Control of molecular weight of the polymers produced during the crystalline-state photopolymerization of diethyl cis,cis-muconate as studied by gel permeation chromatography and scanning electron micrography

The molecular weight and its distribution of the resulting polymers were investigated during the crystalline-state photopolymerization of diethyl cis,cis-muconate (EMU). EMU crystals were prepared by several methods, recrystallization, milling, freeze drying, and precipitation, to obtain the crystals with various sizes of 10⁻⁶ to 10⁻² m. After crystalline-state photopolymerization via a crystal-to-crystal process, polymer crystals were isolated and characterized by optical microphotography and scanning electron micrography. Molecular weight and its distribution were determined by gel permeation chromatography with 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol and by intrinsic viscosity in trifluoroacetic acid. It was revealed that the size of the EMU crystals depended on the method used for the crystal preparation, and that the molecular weight of the polymer decreased as the crystal size became small. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 3147–3155, 1998     

Crystallization and melting of polyethylene copolymers: Differential scanning calorimetry and atomic force microscopy studies

The Hoffman–Lauritzen theory of secondary, surface nucleation and growth was primarily relied upon for about 40 years after its introduction in about 1960 to rationalize the crystallization of flexible chain polymers into lamellar crystals. However, in about 1998, Strobl and coworkers introduced a different model for crystallization, based on the stage‐wise formation of lamellae. Two major components of this model were as follows: (1) the concept of the formation of a mesomorphic melt as a precursor to crystallization and (2) the control of the melting temperature range of lamellar crystals of homogeneous polyolefin copolymers by an inner degree of order or perfection rather than on the crystal thickness. The first concept is in disagreement with the HL theory and the second with the Gibbs‐Thomson theory, which associates melting temperature with lamella thickness. In the present study, differential scanning calorimetry and atomic force microscopy were successfully employed to monitor the in situ quiescent crystallization of polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer. In the present study, evidence was not found to support the concept of lamellae with equal thickness melting over a broad temperature range. Some evidence was found that might be interpreted to support the concept of a mesomorphic melt as a precursor to crystallization. At present, the model promoted by Strobl and coworkers appears to be at an uncertain stage at which strong proof or disproof are not available. However, this alternative model has injected a new vitality into the study of crystallization of flexible chain polymers. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2369–2388, 2006     

Deposition conditions influence the postdeposition oxidation of methyl methacrylate plasma polymer films

Plasma polymer films were deposited from methyl methacrylate (MMA) vapor under various plasma conditions and XPS and FTIR used to study the changes to the compositions of the films as they were stored in air for longer than 1 year. The plasma power input per monomer mass unit (W/FM) markedly affected the composition of the freshly deposited MMA plasma polymers. A low value of W/FM led to a high degree of retention of the original monomer structure, whereas a high value of W/FM resulted in substantial monomer fragmentation and the formation of a partially unsaturated material considerably different to conventional PMMA. As the MMA plasma coatings were stored in ambient air after fabrication, all showed spontaneous oxidative changes to their composition, but the extents and reaction products differed substantially. Deposition at low W/FM led to moderate oxidative changes, whereas high power led to a pronounced increase in the oxygen content over time and resulted in a wide range of carbon–oxygen functionalities in the aged material. As the initial compositions/plasma deposition conditions thus influenced the oxidative postdeposition reactions, MMA plasma polymers deposited under different conditions not only varied in their initial composition but then became even more diverse as they aged. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 985–1000, 1998     

A novel generation of photoactive comb‐shaped polyamides for the photoalignment of liquid crystals

A new approach to the synthesis of photoactive comb‐shaped homo‐ and copolyamides containing azobenzene, cinnamate, and coumarin side groups for photoalignment of liquid crystals was elaborated. Photooptical properties and photoorientational ability of these polymers with respect to liquid crystals were studied. It was shown that polarized UV irradiation of all spin‐coated polyamides leads to orientation of liquid crystalline molecules deposited on the polyamide thin films. The synthesized polymers containing cinnamate and coumarin side groups as well as azobenzene‐containing cyano‐ and nitro‐substituted polymers demonstrated good orientation ability in relation to liquid crystals displaying photoinduced planar orientation with high dichroism values within the range of 0.68–0.72. Contrary to the above‐mentioned polyamides, azobenzene‐containing fluorosubstituted polymers induced a homeotropic orientation of liquid crystals. It was shown that the synthesized photoactive polyamides can be considered as promising photoalignment materials for application in display technology, photonics, and other “smart” optical devices. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013 , 51, 4031–4041     

