable intermediates for flame-retardant materials

Two series of polycyclic phosphonates were synthesized by reacting p-substituted phenol–formaldehyde resins with excess phosphonic dichlorides under dilute conditions in a polar aprotic solvent. MALDI–TOF was used to detect the absolute masses of different species formed under these conditions. The presence of phosphorus-containing species was also confirmed by ³¹P-NMR. The polycyclics were subjected to ring-opening polymerization simultaneously with a transesterification reaction with commercial polycarbonates in order to cross-link the polymers and to impart flame retardancy to the final thermosetting materials. Thermal properties of the polycarbonates containing phosphonate moieties were determined by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. Percent char yields of the final thermosetting materials were considerably higher than that of the linear polycarbonates. Polycyclic phosphonates, therefore, can potentially be used to impart flame retardance to polymers. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1911–1918, 1998     

Aqueous chromatography system using temperature-responsive polymer-modified stationary phases

Extensive research has been carried out on functional polymers which are currently playing important roles in various fields such as medicine and engineering. Such functional polymers which respond to various kinds of stimuli are termed 'intelligent materials'. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), a temperature-responsive polymer, was utilized as a chromatography column matrix modifier for a novel chromatographic approach in which only aqueous media are used as a mobile phase. The ability of the developed temperature-responsive chromatography system to separate solutes without using an organic solvent is advantageous from the point of view of maintaining the structure and activity of bioactive compounds. Recently, we designed and synthesized a new pH- and temperature-responsive copolymer as a representative of such environment-responsive polymers and grafted it onto aminopropyl silica beads. The products were evaluated as HPLC packing materials for separation systems based on a new concept, according to which the properties of the stationary phase surface are altered by external stimuli such as pH and temperature. This chromatography system utilizing the PNIPAAm copolymer is very useful for the separation of bioactive substances, such as proteins and peptides, because separation in the aqueous mobile phase is controlled solely by changing the temperature. This analytical system reduces organic waste because no organic solvent is used to separate the solutes and can therefore be classified as environmentally friendly. Future medical and pharmaceutical applications are expected.     

Macroporous polymers obtained in highly concentrated emulsions stabilized solely with magnetic nanoparticles

Magnetic macroporous polymers have been successfully prepared using Pickering high internal phase ratio emulsions (HIPEs) as templates. To stabilize the HIPEs, two types of oleic acid-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) were used as emulsifiers. The results revealed that partially hydrophobic NPs could stabilize W/O HIPEs with an internal phase above 90%. Depending upon the oleic acid content, the nanoparticles showed either an arrangement at the oil-water interface or a partial dispersion into the oil phase. Such different abilities to migrate to the interface had significant effects on the maximum internal phase fraction achievable and the droplet size distribution of the emulsions. Highly macroporous composite polymers were obtained by polymerization in the external phase of these emulsions. The density, porosity, pore morphology and magnetic properties were characterized as a function of the oleic acid content, concentration of NPs, and internal phase volume of the initial HIPEs. SEM imaging indicated that a close-cell structure was obtained. Furthermore, the composite materials showed superparamagnetic behavior and a relatively high magnetic moment.     

双连续相微乳液辐射聚合制备多孔材料的研究

利用6 0 Co γ射线在室温下辐照双连续相微乳液体系以制备多孔聚合物材料 ,试图在控制多孔材料的微孔结构形态和减少微乳液聚合过程中的相分离方面做一些探索 .通过电导率的测量分析微乳液的结构类型 ,并确定微乳液的双连续相区域范围 .微乳液聚合后所得的样品的孔结构和聚合前的微乳液结构类型有关 ,扫描电镜和热重分析的结果表明双连续相微乳液在聚合时容易发生相分离 ,未必能够得到开孔结构的聚合物 .但适当控制聚合前微乳液的组成 ,如选择合适的水油比例、交联剂的用量和加入一些功能性单体 (如甲基丙烯酸或丙烯酸钠 ) ,可以有效地抑制相分离 ,调节所得聚合物的结构形态 .     

