Investigation into morphology, microstructure and properties of SBR/EPDM/ORGANO montmorillonite nanocomposites

Rubber compounds based on styrene-butadiene rubber/ethylene propylene diene monomer blends of different compositions (60/40, 70/30, 80/20, 90/10, 100/0) reinforced with 1 wt%, 3 wt%, 5 wt% and 7 wt% organoclay (Cloisite 20A) were prepared on a two roll mill via a vulcanization process and characterized by several techniques. Results of X-ray diffraction showed expansion of the inter-gallery distance, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs confirmed that the prepared nanocomposite samples have intercalated and partially exfoliated structures. Cure characteristics showed that, organoclay not only accelerates the vulcanization reaction, but also gives rise to a marked increase of the torque, indicating crosslink density of the prepared compounds increases at the presence of organoclay. Mechanical properties of samples received markedly increase by clay loading due to the good interaction established between nanoclay particles and polymer matrix as it was evidenced by SEM photomicrographs. At the same time, rheological properties showed that addition of nanoclay could improve storage modulus as well as complex viscosity of SBR/EPDM samples. The results of ozone test revealed that the ozone resistance of samples significantly increases as nanoclay or EPDM content increases.     

Ring-opening polymerizaion of 2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate initiated by <Emphasis Type="Italic">in situ</Emphasis> generated,tetrahydrosalen stablized yttrium borohydride complex and random copolymerization with <Emphasis Type="Italic">ɛ</Emphasis>-caprolactone

The poly（2,2-dimethyltrimethylene carbonate）（PDTC）with one hydroxyl and one formate terminal functions was synthesized by in situ generated,tetrahydrosalen stabilized yttrium borohydride complex.The influences of monomer/initiator molar ratio,temperature and reaction time on polymerization of DTC were investigated.Under the condition:[DTC]/[I]=500,55℃,toluene:0.5 mL,DTC:0.6 g,PDTC with M_n=15600 and PDI=2.15 was obtained. Through ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR analyses,the structure of PDTC was characterized and a coordination-insertion mechanism was proposed.In addition,the random copolymerization of DTC and caprolactone（CL）initiated by rare-earth borohydride compound was studied.The microstructure of PDTC-co-PCL includes four diads:DTC-CL,CL-CL,DTC-DTC and CL-DTC, which were determined by the specific signals in ¹H-NMR spectra.Based on the typical signals of the formate（δ= 8.08）and hydroxyl（δ=3.34）end groups of PDTC-co-PCL,a mechanism involving DTC monomer inserts before CL during the initiation process was presumed.Furthermore,the thermal properties of amorphous copolymer were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry（DSC）.The results support the random structure of PDTC-co-PCL.     

Morphology and performance of unsaturated polyester nanocomposites modified with organoclay and thermoplastic polyurethane

<正>Unsaturated polyester(UPR)/thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding of thermoplastic polyurethane and unsaturated polyester prepolymer,and then mixing with the hybrids of styrene monomers and organoclay at ambient temperature.The crosslinking reaction eventually occurred through the unsaturated polyester prepolymer and styrene monomer.The morphology of the composites was investigated by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The results show that the impact strength of UPR/TPU/organoclay nanocomposites increases obviously;the cure shrinkage decreases markedly,the glass transition temperature is enhanced and an elastic response to the deformation is prominent at the temperature above 10℃.     

Equilibrium Crystallization Temperature of Syndiotactic Polystyrene <Emphasis Type="Italic">γ</Emphasis> Form

The crystallization behavior of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) γ form undergoing annealing at various temperatures was investigated using the thermodynamic phase diagram based on Strobl's crystallization theory.On the basis of the differential scanning calorimetric results,it was observed that γ form melt-recrystallization occurred at a higher temperature with the increasing lamellar thickness,which resulted from the pre-annealing at the elevating temperature after acetone induced crystallization.Further temperature dependent small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurement revealed the evolution of the γ form lamellae upon heating until phase transition,involving three different regimes:lamellae stable region (25-90 ℃),melt-recrystallization region (90-185 ℃) and pre-phase transition region (185-195 ℃).As a result,recrystallization line,equilibrium recrystallization line and melting line were developed for the sPS γform crystallization process.Since the melt of γform involved a γto-α/β form phase transition,the melting line was also denoted as the phase transition line in this special case.Therefore,the equilibrium crystallization temperature and melting (phase transition)temperatures were determined at around 390 and 220 ℃ on the basis of the thermodynamic phase diagram of the sPS γform.     

