Structure and properties of polyimide aerogels with different skeleton flexibilities

ABSTRACT

In order to better understand the influences of polyimide (PI) skeleton structure and freeze-drying process on the properties of PI aerogel materials, PI molecular chains (ODPA-ODA, BPDA-ODA, BPDA-PPDA) with different stiffnesses and flexibilities were designed and a series of PI aerogels were accordingly fabricated by freeze-drying technique. The aerogels produced featured light weight (density of 0.01–0.16 g/cm³) and high flexibility, and their density, pore structure, and compress recovery performance could be well controlled by delicately tuning the molecular chain structure and solid contents of the poly (amic acid) salt solution. In addition, a hard PI aerogel with enhanced compressive strength was obtained by quick-freezing in liquid nitrogen.     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene composite with two‐scale reinforcement

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composite with two‐scale reinforcement structure, i.e. nanoscale shish–kebab structure and micron‐scale glass fiber (GF) with orientation, was fabricated by an oscillatory shear injection molding (OSIM) technology. The oscillatory shear flow provided by the OSIM gave rise to a high fraction of shish–kebab structures in the iPP composite, characterized by X‐ray scattering technique. On the other hand, the oscillatory shear flow oriented GFs in the iPP composite, which was revealed by scanning electron microscopy measurement. The iPP composite with this two‐scale reinforcement structure exhibited simultaneously remarkably enhanced tensile strength and impact strength. Fracture mechanism of this iPP composite was also proposed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of operating variables on the flux and selectivity in sweep gas membrane distillation for dilute aqueous isopropanol

Sweep gas membrane distillation was examined as a possible technique for isopropanol (IPA)–water separation using PTFE hollow fiber membrane module. The composition and flux of the permeate were monitored when feed concentration, operating temperature and flow rate were varied. The upper feed concentration tested was 10 wt.% IPA. Within the feed temperature range of about 20–50°C, IPA selectivity of 10–25 was achieved. Since the concentration near the surface on the membrane increased by the selective adsorption of IPA on the hydrophobic membrane, the selectivity increases. The permeate flux and IPA selectivity increase as feed temperature increase. The flux and selectivity increase at higher flow rates is mainly due to the reduced effects of concentration and temperature polarization. The effect of salt addition to the feed mixture was also examined.     

Sonoemulsion Synthesis of Long CuO Nanorods with Enhanced Catalytic Thermal Decomposition of Potassium Perchlorate

A facile sonoemulsion route using suitable non-ionic surfactant, polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 8000 (PEG8000) was developed to synthesize long CuO nanorods with average diameter of 15–20 nm and lengths up to 1.5 μm. The as-developed CuO nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, SAED and Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectrum of as-synthesized nanorods was found to be red-shifted and broadened due to possible consequence of phonon confinement, electron–LO–phonon-coupling and internal compressive stresses. The dynamics of nanorod growth was elaborated in context of size aggregation effect fueled by ultra-sonication and steric hindrance effect imposed by PEG8000. The catalytic activity of CuO nanorods in thermal decomposition of potassium perchlorate was examined by thermogravimetric analysis technique. The CuO nanorods prepared by sonoemulsion route was found to be very effective in thermal decomposition of potassium perchlorate with significant reduction in thermal decomposition temperature.     

A novel hierarchical crystalline structure of injection-molded bars of linear polymer: co-existence of bending and normal shish–kebab structure

The hierarchy structures and orientation behavior of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) molded by conventional injection molding (CIM) and gas-assisted injection molding (GAIM) were intensively examined by using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and 2D wide-angle X-ray diffraction (2D-WAXD). Results show that the spatial variation of crystals across the thickness of sample molded by CIM was characterized by a typical skin–core structure as a result of general shear-induced crystallization. Unusually, the crystalline morphologies of the parts prepared by GAIM, primarily due to the penetration of secondary high-compressed gas that was exerted on the polymer melt during gas injection, featured a richer and fascinating supermolecular structure. Besides, the oriented lamellar structure, general shish–kebab structure, and common spherulites existed in the skin, sub-skin, and gas channel region, respectively; a novel morphology of shish–kebab structure was seen in the sub-skin layer of the GAIM parts of HDPE. This special shish–kebab structure (recognized as “bending shish–kebab”) was neither parallel nor perpendicular to the flow direction but at an angle. Furthermore, there was a clear interface between the bending and the normal shish–kebab structures, which may be very significant for our understanding of the melt flow or polymer rheology under the coupling effect of multi-fluid flow and complex temperature profiles in the GAIM process. Based on experimental observations, a schematic illustration was proposed to interpret the formation mechanism of the bending shish–kebab structure during GAIM process.     

