Polymer nanocomposites based on polyamide 6 modified with fulleroid fillers

Polymer nanocomposites based on polyamide and fulleroid modifiers are synthesized through in situ polymerization, and their mechanical and electric properties are studied. After introduction of 0.001–0.1 wt % fulleroid modifiers, Young’s modulus and the strength of thermoplastic composites increases by 15–20%, practically independently of the amount of filler. This circumstance is due to the fact that the introduction of fulleroid fillers causes selective crystallization of polyamide 6 only in the α form. The introduction of fullerene fillers considerably improves the tribological characteristics of polymer nanocomposites, thereby decreasing the friction coefficient by a factor of 2. The electric properties of nanocomposites are studied also.     

Network structure and thermomechanical properties of hybrid DGEBA networks cured with 1‐methylimidazole and hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine)s

The use of commercially available hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine)s (Lupasol?, BASF) as polymeric modifiers in diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A thermosetting formulations using 1‐methylimidazole (MI) as anionic initiator has been studied. Poly(ethyleneimine)s can get incorporated into the network structure by condensation of amine and epoxy groups. The excess, over‐stoichiometric epoxy groups can undergo anionic homopolymerization initiated by MI. The thermal, dynamomechanical, and mechanical properties of the resulting materials have been determined using DSC, thermomechanical analysis (TMA), dynamomechanical analysis (DMA), and mechanical testing. The effect of the different amine modifiers on the MI networks, determined by their structure, is complex. Low initiator content and high molecular weight modifiers create significant mobility restrictions, which have a strong effect on the glass transition temperature and the apparent crosslinking density of the cured materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012     

Enhanced chemical reworkability of DGEBA thermosets cured with rare earth triflates using aromatic hyperbranched polyesters (HBP) and multiarm star HBP‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) as modifiers

A hyperbranched aromatic polyester (HBPOH) has been synthesized, and poly(ε‐caprolactone) arms have been grown on some of its end hydroxyl groups (HBPCL). These modifiers have been used in cationic diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A formulations cured with ytterbium triflate as cationic initiator. The effect of HBPOH and HBPCL on the curing kinetics has been studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The obtained materials have been characterized by dynamomechanical analysis, DSC, thermogravimetric analysis and mechanical tests. The modifiers are incorporated into the thermosetting network because of the participation of the end hydroxyl groups in the cationic curing of epoxides by the activated monomer mechanism. Homogeneous thermosets have been obtained with a remarkable increase in impact strength without sacrificing elastic modulus or hardness. A compromise between the rigid structure of the aromatic hyperbranched core and the flexibilizing effect of the poly(ε‐caprolactone) arms is believed to be responsible for the overall thermal and mechanical properties of the materials. The use of these polymeric modifiers increases the thermal stability of the resulting materials because of the low degradability of the aromatic ester groups in the hyperbranched core and the incorporation of the modifier into the network structure. However, the presence of such ester groups makes them reworkable by hydrolysis or alcoholysis in an alkaline medium, thus opening a way for recovery of valuable substrates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of silicon-containing bisnadiimide

Silicon-containing thermosetting bisnadiimide (BNI) was synthesized using Bis (amino propyl) tetramethyl disiloxane and nadic anhydride, and fluorine-containing thermoplastic polyamic acid (FPA) was synthesized from 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) bis phenoxy dianiline and 4,4′-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) dipthalic anhydride [6-FDA]. The semi-interpenetrating network (s-IPN) systems in various ratios were prepared via solution casting of FAA and crosslinkable BNI, and then curing them up to 370 °C in order to achieve an optimum combination to be used for advanced high temperature composite applications. The polyimides and s-IPN were characterized using NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The thermo-oxidative and water uptake properties of these polyimides and s-IPNs were investigated. The thermogravimetric analysis (TG) showed increase in thermal stability with the increase in thermoplastic polyimide proportion.     

乙炔基封端聚酰亚胺增韧改性的相结构

以双酚A二醚二酐(BPADA)和3乙-炔苯胺(APA)为原料,通过两步法合成一种热固性可交联的聚酰亚胺预聚体.将此预聚体分别与不同结构的热塑性聚酰亚胺(PI)共混,对其进行增韧改性,通过调控热塑性聚酰亚胺的质量分数,引入结构相似且含有更多柔性基团的热塑性聚酰亚胺(如含有醚键和对称甲基结构的二酐),得到了热固/热塑性聚酰亚胺复合膜.利用差示扫描量热仪(DSC)及扫描电镜(SEM)对该体系的相分离结构和相容性进行研究,并讨论其机械性能和热性能.结果表明,相分离结构使体系的机械性能得到改善,同时也保持了原有的优异热性能.     