High-pressure synthesis and properties of aliphatic–aromatic polyimides via nylon-salt-type monomers derived from aliphatic diamines and benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid

Aliphatic polyimides (P-XBTA) having inherent viscosities of 0.4–1.4 dL/g were readily synthesized by the high-pressure polycondensation of the salt monomers, composed of aliphatic diamines having various methylene chain lengths (X = 4–12) and 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid (BTA), under 200–250 MPa at 200–320°C. The salt monomers with odd-numbered methylene units were found to be more susceptible to crosslinking than those containing even-numbered methylene chains. The polyimides having even-numbered methylene units were highly crystalline, whereas those with odd-numbered methylene chains were crosslinked and therefore amorphous with only one exception, i.e., P-11BTA. The thermal behavior of these polymers was also studied. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 39–47, 1998     

Synthesis and properties of a novel perfluorononenyloxy group containing polyarylates

A series of novel perfluorononenyloxy group containing polyarylates were synthesized by a high-temperature solution condensation of 5-(perfluorononenyloxy)-isophthaloyl chloride ( II ) with various aromatic diols in o-dichlorobenzene. All the polyarylates were amorphous and readily soluble in many organic solvents such as o-chlorophenol, o-dichlorobenzene, chloroform, and polar aprotic solvents at room temperature or on heating. Transparent, tough, and flexible films of these polymers could be cast from the o-chlorophenol solutions. The polymers having inherent viscosity of 0.61–1.63 dL/g were obtained in quantitative yields. These polymers were thermally quite stable. The glass transition temperatures of these polyarylates were in the range of 219–242°C by DSC and 224–251°C by DMA, and the 10% weight loss temperatures in nitrogen and air were above 415 and 397°C, respectively. Moreover, these polymers maintained good mechanical properties (G′ ∼ 10⁸ Pa) up to 220°C and had lower moisture absorption than common polyarylates. The dielectric constants of these polymers ranged from 3.23 to 3.75. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 645–653, 1998     

Thermodynamics of crystalline linear high polymers. V. Extended-chain copolymers of polyethylene

Ethylene—propylene and ethylene—butene-1 copolymers with up to 1.7 side groups per 100 carbons have been crystallized at 227°C. and under 4100–4900 atm. pressure. The resulting crystalline polymers are at least partially of extended-chain crystal morphology. Comparison with the same polymers crystallized at atmospheric pressure, which gives folded-chain crystal morphology, revealed: (1) a density higher by 0.008–0.019 g./cm.³ depending on copolymer content; (2) a similar decrease of crystallinity with side group concentration; (3) a similar decrease of the beginning of melting from 125°C. for homopolymer to 65°C. for 1.7 side groups per 100 carbons; (4) a higher (138 ± 0.8°C.) experimental maximum melting point which, in contrast, is independent of copolymer content and seems to vary only with the fraction of low molecular weight material; (5) a decreasing amount of high-melting crystals with increasing copolymer content (72–8%) and an increasing amount of low-melting crystals (27–53%) with increasing copolymer content. In addition, superheating, which reached 5.5°C. for 50°C./min. heating rates, was detected. It was concluded that high-pressure crystallization leads, at least for part of the crystals, to solid solution formation, while atmospheric pressure crystallization does not. Which mode of crystallization is achieved seems kinetically determined. Experimental techniques were dilatometry, DTA, and calorimetry.     

Polymorphic crystal forms and morphology of syndiotactic polystyrene in miscible states

X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy characterization were performed to evaluate the phenomenon of alteration of polymorphism of syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS) in the presence of other blending miscible polymers: poly(2,6-dimethyl-p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) or atactic polystyrene (a-PS). Both α and β crystal forms were observed in the neat s-PS sample, but only β-form crystal was found in miscible blends of s-PS with a-PS or PPO. The order and neighboring chain segments of neat s-PS are different from those of s-PS/PPO or s-PS/a-PS blends; thus, it is plausible that the greater randomness in the melt state of s-PS/a-PS or s-PS/PPO blends might be unfavorable for formation of α-form crystals from melts. The final spherulitic morphology the s-PS/a-PS or s-PS/PPO blends suggests that the amorphous-state miscibility of does not change much the spherulitic structure of s-PS. The radial growth rate is, in general, depressed with the presence of blending miscible polymers in s-PS of equal T_g or PPO of higher T_g. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 2725–2735, 1998     

