bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of an anion‐exchange adsorbent by the radiation‐induced grafting of vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride onto cotton cellulose and its application for protein adsorption
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Bhardwaj Y. K. , Jamdar S. N. , Goel N. K. , Sabharwal S.
Published: September 2006

Poly(vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride)‐graft‐cotton cellulose, an anion‐exchange matrix, was synthesized by a mutual radiation‐induced grafting technique with a 60Co γ‐radiation source. The grafted matrix was characterized by grafting yield estimation, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The grafting yield decreased with the increase in the dose rate. However, the grafting yield and nitrogen content of grafted samples increased almost linearly with an increase in the total irradiation dose. To evaluate the performance of the grafted anion‐exchange matrix, the protein adsorption and elution behavior were investigated in a continuous column process under various experimental conditions, with bovine serum albumin used as a model protein. The binding and elution behavior of the anion‐exchange matrix depended on different experimental parameters, such as the grafting yield, ionic strength, pH of the medium, and amount of protein loaded. From a breakthrough curve, the equilibrium binding capacity and elution percentage of the grafted anion‐exchange matrix were estimated to be 40 mg/g and 94%, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5512–5521, 2006
Effect of spin finish on fiber/binder adhesion in chemically bonded nonwovens
Authors: Fourdrin Sylvie , Rochery Maryline , Gengembre Léon , Rumeau Pascal , Lewandowski Maryline , Ferreira Manuela , Bourbigot Serge
Published: September 2006

The purpose of this study is to better understand the mechanisms governing the phenomena of fiber/matrix adhesion by controlling the fiber surface properties. This adhesion is evaluated by studying the micromechanical and thermodynamical behavior of the fiber/matrix interface. The complexity of the interactions at the interface requires a global approach that takes into account the chemistry, morphology, and mechanics. The thermodynamical affinity between the binder and fibers is evaluated by the wetting behavior, whereas the mechanical resistance of the fiber/matrix interface is characterized with the pull‐out test. Three distinct approaches are used to classify the different systems according to the nature of the binder and the fiber surface. It is found that there is better adhesion when the spin finish is removed from the fibers, revealing the surface roughness on which the latex can mechanically anchor. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4092–4100, 2006
Side‐chain liquid‐crystalline polymers with a limonene‐co‐methyl methacrylate main chain: Synthesis and characterization of polymers with phenyl benzoate mesogenic groups
Authors: Mishra Garima , Srivastava A. K.
Published: September 2006

A new series of liquid‐crystalline polymers with a polymer backbone of limonene‐co‐methyl methacrylate were synthesized and characterized, and the spacer length was taken to be nine methylene units. The chemical structures of the obtained olefinic compound and polymers were confirmed with elemental analysis and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The thermal behavior and liquid crystallinity of the polymers were characterized with differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscopy. The polymers exhibited thermotropic liquid‐crystalline behavior and displayed a glass‐transition temperature at 48°C. The appearance of the characteristic schlieren texture confirmed the presence of a nematic phase, which was observed under polarized optical microscopy. These liquid‐crystalline polymers exhibited optical activity. A comparison was also made with polyacrylates and polymethacrylate‐based materials. This revealed that the nature of the polymer backbone had a major effect on the liquid‐crystalline properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4595–4600, 2006
Thermal and physical properties of allyl PPO and its composite
Authors: Wang Lihua , Xu Qingyu , Chen Donghua , Yuan Yuhong , Tang Wanjun , Wang Laoli
Published: September 2006

The thermal behavior of allyl PPO and its cured resin were investigated. In the allyl PPO curing process, the specific temperatures were Tgel = 173.6°C, Tcure = 225.4°C, and Ttreat = 237.7°C, and the activation energy (Ea) was 122 kJ/mol. The average number of PPO molecular units between two crosslinking points was about 20. In the degradation process of cured allyl PPO resin, the temperature at which mass loss equaled 1% was much higher than 300°C. The Ea for degradation was calculated as 125 kJ/mol, with a degradation fraction (α) in the range of 0.15–0.65, or 117 kJ/mol with an α of 0.10–0.90. The most probable mechanism function of decomposition of the cured allyl PPO resin was f(α) = 2(1 − α)3/2 or g(α) = (1 − α)−1/2 − 1. The thermocompressed laminate of the allyl PPO blending with an additive resin (made from BDM and DP) exhibited the desired properties. ©2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4111–4115, 2006
Effect of composition on aqueous polyurethane dispersions derived from polycarbonatediols
Authors: Lee Da‐Kong , Tsai Hong‐Bing , Tsai Ruey‐Shi
Published: September 2006