Membrane distillation for dilute ethanol: Separation from aqueous streams

Air-gap membrane distillation was examined as a possible technique for ethanol–water separation using PVDF membranes. The composition and flux of the permeate were monitored as feed concentration, feed temperature, feed flow rate, cooling temperature and cooling flow rate were varied. The effect of salt addition to the feed mixture was also examined. The upper feed concentration tested was 10 wt.% ethanol. Within the feed temperature range of 40–70°C, ethanol selectivity of 2–3.5 was achieved. Two versions of a general mathematical model were solved numerically for the ethanol–water system; one did not include temperature and concentration polarization effects while the other did. Good agreement between experimental and predicted values was obtained with the latter version of the model.     

Foaming behavior,cellular structure and physical properties of polybenzoxazine foams

In this paper, polymer foams based on a benzoxazine resin have been successfully prepared using azodicarbonamide (ADC) as a chemical blowing agent and have been characterized regarding their foaming behavior, cellular structure, and physical properties. The effect of the ADC on the curing process of the resin was analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and blowing agent decomposition was followed by thermogravitmetric analysis (TGA). The characterization of the cellular structure of the foamed samples was done using scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the foams were determined using compression tests and the thermal conductivity was assessed using the transient plane source method. The results indicated that the curing process and gas release took place in a similar time interval. The foams showed an isotropic cellular structure with relative densities in the range 0.35–0.60, and showed compressive strengths and compressive moduli in the range of 10–70 MPa and 400–1100 MPa, respectively. Thermal conductivities were in the range of 0.06–0.12 W m^?1K^?1. The findings in this paper demonstrate the possibility of producing polybenzoxazine foams using a simple process in which curing and foaming take place simultaneously. In addition, the mechanical characterization of these materials indicates that they are suitable for structural applications. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structure and Potential Application of Konjac Glucomannan Nano Microfibril Aerogel

An ultra-light and high porosity nano microfibril aerogel was prepared from konjac glucomannan(KGM) by the electrospinning and freeze-drying. The structure of aerogel was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and X-ray diffraction(XRD) while the density and compressive strength of the samples were studied separately. Results reveal that porous network structure of the KGM nano microfibril aerogel is constructed by intermolecular hydrogen bonds in random and interpenetrate way. The nano microfibril structure presents in the KGM aerogel,which is an important reason of its high density and compressive strength. There is a potential application for this unique nano microfibril aerogel in the absorption of biodegradation bacteria to solve problems in marine oil spill pollution.     

Synthesis,characterization, and properties of colorless rigid-rod poly(benzobisthiazole) derived from bicyclo[2.2.2]octane

Polycondensation in polyphosphoric acid of 2,5-diamino-1,4-benzene dithiol dihydrochloride with bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, as well as the corresponding dimethyl ester or diacid chloride, led to rigid-rod benzobisthiazole polymers. Colorless and soluble polymers with intrinsic viscosities as high as 30.6 dL/g (methanesulfonic acid, 30°C) were obtained. The ultraviolet-visible spectrum of a polymer film cast from methanesulfonic acid under reduced pressure displayed no absorptions in the visible range (400–900 °m). The polymer was thermooxidatively stable up to 420°C in air as determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Fibers spun from a lyotropic polyphosphoric acid solution exhibited a tensile strength of 300–450 Ksi, a modulus of 26 Msi, and a compressive strength of 53 Ksi. Wide-angle X-ray scattering patterns of polymer fibers indicated a 3-dimensional crystal structure rather than a nematic liquid crystal structure. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Infrared thermographic evaluation of large composite grid parts subjected to axial loading

Many composite parts, such as laminated panels and grid-like shells, operate under high mechanical loading. Evaluation of their structural integrity is crucial to ensure the long-lasting operation of critical components. Since testing a structure under full or “proof” load might be dangerous for personnel, it would be preferable to use a remote, rapid inspection technique. This paper describes a practical application of IR thermography to the inspection of large composite parts used in the aerospace industry. This work has used just one cycle of increasing load from zero load to failure, and this was done for both for tensile and compressive loads. It is shown that, during the formation of micro-defects in polymeric composites, about 40 % of the total dissipated energy is expended for material heating, while about 60 % is related to material damage accompanied by an increase in the defect concentration. Non-uniform composite deformation causes temperature anomalies, whose amplitude may reach 1.5–2.5 °C at a load of about 50–60 % of the limit load.     