Synthesis of polysulfonates containing reactive pendant chloromethyl groups by the polyaddition of bisepoxides with disulfonyl chlorides

Polysulfonates with reactive pendant chloromethyl groups were synthesized by polyadditions of bisepoxides with disulfonyl chlorides. The polyaddition of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BPGE) with m-benzene disulfonyl chloride (m-BDSC) occurred in anisole without any catalyst at 130°C for 24 h. However, polymer with high molecular weight was not obtained. On the other hand, the polyadditions of BPGE with m-BDSC proceeded very smoothly with high yield (81–91%) to give polymers with relatively high molecular weights in anisole at 130°C for 24 h when quaternary phosphonium salts were used as catalysts. The polyaddition was also enhanced by the addition of certain crown ether complexes. However, the catalytic activity of these compounds was less than those of quaternary phosphonium salts. Furthermore, polyadditions of certain bisepoxides with disulfonyl chlorides were also carried out to produce the corresponding polymers under the same reaction conditions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 249–256, 1998     

New hydrocarbon side chain liquid crystalline polysiloxane polymers: Synthesis,characterization, and thermotropic behavior

A series of new and high-purity hydrocarbon liquid crystal monomers were synthesized through the acylation reaction, deoxygenation reaction, and Grignard reaction. ¹H-NMR spectra and elemental analyses were used to examine their purity. The liquid crystalline polysiloxane polymers were obtained by grafting the monomers onto poly(methylhydrosiloxane). The thermal transition temperature, mesomorphic properties, and mesophase textures of the monomers and the polymers were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (dsc), polarized optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, we observed the even–odd effect of the smectic/isotropic transition temperature with the length variation of the substituents. In this study, we found by X-ray diffraction that the liquid crystalline polysiloxane polymers undergo a transition from smectic B to smectic E mesophase. However, dsc has difficulty detecting the phase transition process. By considering the spin–lattice relaxation time (T₁), we can systematically explain the relation between the flexibility of the substituent with the smectic/isotropic transition temperature. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 2849–2863, 1998     

Oxidative polymerization of phenylenediamines catalyzed by horseradish peroxidase

Ortho-, meta-, and para-phenylenediamines were polymerized using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant and horseradish peroxidase as a catalyst in mixed solvents of 1,4-dioxane and water. The yield of the polymers was strongly dependent on solvent composition, and maximum yields were obtained at 15–30% 1,4-dioxane. The analysis of circular dichroic spectra of the enzyme suggested that enzyme structure was significantly modified at high 1,4-dioxane contents, which may be responsible for the decrease of catalytic activity of the enzyme. On the basis of IR and electronic spectra of the polymers, it was considered that o- and p-phenylenediamine polymers retain disubstituted benzene nuclei, which suggests that the polymerization proceeded mainly via N—N coupling. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem. 36: 2593–2600, 1998     

Synthesis and characterization of a family of biodegradable poly(ester amide)s derived from glycine

A series of aliphatic poly(ester amide)s derived from 1,6-hexanediol, glycine, and diacids with a variable number of methylenes (from 2 to 8) have been synthesized and characterized. Infrared spectroscopy shows that the studied polymers present a unique kind of hydrogen bond that is established between their amide groups. Thermal properties as melting, glass transition, and decomposition temperatures are reported. The data indicate that all the polymers are highly crystalline. Thus, different kinds of spherulites (positive and/or negative) were obtained depending on the preparation conditions and on the polymer samples. Moreover, all the polymers crystallized from dilute diol solutions as ribbonlike crystals where a regular folding habit and a single hydrogen bond direction could be deduced. A test of enzymatic hydrolysis was employed to assess the potential biodegradability of these polymers. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1271–1282, 1998     

Synthesis and properties of poly(amide-imide)s based on the diimide-diacid condensed from 2,2′- bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl and trimellitic anhydride