Aqueous polyurethane dispersions derived from isophorone diisocyanate, various polycarbonatediols of different molecular weights, and dimethylol butyric acid were prepared by a dispersing procedure modified to enhance molecular weight. Particle size, average molecular weight, and tensile properties were determined. The molar ratio of reactants affected the properties of the polyurethane dispersions significantly, with the trends described as the effects of their ionic group and polycarbonatediol soft‐segment contents. The molecular weight of the polycarbonatediols also significantly affected the particle size of the aqueous polyurethane dispersions and the film properties. As the molecular weight of the polycarbonatediols decreased, the particle size of the aqueous polyurethane dispersions decreased, and the moduli of the cast films increased, as expected. However, the tensile strength of the cast films decreased as the molecular weight of the polycarbonatediols decreased because of the decrease in elongation at break. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4419–4424, 2006
Synthesis of macroreticular copolymer beads having various phenolic derivatives immobilized via different bond and their radical scavenging activity
Authors: Maeda Shuuji , Nonaka Takamasa , Ogata Tomonari , Kurihara Seiji
Published: September 2006

The macroreticular copolymer beads (RCS‐4G) were prepared by suspension copolymerization of chloromethylstyrene (CS) and tetraethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (4G) in water, using cyclohexane as a diluent. Then, the copolymer beads carrying phenolic derivatives immobilized via amide, methylene, or ether bond were prepared by subsequent reactions of RCS‐4G with various phenolic derivatives. The radical scavenging activity against 2,2‐Diphenypicrylhydrazil (DPPH) of the copolymer beads carrying phenolic derivatives immobilized was investigated in toluene. It was found that the copolymer beads had high radical scavenging activity against DPPH. The order of the radical scavenging activity against DPPH of the copolymer beads carrying phenolic derivatives immobilized did not coincide with the order of inhibition activity against the generation of 1,4‐dioxane hydroperoxide. The radical scavenging activity against DPPH of the copolymer beads having phenolic derivatives immobilized via methylene bond or ether bond was higher than that of the copolymer beads having phenolic derivatives immobilized via amide bond. It was found that the radical scavenging activity of the copolymer beads having phenolic derivatives was affected by not only the kind of phenolic derivatives immobilized and bond groups through which phenolic compounds were immobilized, but also the swelling ratio of the copolymer beads in toluene. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4791–4800, 2006
Grafting of maleic anhydride onto styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer using supercritical CO2 as a swelling agent
Authors: Li Chunsheng , Zhang Shuxiang , Zheng Anna , Kong Xiangzheng , Geng Bing
Published: September 2006

Grafting of maleic anhydride (MA) onto styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer (SBS) was carried out by free radical polymerization using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO2) as a solvent of MA and swelling agent of SBS. The effect of various factors such as monomer concentration, initiator concentration, SC CO2 pressure, and reaction time on grafting ratio was studied. SBS and the product (SBS‐g‐MA) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). GPC data showed that the molecular weight of SBS‐g‐MA is bigger than that of SBS. DSC testing indicated that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of SBS‐g‐MA is higher than that of SBS. By SEM photo, we can observe that some particles which contain more oxygen atom grew out from the surface of SBS‐g‐MA when grafting ratio reached at 5.6%, and the amount and diameter of particles increased with increasing of grafting ratio. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4425–4429, 2006
Preparation and characterization of polyacrylic acid‐poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based interpenetrating hydrogels
Authors: Hernández Rebeca , López Daniel , Mijangos Carmen
Published: September 2006

Some structural features of hydrogels from poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) of various crosslinking degrees have been investigated through mechanical and swelling measurements. Interpenetrating polymer hydrogels (IPHs) of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and PAAc have been prepared by a sequential method: crosslinked PAAc chains were formed in aqueous solution by crosslinking copolymerization of acrylic acid and N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide in the presence of PVA. The application of freeze–thaw (F–T) cycles leads to the formation of a PVA hydrogel within the synthesized PAAc hydrogel. The swelling and viscoelastic properties of the IPHs were evaluated as a function of the content of crosslinker and the application of one F–T cycle. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5789–5794, 2006
Studies on fly‐ash‐filled natural rubber modified with cardanol derivatives: Processability, mechanical properties, fracture morphology, and thermal decomposition characteristics
Authors: Menon A. R. R. , Sonia T. A. , Sudha J. D.
Published: September 2006

