bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miscibility windows for poly(styrene‐co‐vinyl phenol) blends with poly(alkyl methacrylate)s: Further comparisons of theoretical predictions to FTIR experimental data
Authors: Xu Yun , Painter Paul C. , Coleman Michael M.
Published: March 2011

We report the results of theoretical and experimental studies of styrene‐co‐vinyl phenol (STVPh) copolymer blends with poly(n‐octyl methacrylate) (POMA) and poly(n‐decyl methacrylate) (PDMA). This work is a natural extension to our recently reported studies of the phase behavior of analogous STVPh blends with poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) and poly(n‐hexyl methacrylate) (PHMA) where we employed an association model together with parameters obtained from studies of miscible homopolymer blends. The theoretically calculated miscibility maps for STVPh copolymer blends with the homologous series of poly(n‐alkyl methacrylates) (PAMA) are in fine agreement with experiment.
Computer simulation of the chemical properties of copolymers
Authors: Spurling T. H. , Deady M. , Krstina J. , Moad G.
Published: March 2011

A new method for modelling polymerization kinetics is described in which numerical integration is used to provide the time scale for the polymerization experiment and Monte Carlo methods are employed to calculate the instantaneous molecular weight distribution, detailed chain composition, and chemical heterogeneity of the polymer as a function of time/conversion. The method has been applied in simulations of styrene‐methyl methacrylate copolymerization and styrene‐hydroxyethyl acrylate‐butyl acrylate terpolymerization.
Multifunctional acrylate monomers, dimers and oligomers: Applications from contact lenses to wood‐polymer composites
Authors: Mathias Lon J. , Kusefoglu Selim H. , Kress Albert O. , Lee Soo , Wright J. Randolph , Culberson Doris A. , Warren Stephan C. , Warren R. Michael , Huang Sophia , Lopez David R. , Ingram J. Eric , Dickerson Carroll W. , Jeno Muthiah , Halley Robert J. , Colletti Ronald F. , Cei Gustavo , Geiger C. Cecil
Published: March 2011

The synthesis of various esters of α‐hydroxymethylacrylate are summarized along with a brief description of their properties and polymerizability. Polymer characterization is given, including thermal behavior, solubility and spectroscopic properties. Derivatives of the acrylates are generated through reaction of the alcohol group to give halides, esters, ethers, and ether dimers. The last, along with additional multifunctional acrylates generated through the chemistry inherent in the synthetic approach, allow formation of a number of cyclopolymers, Michael polyadducts, and crosslinked systems.
New functional polymers, blocks and thermoplastic elastomers by living carbocationic polymerization
Authors: Kennedy Joseph P.
Published: March 2011

Systematic fundamental investigations have recently led to the discovery of living carbocationic polymerizations which in turn resulted in a variety of materials, specifically macromonomers, end‐functionalized (telechelic) polymers, block copolymers and thermoplastic elastomers. This lecture will mainly focus on the synthesis principles used for the synthesis of well‐defined telechelics such as allyl‐terminated linear or three‐arm radial polyisobutylenes, and polyisobutylene‐based thermoplastic elastomers, such as poly(styrene‐b‐isobutylene‐b‐styrene) (PSt‐PIB‐PSt), and poly(indene‐b‐isobutylene‐b‐indene) (PIn‐PIB‐PIn).
Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy: Its value in the study of polymers
Authors: Hendra Patrick J. , Jones Catherine H.
Published: March 2011

The advantages of FT Raman spectroscopy, using a near‐infrared excitation source, are discussed. The details of the instrumentation are described and the many applications of FT Raman spectroscopy in polymer science are surveyed.
Miscibility maps for copolymer ‐ copolymer blends: A comparison of theoretical predictions to experimental studies of poly(styrene‐co‐vinyl phenol) blends with poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate)
Authors: Coleman Michael M. , Xu Yun , Painter Paul C. , Harrell Jerald R.
Published: March 2011

We report the results of theoretical and experimental studies of random amorphous styrene‐co‐vinyl phenol (STVPh) copolymer blends with ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate (EMA). This work is a natural extension to our recently reported studies of the phase behavior of analogous STVPh blends with an homologous series of poly(n‐alkyl methacrylate) homopolymers, where we employed an association model together with parameters obtained from studies of miscible homopolymer blends. Here we emphasize that there is no conceptual difference between the average chemical repeat of a random copolymer and that of an analogous repeat unit of a homopolymer containing the same number and type of functional groups. The theoretically calculated miscibility maps for STVPh ‐ EMA copolymer blends are in outstanding agreement with experiment.
Miscibility maps for copolymer ‐ copolymer blends: A comparison of theoretical predictions to experimental studies of poly(styrene‐co‐vinyl phenol) blends with poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)
Authors: Xu Yun , Painter Paul C. , Coleman Michael M.
Published: March 2011

We report the results of theoretical and experimental studies of random amorphous styrene‐co‐vinylphenol (STVPh) copolymer blends with ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate (EVA). This work complements the study presented in the previous paper published in this journal, pertaining to the phase behavior of analogous STVPh blends with ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate (EMA) copolymers. Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) contain the same number and type of functional groups in their respective repeat units, (the only difference being that the ester group is reversed), and the solubility parameters of PVAc and PMA calculated from our non‐hydrogen bonded group contributions are equivalent.

