Synthesis and characterization of novel polyimides with 2,2‐bis[4(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]phthalein‐3′,5′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)anilide

2,2‐Bis[4(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]phthalein‐3′,5′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)anilide (6FADAP), containing fluorine and phthalimide moieties, was synthesized via the Williamson ether condensation reaction from 1‐chloro‐4‐nitrobenzene and phenolphthalein‐3′,5′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)anilide, which was followed by hydrogenation. Monomers such as 2,2‐bis[4(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]phthalein‐anilide containing phthalimide groups and 2,2‐bis[4(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]phthalein containing only phthalein moieties were also synthesized for comparison. The monomers were first characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ¹H NMR, ¹⁹F NMR, elemental analysis, and titration and were then used to prepare polyimides with 2,2‐bis(3,4‐dicarboxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane dianhydride. The polyimides were designed to have molecular weights of 20,000 g/mol via off‐stoichiometry and were characterized by FTIR, NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Their solubility, water absorption, dielectric constant, and refractive index were also evaluated. The polyimides prepared with 6FADAP, containing fluorine and phthalimide moieties, had excellent solubility in N‐methylpyrrolidinone, N,N‐dimethylacetamide, tetrahydrofuran, CHCl₃, tetrachloroethane, and acetone, and GPC analysis showed a molecular weight of 18,700 g/mol. The polyimides also exhibited a high glass‐transition temperature (290 °C), good thermal stability (～500 °C in air), low water absorption (1.9 wt %), a low dielectric constant (2.81), a low refractive index, and low birefringence (0.0041). © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3361–3374, 2003     

Terahertz wave tomographic imaging with a Fresnel lens

We demonstrate three-dimensional tomographic imaging using a Fresnel lens with broadband terahertzpulses.Objects at various locations along the beam propagation path are uniquely imaged on the sameimaging plane using a Fresnel lens with different frequencies of the imaging beam.This procedure allowsthe reconstruction of an object's tomographic contrast image by assembling the frequency-dependentimages.     

On the Development of Fundamentally New Organic Reagents

Based on an analysis of the processes of intramolecular signal transfer (the ordered motion of a quasiparticle, vibron) and structural isomerization, it was pointed out that, in principle, reagents of a new type can be developed with analytical effects fundamentally different from usual ones. The type of analytical response can vary depending on the molecular structure and intramolecular processes induced. General principles of the molecular design of systems of this kind are discussed.     

State of Atoms and Interatomic Distances in Complex Perovskite-like Oxides: XVII.1 Magnetic Dilution of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 in LaGaO3

A magnetic susceptibility study of solid solutions of calcium-doped lanthanum manganite inlanthanum gallate showed that exchange interactions in clusters of manganese atoms do not change theircharacter with increasing temperature, unlike what is observed with solid solutions on the basis of lanthanumaluminate.     

Gaussian Approximations in the Stochastic Theory of Spontaneous Ignition of Coal Particles

Stochastic models of the process of spontaneous ignition of coal particles are distinguished by a pronounced nonlinearity due to the Arrhenius approximation for the constant of the reaction rate and by a complex structure of the stochastic component (noise). We present models describing the dynamics of the distribution of this quantity. The models obtained consist of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, which are solved by numerical methods with the use of computer technologies.     

Target Level Method in Linear Multi-Criterion Problems

We consider the target level method for solving linear multi-criterion maximization problems. The method finds an efficient (Pareto-optimal) vector estimate that is closest in the Chebyshev metric to the target level point specified by the decision maker. The proposed method describes (parametrizes and approximates) the efficient set. In the linear case the number of scalar optimization problems needed to describe the set of efficient vector estimates is substantially reduced. A formula is derived which, under certain conditions, can be used to compute efficient vector estimates without solving any optimization problems. An algorithm based on these results is proposed for two-criterion problems.     

Metallo‐supramolecular micelles: Studies by analytical ultracentrifugation and electron microscopy

In aqueous solutions, amphiphilic block copolymers in which a polystyrene (PS) segment is connected to a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block via a bis(2,2′:6′,2″‐ terpyridine ruthenium) complex can form micelles. Such micelles of the protomer type PS₂₀‐[Ru]‐PEO₇₀, according to the preparation procedure representing frozen micelles, were studied by sedimentation velocity and sedimentation equilibrium analysis in an analytical ultracentrifuge and by transmission electron microscopy, with different techniques applied for the sample preparation. The particles obtained were surprisingly multifarious in size. In ultracentrifugation experiments performed at relatively low salt concentrations, the distributions of the sedimentation coefficient s_20,w showed a pronounced peak at 9.6 S and a broad, only partly separated second peak around 14 S. The molar mass of the particles at the peak was around 430,000 g/mol, corresponding to an aggregation number of approximately 85. The average hydrodynamic diameter of the particles in the peak fraction was approximately 13 nm. In electron micrographs of negatively stained samples, spheres of diameters between 10 and 25 nm were the most abundant particles, but larger ones with a wide size range were also visible. The latter particles apparently were composed of smaller ones. The data from both sedimentation analysis and electron microscopy showed that (1) the studied compound formed primary micelles of diameters around 20 nm and (2) the primary micelles had a tendency toward aggregation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 3159–3168, 2003