Fly ash, a by‐product of thermal power stations, was used as a filler in natural rubber (NR) in presence of 5–10 phr of phosphorylated cardanol prepolymer (PCP) and hexamethylene tetramine cured PCP (PCPHM). The compositions modified with the cardanol‐based resins showed lower power consumption for mixing, lower cure time, improved tensile properties and tear strength, and higher thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surfaces of the tensile‐failed specimens showed finer and more uniformly distributed filler particles in the rubber matrix in the presence of PCP/PCPHM. The cardanol‐based resins are expected to function as a coupling agent between the filler and rubber leading to the improvement in mechanical properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4801–4808, 2006
Urea–formaldehyde–propionaldehyde physical gelation resins for improved swelling in water
Authors: Mansouri H. R. , Pizzi A.
Published: September 2006

Urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins' water tolerance and swelling thickness of interior‐grade wood panels bonded with UF resins were improved markedly by introducing small amounts of UFPropanal (UFP) polycondensates into the UF resin. 13C NMR of urea–propanal (UP) resins showed that urea and propanal do react up to the formation of dimers. The water repellancy imparted by insertion in the resin of the alkyl chain of propanal limits the proportion of propanal that can be used. Gel permeation chromatography showed that this appears to be so because UP resins and UFP resins exist as an equilibrium between two separate intermingling phases, namely one in solution and the second in a state of physical gelation. This latter is different from the state of physical gelation observed on ageing or advancement of formaldehyde‐only based polycondensation resins. This physical gelation is brought on by the insertion in the resin of the water repellant chain of the propanal reacted with urea and constitutes a new state of physical gelation of polycondensates other than what was already reported in the literature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5131–5136, 2006
The effect of orientation of various phenols on the degradation kinetics of blends of resole and epoxy
Authors: Srivastava Kavita , Kumar Kaushik Manoj , Srivastava Deepak , Kumar Tripathi Santosh
Published: September 2006

Resoles were prepared separately with different phenols, with formaldehyde having phenol‐to‐formaldehyde mole ratio of 1:2 in basic medium at 70°C. These resoles were physically blended with different weight percentages of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA)–epoxy resin. The blends were cured with 40, 50, and 60 wt % polyamide (based on total amount of the blended resin). Decomposition kinetics of blend sample was studied by dynamic thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. It was found that the degradation of most of the blend samples followed two‐step second‐order degradation kinetics with 50 wt % polyamide and varied reaction orders with 40 and 60 wt % polyamide and type of phenols used in the resole. The energy of activation (E) was found to be maximum with the blend system containing p‐cresolic resole and epoxy. The value of preexponential factor (Z) decreased when phenolic resole was changed to p‐cresolic resole in the blend. Also, the plotted values of E and Z were found to be in close resemblance with those obtained from calculated values. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:4171–4176, 2006
Studies on interfacial adhesion, tensile and thermal characteristics in blends of polystyrene/novalac resin
Authors: Konar B. B. , Ray S. K. , Konar P. B.
Published: September 2006

Specific interactions generate stability of the component parts in blends. Present work aims to elucidate intermolecular interactions in polystyrene/novolac blends by means of Infrared spectroscopic studies. It was found that strong interactions were observed at band 3095 cm−1 assigned to aromatic CH stretching vibrations, at band 2980 cm−1 assigned to aliphatic C‐H stretching vibration and at band 1635 cm−1 assigned to CC stretch vibration of aromatic ring system. Maximum interaction was observed in blend consisting polystyrene/novolac (80:20 by parts, in this study it is blend B). Mechanical and thermal properties of the blends were also studied. Tensile strength data was found maximum in blend B. Nonisothermal method of Freeman and Carrol was used to investigate the kinetics of thermal degradation. The reactions were studied by thermogravimetry in nitrogen atmosphere. Decomposition of the blends was found in consecutive stages. The activation energies were determined for each stage of reactions. From thermal studies, blend B was found to be most stable. A degradation mechanism was suggested by compiling the reports of previous authors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4630–4636, 2006
Blended resins based on a new propargyl‐functional resin: Synthesis, cure, and thermal properties
Authors: Liu Feng , Li Wanwan , Wei Liuhe , Zhao Tong
Published: September 2006

