Molecular recognition at methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate (MMA/nBA) monomer unit boundaries of phospholipids at p-MMA/nBA copolymer surfaces

Lipid structural features and their interactions with proteins provide a useful vehicle for further advances in membrane proteins research. To mimic one of potential lipid-protein interactions we synthesized poly(methyl methacrylate/ n-butyl acrylate) (p-MMA/nBA) colloidal particles that were stabilized by phospholipid (PLs). Upon the particle coalescence, PL stratification resulted in the formation of surface localized ionic clusters (SLICs). These entities are capable of recognizing MMA/nBA monomer interfaces along the p-MMA/nBA copolymer backbone and form crystalline SLICs at the monomer interface. By utilizing attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy and selected area electron diffraction (SAD) combined with ab initio calculations, studies were conducted that identified the origin of SLICs as well as their structural features formed on the surface of p-MMA/nBA copolymer films stabilized by 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC) PL. Specific entities responsible for SLIC formation are selective noncovalent bonds of anionic phosphate and cationic quaternary ammonium segments of DLPC that interact with two neighboring carbonyl groups of nBA and MMA monomers of the p-MMA/nBA polymer backbone. To the best of our knowledge this is the first example of molecular recognition facilitated by coalescence of copolymer colloidal particles and the ability of PLs to form SLICs at the boundaries of the neighboring MMA and nBA monomer units of the p-MMA/nBA chain. The dominating noncovalent bonds responsible for the molecular recognition is a combination of H-bonding and electrostatic interactions.     

Stimuli-responsive surface localized ionic cluster (SLICs) formation from nonspherical colloidal particles

Structural features of phospholipids provide a unique opportunity for utilizing these amphiphilic species to stabilize the synthesis of colloidal dispersion particles by controlling concentration levels relative to dispersion synthesis components. 1,2-Bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DCPC) phospholipid was utilized as cosurfactant in the synthesis of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (SDOSS) stabilized methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate (MMA/nBA) colloidal dispersions. Aqueous dispersions containing various concentration levels of DCPC result in the formation of cocklebur particle morphologies, and when prepared in the presence of Ca2+ and annealed at various temperatures, stimuli-responsive behaviors of coalesced films were elucidated. The formation of surface localized ionic clusters (SLICs) at the film-air (F-A) and film-substrate (F-S) interfaces is shown to be responsive to concentration levels of DCPC, Ca2+/DCPC ratios, and temperature. These studies show that it is possible to control stratification and mobility to the F-A and F-S interfaces during and after coalescence. Using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) and internal reflection infrared imaging (IRIRI) spectroscopies, molecular entities responsible for SLIC formation were determined. These studies also show that stimuli-responsive behaviors during film formation can be controlled by colloidal solution morphologies and synergistic interactions of individual components.     

Cocklebur-shaped colloidal dispersions

Unique cocklebur-shaped colloidal dispersions were prepared using a combination of a nanoextruder applied to the aqueous solution containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) and n-butyl acrylate (n-BA) with azo-bis-isobutyronitrile (AIBN) or potassium persulfate (KPS) initiators and stabilized by a mixture of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (SDOSS) and 1,2-bis(10,12-tricosadiynoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DCPC) phospholipid. Upon extrusion and heating to 75 degrees C, methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate (MMA/nBA) colloidal particles containing tubules pointing outward were obtained as a result of DCPC phospholipids present at the particle surfaces. The same cocklebur-shaped particles were obtained when classical polymerization was used without a nanoextruder under similar compositional and thermal conditions, giving a particle size of 159 nm. However, when Ca(2+) ions are present during polymerization, cocklebur morphologies are disrupted. Because DCPC tubules undergo a transition at 38 degrees C, such cocklebur morphologies may offer numerous opportunities for devices with stimuli-responsive characteristics.     