Effect of Different Organic Modifiers on the Tensile Properties of PVC／EVA／Montmorillonite Composites

Poly (vinyl chloride)/ethylene-vinyl acetate/montmorillonite (PVC/EVA/OMMT) composites were prepared by melt blending method. Two kinds of montmorillonites were organically modified by trimethyloctadecyl ammonium and dimethyl bis (hydrogenated tallow) ammonium, respectively. The morphology and tensile properties of the resultant composites were discussed in terms of the modifier type and OMMT content. The PVC/EVA/OMMT composites have intercalated structure, which is independent of the polarity of the modifiers, while the tensile properties show strong dependence on the modifier type. The OMMT modified by polar modifier gives higher tensile ductile and strength of PVC/EVA/OMMT composites.     

Accelerating role of clay in photo-oxidation of polypropylene/clay multifilament yarns

Photo-oxidative degradation of polypropylene/clay multifilament yarns containing different amounts of clay was investigated. These samples and pure polypropylene(PP) multifilametns were exposed to long wavelength radiations(λ 300 nm) under atmospheric condition of constant temperature and relative humidity. The photo-oxidative stability was studied using FTIR spectroscopy, tensile testing and microscopy. The results indicate that the addition of clay particles decreases the stability of PP/clay composites to photo-oxidative degradation according to comparison with pure PP. From FTIR study and tensile properties, it was also found that the multifilaments with higher clay loading reveals a faster loss of mechanical properties, higher photo-oxidative product formation and more reduction in the induction time of photooxidation. Moreover, the crack formation on surface of irradiated filaments corresponds well to the conclusions in tensile properties and FTIR characterization.     

MORPHOLOGY,INTERFACIAL INTERACTION AND PROPERTIES OF STYRENE-BUTADIENE RUBBER/MODIFIED HALLOYSITE NANOTUBE NANOCOMPOSITES

 A natural nanotubular material, halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), was introduced to prepare styrene-butadiene rubber/modified halloysite nanotube (SBR/m-HNT) nanocomposites. Complex of resorcinol and hexamethylenetetramine (RH) was used as the interfacial modifier. The structure, morphology and mechanical properties of SBR/m-HNT nanocomposites, especially the interfacial interactions, were investigated. SEM and TEM observations showed that RH can not only facilitate the dispersion and orientation of HNTs in SBR matrix at nanometer scale, but also enhance the interfacial combination between HNTs and rubber matrix. FTIR and XPS investigations confirmed that a number of hydrogen bonds were formed between the phenol hydroxyl groups in resorcinol-formaldehyde resin derived from RH and the oxygen atoms in Si―O bonds or hydroxyl groups on HNTs surfaces. The m-HNTs modified with RH have significant reinforcing effect on SBR vulcanizates. RH as a good interfacial modifier can remarkably improve mechanical properties of SBR/HNT composites. The substantial improvement of comprehensive properties for SBR/m-HNT nanocomposites can be attributed to good dispersion and orientation of HNTs in SBR matrix at nanometer scale and the enhanced interfacial interaction between HNTs and rubber matrix.     

The effect of silica morphology on properties of PVA/silica nano-composites

Two kinds of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)-silica composites were prepared with different methods. One composite was prepared by directly mixing PVA with 80 nm silica nano-particles which were made from tetraethoxysilane(TEOS). The another was obtained by the mixing PVA and hydrolyzed TEOS in the presence of acid-catalyst. The properties of the two PVA/silica hybrids were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy(SEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy,solubility tests, limiting oxygen index(LOI) test, tensile test and dynamical mechanical analysis(DMA), respectively. The results indicate that PVA-TEOS composites(PT for short) display more transparency than PVA-silica nano-particles hybrids(PS for short). At the same time, The PT composites presented more excellent performance than PS in water resistance, fire resistance and mechanical properties. Moreover, the Tg of PT increased with increasing TEOS content, while that of PS decreased.     

Preparation and properties of wheat gluten/rice protein composites plasticized with glycerol

Environment friendly thermosetting composites were prepared by blending wheat gluten(WG) and rice protein (RP) at different weight ratios with glycerol as plasticizer followed by compression molding the mixture at 120℃to crosslink the proteins.Reducing agent of sodium bisulfate and sodium sulfite and crosslinking agent formaldehyde were used to adjust the properties of the composites.Morphology,moisture absorption and tensile properties were evaluated.The results showed that formaldehyde could increase t...     

INFLUENCE OF SURFACE-MODIFICATION FOR CALCIUM CARBONATE ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE FILLERS AND POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE

The surface of calcium carbonate(CaCO_3)particles was modified with stearic acid(SA)and the chemical structures of the product were characterized by FT-IR analysis.The interaction between polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)and CaCO_3 fillers with different surface character was investigated by means of dynamic rheological and bound rubber tests for uncured compounds and mechanical properties measurements for the corresponding vulcanites.The results of dynamic tests indicate that with the increase of SA mass fract...     

