Core–shell nanogels by RAFT crosslinking polymerization: Synthesis and characterization

A synthetic methodology is described for the preparation of core–shell nanogels by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer. Well‐defined macro chain transfer agents (macro‐CTA's) were prepared in a first step using monomers that yield sensitive polymers. In the second step, a crosslinker alone or with the addition of a functionalized comonomer were used to form a crosslinked core. The ratio of crosslinker to macro‐CTA is crucial to yield nanogels. Furthermore, the polymerization time has an impact in the architecture of the nanomaterial obtained: it evolves from a core‐crosslinked star to a core–shell nanogel. Controlling the molecular weight of the macro‐CTA and the type of comonomer in the core forming step, core–shell nanogels with hydrodynamic diameters from 22 to 168 nm and a core that represents from 35 to 77% of the size, were prepared containing functional groups in the core which could be used as catalytic scaffolds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012.     

Light scattering in diluted solutions of cellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate

Diluted solutions of cellulose and hydroxypropylcellulose in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate were studied by the method of static light scattering. Mean molecular masses and the size of the particles of the studied polymers in solution, as well as the values of the second virial coefficient are reported.     

Chemical bonding variations and electron-phonon interactions

A new functional, Psib(Phi), of an electronic state in solids based on the bonding indicator B(tau,tau') in terms of Mulliken's electron partitioning approach has been introduced. Using Psib(Phi), the bonding variations of an electronic state caused by electron-phonon coupling can be studied. With this proposed approach, the differences between the "flat band" states for Hg in coupling to the phonons and the peaklike structure of electron-phonon coupling constants in the q space are well explained.     

Matter-wave interferometer for large molecules

We demonstrate a near-field Talbot-Lau interferometer for C70 fullerene molecules. Such interferometers are particularly suitable for larger masses. Using three free-standing gold gratings of 1 microm period and a transversally incoherent but velocity-selected molecular beam, we achieve an interference fringe visibility of 40% with high count rate. Both the high visibility and its velocity dependence are in good agreement with a quantum simulation that takes into account the van der Waals interaction of the molecules with the gratings and are in striking contrast to a classical moiré model.     

Low-temperature PECVD of silicon dioxide on polymeric hydrogels

In this work, a complex investigation of the film surface composition and nanoscale mechanical properties, i.e. hardness and elastic modulus, of plasma-modified and silica-coated hydrogel thin films was carried out. Plasma treatment was performed in a reactive ion etching chamber (SF₆, CHF₃) at radio frequency (rf, 13.56 MHz) and in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition chamber (SiH₄/N₂, NH₃, N₂O) at radio frequency and dual frequency (13.56 MHz/100 kHz), respectively. The use of the dual-frequency configuration comprising two power supplies and operated in a switched mode enabled the investigation of the ion-bombardment influence on the polymer properties. For the application in silicon micromachined sensors best results were obtained by using a NH₃ or SiH₄/N₂ low-pressure plasma modification and a silica coating of the sensitive hydrogel film. PACS 81.05.Lg; 81.15.Gh; 81.65.Cf; 81.70.Bt