Phase separation of gas–liquid and liquid–liquid microflows in microchips

Phase separation of gas–liquid and liquid–liquid microflows in microchannels were examined and characterized by interfacial pressure balance. We considered the conditions of the phase separation, where the phase separation requires a single phase flow in each output of the microchannel. As the interfacial pressure, we considered the pressure difference between the two phases due to pressure loss in each phase and the Laplace pressure generated by the interfacial tension at the interface between the separated phases. When the pressure difference between the two phases is balanced by the Laplace pressure, the contact line between the two phases is static. Since the contact angle characterizing the Laplace pressure is restricted to values between the advancing and receding contact angles, the Laplace pressure has a limit. When the pressure difference between the two phases exceeds the limiting Laplace pressure, one of the phases leaks into the output channel of the other phase, and the phase separation fails. In order to experimentally verify this physical picture, microchips were used having a width of 215 μm and a depth of 34 μm for the liquid–liquid microflows, a width of 100 μm and a depth of 45 μm for the gas–liquid microflows. The experimental results of the liquid–liquid microflows agreed well with the model whilst that of the gas–liquid microflows did not agree with the model because of the compressive properties of the gas phase and evaporation of the liquid phase. The model is useful for general liquid–liquid microflows in continuous flow chemical processing.     

The morphological,optical and electrical properties of SnO2:F thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis

Combining the spray pyrolysis and the sol–gel techniques gives the possibility to produce Fluorine doped Tin oxide (SnO₂:F) thin films. Transparent conducting SnO₂:F thin films have been deposited on glass substrates by the spray pyrolysis technique. This technique for the fabrication of SnO₂:F filmsby combining sol–gel process and the spray pyrolysis technique ispresented in this paper. The Sol–gel precursors have been successfully prepared using SnCl₂·5H₂O and (Ac)F₃. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of these films were investigated. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area diffraction (SAD) patterns of SnO₂:F films show that the gel films lead to a tetragonal structure. The X‐ray diffraction pattern of the films deposited at substrate temperature 530° , the orientation of the films was predominantly [110]. In addition, the surface chemical components were also examined by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showing the SnO₂:F deposited with the atomic concentration ratios Sn/F 1.82:1. The minimum sheet resistance was 50 Ω and average transmission in the visible wavelength range of 300 to 800 nm was 87.25%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Electrodeposited Ni and Ni-Co alloys using cysteine and conventional ultrasound waves

Ni-Co alloys were electroplated from sulphate electrolyte using addition agents including sodium gluconate,boric acid and cysteine on copper foil by the galvanostatic technique and ultrasound waves.The chemical composition,surface morphologies,crystalline structure and hardness of the Ni-Co alloys were studied using energy dispersive spectroscopy,scanning electron microscope,X-ray diffraction and Vickers testing method,respectively.The effect of current density and addition agents on the microstructure and morphology of Ni-Co alloys were examined.The appropriate concentration of additives and ultrasound waves were found to produce fine and smooth crystals leading to higher hardness of Ni-Co alloys.The microhardness of the Ni-Co alloys was varied between 4860–7530 HV.The surface morphology of coatings was changed from granular to fine due to using of gluconate,boric acid,cysteine and ultrasound waves.The mechanical properties of nanocrystalline Ni-Co alloys showed an increase of the hardness with the growing of Ni content in the alloy.The X-ray diffraction studies indicated that nanocrystalline structure was face-centred cubic for pure Ni and Ni-Co alloys with Co content in the range of 1–75 wt.%.A hexagonal closed-package structure was obtained for pure Co and Ni-Co alloys with the cobalt content with range of 75–99wt.%.     

Optical Doppler Tomography: Imaging in vivo Blood Flow Dynamics Following Pharmacological Intervention and Photodynamic Therapy

A noninvasive optical technique has been developed for imaging in vivo blood flow dynamics and vessel structure with high spatial resolution. The technique is based on optical Doppler tomography, which combines Doppler velocimetry with optical coherence tomography to measure blood flow velocity at discrete spatial locations in turbid biological tissue. Applications of this technique for monitoring changes in blood flow dynamics and vessel structure following pharmacological intervention and photodynamic therapy are demonstrated.     

Structure–Property relationships of poly(vinyl alcohol). III. Relationships between stereo-regularity,crystallinity, and water resistance in poly(vinyl alcohol)

Structure–property relationships of poly(vinyl alcohol) have been studied by measuring the crystallinity and water resistance of films derived from samples of varying, known tacticity. Crystallinities of unannealed and annealed films were examined by means of density, infrared, and x-ray measurements. Higher tacticity did not lead to higher crystallinity. The apparent order of crystallizability was atactic ≧ syndiotactic-rich ? isotactic-rich. Water resistance of these films was determined by measuring the swelling index at 30°C. and solubility at 70 and 130–140°C. Water resistance increases as tacticity increases, with syndiotactic-rich PVA exhibiting the highest water resistance. Since water resistance also increases with crystallinity, both stereoregularity and crystallinity must be considered when evaluating structure–solubility relationships. Differential thermal and thermogravimetric analyses of these samples are also presented, together with a correlation of tacticity index as measured by an infrared technique with that of an NMR technique.     