Particle morphology as a control of permeation in polymer films obtained from MMA/nBA colloidal dispersions

The combination of precision-controlled weight loss measurements and spectroscopic surface FT-IR analysis allowed us to identify unique behaviors of poly(methyl methacrylate) (p-MMA). When MMA and n-butyl acrylate (nBA) are polymerized into p-MMA and p-nBA homopolymer blends, MMA/nBA random copolymers, and p-MMA/p-nBA core-shell morphologies, a controlled mobility and stratification of low molecular weight components occurs in films formed from coalesced colloidal dispersions. Due to different affinities toward water, p-MMA and p-nBA are capable of releasing water at different rates, depending upon particle morphological features of initial dispersions. As coalescence progresses, water molecules are released from the high free volume p-nBA particles, whereas p-MMA retains water molecules for the longest time due to its hydrophilic nature. As a result, water losses at extended coalescence times are relatively small for p-MMA. MMA/nBA copolymer and p-MMA/p-nBA blends follow the same trends, although the magnitudes of changes are not as pronounced. The p-MMA/p-nBA core-shell behavior resembles that of p-nBA homopolymer, which is attributed to significantly lower content of the p-MMA component in particles. Annealing of coalesced colloidal films at elevated temperatures causes migration of SDOSS to the F-A interface, but for films containing primarily p-nBA, reverse diffusion back into the bulk is observed. These studies illustrate that the combination of different particle morphologies and temperatures leads to controllable permeation processes through polymeric films.     

Stimuli-responsive surface crystallization of phospholipids from bimodal colloidal particles

These studies focus on the effect of phospholipids in the presence of ionic surfactants on the behavior of poly(methylmethactrylate/n-butyl acrylate) (p-MMA/nBA) colloidal particles during film formation. With the presence of two surfactants, it is possible to obtain particles that exhibit two distinct particle sizes. The presence of hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (SDOSS), which stabilize these bimodal colloidal dispersions, has a significant effect on the mobility of individual components during coalescence. Specifically, the presence of HSPC inhibits migration of SDOSS to the film-air (F-A) interface. Furthermore, the presence of electrolyte species such as aqueous CaCl2 has a very pronounced effect on film formation. When the Ca2+/HSPC ratio is 0.1/1.0, SDOSS is released to the F-A interface during coalescence. At 2.0/1.0 Ca2+/HSPC, HSPC diffuses to the F-A interface and crystalline domains consisting of HSPC are formed. This stimuli-responsive behavior is confirmed using IRIR imaging that ultimately exhibits different surface morphologies. These studies illustrate for the first time that it is possible to control the release of two different surface-active species during coalescence that form crystalline domains.     

Phospholipid-assisted synthesis of stable F-containing colloidal particles and their film formation

This letter illustrates for the first time the preparation of p-methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate/heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate (p-MMA/nBA/FMA) colloidal dispersions containing up to 15% w/w FMA, which is accomplished by the utilization of biologically active phospholipids (PLs) and ionic surfactants. The use of monomer-starved conditions during emulsion polymerization and the utilization of 1,2-dilauroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and phosphoric acid bis(tridecafluoro-octyl) ester ammonium salt (FSP) as surfactants, which function as transfer and dispersing agents, facilitate a suitable environment for the polymerization of p-MMA/nBA/FMA colloidal dispersions that exhibit nonspherical particle morphologies. Such nonspherical particles upon coalescence form phase-separated films with unique surface properties.     

Surface self-assembly of fluorosurfactants during film formation of MMA/nBA colloidal dispersions

These studies focus on the behavior of fluorosurfactants (FS) containing hydrophobic and ionic entities in the presence of methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate (MMA/nBA) colloidal dispersions stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The presence of FS significantly not only alters the mobility of SDS in MMA/nBA films, but their hydrophobic and ionic nature results in self-assembly near the film-air (F-A) interface leading to different surface morphologies. Spherical islands and rodlike morphologies are formed which diminish the kinetic coefficient of friction of films by at least 3 orders of magnitude, and the presence of dual hydrophobic tails and an anionic head appears to have the largest effect on the surface friction. Using internal reflection IR imaging, these studies show that structural and chemical features of FS are directly related to their ability to migrate to the F-A interface and self-assemble to form specific morphological features. While the anionic nature of FS allows for SDS migration to the F-A interface and the formation of stable domains across the surface, intermolecular cohesion of nonionic FS allows for the formation of rodlike structures due to inability to form mixed micelles with SDS. These studies also establish the relationship between surface morphologies, kinetic coefficient of friction, and structural features of surfactants in the complex environments.     

