Glass temperature depression of polymer by use of mixed solvents: A colligative property

The entropy theory of glasses is used to determine the glass temperature depression by a multicomponent low molecular weight plasticizer (diluent). The glass temperature, T_g, is calculated as a function of pressure, P, the mole fractions, m_i, of the plasticizers, and the degree of polymerization p. One finds, provided there is no phase separation, that to a good approximation, the initial glass temperature depression is a function of the total mole fraction of plasticizer. Moreover, the glass temperature depression for small plasticizer molecules is found to be nearly a universal function of the plasticizer mole fraction (it depends on no other plasticizer variable), and to vary inversely as the number of flexible bonds per monomer unit of the polymer. A useful approximation is found, γdT_g/dm₁ = −3T_g, where m₁ is the total mole fraction of diluent on a per monomer of polymer basis, and γ is the number of flexible bonds per monomer. Although these results agree with experimental data in the literature, a more definitive experimental test is needed. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Development on Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Electrochemical Devices

Electrochemical devices, especially energy storage, have been around for many decades. Liquid electrolytes (LEs), which are known for their volatility and flammability, are mostly used in the fabrication of the devices. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) are also using electrochemical reaction to operate. Following the demand for green and safer energy sources to replace fossil energy, this has raised the research interest in solid-state electrochemical devices. Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are among the candidates to replace the LEs. Hence, understanding the mechanism of ions’ transport in SPEs is crucial to achieve similar, if not better, performance to that of LEs. In this paper, the development of SPE from basic construction to electrolyte optimization, which includes polymer blending and adding various types of additives, such as plasticizers and fillers, is discussed.     

一种亲水-亲油复合固相萃取填料的制备及其在食品安全检测中的应用

合成了一种以二乙烯苯和N-乙烯吡咯烷酮为单体的高分子聚合物固相萃取填料(DVB-NVP),以6种不同极性的化合物为模型化合物,结合高效液相色谱法(HPLC)对该填料进行了系统的评价,并与传统的C18填料及商品化同类型填料做对比;对填料进行了磺酸化修饰(DVB-NVP-SO₃H),并将合成的填料应用于复杂基质中化合物的分析。结果表明:该填料对不同极性化合物的回收率在95.55%~101.08%之间,优于商品化C18填料,与商品化同类型填料相当。DVB-NVP对于白酒中邻苯二甲酸二甲酯、邻苯二甲酸二乙酯、邻苯二甲酸二丁酯的分析回收率分别为102.55%、102.99%、102.11%,相对标准偏差分别为2.11%、1.69%、0.79%; DVB-NVP-SO₃H用于对猪肉中的可乐定和赛庚啶进行分析,回收率分别为89.23%和91.42%,相对标准偏差分别为8.21%和8.86%,符合生物样品分析要求。所合成的填料具有普适性,并具有较高的回收率,应用前景广泛。     

Study of the influence of plasticizers on the thermal and mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) compounds

The influence of four types of plasticizers, dioctyl phthalate (DOP), dioctyl adipate (DOA), triacetyl glycerol (TAG) and polyadipate (PA), in the thermal and mechanical properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), a highly crystalline biodegradable polyester, was evaluated in this work. The plasticizers were introduced alone or mixtures of them, using concentrations that varied from 5 to 30% wt. Their influence in some important polymer parameters as Tg, Tm and degree of crystallinity, and on its mechanical behavior, elongation and tensile strain were investigated. The best results were obtained for the sample with 30% TAG and that one using a binary mixture of plasticizers PA 20% and TAG 10%.     

Migration of Microplastics and Phthalates from Face Masks to Water

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, face masks have been introduced in the complex strategy of infection prevention and control. Face masks consist of plastic polymers and additives such as phthalates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the migration of microplastics (MP) and phthalates from face masks to water. Four types of masks including FFP2 masks and surgical were studied. Masks were first characterized to determine the different layers and the material used for their fabrication. Then, masks were cut into 20 pieces of 0.5 cm², including all their layers, placed in water, and the migration of MP and phthalates was evaluated according to the conditions stated in EU Regulation No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food. For MP, the morphological analysis (shape, dimension, particle count) was performed using a stereomicroscope, while the identification of both masks and MP released was conducted using μ-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (µ-FT-IR). Migration of phthalates was assessed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS/MS). Face masks analyzed in the present study were made of atactic polypropylene (PP) as stated by the manufacturer. The μ-FT-IR confirmed that PP and polyamide (PA) were released as fragments, while both PP and polyester (PES) were released as fibers. In addition, 4 phthalates were identified at concentrations between 2.34 and 21.0 µg/mask. This study shows that the migration study can be applied to evaluate the potential release of MP and phthalates from face masks to water and could give a hint for the potential impact of their incorrect disposal on the aquatic resources.     