Forensic Identification of Dyes in Ballpoint Pen Inks Using LC–ESI–MS

The aim of this work was to develop a new technique using flow injection analysis combined with LC–ESI–MS which allows identification of dyes in ballpoint pen inks. A sample preparation procedure for the extraction of dyes from ballpoint pen strokes has been developed. The characteristic group of ions for each sample of 21 studied ballpoint pen inks corresponding to the present dyes has been determined using flow injection method. LC separation conditions for identified dyes have been optimized on reversed-phase sorbent based on silica gel. The best composition of the mobile phase for the dyes mixture LC separation was 0.1% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile. Detection of dyes was carried out using mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in positive and negative modes after reversed-phase liquid chromatography separation. Dye composition of ink was additionally confirmed comparing the data obtained from the literature. Flow injection analysis allows obtaining intensive ions of unknown strokes. It is difficult to get this information using only chromatographic methods, because dyes peak intensity can be low and noise of basic line high. Flow injection method allows distinguishing the analyzed 21 ballpoint pens by determining a characteristic set of dyes. The developed flow injection technique is very simple and quick. As a result, a novel approach for the identification of dyes in the ballpoint pen inks by flow injection analysis with LC–ESI–MS and UV detection without using standard dye samples has been established. It can be an effective alternative to the existing LC–DAD–MS and IR spectroscopy methods.     

Using electronic pressure programming to reduce the decomposition of labile compounds during splitless injection

A split/splitless capillary injection port has been developed for electronic pressure programming (EPP) in gas chromatography. The inlet may be operated in several modes: constant pressure, constant flow, vacuum compensation (for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)), pressure-programmed, or a combination mode enabling a pressure program to be followed by constant flow. A pressure-programming technique has been tried which uses high pressure (high column flow rate) at the time of injection followed by reduction in inlet pressure to a value required for normal chromatography. Sample is swept rapidly from the inlet and into the column, reducing contact with the hot, active inlet surfaces which cause sample decomposition. The decomposition of endrin and 4,4′-DDT, two labile pesticides, can be substantially reduced using this technique and modest improvements were also observed with the carbamate pesticide carbaryl.     

The application of flow injection iminodiacetic acid–ethylcellulose membrane preconcentration and separation technique to atomic spectrometry

A flow injection-based on-line iminodiacetic acid–ethylcellulose (IDAEC) membrane preconcentration and separation technique was developed in the present work, which has the advantages of easy operation without membrane plugging problems; a high enrichment factor (more than 10 for most elements); a high sample throughput (30 samples h⁻¹). The characteristics of the IDAEC membrane were systematically studied, including the effect of sample flow rate and analyte concentration on breakthrough point; dynamic capacity and the lifetime of the IDAEC membrane. The technique was successfully applied to pond and seawater analysis in which all elements studied are in ng ml⁻¹ level. The analytical performance was verified with recovery of a standard addition from seawater. Satisfactory results were obtained.     

Stress generation by solvent absorption and wrinkling of a cross-linked coating atop a viscous or elastic base

An in-plane constrained cross-linked gel layer absorbs an equilibrium amount of solvent and experiences in-plane compressive stress. A stability analysis of such an elastic gel layer that is attached to either a viscous or an elastic bottom layer atop a rigid substrate is considered. The effects of the top and bottom layer moduli (E(t) and E(b)), the bottom-to-top layer thickness ratio (H/h), and the polymer solvent interaction parameter (chi) on the critical condition of wrinkling, wrinkle wavelength, and amplitude are examined. When the bottom layer is viscous, the compressed top layer is always unstable, and wrinkling is rate-controlled. The viscous flow of the bottom layer governs the rate and determines the fastest growing wavelength. As E(t) rises, the bending stiffness of the elastic layer does as well, and so the fastest growing wavelength (lambda(m)) rises and the equilibrium amplitude (A(e)) falls. As H/h rises, the constraint of the rigid substrate diminishes, and so lambda(m) and A(e) rise. As chi falls or as the solvent has higher affinity for the polymeric gel, lambda(m) falls and A(e) rises because better solvents create higher compressive strain that promote low-wavelength, high-amplitude wrinkles. When the bottom layer is elastic, a critical compressive stress exists. If the generated compressive stress by solvent absorption is greater than the critical stress, the top layer wrinkles. It was found that wrinkling is most likely at intermediate E(t), low E(b), high H/h, and low chi. Further, lower chi, higher H/h, and lower E(b) were found to promote higher equilibrium amplitude and higher wavelength wrinkles.     

Creep behavior of ultrahigh-modulus polyethylene: Influence of draw ratio and polymer composition

The creep behavior of ultrahigh-modulus polyethylene monofilaments has been studied over the temperature range 20–70°C. A wide range of samples was examined in an attempt to determine the influence of draw ratio, molecular weight, copolymerization, and crosslinking by γ irradiation Prior to drawing. Results are also presented for a solution-spun fiber. It is proposed that the permanent flow creep arises from a combination of two creep processes, one of which is associated with the crystalline regions of the oriented structure and the other with a molecular network.