Furthermore, the equilibrium constants describing the inter‐association of phenolic hydroxyls to acetate or acrylate carbonyl groups are comparable. Accordingly, miscibility maps for STVPh ‐ EMA and STVPh ‐ EVA copolymer blends calculated from our association model should be virtually identical and this is confirmed by our experimental studies.
FTIR studies of polar interactions in polymer blends
Authors: Braun D. , Eidam N. , Leiß D.
Published: March 2011

Specific interactions in binary blends of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) with ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) and ethylene‐methyl acrylate copolymers (EMA) were investigated by observation of band shifts of the carbonyl absorption using ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy at variable temperature. Blends of PVC with EVA and EMA could be prepared as heterogeneous, homogeneous or metastable homogeneous mixtures, depending on the copolymer composition. The miscible systems as well as the heterogeneous ones showed only very small or no band shifts. The metastable blends exhibited shifts of several wave numbers to lower values, which vanished at higher temperatures as the blends demixed. Strong interactions in the metastable blends could be related to good impact properties of the corresponding two‐phase systems.
Near‐infrared spectroscopy of polymers
Authors: Siesler H. W.
Published: March 2011

Although near–infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been used over many decades for the – primarily quantitative – analysis of polymers containing OH–, NH– and CH–functionalities (e.g. determination of OH–number, water content and residual carbon–carbon double–bonds), it has never been established as a wide–spread analytical and physical tool comparable to other spectroscopic techniques. In the late seventies, however, two new developments have initiated a renaissance of NIR spectroscopy in analytical chemistry. On the one hand, chemo–metric data evaluation techniques have – in combination with diffuse reflection measurements – opened up the possibility of non–destructive, rational multicomponent analysis and identity control of solid polymers with varying morphologies. On the other hand, the introduction of optical light fibres has contributed to an enormous expansion of conventional NIR spectroscopy in terms of remote control. Thus, specific fibre–optic probes allow a separation of the spectrometer and the location of sample measurement over several hundred meters and tremendously alleviate the analysis of toxic and hazardous materials including process and reaction control. Recently, further progress is made by the development of new, rapid‐scan NIR monochromator systems without mechanically moved parts, such as acousto–optic tunable filters. Last, but not least, it should be mentioned, that – although not treated here – the new approach of Fourier–Transform Raman spectroscopy with Nd–YAG laser excitation at 1064 nm is principally also a near–infrared technique.
Fourier ‐ transform infrared ‐ spectrometric investigation of blends of terephthalic polyesters with polycarbonate
Authors: Klee W. , Hummel D. O.
Published: March 2011

Blends of polycarbonate (PC) and poly(ethyleneterephthalate) (PET) or poly(butyleneterephthalate) (PBT) heated above the melting temperature of the crystalline component show transesterification reactions. The crystallizability of the resulting system (mixture of copolyesters with homopolymers) decreases with time. Blends of PET and PC loose their crystallizability after 10 ‐ 20 min at 543 K. After that treatment samples with low content of PC have lost the characteristic IR absorptions of PC. Transesterification is faster in blends of PBT and PC: after 3–15 min at 543 K the crystallizability has vanished. After transesterification has reached equilibrium a homogeneous statistical copolymer has developed from the homopolymers.
FT‐IR photoacoustic and x‐ray diffraction study of orientation of an injection‐molded liquid‐crystalline poly(ester‐amide)
Authors: Barres O. , Friedrich C. , Jasse B. , Noël C.
Published: March 2011

The orientation development that takes place during injection molding of liquid‐crystalline polymer (LCP) is analyzed by FT‐IR photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The LCP used is the commercial Hoechst‐Celanese product Vectra B 900 prepared from 6‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthoïc acid, terephthalic acid and p‐acetoxyacetanilide. The analysis reveals the so‐called skin‐core morphology. The highly oriented skin layer is thought to originate in the advancing melt front where the “fountain flow” dominates. A less oriented transition layer due to the shear flow is located under the skin layer. The core is related to plug flow and has relatively poor orientation.
The destruction‐free analysis of polymers by fourier transform infrared photoacoustic and fourier transform Raman spectroscopy: A comparison
Authors: Grose R. I. , Hvilsted S. , Siesler H. W.
Published: March 2011

With the introduction of rapid–scanning Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and recently Raman (FT–Raman) spectroscopy, vibrational spectroscopy has been launched into a new era of applications in polymer chemistry and physics. Thus, the increase in sensitivity provided by multiple scanning has led to the breakthrough of new, destruction–free sampling techniques, such as photoacoustic and Raman spectroscopy. This paper provides a comparison between data produced by FTIR photoacoustic and FT–Raman analysis of a range of polymers, and structural information available from both techniques is discussed.
Vibrational spectroscopy of implants
Authors: Afanasieva Natalia , Brame Edward , Korigodsky Alexander , Tupikova Tatiana
Published: March 2011