Fabrication and characterization of chitosan-silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite composites via in situ precipitation for bone tissue engineering

Homogeneous chitosan-silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite(CS-SF/HA) composites were prepared by in situ precipitation method driven by a multiple-order template. The morphology of the composites was investigated by scanning electron microscope(SEM) and transmission electron microscope(TEM). The compositional analysis was carried out by X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy(FTIR). The mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the composites were also determined. The results indicated that the inorganic particles of uniform size(50 nm) were well-dispersed among the CS-SF matrices. The compressive modulus of the CS-SF/HA composites was enhanced with the increasing amount of SF. The in vitro results suggested that the MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells on CS-SF/HA composite disks displayed strong bonding and spreading, and the cell proliferation cultured on each composite disk increased throughout the culture period for up to 7 days. Especially, the samples with higher content of SF had much better biological properties. The evidences proved that the CS-SF/HA composites possessed excellent biocompatibility. By using the freeze-drying technique, hierarchical porous scaffolds with pores ranging from 50 μm to 200 μm were obtained. This work presented the advantages of in situ precipitation method to prepare the organic/inorganic composites, and a multiple-order template was introduced in the system to improve the properties of the composites by combining the merits of each organic template.     

Crystallization,Mechanical and Flame-retardant Properties of Poly(lactic acid) Composites with DOPO and DOPO-POSS

Poly(lactic acid)(PLA) composites with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide(DOPO) and DOPOcontaining polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane(DOPO-POSS) were prepared via melting extrusion and injection molding. The crystallization, mechanical, and flame-retardant properties of PLA/DOPO and PLA/DOPO-POSS were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry(DSC), X-ray diffraction(XRD), tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis(TGA), limiting oxygen index(LOI),and cone calorimeter test. The DSC results showed that the DOPO added could act as a plasticizer as reflected by lower glass transition temperature and inhibited crystallization of part of the PLA; the DOPO-POSS acted like a filler in the PLA matrix and slightly improved the crystallinity of the PLA matrix. The XRD and DSC analyses indicated that the PLA composites by cold molding injection were amorphous, and the PLA composites following a heat treatment in an oven at 120 °C for 30 min achieved crystallinity. All the PLA and its composites after heat treatment had improved mechanical properties. The thermogravimetric analysis(TGA) tests showed that the PLA,DOPO and DOPO-POSS decomposed separately in the PLA/DOPO and PLA/DOPO-POSS, respectively. The cone calorimeter tests offered clear evidence that addition of the DOPO-POSS resulted in an evident reduction of 25% for the peak of heat release rate(p-HRR).It was also confirmed that the crystalline flame-retardant PLA composites after heat treatment had better flame retardant properties than the amorphous PLA composites prepared by the cold molding.     

Optical and mechanical properties of polyurethane/surface-modified nanocrystalline cellulose composites

in order to improve the optical and mechanical performances of waterborne polyurethane （WPU）, nanocrystalline cellulose （NCC）/WPU composites were synthesized in this study. NCC （prepared by acid hydrolysis of cotton fiber） was modified by （3-aminopropyl）triethoxysilane （APTES） to enhance its compatibility with WPU, and the surface-modified NCC was characterized by grafting ratio, crystallinity and contact angle （CA）. NCC/WPU composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy （SEM）, X-ray powder diffraction （XRD） and thermogravimetric analysis （TG）. The anti-yellowing property, specular gloss, pencil hardness, and abrasion resistance of NCC/WPU composites were investigated by the methods of Chinese National Standards GB/T 23999-2009, GB/T 9754-2007, GB/T 6739-2006 and GB/T 1768-2006, respectively. The results showed that the grafting ratio of NCC modified by 6% APTES was 36.01% and the crystallinity of modified NCC was decreased with the enhancement of APTES. CA of the modified NCC was decreased by 28.8% and the nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed in the WPU matrix. The XRD patterns of the NCC/WPU composites were relatively steady, while the thermal stability of the composites was enhanced by 6.7% with 1.0 wt% modified NCC. Modified NCC affected the specular gloss of NCC/WPU composites more obviously than the anti-yellowing property. The pencil hardness of NCC/WPU composites was increased from 2H to 4H by addition of NCC and the abrasion resistance of the composites was enhanced significantly. In general, NCC/WPU composites showed significant improvements in the optical and mechanical performances.     