A new dicarboxylic acid having a kinked structure was synthesized from the condensation of 2,2′-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl and trimellitic anhydride. A series of biphenyl-2,2′-diyl-containing aromatic poly(amide-imide)s having inherent viscosities of 0.23–0.94 dL/g was prepared by the triphenyl phosphite activated polycondensation from the diimide-diacid II with various aromatic diamines in a medium consisting of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), pyridine, and calcium chloride. Most of the resulting polymers showed an amorphous nature and were readily soluble in a variety of organic solvents including NMP and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). Transparent, flexible, and tough films of these polymers could be cast from DMAc or NMP solutions. The glass transition temperatures of these polymers were in the range of 227–261°C and the 10% weight loss temperatures were above 520°C in nitrogen. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1169–1177, 1998     

A comparative three-dimensional Hartree–Fock crystal orbital study of double-stack organic charge-transfer (semi)conductors: TTF–TCNQ,TTF–DCNQI,and TTF–2,5-Me2-DCNQI

Three-dimensional crystal structures of the charge-transfer complexes of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), (N,N′-dicyanbenzoquinondiimine (DCNQI), and N,N′-dicyan-2,5-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinondiimine (2,5-Me₂-DCNQI) were studied within the ab initio Hartree–Fock crystal orbital approximation using the CRYSTAL92 routine package. A qualitative agreement with the experimental data was achieved, and a definite border between one-electron and many-electron effects in the specific physical properties of the crystals under study was drawn. The calculations led to the tentative conclusion that the true chemical reaction corresponding to the charge transfer in such systems is a two-step transfer of two electrons from the donor's HOMO to the acceptor's LUMO and not only single-electron transfer, as usually believed. Then, whether the system is conductive or semiconductive depends upon the degree of the charge transfer (one, two, or no electrons, respectively). But the final degree of the charge transfer and the density of states on the Fermi level should be determined by many-electron effects. The theoretical approach used in this work seems to be of crucial importance in designing organic crystals with specific physical properties. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 66 : 47–68, 1998     

Synthesis and characterization of new poly(amide–imide)s from 1,4-bis(4-trimellitimidophenoxy)-2-tert-butylbenzene with various diamines

New poly(amide–imide)s were prepared from a diimide–dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-bis(4-trimellitimidophenoxy)-2-tert-butylbenzene ( BTTB ), with various diamines by the direct polycondensation in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone (NMP) using triphenyl phosphite and pyridine as condensing agents. The new diimide–dicarboxylic acid BTTB containing an ether linkage and tert-butyl substituent was synthesized by the condensation reaction of 1,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)-2-tert-butylbenzene with trimellitic anhydride. All the polymers were obtained in quantitative yields with inherent viscosities of 0.62–1.06 dL g⁻¹. The polymers were amorphous, and most of them were readily soluble in aprotic polar solvents such as NMP, N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), as well as in less polar solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), m-cresol, pyridine, and γ-butyrolactone, and also even in tetrahydrofuran. The glass transition temperatures of the polymers were determined by DSC method, and they were in the range of 238–279°C. These polymers were stable up to 408–449°C in air and 451–483°C in nitrogen and lose 10% weight in the range of 479–525°C in air and 480–528°C in nitrogen atmosphere. The polymer films had a tensile strength range of 71–115 MPa, an elongation at break range of 4–14%, and a tensile modulus range of 2.3–3.1 GPa. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem. 36: 2301–2307, 1998     

Synthesis and characterization of new polyamides derived from 1,6-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]diamantane

A series of new polyamides 3 were synthesized by direct polycondensation of the 1,6-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]diamantane (1) with various dicarboxylic acids. The polyamides had inherent viscosities of 0.45–1.90 dL/g and number-average molecular weights (M_n) of 24,000–110,000. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals that polymers 3 have two relaxations on the temperature scale between −100 and 400°C. Their α relaxations occurred at high temperatures, ranging from 338 to 389°C. Moreover, these polymers remained quite stable at high temperatures and maintained good mechanical properties (G′ = ca. 10⁸ Pa) up to temperatures close to the main transition markedly exceeding 350°C. Due to the bulky diamantane elements and the flexible ether segments, the polymers 3 were amorphous and soluble in a number of organic solvents such as pyridine, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), and N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The polyamides 3 have tensile strengths of 56.7–90.2 MPa, elongation to breakage values of 7.5–27.7%, and initial moduli of 1.8–2.1 GPa. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. A Polym. Chem. 36: 2185–2192, 1998     

The effect of crosslinking on thermal and mechanical properties of perfluorocyclobutane aromatic ether polymers