The results of systematic spectral studies of polymers in ophthalmology are presented. The spectral criteria of selection of intraocular lens (IOL; implants of long service in an organism have been defined for poly(methylphenylsiloxane). Non‐inflammatory implantation of IOL, when the manufacturing of lenses is performed under spectral control at several stages, has been realized. New siloxane–polyurethane block copolymers promising for ophthalmology have been studied and passivated surfaces have been obtained.
1H, 2H and 13C NMR spectra and molecular dynamics of some solid alkylene‐aromatic polyesters
Authors: Kapralova V. M. , Khachaturov A. S. , Koltsov A. I. , Sko‐rokhodov S. S. , Zuev V. V.
Published: March 2011

Molecular dynamics of some mesomorphic main–chain alkylene–aromatic polyesters have been investigated by means of NMR spectra of various nuclei over a wide temperature range. In solid polymers regions of different molecular mobilities coexist and their fractions are determined by the sample temperature and thermal history. The sample annealing leads to the growth of rigid fraction. It was found that below the glass transition temperature the only forms of large–scale mobility are the torsional vibrations and flips of para–phenylene groups, while spacer groups are virtually rigid. Above the glass temperature almost all phenylene rings undergo flipping motions and methylene groups of the spacer take part in complicated motions of both anisotropic and isotropic character.
State of order in blends of poly(butylene terephthalate) with poly(ethylene terephthalate) or polycarbonate
Authors: Wings Norbert , Trafara Gundolf
Published: March 2011

Blends of PBT with PET or PC were studied by X‐ray diffraction and DSC for different conditions of crystallization. PBT and PET crystallize very similarly, though they are recognized as partially compatible in the melt. In the PBT/PC blends X‐ray diffraction examinations show crystallization of PC after 4 h of annealing. In the melt, both components are compatible. Tg‐calculations indicate a plasticizing effect. In both kinds of blends, PBT crystallizes faster than PC or PET. Fast crystallization processes were examined by X‐ray diffraction measurements with synchrotron radiation.
Non‐markovian effects in NMR relaxation processes: An application to molecular dynamics in branched and cross‐linked solid polymers
Authors: Denner Paul , Götz Horst , Eichhorn Falk
Published: March 2011

The dynamic of restricted rotatranslation of mobile structural defects along a polymer chain are treated with an equation of motion with a non‐Markovian, stochastic force. The MORI/KUBO/ZWANZIG representation gives a stochastic process with a memory where the loss of correlation is dependend on the restriction of diffusional motion of defects. The influence of crosslinks and branchings of the polymer chains on the molecular dynamics are discussed.

The analytical spectral densities of ω−‐α‐type characterized by the fractal dimensions of the relevant processes in the different polymeric systems, e. g. cis‐polybutadiene, cis‐polyisoprene, styrene‐butadiene‐rubber, high density and linear low density polyethylenes, are compared with the observed NMR data.
Kinetic study of the template polymerization of N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone in the presence of poly(acrylic acid) by infrared spectroscopy; effect of template molecular weight on the rate of the reaction
Authors: Al‐Alawi Saeed , Al‐Mutawah Jameela I.
Published: March 2011

The kinetics of template polymerization of N–vinyl–2–pyrrolidone in the presence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was followed by Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy. It was found that the intensity of the carbonyl stretch increased with time. The results were used to draw the rate curve for the template system by plotting the intensity of the carbonyl group band against time. It was found that the rate of polymerization increased as the molecular weight of PAA increased. The above results were in agreement with the rate curve obtained by bromometric titration for the same system.
Spectroscopic investigations on polymeric core‐shell systems
Authors: Hergeth Wolf‐Dieter , Lange Jens
Published: March 2011

Infrared and Raman spectra of polymers obtained by a two–stage emulsion polymerization process were measured. The spectra were analyzed in context with other experiments to obtain information on the internal structure of the polymer particles. In the case of incompatible polymers, the extension of the interfacial layer between both polymers can be derived.
On the molecular mechanism of clouding in aqueous solution of poly(oxyethylene)‐poly(oxypropylene)‐poly(oxyethylene) triblock copolymers
Authors: Hergeth W.‐D. , Alig I. , Lange J. , Lochmann J. R. , Scherzer T. , Wartewig S.
Published: March 2011

The physical aspects of the clouding phenomenon in the aqueous solution of a poly(oxyethylene)(POE) – poly(oxypropylene)(POP) – poly(oxyethylene)(POE) triblock copolymer were investigated by applying various experimental methods: viscometry, ultrasonic technique, light scattering, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The ultrasonic absorption studies hint at a critical behaviour. In order to understand the spectroscopic findings, conformational energies of model POE molecules as well as interaction energies between oxyethylene (OE) units and water molecules were calculated by the use of the quantum chemical PCILO method. It is suggested that the clouding is connected with conformational changes of POE segments.
Theories in polymer science ‐ helpful or inhibiting?
Authors: Solomon David H. , Jones Stephen L.
Published: March 2011

Theories in polymer science play an important role in how experiments are designed and results interpreted. Three areas of polymer chemistry are focussed on: step growth polymerization, particularly predictions of equal reactivity of functional groups; free radical chain polymerization with emphasis on structural irregularities and the consequences of these structures for previous theories; free radical copolymerization and the many models at present under discussion aimed at providing a theoretical basis for predicting the outcome of such copolymerization. The question of whether or not we as polymer chemists have been helped or hindered by theory is addressed.
How to increase the service temperature of polystyrene
Authors: Maul J. , Meyer H. H.
Published: March 2011

In this overview we describe more recent attempts to raise that temperature range of polymeric systems containing styrene as the major starting monomer in which an article will loose dimensional stability under specified conditions.