Phase separation time/temperature dependence of some thermoplastics-modified thermosetting systems

The phase separation processes of various thermoplastics-modified thermosetting systems which show upper critical solution temperature (UCST) or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) were studied with emphasis on the temperature dependency of the phase separation times. It was found that the phase separation time-temperature relationship follows the Arrhenius equation. The cure-induced phase separation activation energy E _a (ps) generated from the equation is independent of the method used to measure phase separation time. In our experimental ranges it is found that E _a (ps) is independent of the thermoplastic (TP) content, TP molecular weight and curing rate but it varies with the cure reaction kinetics and the chemical environments of the systems. __________ Translated from Acta Polymerica Sinica, 2007, 8: 725–730 [译自: 高分子学报]     

Effect of molecular structure of epoxy oligomers with perfluorinated fragments on hydrophobic properties of powder coatings

An effect of the chemical structure of a series of the synthesized epoxy oligomers with perfluorinated fragments on the surface and mechanical properties of thermosetting powder coatings based on epoxy compositions was investigated. The possibility of their use as modifiers for effective hydrophobic epoxy coatings with a high level of physical and mechanical properties was demonstrated.     

Dielectric relaxation in a thermosetting polyimide modified with a thermoplastic polyimide

Relaxation processes in glass-fiber-reinforced composites with a polymer matrix based on blends of thermosetting and thermoplastic polyimides are studied via dielectric-relaxation spectroscopy. For all investigated blends, two relaxation processes related to the β relaxation of different fragments of the polymer chain are found. Linear flexiblechain polyimide incorporated into the polymer matrix serves as a plasticizer.     

Antistatic thermoplastic blend of polyaniline and polystyrene prepared in a double-screw extruder

One of the major aims of research on intrinsically conducting polymers (ICP) is the production of blends combining the processing properties of thermoplastic polymers with the conductivity of conducting polymers. The main problem in applying ICP on a large scale in the plastic industry is the impossibility of plasticizing these polymers under heat and shear. However, the use of functionalized acids improves the thermal stability and processability of conductive polymers. In this work the doping process was carried out during processing, also denoted as “reactive processing”. This procedure reduces the number of steps to obtain the final product, PS/SBS/PAni. Blending of polystyrene with dodecylbenzenosulfonic acid doped polyaniline was carried in a double-screw extruder using the block copolymer of styrene and butadiene, SBS, as compatibilizer. A conductive thermoplastic (σ = 10⁻⁶-10⁻² S cm⁻¹) was obtained in the form of ribbons, which were used to evaluate the thermal, mechanical, morphological and electrical properties. We used SBS as compatibilizer and different formulations were tested according to a statistical response surface method. The mechanical and electrical properties of these thermoplastic blends are adequate for antistatic applications.     

Analysis of alcohol ethoxylates and alkylamine ethoxylates in agricultural soils using pressurised liquid extraction and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

Nonionic surfactants e.g. alcohol ethoxylates (AEOs) and alkylamine ethoxylates (ANEOs) are commonly utilised as adjuvants in pesticide formulations to enhance their effectiveness. In this study, analytical methods for AEO and ANEO determination in soil samples using pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) were developed and used in connection with LC–MS. The recovery of the method, which was highly dependent on the soil properties, varied in the range 47–106% for AEO and 27–109% for ANEO. Detection limits (LOD) were 7–13 µg kg^–1 for AEO and 24–43 µg kg^–1 for ANEO. The developed method has been applied to determine AEOs and ANEOs in surface soil samples from fields sprayed with glyphosate herbicides. Tallowalkylamine ethoxylates (an ANEO) were detected in the soil before and after pesticide application, with increasing concentrations after treatment. The highest concentration in the soil samples was observed for the ANEO homologues with the longest ethoxy chains; in the clay soil the concentration decreased with the length of the ethoxy chain. ANEOs added to pesticide formulations as a technical mixture will, as demonstrated in this study, behave as individual homologues, which is reflected in their behaviour in the environment.Abbreviations AEO Alcohol ethoxylates - ANEO Alkylamine ethoxylates - APEO Alkylphenol ethoxylates - APCI Atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation - ASE Accelerated solvent extraction - CEC Cationic exchange capacity - LC–MS Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry - LOD Limit of detection - MAE Microwave-assisted extraction - PLE Pressurised liquid extraction - SD Standard deviation - SIM Selected-ion monitoring - SPE Solid-phase extraction - TEA Triethylamine     