Self-stratified films obtained from poly(methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate) colloidal dispersions containing poly(vinyl alcohol): a spectroscopic study

These studies focus on the role of poly(vinyl alcohol) (pVOH) during colloidal synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate/n-butyl acrylate) (pMMA/nBA) and its effect on particle coalescence. Using 2D photoacoustic FT-IR spectroscopy and internal reflection IR imaging, we showed that the presence of pVOH creates competing environments between the copolymer particle surfaces, aqueous phases, and dispersing agents which results in migration and self-induced stratification occurring during coalescence. pMMA/nBA/pVOH films stratify to form sodium dodecyl sulfate rich film-air interfaces, and the -SO3- moieties exhibit preferential parallel orientation with respect to the surface. At the same time, the bulk of the film is dominated by intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the pVOH phase and the copolymer matrix. This behavior is attributed to significant interactions between pVOH and pMMA/nBA, resulting in limited mobility of pVOH.     

丙烯酸酯共聚物无皂水溶胶稳定性的研究

用溶液聚合法合成了四种AA含量不同的丙烯酸酯共聚物(MMA/BA/HEMA/AA)，通过中和AA使共聚物带有—COO~-能起自乳化作用分散于水中而成为无皂水溶胶．TEM观察表明水溶胶粒子呈球状，单分散性好，粒径随AA含量增加而变小，在30～90 nm范围．用电导滴定法测定水溶胶粒子中—COOH和—COO~-的分布，表明绝大部分—COO~-处于粒子表面，并且随AA含量增加，粒子表面的—COO~-增多，Zeta电位增大，这是导致水溶胶的抗电解质稳定性(以C.C.C.值反映)和贮存稳定性(以表现粘度反映)随AA含量增加而提高的主要原因。     

The Effect of Nano-SiO2 Colloid on Soap-free Emulsion Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate and Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate

Soap-free emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was carried out in the presence of colloidal nano-SiO₂ particles. The effect of nano-SiO₂ level on the monomer conversion, polymerization rate (Rp), and emulsion stability was investigated. The viscosity, particle size distribution of the emulsions, surface tension, and ionic conductivity of these systems were determined. Upon the introduction of the nano-SiO₂ particles into this system, the Rp and monomer conversion increased and the average particle size of the P(MMA-HEMA) emulsion decreased in comparison to emulsions formed in the absence of nano-SiO₂. However, the particle size distribution became broader to some degree. Scanning electron microscope observations demonstrated that the shape of these latex particles were uniformly spherical. The surface tension and ionic conductivity of the system increased significantly after polymerization, but the presence of nano-SiO₂ resulted in an increase in surface tension and a decrease in ionic conductivity in comparison to the particle–free system.     

Synthesis of phosphonate-functionalized polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) particles and their kinetic behavior in miniemulsion polymerization

Phosphonate-functionalized polymer nanoparticles were synthesized by free-radical copolymerization of vinylphosphonic acid (VPA) with styrene or methyl methacrylate (MMA) using the miniemulsion technique. The influence of different parameters such as monomer and surfactant type, amount of vinylphosphonic acid on the average particle size, and size distribution was studied using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Depending on the amount and type of the surfactant used (ionic or non-ionic), phosphonate-functionalized particles in a size range from 102 to 312 nm can be obtained. The density of the phosphonate groups on the particle surface was higher in the case of using MMA as a basis monomer than polystyrene. The kinetic behavior of VPA copolymerization with styrene or MMA using a hydrophobic initiator was investigated by reaction calorimetry. Different kinetic curves were observed for miniemulsion (co)polymerization of styrene- and MMA-based nanoparticles indicating different nucleation mechanisms.     