A search in the literature, both in journals and patent applications, over the last five years reveals a wealth of possibilities to perform this task. However, only a few of these have reached the commercial status, mostly due to reasons.
Ordering processes in the 2,6‐hydroxynaphthoic acid (HNA) rich copolyesters of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid and HNA
Authors: Kachidza J. , Serpe G. , Economy J.
Published: March 2011

The nature of the microstructure of several copolyesters of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and 2,6‐hydroxynaphthoic acid (HNA) with compositions of 20/80, 24/76, and 30/70 was studied. Annealing the compositions at 50–80 °C below the crystal nematic transition resulted in a physical ordering process, whereas heating the polymers at the crystal nematic transition resulted in a more highly ordered phase. The ordered phases could be randomized by heating to a temperature at or above the transition of the more highly ordered phase.
Sensitive resist systems based on acid‐catalyzed polymer reactions
Authors: Ito Hiroshi , England William P. , Ueda Mitsuru
Published: March 2011

Acid‐catalyzed polymer reactions have been successfully utilized in the design of chemical amplification resist systems for semiconductor manufacturing. In this paper are described preparation and acid‐catalyzed depolymerization reactions of α‐substituted polystyrenes.
Design and architecture of macromolecular structures
Authors: Vogl Otto , Kratky Christoph , Simonsick William J. , Xi Fu , Hatada K.
Published: March 2011

Macromolecules exist in a variety of molecular and super‐molecular arrangements. Among these are random coils and regular polymer structures with extended chain, some with lamellar and spherulitic morphology and rigid rod structures. An important macromolecular arrangement is the helical structure. For the control of the synthesis of the perfect helix, the stereochemistry of the oligomerization was studied; the best example for this investigation was found to be the oligomerization of the trihaloacetaldehydes, e.g. fluoral, chloral and bromal.
Ultra‐thin films of conjugated polymers for opto‐electronic applications
Authors: Ogata Naoya
Published: March 2011

Ultra‐thin films of precursor polymers for poly(benzimidazole) (PBI), poly(benzoxazole) (PBO), or poly(benzthiazole) (PBT) were formed at air/water interface by spreading monomers and then polymerizing on the water surface. These thin films could be deposited onto appropriate substrates such as quartz by using the Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) method of horizontal lifting. Moreover, the heat treatment of the built‐up films of the precursor polymers transformed the films into corresponding PBI, PBO, or PBT, which were high‐temperature polymers. The resulting films had uniform and controllable thickness. Electronic and opto‐electronic properties of these thin films were evaluated in terms of electric conductivities and nonlinear optical properties.
Copolymers of 1.5‐dioxepan‐2‐one and L‐ or D,L‐dilactide ‐ synthesis and characterization
Authors: Albertsson Ann‐Christine , Löfgren Anders
Published: March 2011

The copolymerization of 1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one (DXO) with L‐ or D,L‐dilactide in bulk has been studied, using stannous‐2‐ethylhexanoate as the initiator.

The copolymers were characterized using 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, and DSC‐analysis. The molecular weight of the copolymers was measured by SEC, viscometry and light‐scattering techniques.

The reactivity ratios of the copolymer system were calculated using the Kelen‐Tüdos method to be r1 (DXO)=0,1 and r2 (dilactide)=10.

No racemization seems to have taken place during polymerization as shown by the absence of stereochemical splittings in the 13C‐NMR spectra of the L‐dilactide homopolymer. The ability of the L‐LA/DXO copolymer to crystallize seems to be retained despite substantial amounts of 1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one in the composition. 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectra indicate ring‐opening of the monomers by alkyloxygen cleavage.
Synthesis and properties of polyampholytes prepared in microemulsions
Authors: Corpart Jean‐Marc , Selb Joseph , Candau Françoise
Published: March 2011

A series of polyampholytes of sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonate (NaAMPS) and 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (MADQUAT) has been synthesized by polymerization in microemulsions. The reaction products are stable inverse latexes consisting of high molecular weight copolymers entrapped in water droplets of small size (d % 80 nm) and dispersed in an isoparaffinic oil. The optimization of the formulation was by a selection procedure based on the hydrophile‐lipophile balance of the emulsifiers and solubility parameters of the different components. Both ionomers play an important role in the formulation owing to their amphiphilic and electrolyte characters. Reactivity parameter studies yield rA and rM values of 0.81 and 1.97 for NaAMPS and MADQUAT, respectively. The properties of polyampholytes in pure water and in salt solutions were investigated by turbidimetry and viscometry experiments. The results are compared with the recently developed theory of Higgs and Joanny (J. Chem. Phys. 94, 1543 (1991)).
Molecular architecture through group‐transfer polymerisation
Authors: Jenkins Aubrey D.
Published: March 2011

The “group‐transfer” polymerisation process has been applied to the preparation of block, graft, star and H—polymers, Examples of each type are given, together with some discussion of the mechanism of the process.
ESCA studies of charge transfer interactions in electroactive polymers
Authors: Kang E. T. , Neoh K. G. , Tan K. L.
Published: March 2011