Colorimetric Estimation of Melatonin in Pharmaceutical Formulations

 Three simple and sensitive colorimetric methods (A–C) for the determination of melatonin in bulk samples and in pharmaceutical formulations are described. They are based on the formation of coloured species by reaction of ninhydrin with the drug (method A, λ_max 397 nm) by oxidation of the indol moiety in melatonin with potassium persulphate (method B, λ_max 450 nm) or by reduction of osmium (VIII) (method C, λ_max 516 nm). Regression analysis of Beer-Lambert plots showed good correlations in concentration ranges between 0.8–14.2, 70.0–140.0 and 2.0–40.0 μg/mL for methods A, B and C, respectively. The molar absorptivity, Sandell sensitivity and detection limit were calculated. For more accurate analysis, Ringbom optimum concentration ranges were calculated. The validity of the proposed methods was tested by analysing pharmaceutical formulations containing melatonin. The relative standard deviations were ≤ 0.95% with recoveries 99.0–101.33%. Received October 20, 1999. Revision February 10, 1999.     

Polyamidoimides with side chromophoric groups

A new method was elaborated for the introduction of chromophores into the side chains of polymers by esterification of polyamidoimides containing side carboxy groups with glycidyl ethers of dyes, 4-(4-nitrophenylazo)phenol and 4-(6-nitrobenzothiazol-2-ylazo)phenol. The optimum modification conditions were found that made it possible to esterify 15, 30, 50, and 90% of the carboxy groups. The synthesized polymers possess valuable physicomechanical properties (E = 2.8–3.3 GPa, σ_u = 69–90 MPa, ε_u = 38–77%) and glass transition temperatures of 115–125 °C, depending on the degree of esterification. After chromophore orientation in the corona discharge, all the polymers demonstrate nonlinear optical properties of the second order. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 6, pp. 1438–1444, June, 2005.     

Influence of MgO (CaO) on the structure of silicate-phosphate glasses

Thermal and structural properties of model silicate-phosphate glasses containing the different amounts of the glass network modifiers, i.e. Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺ were studied. To explain the changes of the parameters characterizing the glass transition effect (T_g, Δc_p) and the crystallization process (T_c, ΔH) depending on the cations modifiers additions, analysis of the bonds and chemical interactions of atoms in the structure of glasses was used. ³¹P MAS-NMR spectra of SiO₂–P₂O₅–MgO(CaO)–K₂O glasses show that the phosphate complexes are mono- and diphosphate. It has been found that increasing amounts of Mg²⁺ or Ca²⁺ cations in the structure of glasses causes the reduction of the degree of polymerization of the phosphate framework (Q¹→Q⁰). The influence of increasing of modifiers in the structure of silicate- phosphate glasses on the number of non-bridging oxygens per SiO₄ tetrahedron and density of glasses was presented.     

Processing of aromatic thermosetting copolyesters into foams and bulk parts: characterization and mechanical properties

Fully dense sheets of aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) have been produced by blending ATSP oligomers, curing the blend to produce foam, grinding the cured material to a powder, followed by sintering of the cured powers via hot press. The resulting product possesses an excellent combination of mechanical strength and high‐temperature performance to help improve part functionality, gain long‐term reliability, and cost savings. Dynamic mechanical analysis of this system featured a glass transition higher than most available performance thermosets and thermoplastic polymers or reversible bonding polymer system described in literature. Compression and tensile properties of the foam and fully dense ATSP structures exceed those of most engineering polymers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Natural and synthetic solid polymer hybrid dual network membranes as electrolytes for direct methanol fuel cells

Hybrid dual-network membranes comprising chitosan (CS)–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) networks crosslinked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) and modified with stabilized silicotungstic acid (SWA) are reported for their application in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Physico-chemical properties of these membranes are evaluated using thermo-gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy in conjunction with their mechanical properties. Based on water sorption and proton conductivity measurements for the membranes, the optimum content of 10 wt.% SWA in the membrane is established. The methanol crossover for these membranes are studied by measuring the mass balance of methanol using density meter and are found to be lower compared to Nafion-117 membrane. The membrane–electrode assembly with 10 wt.% stabilized SWA–CS–PVA hybrid membrane with SSA and GA as crosslinking agent delivers a peak power density of 156 mW cm⁻² at a load current density of 400 mA cm⁻² and 88 mW cm⁻² at a load current density of 300 mA cm⁻², respectively, in DMFC at 70 °C.     