A new propargyl‐functional resin, propargyl ether bisphenol A novolac (PBPN), was synthesized, and the structure of PBPN were characterized using 1H NMR and FTIR spectra. The PBPN was blended with 4,4′‐bismaleimide diphenyl methane (BDM) at different molar ratio to obtain the blends. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to characterize the cure behavior of PBPN and the blends. Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were performed, respectively, to evaluate thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties of the cured resins. The results indicate that the PBPN presented better cure and thermal properties than do traditional propargyl resins; furthermore, the cure behavior and thermal properties of PBPN could be improved remarkably by blending with BDM. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4207–4212, 2006
Boric acid binding studies with diol containing polyethylenimines as determined by 11B NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Labouriau Andrea , Smith Barbara F. , Khalsa Guru Rattan K. , Robison Thomas W.
Published: September 2006

Three water‐soluble polymers incorporating increasing levels of 2,3‐dihydroxy propyl attached to polyethylenimine (PEI) backbone were synthesized, characterized by NMR, and investigated for their ability to bind boric acid (BA). 11B NMR spectroscopy showed that BA interacted with the polymeric 2,3‐dihydroxy propyls by forming borate monoester and borate diesters in the boron concentration range of 100–1000 ppm and at 0.0775M polymer. Borate monoester species predominated for low functionalization levels (33% of the PEI amines functionalized), whereas borate diester species dominated for the higher functionalized polymers (66–100% of the PEI amines functionalized). All three polymers showed that 100% of the BA was bound as a mixture of borate mono‐ and diesters at 100‐ppm boron. The overall best performer based on total borate ester formation was the 2/3‐PEI, with a binding Kd of 631 at 200 ppm boron. Borate ion concentration was measured from the 11B NMR chemical shift of the BA/borate peak and it decreased as 1/3‐PEI > 2/3‐PEI > 3/3‐PEI. Variable temperature 11B NMR showed drastic reduction of borate ester species at 65°C. Thus, PEI polymers, as the ones investigated in this work, are reasonable candidates for the selective recovery and recycle of BA. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4411–4418, 2006
Modeling the chemorheological behavior of epoxy/liquid aromatic diamine for resin transfer molding applications
Authors: Naffakh Mohammed , Dumon Michel , Gérard Jean‐François
Published: September 2006

The analysis of the chemorheological behavior of an epoxy prepolymer based on a diglycidylether of bisphenol‐A (DGEBA) with a liquid aromatic diamine (DETDA 80) as a hardener was performed by combining the data obtained from Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) with rheological measurements. The kinetics of the crosslinking reaction was analyzed at conventional injection temperatures varying from 100 to 150°C as experienced during a Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) process. A phenomenological kinetic model able to describe the cure behavior of the DGEBA/DETDA 80 system during processing is proposed. Rheological properties of this low reactive epoxy system were also measured to follow the cure evolution at the same temperatures as the mold‐filling process. An empirical model correlating the resin viscosity with temperature and the extent of reaction was obtained to carry out later a simulation of the RTM process and to prepare advanced composites. Predictions of the viscosity changes were found to be in good agreement with the experimental data at low extents of cure, i.e., in the period of time required for the mold‐filling stage in RTM process. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4228–4237, 2006
Synthesis of the copolymer hydrogel κ‐carrageenan‐graft‐PAAm: Evaluation of its absorbent and adhesive properties
Authors: Meena Ramavatar , Prasad Kamalesh , Mehta Gaurav , Siddhanta A. K.
Published: September 2006

κ‐Carrageenan‐graft‐PAAm, a copolymer hydrogel of κ‐carrageenan (kC) and acrylamide (AAm), has been synthesized in aqueous medium at ∼ pH 7 in the presence of the initiator potassium persulfate (KPS), using microwave irradiation. The reaction conditions were optimized by varying the concentration of AAm and KPS to obtain copolymer hydrogels having different nitrogen contents e.g., %N 6.35, 10.56, and 11.05. It was observed that copolymer hydrogel having %N 11.05 gives superior adhesive properties whereas copolymer hydrogel with %N 10.56 produces superior absorbent properties in the presence of optimized concentrations of AAm (0.87 and 1.1428 mol/L respectively) and KPS (0.022 and 0.0296 mol/L respectively). The product with %N 6.35 is a soft gel (2–5% gel in 1% KCl) exhibiting low gel strength (135 g cm−2). The one with %N 10.56 showed superior swelling property and maximum swelling was observed in the alkaline pH (22 g/g). The swelling behaviors of the hydrogels were studied at different pHs (pH 1.2–12.5) as well as in 1% aqueous solutions of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2. The 5% dispersion of the hydrogel having %N 11.05 in water had good binding properties with papers, polyethylene sheets, and wood pieces. To evaluate the measure of adhesive property, the viscosity and solid and liquid weights of the applied adhesive were measured. Characterization of the copolymer hydrogels was done by TGA, X‐ray diffraction, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR, elemental analyses, and rheological studies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5144–5152, 2006
Preparation and characterization of acrylic resin/titania hybrid nanocomposite coatings by photopolymerization and sol–gel process
Authors: Sangermano M. , Amerio E. , Priola A. , Di Gianni A. , Voit B.
Published: September 2006