Photoinduced Postsynthetic Polymerization of a Metal–Organic Framework toward a Flexible Stand‐Alone Membrane

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of nanoporous polymeric materials. However, the processing of such fragile crystalline powders into desired shapes for further applications is often difficult. A photoinduced postsynthetic polymerization (PSP) strategy was now employed to covalently link MOF crystals by flexible polymer chains, thus endowing the MOF powders with processability and flexibility. Nanosized UiO‐66‐NH₂ was first functionalized with polymerizable functional groups, and its subsequent copolymerization with monomers was easily induced by UV light under solvent‐free and mild conditions. Because of the improved interaction between MOF particles and polymer chains, the resulting stand‐alone and elastic MOF‐based PSP‐derived membranes possess crack‐free and uniform structures and outstanding separation capabilities for Cr^VI ions from water.     

分子印迹手性分离过程的热力学研究

以丙烯酰胺为功能单体, 以二甲基丙烯酸乙二醇酯为交联剂, 在模板分子N-叔丁氧羰酰-L-色氨酸(N-Boc-L-Trp)和N-叔丁氧羰酰-L-酪氨酸(N-Boc-L-Tyr)的存在下, 分别采用光引发聚合和热引发聚合制备了N-Boc-L-Trp和N-Boc-L-Tyr的分子印迹聚合物(MIPs), 进行分子印迹手性分离过程的热力学研究. 测定了分离过程的熵变、焓变和自由能变化. 结果显示, 在流动相中添加异丙醇或甲醇等强氢键竞争性溶剂时, 熵变对分离起到了主要作用, 而且分离过程中的溶剂化对分离的影响也非常大. 分子印迹聚合物对印迹分子和非印迹分子进行分子识别的主要作用是印迹聚合物与印迹分子匹配的三维空间结构.     

介孔聚离子液体的可控合成及在常压CO2环加成反应中应用

采用刚性的离子液体聚合单体双-（3-乙烯基-1-咪唑）亚甲基双溴盐（[C₁DVIM]Br）,以聚乙二醇（PEG）为溶剂,能够简单快捷制备出高比表面积的介孔聚离子液体.通过调节PEG的分子量大小,即可有效控制所得聚离子液体的孔结构.介孔聚离子液体由于具有典型的聚阳离子骨架、较高的比表面积以及丰富的卤素位,作为非金属多相催化剂在常压下氧化苯乙烯为底物的CO₂环加成反应中表现出优异的催化活性和良好的回收稳定性,循环使用5次后催化性能基本保持不变.此外,该催化材料还表现出良好的底物兼容性,可以有效转化很难反应的脂肪类环氧化合物.     

Porous epoxy thermosets obtained by a reaction-induced process and their characterizations

A novel reaction-induced method with the aid of solvent for porous thermosetting epoxy was first carried out. Investigations of pore structure using scanning electron microscope （SEM） showed that porous epoxy networks with average pore size ranging from 3 to 20 μm were obtained. The pore structure generated by this method can be tailored by changing the solvent content.     

金属-有机骨架材料用于废水处理

废水中的各种有害物质常常具有生物毒性或致癌性,因此如何高效、节能地处理水体污染是一个亟待解决的重要问题。金属-有机骨架材料(metal-organic frameworks, MOFs)是一种新型纳米多孔材料,具有种类多样性、结构可设计性与可调控性、高比表面积及良好的热稳定性等优点,已成为当前化学、材料学科的一个研究热点, 在多个领域显示出潜在的应用前景,尤其是在分离方面。与气相分离相比,MOFs用于液相分离的研究较少。本文综述了近年来MOFs用于含有染料、药物、醇、芳香族化合物、重金属离子及其他离子的废水处理的研究进展,重点剖析了MOFs的孔结构、骨架电荷及功能性对分离效果的影响,并结合本课题组的研究工作,对这种新型多功能材料在水处理方面的前景和今后的研究重点作了展望。     

Macroporous gels prepared at subzero temperatures as novel materials for chromatography of particulate-containing fluids and cell culture applications