X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data suggest that proton modifications of nitrogens in polypyrrole (PPY) give rise to a number of intrinsic redox states analogous to those observed in polyaniline (PAN). The behavior of the corresponding oxidation states in both polymers towards oxidation/reduction, deprotonation/reprotonation or charge transfer (CT) interactions are grossly similar. For the thiophene polymers, such as the poly(2,2′‐bithiophene) (PBT) complexes and poly(3‐methylthiophene) (P3MT) complexes, XPS results reveals the simultaneous presence of neutral and polarized (or partially charged) species in both carbon and sulfur. The relative amounts of the neutral and polarized species vary in accordance with the oxidation level of the polymer. These results suggest that each dopant anion is associated with a thiophenium ion in the polymer chain. Substantially lower extent of CT is observed in the complexes involving photoconductive substituted polyacetylenes, such as polyphenylacetylene (PPA) and poly[[o‐(trimethylsilyl)phenyl] acetylene] or poly(o‐Me3SiPA).
Copolymerization of polar and non‐polar monomers in direct and inverse emulsion systems
Authors: Bartoň Jaroslav
Published: March 2011

Some problems connected with the use of monomers with different solubilities in water and oil phases for copolymerization in direct and inverse (micro)emulsions are discussed. We have shown that by choosing appropriate model systems which can simulate specific effects connected with the transfer of reactants between various phases and swelling ability of polymer particles, one can contribute to the answering the questions of the propagation locus (loci) of copolymerization and of its (their) history during emulsion copolymerization as well as to recognize the effect of the nature of the interlayer in the inverse (micro)emulsion system in relation to the kinetics and mechanism of the copolymerization process and structure of the copolymer formed. The method was demonstrated on the examples of seeded methyl methacrylate emulsion polymerization, of the emulsion copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene and of the inverse (micro)emulsion copolymerization of acrylamide and methyl methacrylate and/or acrylamide and styrene.
Applications of ROMP in the synthesis of new materials
Authors: Feast W. J.
Published: March 2011

Ring opening metathesis polymerisation (ROMP) is a relatively recent addition to the armoury of synthetic methods available to polymer chemists. Until recently it has found only a fairly limited exploitation in the manufacture of speciality elastomers. This review briefly describes the development of ROMP and indicates some of its industrial applications. The main emphasis, however, will be on work carried out in the Durham Laboratories during the last ten years in applying ROMP to the synthesis of new polymeric materials.
The characterization of polymer interfaces by fluorescence decay measurements
Authors: Winnik Mitchell A.
Published: March 2011

Fluorescence decay measurements of energy transfer between donor (D) and acceptor (A) chromophores covalently attached to polymers can provide rich information about a polymer system. Here we use these techniques to study two quite different polymer phenomena. The first involves the diffusion of polymer molecules across the interfaces created during latex film formation. We are able to determine diffusion coefficients for this process. The second involves the phase separation which occurs in mixtures of homopolymers and graft copolymers. Here we are able to show that where a component of the graft is highly incompatible with the homopolymer matrix, interconnected domains of very small size can form. Under certain circumstances fluorescence decay measurements in conjunction with the recent model for “energy transfer in restricted geometrics” can be used to map out the size and shape of these domains.
Synthesis, structure and properties of chiral polymers from ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Spassky Nicolas
Published: March 2011

Different synthetic methods for the preparation of polymers by ring‐opening polymerization with various distribution of enantiomeric units in the macromolecular chain are available. The structure of prepared polymers is determined by 1H and 13C NMR, X‐rays diffraction, ORD and CD. Physicochemical and mechanical properties may strongly depend upon the enantiomeric composition of the polymer chain. In several cases racemate mixtures of polyenantiomers form stereocomplexes with enhanced thermal properties.
The lighter side of darwinism? Photoselection of the species: Applications of luminescence anisotropy measurements to the study of polymer relaxation
Authors: Soutar Ian
Published: March 2011

The application of luminescence anisotropy techniques to the study of polymer systems is discussed. Investigations of polymer relaxation both in fluid solutions and the solid state are addressed. Particular attention has been paid to considerations of reliable means of information retrieval from experimental time‐resolved anisotropy data.
Experimental problems and recent results in polymer melt rheometry
Authors: Meissner Joachim
Published: March 2011

Recent developments helped to solve some experimental problems in polymer melt rheometry: By a stability test one can find out whether under test conditions the individual polymer melt is sufficiently long stable. For melts with long relaxation times, an incomplete creep‐test followed by recovery is proposed to determine the linear viscoelastic material functions. In a cone‐and‐plate rheometer, a very constant heating system and the separation of the plate into a central disk and an outer ring allow us to measure the two normal stress differences in viscometric flows also at higher temperatures. For a commercial LCP, a special sample preparation technique is reported. Melt elongation followed by recovery in combination with morphological studies are presented for a polymer blend (PMMA/PS). From the combination of recovery after melt extension and morphology the interface tension between the melts of PS and PMMA can be determined.
Rheology of anisotropic homogeneous and heterogeneous media
Authors: Kulichikhin V. , Polushkin E. , Antipov E. , Shumskii V. , Volkov V. , Plate N.
Published: March 2011