As the minimum features in semiconductor devices decrease, it is a new trend to incorporate copper and polymers with dielectric constant less than 3.0 to enhance the performance of the devices. Two fluorinated polymers, poly(biphenyl perfluorocyclobutyl ether) (BPFCB) and poly(1,1,1-triphenyl ethane perfluorocyclobutyl ether) (PFCB), are newly developed polymers with dielectric constants below 3.0. These two polymers have a similar backbone structure, but PFCB has the capability of crosslinking. To know the implications of these two polymers in the semiconductor industry, properties that are important for the integral reliability of Integral Circuits (IC), such as thermal and mechanical properties, should be understood. This comparative study shows that the crosslinking in perfluorocyclobutane aromatic ether polymer can reduce vertical thermal expansion and increase glass transition temperature (T_g) while water absorption, crystalline-like phase, and dielectric constant are slightly increased. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1383–1392, 1998     

Novel one-pot syntheses of sulfur-containing polymers from a bifunctional five-membered cyclic dithiocarbonate

Novel one-pot syntheses of sulfur-containing polymers from a bifunctional five-membered cyclic dithiocarbonate ( 1a ) were carried out. Polythiourethanes were obtained by the polyaddition of 4,4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), tolylene 2,6-diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate with a dithiol ( 2a ) obtained by the reaction of 1a and benzylamine under mild conditions. Polythioesters were also obtained by the polycondensation of terephthaloyl and succinyl chlorides with 2a . Further, polythioether was obtained by the polycondensation of α,α′-dibromo-p-xylene with 2a . © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1189–1195, 1998     

Pressure-induced cis to trans isomerization of aromatic polyacetylenes prepared using a Rh complex catalyst: A control of π-conjugation length

This study reports that stereospecific polymerization of aromatic acetylenes, e.g., p-methoxyphenylacetylene (pMOPA) and p-ethoxyphenylacetylene (pEOPA)was successfully performed to give polyacetylene selectively bearing cis-transoid forms in high yield when a Rh complex catalyst, [Rh(norbornadiene)Cl]₂ was used in the presence of triethylamine as the polymerization solvent together with a detailed characterization of the resulting polymers, before and after compression. Compression of these polymers induced a cis-trans isomerization at room temperature under vacuum even in the solid state. Based on data collected before and after compression it is estimated that the trans conjugated length, (CC)_n, produced as a result of the compression is n = 26 for PpMOPA and n = 40 for PpEOPA polymers, respectively. We further found that g values in the ESR spectra of the pristine polymer were shifted to higher magnetic field by compression, indicating that unpaired electrons called solitons are stabilized in the trans conjugation length as mobile electrons, although in the pristine polymers the unpaired electrons are stabilized in the less conjugated chain, showing large g value, suggesting a magnetic interaction between oxygen in the alkoxy group of phenyl moiety and unpaired electrons in the cis form. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 217–223, 1998     

Polyaddition of p-benzenedithiol to p-diethynylbenzene in solid state under UV irradiation

A novel polyaddition of p-benzenedithiol (BDT) to p-diethynylbenzene (DEB) was studied in solid state under UV or γ-ray irradiation at 25–99°C. Thin layer crystals of the 1:1 mixture of BDT and DEB mounted on a glass plate were prepared by a sublimation of an equimolar amount of the mixture of BDT and DEB at 45–80°C under a reduced pressure of nitrogen. The thin layer crystal of the 1:1 mixture of BDT and DEB and that of polymers exhibited almost similar and high crystalline diffraction patterns on x-ray diagraph. Consequently, the polyaddition in the solid state was a topotactic reaction controlled by the crystal lattice of the 1:1 mixture of BDT and DEB. The arrangement of both compounds in the thin layer crystal of the 1:1 mixture of BDT and DEB is seemingly quite ordered induced by a molecular interaction between BDT and DEB, and this is supported on the basis of the broad absorption at 340–450 nm by the diffuse reflectance spectrum taken with the thin layer crystal of the 1:1 mixture of BDT and DEB. The melting point of the 1:1 mixture of BDT and DEB was 90–94°C. However, the polyaddition at 87°C proceeded in a molten state perhaps due to heat evolved in the polyaddition. In the solid state polyaddition M _n of polymers obtained was 3–4 × 10³, whereas in the molten state polyaddition the crystallinity of polymers remarkably decreased, and M _n increased several times.