Deformation mechanisms of nanoclay‐reinforced maleic anhydride‐modified polypropylene

Fracture properties and deformation mechanisms of nanoclay‐reinforced maleic anhydride‐modified polypropylene (MAPP) were investigated. Elastic–plastic fracture mechanics was employed to characterize the toughness in light of substantial postyield deformation for the reinforced MAPP. Upon introduction of 2.5 wt % clay loading in maleated MAPP, it was observed that tensile strength, modulus, and fracture initiation toughness concomitantly increased substantially. Continued increase in clay loading thereafter only led to stiffening and strengthening effects to the detriment of fracture toughness. A plot of the J‐integral initiation fracture toughness versus the plastic zone size demonstrated that toughening arose from plastic deformation in the reinforced matrix. Careful examination of deformed tensile specimens using small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) showed 2.5 wt % clay gave rise to the highest equatorial scattering, which indicates the presence of microvoids in the matrix. The SAXS results were consistent with that shown in subcritically loaded crack‐tip deformation zone using transmission electron microscopy. Thus, both macroscale three‐point bend fracture data and SAXS results led us to consistent findings and conclusions. Further increase in clay loading above 2.5 wt % reduced the scattering the matrix plasticity and thus the fracture toughness. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2759–2768, 2004     

The Separation of Alanine Enatiomer Derivatives by the Proton‐Inhibition Method

Better peak shapes and complete separation of amino‐3,5‐dinitro derivatives by (S)‐N‐(2‐naphthyl)alanine derived chiral stationary phase (CSP) is achieved by adding a trace amount of acetic acid in the mobile phase. This method provides an indication of its broad applicability on direct separation of a series of amino‐containing enantiomers on CSP. In addition, the reversed elution order was obtained on its enatiomeric CSP.     

Juncenolides H – K,New Briarane Diterpenoids from Junceella juncea

Chemical investigation of the Taiwanese gorgonian coral Junceella juncea resulted in the isolation of four new briarane‐type diterpenoids, juncenolides H, I, J, and K ( 1 – 4 ). Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, especially 1‐ and 2D‐NMR. The inhibitory effects of compounds 1 – 4 on superoxide‐anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils were evaluated.     

New method for determination of equilibrium/kinetic sorption parameters

We proposed a new method from which kinetic sorption parameters can be estimated using aqueous phase concentration versus time data commonly available from adsorption tests. The method relies on the analytical solution that was solved for two-site reversible sorption kinetics based on mass conservation law for solute in a batch reaction system. In order to validate the method, model parameters were compared with those of three-stage kinetic models available in the literature. It was revealed that model parameters of the two-site kinetics could accurately be estimated as much as other model parameters. Advantage of the new method is acquisition of additional parameter, distribution or partitioning coefficient (K_d) frequently used in the analysis of chemical transfer in the solid–liquid interface.     

Synthesis and Functionalization of Isotactic Poly(propylene) Containing Pendant Styrene Groups

Summary: Copolymerization of propylene and 1,4‐divinylbenzene was successfully performed by a MgCl₂‐supported TiCl₄ catalyst, yielding isotactic poly(propylene) (i‐PP) polymers containing a few pendant styrene groups. With a metalation reaction with butyllithium and a hydrochlorination reaction with dry hydrogen chloride, the pendant styrene groups were quantitatively transformed into benzyllithium and 1‐chloroethylbenzene groups, respectively, which allowed the synthesis of i‐PP‐based graft copolymers by living anionic and atom transfer radical (ATRP) polymerization mechanisms.

The incorporation of styrene pendant groups into isotactic poly(propylene) using a Zeigler–Natta catalyst gave functionalized polymers able to undergo living anionic and atom transfer radical (ATRP) polymerizations.     

The Diffusion of Polymer Chains with a Surface‐Active End Group

A film of poly(butyl methacrylate) with a surface‐active end group was prepared. The contact angle of the film surface has a higher value as compared with the neat polymer due to the segregation of surface‐active groups. We propose a simple method to obtain the diffusion constant by measuring the contact angle when the film is turned upside‐down and heated.