One of the main features of lyotropic and thermotropic liquid‐crystalline (LC) polymers is non‐homogeneity of their structure, which is reflected in their rheological properties. Relationships between some kinds of heterogeneities, viz. dynamic textures, isotropic‐anisotropic biphasic region, superposition of different types of crystalline and mesophase structures, framework formed by fillers and rheological characteristics have been analyzed.
Predictions of a recently proposed non‐markovian model for polymer melts and concentrated solutions
Authors: Schieber Jay D. , Petruccione Francesco
Published: March 2011

Several predictions for a recently proposed mesoscopic model for polymer melts and concentrated solutions is presented. It is a single Kramers chain model in which elementary motions of the Orwoll‐Stockmayer type are allowed. However, for this model, the bead jumps are no longer given by a Markovian probability, but rather are described by a fractal “waiting‐time” distribution function, with a single adjustable parameter β, which describes the long‐time behavior of the distribution: ∼ 1/t1+β. We find that the model predicts D ∼ 1/N2 and η0 ∼ N3.4 for β ≈︁ 1.4, where N is the degree of polymerization. The generalized model predicts that the relaxation spectrum has a plateau regime whose height is independent of N, but whose width is strongly N dependent, in agreement with experiment. The model also predicts that rings will diffuse somewhat more slowly than linear chains of the same molecular weight (about 80% as fast), with the same scaling dependence on N as linear chains, also in agreement with preliminary data.
Plastics waste management in Europe
Authors: Mader Fred W.
Published: March 2011

Environmental concern about waste problems and regulatory measures from the governments have increased during the last decade. Plastics waste management has become a major strategic issue for the European plastics industry.

A statistical study provides data on plastics consumption, post‐users plastics waste arisings based on a life‐time analysis and plastics recovery in the year 1989. An end‐use sectorial split‐up into sectors like municipal solid waste, automotive waste, agricultural waste, construction, as well as large distribution waste, will serve as a base for an integrated plastics waste management concept including recycling of mono‐material and co‐mingled waste, chemical recycling, energy recovery and landfill.

An overview gives examples for ongoing plastics recycling activities in Western Europe and an outlook to the year 2000 is presented.
Current of plastic waste recycling technologies and their prospects in Japan
Authors: Iijima Rinzo
Published: March 2011

In Japan, full‐scale waste plastic recycling business started around 1970. Since then, in parallel with the efforts to develop new uses of recycled products, remarkable progress has also been made in recycling/molding technologies. The most popular recycling/molding technologies applicable to thermoplastics are of melt‐and‐mold type. This presentation discusses the technologies in their present situations, economics and existing disadvantages. The quality standards are set for some recycled products, the relations among recycling technologies, products' physical properties, and quality standards. Among others, explanations are given of waste‐derived solid fuel manufacturing technologies, incineration technologies paired with thermal energy recovery currently available.
Separation technology of used polymers
Authors: Fleming Richard A.
Published: March 2011

The technology of separating plastics from the municipal waste stream for reuse is reviewed, with emphasis on the key role played by the bottle sorting step. Experience gained in the first year's operation of two large commercial recycling plants provides a better understanding of practical problems encountered, their relative importance, and technical advances needed for improved operation. It is concluded that purity of feedstock and processing rate are two critical independent variables requiring technical and business understanding and management. Hypothetical examples illustrate the interplay of these with dependent variables of yield and sorting cost.
Technology available for recycling agricultural mulch film
Authors: Llop C. , Pérez A.
Published: March 2011

Plastic films are used for mulching of cotton in the Seville area of Spain. A programme to recycle this type of mulch film was initiated. The different aspects studied were the collection system, the recycling technology and the applications of the recycled material.

The long strips of films made transportation difficult. Size reduction and washing were found to be the most critical steps in the recycle process. The reason for this were the high toughness of the film on the one hand and the high level of soil contamination on the other hand. This soil contained up to 3% of iron, a polyethylene prodegradant.
Separation of poly (vinyl chloride) from poly(ethylene terephthalate) and other plastics using automatic sortation devices
Authors: Gottesman Roy T.
Published: March 2011

While most poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) produced in the United States is used in the manufacture of durable building products, emphasis recently has been directed at recovery of PVC from post‐consumer disposable items such as bottles, rigid containers and rigid film. Manual sortation involving visual inspection for either the characteristic blow molding scar or code marking is at best only 90% accurate. Recent activity has focused on development of automatic sortation based on recognition of the chlorine atom which serves as a “fingerprint” for identifying PVC. Two separate technologies for sortation of such packaging are discussed in this paper ‐ the first involves X‐ray fluorescence, the second utilizes electromagnetic radiation absorption.
Radlite™: A new technology for comingled plastics
Authors: Shenian Popkin
Published: March 2011

When applied to the problem of recycling plastics, modified paper‐making technology yields exciting and novel new materials and products with interesting and useful properties. Radlite™ technology is based on paper‐making technology. When feed streams consist of multi‐component recycle thermoplastics and reinforcing materials such as glass fibers, composite materials are produced. A brief description of the essential elements of this process technology will be presented, along with a mechanistic view of compatibility among dissimilar polymers, some comparative materials property data and several examples of possible end use applications of commercial interest.
Recycling of polymers used in aerospace industry. Treatment by plasma process
Authors: Crouzillat G. , Saul H. , Hognat J. , Costes B.
Published: March 2011

AEROSPATIALE has, for more than 20 years, developed and perfected a device intended to simulate the atmospheric re‐entry conditions: the plasma torch. This technology, developed for the needs of space industry, is also applicable in other industrial fields like metallurgy or waste disposal.