Thermal Degradation of Tetrafunctional/Phenol Novalac Epoxy Mixture Cured with a Diamine

The effect of thermal degradation on the mechanical behaviour of a system containing both tetraglycidyl-4-4′-diaminodiphenylmethane (TGDDM) and a multifunctional novolac glycidyl ether (EPN) resins, cured with 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulphone (DDS) has been studied using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile tests. Different curing paths using the isothermal time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagram for this system were designed, obtaining thermosetting materials with different conversions. The influences of the degree of cure and of the aging temperature were also studied. The results showed different trends in the dynamic mechanical properties and an increase in the stiffness of the material with increasing aging time. Changes were faster and more intense with the higher temperature. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of the structure of the biodegradable triblock polymer polylactide-<Emphasis Type="Italic">block</Emphasis>-(polycaprolactone-<Emphasis Type="Italic">stat</Emphasis>-polylactide)-<Emphasis Type="Italic">block</Emphasis>-polylactide on its mechanical properties

The effect of the structure of the triblock biodegradable polymer synthesized from ɛ-caprolactone and L-lactide via coordination ring-opening polymerization on its mechanical properties is studied. Effects of the structure of the triblock polymer on its relative elongation at break, elastic modulus, and shape recovery after unloading are estimated by the modeling method. It is shown that the properties of the polymer in relation to its structure can be predicted. The structure-dependent characteristics of the polymers are in following ranges: relative elongation at break, 7–1500%; elastic modulus, 1–330 MPa; and shape recovery, 0–95%. The modeling data are confirmed by the back synthesis of the polymers with optimized desired characteristics.     

Synthesis of CdTe colloidal quantum dots (QDs) in water

The comparison of growth processes and fluorescent properties of CdTe semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) that are synthesized in water with different modifiers are discussed in this paper. The samples are characterized through ultraviolet-visible spectra (UV-Vis), photoluminescence spectra (PL) and zeta potential. The results show that when the reaction time is prolonged for the same modifier, the ultraviolet absorption peak and fluorescent emission peak present obvious red shifts and the diameters of the QDs continuously increase. With the same reaction time but different modifiers, QDs with different diameters can be gained. The average full width at half maximum of the photoluminescence spectra is about 50 nm which shows that the monodispersity is quite good. Under the best reaction conditions, the highest quantum yield (QY) can be attained by using thioglycollic acid (TGA) as modifier when the reaction time is 240 min. The zeta potential is influenced by the modifier and pH. __________ Translated from Journal of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2007, 41(10): 1690–1694 [译自: 上海交通大学学报]     

可控交联聚醚醚酮的动态力学性能

动态力学分析技术(DMA)是研究聚合物性能的重要方法之一．动态力学实验可以检测聚合物的玻璃化转变温度和次级松弛过程,直接与聚合物的链结构和聚集态结构密切相关,聚合物的化学组成、支化和交联、结晶和取向、增塑和共混等结构因素的变化,都与分子运动状态的变化密切相关,而分子运动的变化又能灵敏地反映在动态力学性能上,     

Enhanced self-healing driving force in polymer materials by regulating molecular structure

For self-healing polymers, obtaining excellent healing ability and mechanical properties usually need complex chemical structure, external healing conditions, and high manufacturing difficulty. Therefore, self-healing efficiency and rate, mechanical strength, and simple structure design as well as no additional healing conditions of the material are contradictory properties and are difficult to optimize simultaneously. Herein, self-healable thermoplastic poly (urethane urea) elastomers driven by surface energy were fabricated by the introduction of asymmetric alicyclic structures and the healing properties in polymers were optimized by regulating surface energy. The results showed that with the increasing of isophorone diamine contents, the surface energy driving force increased from 36 kPa to 149 kPa, the healing time decreased from 30d to 5d, and healing efficiency, and tensile strength reached 100.9% and 4.04 MPa at room temperature. At the same time, polymers also obtained a high healing efficiency under high-temperature healing conditions. The healing mechanism is that asymmetric alicyclic structures with steric hindrance and ring flip promote the dissociation of hydrogen bonds, provide sufficient chain mobility, decrease the junction density, and improve the surface energy as well as the dissociation and reconstruction of hydrogen bonds. Energetic polymer composites using thermoplastic poly (urethane urea) elastomers as matrix obtained excellent healing properties. This study will offer a novel healing approach for developing advanced self-healing polymer materials.