Titania‐containing coatings were prepared through a dual‐cure process involving radical photopolymerization of a polysiloxane diacrylate and subsequent condensation of alkyltitanate groups. The kinetics of photopolymerization and condensation reaction was investigated as a function of the inorganic phase precursor (titanium tetraisopropoxide) content. AFM analysis gave evidence of a strong interaction between the organic and inorganic phase with the formation of titania domains in the nanoscale region. An increase of hydrophilicity in the coatings surface with increasing TiO2 content was evidenced. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4659–4664, 2006
Development of conductive cotton fabrics for heating devices
Authors: Bhat Narendra V. , Seshadri Devender T. , Nate Mandar M. , Gore Ajit V.
Published: September 2006

Recent developments in the area of textiles to make fabrics more functional have led to synthesizing “intelligent fabrics.” This can be achieved by making the fabrics electrically conducting. In the present study it is reported that the cotton fabrics, when impregnated with polypyrrole, achieve enhanced level of conduction. The method of diffusion of pyrrole, followed by polymerization using iron chloride as oxidant, was used. The different levels of conduction were achieved by varying the contents of monomer in the bath from 0.01 to 0.1M during the synthesis. The conductivity could be enhanced from the initial value of 10−12 to 101 S/cm. It is shown that when a fixed voltage is applied to such a modified piece of cloth, the heat generated is up to 1000 W/m2 depending on the percentage of pyrrole present. Such fabrics can be used as heating pads and integrated into the apparel to keep the wearer warm enough using a portable 9.0‐V battery. Being flexible and breathable, such fabrics have better comfort properties (compared with conventional heating pads). It can find applications in dresses for army personnel and old‐age patients. Such conductive fabrics can also find applications in many areas such as electromagnetic interference shielding, gas sensors, and temperature indicators. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4690–4695, 2006
Thermal stability and degradation studies of alternating poly(ester amide)s derived from glycolic acid and ω‐amino acids
Authors: Botines E. , Franco L. , Puiggalí J.
Published: September 2006

The thermal degradation of three poly(ester amide)s derived from glycolic acid and different ω‐amino acids is studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at different heating rates and the results are compared. Thermal decomposition follows a two‐step reaction, the mechanism involved in each step being possible to be determined. Nonisothermal integral isoconversional methods (such as Kissinger, KAS, and Flynn–Wall–Ozawa) and linear equations and differential methods (such as the Friedman expression) were used to obtain the kinetic parameters from TGA and DTGA curves. The complete kinetic triplets are also determined by the Coats–Redfern and the invariant kinetic parameters methodologies. Hydrolytic and enzymatic degradation studies, where weight losses, intrinsic viscosity changes and NMR spectra of degraded samples are evaluated, are also undertaken. The polymers seem interesting because of their application as new biodegradable materials. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:5545–5558, 2006
Effects of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane coatings on the interface and impact properties of carbon‐fiber/polyarylacetylene composites
Authors: Zhang Xuezhong , Huang Yudong , Wang Tianyu , Liu Li
Published: September 2006

Two kinds of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) coatings were used for the modification of the interface in carbon fiber (CF) reinforced polyarylacetylene (PAA) matrix composites. The effects of the organic–inorganic hybrid POSS coatings on the properties of the composites were studied with short‐beam‐bending, microdebonding, and impact tests. The interlaminar shear strength and interfacial shear strength showed that the POSS coatings resulted in an interfacial property improvement for the CF/PAA composites in comparison with the untreated ones. The impact‐test results implied that the impact properties of the POSS‐coating‐treated composites were improved. The stiffness of the interface created by the POSS coatings was larger than that of the fiber and matrix in the CF/PAA composites according to the force‐modulation‐mode atomic force microscopy test results. The rigid POSS interlayer in the composites enhanced the interfacial mechanical properties with a simultaneous improvement of the impact properties; this was an interesting phenomenon in the composite‐interface modification. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:5202–5211, 2006
UV‐curable methacrylic epoxy dispersions for cationic electrodeposition coating
Authors: Kim Y. B. , Kim H. K. , Hong J. W.
Published: September 2006