For most residues, as, for instance, for polymer residues (in particular for composite materials), incineration is the best solution to be considered. Although the organic molecule may be a real danger for man and his environment, it is possible to split it into elementary molecules easy to eliminate without risks by the simultaneous application of heat and a specific chemical environment.

The use of additives in the polymers makes it necessary in most cases to use temperatures as high as possible; these high temperatures have the additional advantage of preventing harmful recombinations in the reaction chamber. Only plasma processes give the possibility to ensure high temperatures in large capacity chambers in a controlled atmosphere.
Re‐use of chlorine‐containing polymers
Authors: Braun D.
Published: March 2011

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and some other chlorine‐containing polymers belong to one of the most widely applied groups of thermoplastics. Their main disadvantage is the rather limited thermal stability, which requires the addition of heat stabilizers to prevent dehydrochlorination and discolouration. Hydrogen chloride is also the main volatile decomposition product during combustion of PVC; therefore, PVC‐waste is less suited for the so‐called thermal recycling. For the re‐use of PVC and similar polymers it is necessary to characterize these products by molecular weight (or at least viscometry), internal double bonds and other defect structures, stability against the influence of heat (and in some cases of light) and a few other properties. The application of these methods for deciding about the re‐usability of PVC roofing sheets and for the injection moulding of PVC scrap is demonstrated.
Biological recycling of plastics containing ester bonds
Authors: Tokiwa Yutaka , Iwamoto Akira , Koyama Masatoshi , Kataoka Naoaki , Nishida Haruo
Published: March 2011

Biodegradable blend plastics such as polycaprolactone (PCL)‐conventional plastics blends, PCL‐polystyrene blend foams, PCL‐poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB) blends, PCL‐raw cornstarch (CS) blends and PCL‐CaCO3 blends were developed. It was suggested that the thermophilic composting of biodegradable plastics containing PCL was one of powerful technologies for recycling of biodegradable plastics. Furthermore, we tried to get useful products from biodegradable plastics by microbial fermentation processes. Polypropylene (PP)‐CS blend and PCL‐CS blend plastics were aerobically converted into ethanol by Bacillus polymyxa. PHB and PP‐CS blend and PCL‐CS blend plastics were anaerobically converted into some organic acids and methane gas by mixed microbial cultures with a methanogenic bacterium.
Secondary poly(propylene) from used accumulators reused as raw material
Authors: Staicu Doina , Ciupitoiu A. , Stefan Doina , Gagui C. , Constantinescu Elena , Fragu O.
Published: March 2011

A reuse process, as raw material, of secondary poly(propylene) from used accumulators, is presented. The importance of solving the scientific aspects, concerning the influence of residual impurities and those resulted from ageing, on properties of regenerated polymers, in certifying the reliability of reusing the secondary polymers as a raw material, is underlined.
Capability and limitations of polymer recycling from electrical appliances and re‐use for high quality applications
Authors: Wartusch Johann
Published: March 2011

Large quantities of thermoplastic engineering plastics are used in the manufacture of electrical household appliances. The prevailing environmental situation necessitates an investigation of their reutilization after service life. In order to increase the chances of this re‐applicability, a high level of product quality has to be strived for. Different thermoplastics were investigated, but ‐ regarding its application in washing machine water tanks ‐ in more detail PP and its recyclability after the aggravating conditions of long‐term attack of boiling detergent. It was found that recycled mono‐PP has good chances for re‐use, if it is adequately stabilized either initially or sub‐sequently.
Physical properties and application development of recycled products from waste plastics
Authors: Wada Shigeru
Published: March 2011

The degradation of the physical properties of polypropylene (PP) used for automotive outer trims for several years is unexpectedly small. It, therefore, can be fully anticipated that PP so used can be recycled for the same purpose or for other applications.
The issue of contamination in recycling
Authors: Hope P. S. , Parsons D.A.G. , Capaccio G. , Kitchiner M. J.
Published: March 2011

This paper describes a model study aimed at establishing the main contamination issues for material recycling of HDPE blow‐moulded containers. Detergent, bleach, lubricating oil and white spirit containers purchased from retailers have been recycled separately. Both atmospheric contamination during recycling, and the presence of contaminants in the recycled pellets and containers, have been measured. Standard washing and extrusion procedures were used with no attempt to optimise the treatment at this stage. The main contaminants found in the recycled bottles were oil and white spirit (both up to 0.6% by weight). Small amounts of chlorine (from bleach), limonene (from detergent) and oil additives were also found in the reprocessed pellet.
Thermodynamics of phase equilibria and critical phenomena of quasi‐binary systems of multicomponent polymers 1 and 2 and of quasi‐ternary systems consisting of multicomponent polymers 1 and 2 in a single solvent
Authors: Kamide Kenji
Published: March 2011