Preparation of MMA－BA－DMAEMA Nanosized Latex

The terpolymer latex of methyl methacrylate (MMA)/butyl acrylate (BA)/ dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) with diameter of less than 100 nm was prepared by seeding semi-continuous emulsion copolymerization using APS (ammonium pcrsulfate) / TMEDA (N,N,N,N-tetramethylethylenediamine) as the redox initiators and SDS (sodium dodecylsulfate) and OP (P-octylpolyethylene glycol phenylether) as co-emulsifiers. The factors that influenced the process stability of the copolymerization and the particle size of the latex were investigated. The addition of aqueous ammonia as coagulation inhibitor provided better process stability of the copoly- merization. The addition of acetic acid as the acidification agent caused a remarkable reduction of the latex particle size.     

分散共聚法制备窄分布P(St-co-nBA)微球

用分散共聚法制得窄分布苯乙烯(St)和丙烯酸正丁酯(nBA)的共聚物微球.采用1H-NMR、DSC、FTIR、SEM、LS等对共聚物的结构、形态、性能进行表征,考察了初始单体配比、温度、稳定剂浓度、分散介质极性、引发剂对微球粒径、粒径分布及转化率的影响.实验结果表明,初始单体比nBA/St增大,微球粒径增大,分布变宽,...     

丙烯酸酯纳米乳液的制备与表征

将甲基丙烯酸羟乙酯(HEMA)与甲基丙烯酸(MAA)或丙烯酸(AA)用作甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)／丙烯酸丁酯(BA)乳液聚合体系的反应性助乳化剂，采用一种改进的微乳液聚合方法，合成了高单体／乳化剂比例(大于40：1)的聚丙烯酸酯纳米乳液．讨论了引发剂、乳化剂、助乳化别对乳胶粒大小和胶膜吸水率的影响，并对乳液的流体力学行为，共聚物的拉伸行为及耐水性等进行了研究．     

胶晶模板法制备3DOM尖晶石型LiMn2O4及表征

通过乳液聚合获得粒径为280 nm左右的聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯(PMMA)微球, 从其母液中离心沉降制得胶晶模板. 将LiNO3, Mn(Ac)2·4H2O和柠檬酸按摩尔比1∶2∶2配成前驱物的醇水混合溶液, 填充于PMMA胶晶模板间隙中, 经干燥和焙烧氧化成孔制得了三维有序大孔(3DOM)锂锰氧化物. 实验结果表明, 当n(Li)/n(Mn)=0.6, 前驱液浓度在0.6~1.0 mol/L之间和升温速率为2 ℃/min时, 分别在300与600 ℃下两段恒温焙烧2~3 h有利于目标产物的形成. SEM测试结果表明, PMMA胶晶模板和3DOM锂锰氧化物均为面心立方紧密堆积, 排列规则有序, 大孔直径在200~240 nm之间, 孔壁厚度在30~45 nm之间. 产物经XRD晶相测定和EDTA, KMnO4滴定分析确证为正尖晶石型LiMn2O4.     

EFFECT OF 2—HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE ON SEMIBATCH EMULSIFIER—FREE EMULSION COPOLYMERIZATION OF METHYL METHACRYLATE AND BUTYL ACRYLATE

The semibatch emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate(BA) in the presence of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate(HEMA) initiated by K2S2O8(PSP) was studied.The latex particles can maintain an appreciable stability during the emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of MMA and BA in the presence of HEMA.The average particle diameter increase with an increase of total solids content,HEMA content,PSP content,ionic strength of the system and monomer feed rate,and decrease with the monomer feed ration from 3/1 (MMA/BA:molar ration).to 1/3.The stability of this reaction system is improved by adding HEMA as nonionic comonomer,High solids content (50%) latex with monodisperse particle can be obtained using this process.     