Macroporous gels (MGs) with a broad variety of morphologies are prepared using the cryotropic gelation technique, i. e. gelation at subzero temperatures. These highly elastic hydrophilic materials can be produced from practically any gel-forming system with a broad range of porosity extending from elastic and porous gels with pore sizes up to 1.0 microm to elastic and sponge-like gels with pore sizes up to 100 microm. The versatility of the cryogelation technique is demonstrated by use of different chemical reactions (hydrogen bond formation, chemical cross-linking of polymers, free radical polymerization) mainly in an aqueous medium. Appropriate control over solvent crystallization (formation of solvent crystals) and rate of chemical reaction during the cryogelation allows the reproducible preparation of cryogels with tailored properties. Different approaches, such as chemical modification of reactive groups, grafting of the pore surface with an appropriate polymer, or direct copolymerization with functional monomers are used for control of the surface chemistry of MGs. Typically, MGs with pore sizes up to 1.0 microm are produced in the shape of beads and MGs with pore size up to 100 microm are prepared as monoliths, discs, and sheets. The difference in porous structure of MGs defines the main applications of these porous materials. Elastic beaded MGs are mostly used as carriers for cell and enzyme immobilization or for capture of low-molecular weight targets from particulate-containing fluids in expanded-bed mode. However, the elastic and sponge-like MG monoliths with interconnected pores measuring hundreds of mum have been successfully used as monolithic columns for chromatography of particulate-containing fluids (crude cell homogenates, viruses, whole cells, wastewater effluents) and as three-dimensional scaffolds for mammalian cell culture applications.     

Influences of methylaluminoxane separated by porous inorganic materials on the isospecific polymerization of propylene

Inorganic siliceous porous materials such as MFI type zeolite, mesoporous silica MCM‐41 and silica gel with different average pore diameters were applied to the adsorptive separation of methylaluminoxane (MAO) used as a cocatalyst in α‐olefin polymerizations. The separated MAOs combined with rac‐ethylene‐(bisindenyl)zirconium dichloride (rac‐Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂) were introduced to propylene polymerization, and their influences on the polymerization activity and stereoregularity of the resulting polymers were investigated. The polymerization activity and isotactic [mmmm] pentad of the produced propylene were markedly dependent upon the pore size of the porous material used for adsorptive separation. From the results obtained from solvent extraction of the produced polymers, it was suggested that there are at least two kinds of active species with different stereospecificity in the rac‐Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂/MAO catalyst system.     

A Drying‐Free,Water‐Based Process for Fabricating Mixed‐Matrix Membranes with Outstanding Pervaporation Performance

Despite much progress in the development of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for many advanced applications, the synthesis of MMMs without particle agglomeration or phase separation at high nanofiller loadings is still challenging. In this work, we synthesized nanoporous zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF‐8) nanoparticles with a particle size of 60 nm and a pore size of 0.34 nm in water and directly added them into an aqueous solution of the organic polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) without an intermediate drying process. This approach led to a high‐quality PVA/ZIF‐8 MMM with enhanced performance in ethanol dehydration by pervaporation. The permeability of this MMM is three times higher than that of pristine PVA, and the separation factor is nearly nine times larger than that of pristine PVA. The significantly improved separation performance was attributed to the increase in the fractional free volume in the membranes.     

A Drying‐Free,Water‐Based Process for Fabricating Mixed‐Matrix Membranes with Outstanding Pervaporation Performance

Despite much progress in the development of mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for many advanced applications, the synthesis of MMMs without particle agglomeration or phase separation at high nanofiller loadings is still challenging. In this work, we synthesized nanoporous zeolitic imidazole framework (ZIF‐8) nanoparticles with a particle size of 60 nm and a pore size of 0.34 nm in water and directly added them into an aqueous solution of the organic polymer poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) without an intermediate drying process. This approach led to a high‐quality PVA/ZIF‐8 MMM with enhanced performance in ethanol dehydration by pervaporation. The permeability of this MMM is three times higher than that of pristine PVA, and the separation factor is nearly nine times larger than that of pristine PVA. The significantly improved separation performance was attributed to the increase in the fractional free volume in the membranes.