As an extension of our previous work, attempts were made to establish fundamental relations giving the spinodal curve (SC), the critical solution point (CSP), the cloud point curve (CPC) and the shadow curve for quasi‐binary systems of multicomponent polymers 1 and 2 (P1/P2) and quasi‐ternary systems consisting of multicomponent polymers 1 and 2 in a single solvent (P1/P2/S). The procedure of computer experiment based on the above fundamental equations derived was also attempted to be established. The systematic computer experiments were carried out to examine the effects of the molecular characteristics of polymers and the mutual interaction parameter on the phase diagram.
Structure formation in polymer blend solutions
Authors: Kammer H. W. , Kummerlöwe C. , Morgenstern B.
Published: March 2011

Development of phase‐separated morphologies has been studied in polymer blend solutions and forced mixtures of highly immiscible polymers by optical microscopy, DSC and light scattering. Unmixing was induced by different courses of solvent evaporation and by thermal agitation, respectively. Blends comprising different kinds of flexible and rigid chain molecules display various phase patterns in the late stage of phase decomposition which can be characterized roughly as being either regularly bicontinuous or irregularly shaped. Effects of polymer‐polymer interaction and the blending ratio are discussed. Generally, evolution of morphologies depends on both internal parameters of the system and externally imposed unmixing conditions. Limits of percolating morphologies in the course of phase separation can be established qualitatively.
Solution properties of poly(thiocarbonates)
Authors: Hernández‐Fuentes Irmina
Published: March 2011

For a series of poly(thiocarbonates) derived from bisphenol A several conformational and thermodynamic solution properties (partial specific volume, refractive index increment, effective dipole moment and characteristic ratio) were summarized. The effect of the structure, size and polarity of the different poly(thiocarbonates) side chains on these properties were analyzed. The high rotational freedom of the poly(thiocarbonate) chains, obtained from theoretical calculations, justifies the variation of the different properties experimentally obtained in the studied polymers.
Formation of polymer ‐ polymer complexes in the system poly(methacrylic acid) ‐ hydroxyethylcellulose
Authors: Lath Dieter , Šivová Mária
Published: March 2011

An interpolymer complex was prepared by mixing aqueous solutions of poly(methacrylic acid) and hydroxyethylcellulose (molar substitution 2.5) and studied by using viscometric method. The hydrogen bonding is primarily involved in these complexations, but the hydrophobic interaction plays also an important role. The complex composition is not changing with the solvents used and is stable in the temperature range 25 °C ‐ 65 °C.
Investigation on micelle forming behavior of poly(styrene‐isoprene) diblock copolymers in selective solvents via size exclusion chromatography
Authors: Lujia Pu , Guoxiong Yuan , Bilin Li , Zhongde Xu
Published: March 2011

Size Exclusion Chromatography(SEC) was used to investigate the micelle forming behavior of Poly(styreneisoprene) diblock copolymers, with same composition and various molecular weight in different selective solvents at different temperatures. The aggregation number and aggregation energy of micelle can be determined. The effects of selective solvent, temperature and molecular weight of PS‐PI on micelle forming behavior have been discussed.
Time‐resolved fluorescence and light scattering studies of water‐soluble block‐copolymer micelles with polyelectrolyte shells
Authors: Procházka K. , Kiserow D. , Ramireddy C. , Webber S. E. , Munk P. , Tuzar Z.
Published: March 2011

Fluorescently‐tagged diblock polystyrene‐block‐poly(methacrylic acid) copolymers were prepared by anionic polymerization and subsequent hydrolysis. The copolymers dissolve in 1, 4‐dioxane‐rich/water solvents and form micelles which may be transferred into water and buffers by a stepwise dialysis. Fluorescence techniques and quasielastic light scattering (QELS) were used to study the properties of those micelles.
Functionalized polymers I. Poly(dichloroalkyl itaconates), synthesis and solution properties
Authors: Radíc Deodato , Dañin Claudia , Opazo Alejandra , Gargello Ligia
Published: March 2011

The synthesis of poly(di‐2‐chloroethyl itaconate) (PD2CEI) and poly(di‐3‐chloropropyl itaconate) (PD3CPI) was carried out. The dilute solution behaviour of these polymers in tetrahydrofuran and chloroform at 298 K has been studied, by viscometry, membrane osmometry, and size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) measurements. The Kuhn‐Mark‐Houwink‐Sakurada relationships were established. The flexibility factors σ and C∞ and the thermodynamic parameters B were calculated using the Stockmayer‐Fixman equation. The results obtained are compared with those found for the corresponding poly(methacrylates) and the poly(dialkyl itaconates), and discussed in terms of specific influence of the chlorine incorporated in the side chain.
Quasi‐chemical approximation for nonrandomness in the hole theory of polymeric systems: Application to homopolymer/random copolymer blends
Authors: Xie Hankun , Nies Erík
Published: March 2011

The non‐random‐mixing version of the Holey‐Huggins theory is used to extract molecular parameters from the experimental equation of state data of polystyrene, poly(p‐bromostyrene) and a random copolymer poly(styrene‐co‐p‐bromostyrene) of known composition. With these parameters upper critical miscibility behavior, in qualitative agreement with experimental observations, is predicted for the system poly(styrene‐co‐p‐bromostyrene)/polystyrene. Quantitative agreement can be obtained for the equation of state and miscibility behavior if small changes in the values of the cross parameters are allowed.