Theory-guided strategy for nanolatex synthesis

The synthesis of waterborne nanocomposites in semicontinuous emulsion polymerization was investigated using a theory-guided strategy with the aim of achieving the best balance among small particle size, low surfactant concentration, and sufficiently high solids content. It was found that both kinetic (monomer feeding rate, radical generation rate, and temperature) and colloidal (ionic strength and polymer hydrophilicity) aspects were critical in the process. Waterborne nanoparticles as small as 13 nm were obtained with a solids content/(surfactant/polymer) ratio higher than 7.     

MMA-BA无皂乳液共聚合(Ⅰ)

在甲基丙烯酸甲酯(MMA)和丙烯酸丁酯(BA)的无皂乳液聚合体系中,加入少量反应性乳化剂ω-十一烯酸钠(SUA),用粒度分布仪、透射电子显微镜表征了胶粒平均直径、浓度及形态,用离子交换-电导滴定分析了胶粒表面性质。     

Preparation of micrometer-sized poly(methyl methacrylate) particles with amphoteric initiator in aqueous media

A previously proposed method based on soap-free emulsion polymerization with an amphoteric initiator for producing micrometer-sized polystyrene particles was extended to application with methyl methacrylate (MMA). The aggregation and dispersion stability of polymer particles, which have ionizable groups arising from initiator radicals, can be controlled by adjusting the pH of the reaction system accompanied with the addition of ionic monomer. Polymerizations were carried out with 2,2'-azobis[N-(2-carboxyethyl)-2-methylpropionamidine] tetrahydrate amphoteric initiator, NH(3)/NH(4)Cl pH buffer, and sodium p-styrenesulfonate anionic monomer (NaSS) in ranges of MMA concentration (0.58-2.32 kmol/m(3) H(2)O) and NH(3) concentration (2.5-20 mol/m(3) H(2)O) at fixed concentrations of 5 mol/m(3) H(2)O initiator, 10 mol/m(3) H(2)O NH(4)Cl, and 1 mol/m(3) H(2)O NaSS at 65 degrees C. The addition of NaSS during the polymerization could improve stability in dispersion of particles, which coagulated in the absence of NaSS after the disappearance of monomer drops. An increase in the monomer concentration in the present method could enlarge the particle size without lowering the monodispersity of the particle size distribution. On the other hand, an increase in NH(3) concentration decreased the particle size. The highest monodispersity of particle sizes was obtained at a NH(3) concentration of 5 mol/m(3) H(2)O, which gave an average size of 1.5 microm and a coefficient of variation of particle size distribution of 2.2% that was much smaller than the standard criterion for monodispersity, 10%.     

复合微乳液聚合制备P(MMA-UA)纳米乳胶粒子的研究

将聚氨酯预聚体可聚合乳化剂 (APUA)和甲基丙烯酸甲酯 (MMA)的复合微乳液体系 ,分别用水溶性过硫酸钾 (K2 S2 O8)和油溶性偶氮二异丁腈 (AIBN)作引发剂 ,进行微乳液聚合研究 ,制备了P(MMA UA)复合纳米乳胶粒子 .研究了APUA用量、聚合温度对聚合动力学的影响 ;用透射电子显微镜 (TEM)观察了不同乳化剂浓度及引发剂体系对胶粒形态、大小及分布的影响 .结果表明 ,用可聚合乳化剂APUA可制得稳定性很好的P(MMA UA)纳米级核 壳型乳胶粒子 ,乳胶粒径在 5 0nm左右 .随着乳化剂用量增加 ,粒子变小 ;不同类型的引发剂对胶乳的性质有较大影响 ,以APUA为乳化剂 ,K2 S2 O8为引发剂 ,在聚合反应过程中或在聚合反应后的放置中 ,会出现P(MMA UA)的纳米水凝胶 (Nanogel)现象 .