Syntheses, Confirmation and Properties of Porphyrin Oligomers with Alkoxyl Linkages

A new and general synthesis of a porphyrinK( Ⅰ ) with two alkoxyl linkages is described. The synthesis involves the reaction of dibromopropane with phenolic porphyrin to form ω-bromopropylporphyrin ether. This ether then reacts with another phenolic porphyrin to give the target compounds. The properties of the target compounds were confirmed by means of elemental analysis, UV-Vis, IR, and ^1H NMR spectroscopies. Their spectral properties and thermal stability were also studied.     

CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC POLYMERS. THE SYNTHESIS OF POLYMERS CONTAINING 5-FLUOROURACIL IN THE MAIN CHAIN

1,3-Dialkyl-5-fluorouracil compounds and polymers containing 5-fluorouracil in the main chain were synthesized by the reaction of 5-fluorouracil with alkylbromidcs and polymethylene bromides respectively. The structures of the new compounds and polymers were confirmed by IR and NMR spectra as well as elemental analyses.The factors affecting the polycondensation, such as the temperature and time of the reaction were investigated. The anti-tumor activity of some of the 5-fluorouracil containing compounds and polymers were also measured.     

Properties of meso-tetrakis (4-n-alkanoyloxyphenyl) porphyrin liquid crystal Co and Ni complexes

Six series of meso-tetrakis (4-n-alkanoyloxyphenyl) porphyrin Co and Ni complexes (12 kinds) were reported. Nine of the compounds were found to exhibit liquid crystal properties and display a hexago-nal columnar discotic columnar (Colh) phase. Molecular structure of all synthesized compounds was confirmed by IR, UV, MS, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. These liquid crystalline compounds have been studied by cyclic voltammetry, luminescence, and surface photovoltage spectroscopy.     

Preparation and characterization of thermosensitive poly（NIPAM-co-MAH-β-CD）/（TiO2-MWCNTs） composites by UV light photoinitiating method

In this report,a novel thermosensitive poly（N-isopropylacrylamide-comaleic anhydride-p-cyclodextrin）/（TiO₂-multi-walled carbon nanotubes）（poly（NIPAM-co-MAH-β-CD）/（TiO₂-MWCNTs）） composite was synthesized by UV light photoinitiating method.The results indicated that MAH modifiedβ-CD（MAH-β-CD） could polymerize to NIPAM by UV light irradiation in the presence of TiO₂-MWCNTs composite nanoparticles.The characteristic results confirmed that the TiO₂-MWCNTs composite nanoparticles were embedded evenly within the thermally responsive copolymer of NIPAM and MAH-β-CD.The effects of irradiation time and TiO₂-MWCNTs concentration on the yield of the composites were investigated by keeping NIPAM to MAH-β-CD mass ratio constant.The optimal polymerization reaction conditions were a TiO₂-MWCNTs concentration of 10 wt.%under UV light for the illumination of 3 h.     

Electrochemical DNA nano-biosensor for the detection of genotoxins in water samples简

In the present study, a disposable electrochemical DNA nano-biosensor is proposed for the rapid detection of genotoxic compounds and bio-analysis of water pollution. The DNA nano-biosensor is prepared by immobilizing DNA on Au nanoparticles and a self-assembled monolayer of cysteamine modified Au electrode. The assembly processes of cysteamine, Au nanoparticles and DNA were characterized by cyclic voltammetry （CV）. The Au nanoparticles enhanced DNA immobilization resulting in an increased guanine signal. The interaction of the analyte with the immobilized DNA was measured through the variation of the electrochemical signal of guanine by square wave voltammetry （SWV）. The biosensor was able to detect the known genotoxic compounds： 2-anthramine, acridine orange and 2- naphthylamine with detection limits of 2, 3 and 50 nmol/L, respectively. The biosensor was also used to test actual water samples to evaluate the contamination level. Additionally, the comparison of results from the classical genotoxiciw bioassay has confirmed the applicability of the method for real samoles.     

HEAT-RESISTANT COMPOSITES CURED BY ELECTRON BEAM*

 Electron beam (EB) curing of composites has many advantages. Heat-resistant EB-curing composites could substitute polyimide composites used in aeronautical engines. In this paper, the effects of catalyst and dose on the cured resin were investigated. The heat-resistance of the resin cured by EB was evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The experimental results show that the mechanical properties of the composites cured by EB could meet the specifications of aeronautical engines at 250℃.     

Fluorinated 1,8-naphthalimides：Synthesis,solid structure and properties

Three fluorinated 1,8-napthalimides were synthesized from acenaphthene.Their structures were characterized by NMR and EI-MS analyses.The structures of compounds 1b and 1c were also confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis,which showed that they possessed different packing models.Their optoelectronic properties were investigated.The results indicated that all of the naphthalimides possess good solubility and low LUMO energy level,which make them good solution processing candidates in n-type semiconductor.