气相色谱-质谱法测定聚氯乙烯包装材料和食品模拟物中的46种增塑剂

建立了46种增塑剂在聚氯乙烯(PVC)食品包装材料中的含量及其在水、3%乙酸、10%乙醇和橄榄油4种食品模拟物中迁移量的气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)测定方法。食品包装材料、水质模拟物和橄榄油中增塑剂分别采用溶解-沉淀法、正己烷液-液萃取和凝胶渗透色谱(GPC)法提取。采用GC-MS法,在选择离子监测模式(SIM)下对46种增塑剂进行定性,采用外标法进行定量测定。各种增塑剂在0.1～2.0 mg/L质量浓度范围内呈线性,相关系数为0.9910～0.9999,各组分检出限均在0.005～0.05 mg/kg之间。在2种食品模拟物中,3个浓度添加水平下46种增塑剂的加标回收率在69.51%～107.21%之间,精密度(RSD, n=6)为3.53%～18.95%。该方法可满足PVC食品接触制品及4种不同性质的食品模拟物中多种类增塑剂的快速筛查和准确定性、定量测定要求。     

An analysis of the role of nonreactive plasticizers in the crosslinking reactions of a rigid resin

A uniform dispersion of reactants is necessary to achieve a complete reaction involving multiple components. Using a combination of infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and low field NMR, we have elucidated the role of a new class of nonreactive plasticizers on the crosslinking reaction between hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) and phenol formaldehyde resin. These two seemingly dissimilar reactants are responsible for the exceptionally high mechanical strength in a number of organic–inorganic composites. The efficiency of the curing reaction is characterized by the changing functionality of HMTA. Infrared active vibrations are used to characterize the changing molecular structures as a function of temperature. The T₁ spin‐lattice relaxation time is used for the characterization of segmental dynamics of the chains in the formation of the crosslinked product. The segmental mobility depends on the amount of crosslinking and the stiffness of the chain. This study shows that this new class of nonreactive plasticizer can induce highly crosslinked structures without any of the environmental impact of the current technology. An efficient crosslinking reaction in phenolic resin can be achieved by using methyl benzoate as a nonreacting plasticizer. Low field NMR, in conjunction with infrared spectroscopy (mid and near) and DSC, clarified the crosslinking reaction mechanism and the ensuing structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017 , 55, 206–213     

Poly(lactic acid)‐based nanocomposites

Classic plastics accumulate in nature causing environmental pollution, yet as a counterbalance they benefit society in many ways. They are versatile, cost‐effective, and can be tailored to have desired properties. The global environment has led to the fabrication of commodity plastics from environmentally degradable polymers. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most promising among the environmentally friendly polymers available. PLA‐based plastics have mechanical, thermal, and transparency similar to traditional plastics, and they can be molded and fabricated using the same equipment and procedures. Their material properties are enhanced through nanocomposites, compatibilizers, plasticizers, and other fillers (flame retardant, ultraviolet filter, etc.). This review summarizes mass production techniques and property reinforcements (focusing on nanocomposites and plasticizers) for PLA‐based plastics for commodity use. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mapping the stiffness-temperature-moisture relationship of solid biomaterials at and around their glass transition

Mechanical changes in biomaterials at and around their glass transition are key factors in their functionality and/or stability. They are described in terms of a relationship betwen a relative stiffness R(T,M) defined as the ratio between a modulus or storage modulus at a temperature T, and moisture M, and its magnitude in the glassy state. The relationship, in turn, is expressed by the model R(T,M) = 1/[1+exp [{T-T _c,(M))/a(M)]} where T _c(M) is a critical temperature identifying the transition temperature range and a(M) a constant representing the relationship's slope. The proposed model correctly accounts for the downward concavity of the stiffness vs temperature relationship at the transition onset. Published data on biosolids indicate that T _c(M) can be described by a single exponential decay term, and so most probably also a(M). Incorporation of these terms into the model enables the creation of realistic three-dimensional maps of the relative stiffness-temperature-moisture relationship at and in the neighborhood of the glass transition region. In principle, the same method can also be used to describe the effect of plasticizers other than water if their influence on T _cand the steepness parameter can be formulated as an algebraic expression.     

超高效液相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱法筛查塑料玩具中邻苯二甲酸酯类增塑剂

建立了塑料玩具中15种邻苯二甲酸酯类增塑剂的超高效液相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱(UPLC-Q-TOF MS)筛查与定量检测方法。不同基质的塑料玩具样品采用溶剂溶解-超声提取-沉淀分离,经石墨化碳固相萃取柱净化、旋转蒸发和氮吹浓缩后,以C_(18)柱(2.1 mm×50 mm,1.7μm)梯度洗脱分离,在电喷雾正离子及一级全扫描和信息相关二级全扫描模式下检测。以一级精确质量数、同位素分布、保留时间及二级质谱与数据库匹配结果 4种手段准确定性,一级提取离子的峰面积定量。实验结果表明,15种邻苯二甲酸酯的质量偏差均小于3 ppm,在各自线性范围内线性关系良好,相关系数(r2)均大于0.996,检出限和定量下限分别为4.66~11.69μg/kg和13.04~30.71μg/kg,日内和日间精密度分别小于3.8%和6.7%,低、中、高3个加标水平的回收率为80.5%~108.3%,相对标准偏差(n=6)为0.4%~12.3%。在实际样品检测中,1例塑料玩具样品中检出邻苯二甲酸苄基丁基酯,含量为136.9μg/kg。该方法准确、高效、灵敏度高,可用于塑料玩具的实际检测。