A modern approach to the solution and analysis of the Simha-Somcynsky model for the description of pressure-volume-temperature properties of polymer fluids

We revisit the Simha-Somcynsky model of polymer fluids with the purpose of developing novel theoretical and computational approaches to simplify and speed up its solution as well as the fitting of experimental data, and decrease its level of mathematical complexity. We report a novel method that allows us to solve one of the two equations of the model exactly, thus putting the level of mathematical difficulty on a par with the one of other models for polymer fluids. Moreover, we describe a computational algorithm capable of fitting all five parameters of the model in an unbiased way. The results obtained reproduce literature results and fit experimental pressure-volume-temperature and solubility parameter data for three polymers very accurately. Moreover, the new techniques allow for the investigation of the model at very low temperatures. Unexpectedly, the model predicts behaviors that could be interpreted as a glass transition, as routinely observed in dilatometry and differential scanning calorimetry, and a glass phase. We compared the predicted and experimental T g’s for cis poly(1,4-butadiene) and found an excellent quantitative agreement.     

Phase separation in blends of two homopolymers and a diblock copolymer during film casting

Demixing during film casting of blends of polystyrene, polymethylmethacrylate, and a symmetric diblock copolymer of styrene and methylmethacrylate is discussed. The concentration fluctuations in the homogeneous solutions were calculated in mean field approximation. The structures in the homogeneous and demixed solutions and in the dry films were measured by small-angle x-ray scattering, and the morphologies of the dry films were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The structure of the dry blends is evidently already pre-formed in solution.     

Anisotropic and isotropic phases of polymer melts

The melting mechanism of polymer crystals is proposed. It is assumed that the melting happens due to forming supervacancies. This mechanism leads the appearance of anisotropic phase of a melt. It is shown that two phases—anisotropic and isotropic—can exist in polymer melts.     

Grafting onto poly(ethylene terephthalate) driven by 172 nm UV light

The reactivity of the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film under 172 nm UV irradiation (xenon excimer lamp) towards nitrogen-borne 1-octene, n-nonane and heptafluorodecene vapor was investigated. Materials receiving from 0 to 24 J/cm² of UV were examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF/SIMS), water and mineral oil contact angle measurement and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A uniform nanoscale layer developed on PET surface attributed to the grafting reaction between photolytically-produced polymer radicals and vapor phase molecules.     

Experimental design and the optimization of a polymer supported palladium complex for use in the Heck reaction

Optimization of the Heck reaction of 4-bromoacetophenone with styrene by a polymer supported, sulfur-containing palladacycle, varying 6 factors at a total of 28 different levels, corresponding to 5760 different possibilities was undertaken. Conversion improved from 34%, with large observable leaching to 88% with no leaching. This was accomplished using a Design of Experiments approach facilitated by the Statistical Design Package, MODDE 7.0^TM.     

Preparation and electrical characterization of (PVC + KBrO3) polymer electrolytes for solid state battery applications

This paper presents results of studies on dc electrical conductivity and transference number measurements on potassium bromate (KBrO₃) complexed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films prepared by solution cast technique. Temperature dependence of dc electrical conductivity and transference number data indicated the dominance of ion type charge transport in these specimens. The magnitude of conductivity increased with increase in concentration of the salt and temperature. Using this (PVC + KBrO₃) electrolyte, solid-state electrochemical cells were fabricated, and their discharge profiles were studied under a constant load of 100 kΩ. Several cell profiles such as open circuit voltage, short circuit current, power density, and energy density associated with these cells were evaluated and were reported. The features of complexation of the electrolytes were studied by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Paper presented at the Third International Conference on Ionic Devices (ICID 2006), Chennai, Tamilnadu, India, Dec. 7–9, 2006     

SSIMS analysis of organics, polymer blends and interfaces

This paper gives a critical review on the applications of ToF SIMS in the areas of polymer additive characterization and in the study of polymer blends and interfaces. Polymer additives can readily be identified by ToF SIMS using their parent molecular ions or characteristic fragments. This analytical capability has been successfully applied to monitor the migration or segregation of additives during polymer processing. ToF SIMS is an ideal analytical tool for the study of polymer blends and interfaces because it is able to provide information on both surface composition and morphology. In combination with other analytical techniques such as AFM and XPS, ToF SIMS chemical imaging capability has opened up new horizons in the investigation of complex polymer blend systems. Finally the main advantages and limitations of ToF SIMS in these application areas are also discussed.     

Current R & D activities at TRCRE in polymer processing by EB

The current status of the R & D activities is presented on electron beam processing of polymers being carried out at TRCRE. Topics included are sterilization of medical products, graft polymers for selective separation or absorbents and curing of liquid prepolymer-monomer systems.     

ToF-SIMS analysis of a fluorocarbon-grafted PET with a gold cluster ion source

Cluster ions have been recognized as a superb primary species in time of flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) compared with monatomic primary ions, as they significantly enhance the secondary ion yields from bulk samples. Self-assembled monolayers provide an important system for studying the fundamental mechanism involved in the yield enhancement.We used a gold cluster ion source to analyze a new type of self-assembled monolayer: a fluorocarbon-grafted polyethylene terephthalate. In addition to the structure details, which helped to understand the grafting mechanism, ToF-SIMS analysis revealed that fluorocarbon secondary ion yield enhancements by cluster ions were due to the enhanced sputter efficiency. A larger information depth may also be expected from the enhancement. Both mathematical definitions of damage cross-section and disappearance cross-section were revisited under a new context. Another cross-section parameter, sputter cross-section, was introduced to differentiate the beam induced sputter process from damage process.     

Ab initio modelling of crosslinking in polymers. A case of chains with furan rings

A quantum chemical model (Abinitio HF-MO and DFT-B3LYP) of polyfurfuryl alcohol crosslinking is shown. Two pathways were considered: (a) a Diels–Alder (D–A) reaction between a dihydrofuran moiety and a furan ring; (b) the addition reaction of electrophilic specimens on conjugated double bonds. The ability for the formation of D–A adducts (dienes and dienophiles) was investigated by the frontier molecular orbital (FMO) theory. Energy gaps between the FMO's of diene and dienophile structures suggest that the occurrence of the D–A reaction is possible. The results suggest that the carbons of the exo double bonds attached to dihydrofuran rings are the sites most likely to be attacked by electrophilic species, while the C₃ and C₄ atoms display the opposite tendency due to their low HOMO electron densities. Results of a thermochemical approach to these reactions at the MP2 level was in agreement with reactivity modelled by MO predictions.