UV‐curable epoxy dispersions were prepared for cationic electrodeposition coating. Sequential reactions were used to introduce methacrylate groups to the epoxy‐amine polymer as coupling agents to the multifunctional acrylates. The molecular weight values of the prepared epoxy‐amine polymer were Mn = 2800 and Mw = 4300. The neutralized epoxy‐amine polymer containing photoinitiator with or without multifunctional acrylate (pentaerythritol triacrylate, PETA) could be dispersed into a stable dispersion without any phase separation. The size of the particles in these epoxy dispersions was approximately 77.7 nm, and increased with the incorporation of PETA. The electrodeposition process was introduced to the prepared epoxy dispersions, and the electrodeposited films were cured by UV irradiation after a 10‐min flash off at 80°C. Studies of the kinetics using photo‐DSC revealed that the crosslinked films containing PETA gave a higher conversion rate than those without PETA, resulting in better resistance to methyl ethyl ketone. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:5566–5570, 2006
Effects of carbon nanotube fillers on the curing processes of epoxy resin‐based composites
Authors: Tao Kun , Yang Shuying , Grunlan Jaime C. , Kim Yeon‐Seok , Dang Bachlien , Deng Yuanjian , Thomas Renard L. , Wilson Bobby L. , Wei Xin
Published: September 2006

The effects of different grades of carbon nanotubes on the curing of a typical epoxy resin (EPIKOTE™ resin 862 and EPIKURE™ curing agent W) were examined via differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that nanotubes could initiate cure at lower temperatures, while the overall curing process was slowed as evidenced by lower total heat of reaction and lower glass transition temperatures of the cured nanocomposites compared to neat epoxy. This finding is practically important as it is essential to have a consistent degree of cure when the properties of thermosets with nanoinclusions are compared to neat resins. It was also found that the inclusion of carbon nanotubes might induce the thermal degradation of epoxy composites at lower temperatures. Morphological analysis done with scanning electron microscopy revealed good dispersion of nanotubes within the epoxy matrix. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:5248–5254, 2006
Wetting properties of human hair by means of dynamic contact angle measurement
Authors: Lodge Richard A. , Bhushan Bharat
Published: September 2006

The interaction between human hair and water occurs continuously in atmospheric air, and even more so, during application of shampoo and conditioner. For this reason the wettability of hair, and how hair care products affect the wetting properties, is of interest to hair care science. In this study, the Wilhelmy balance method is used to measure dynamic contact angle of both conditioner‐treated hairs and those left untreated to study the interaction of hair with water. The method uses a microbalance to measure the force exerted on a single fiber when it is immersed into the wetting liquid of interest. This measured force is related to the wetting force of the liquid on the fiber, and the dynamic contact angle can be calculated. The contact angles of chemically damaged, mechanically damaged, virgin (undamaged) as well as conditioner‐treated hairs and those left untreated are measured and compared. These samples were measured dry, and then also allowed to soak in water before being measured to determine whether a wet environment affects the wetting properties of the hair surface. Additionally, wettability of hairs from subjects of different ethnicities are measured and compared. Further, the mechanisms driving a significant directionality dependence are studied and discussed. The results are also used to explain tribological properties found in previous studies. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:5255–5265, 2006
Structure and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane, based on hyperbranched polyesters
Authors: Cao Qi , Cai Yuanli , Jing Bo , Liu Pengsheng
Published: September 2006

A series of hyperbranched polyurethane (HB‐PU) were synthesized using hyperbranched polyester as a precursor. Morphology of these HB‐PU films was investigated using atomic force microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction; it's molecular dynamics was studied by dynamic mechanical analysis. FTIR studies showed that hard segments get more aggregated to form domains in the HB‐PU block copolymer as hard segment content increases. Such domain formation has a significant influence on the mechanical and thermomechanical properties of HB‐PU, such as maximum stress and elongation at break. Especially, maximum stress and elongation at break increased significantly at 25 wt % of hard segment content, and the highest loss tangent was observed at the same composition. Heat of crystallization as measured by differential scanning calorimetry is also dependent on the hard segment content, and the control of hard segment content in PU block copolymers is very important in determining their physical properties. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5266–5273, 2006
Grafting copolymerization of maleic anhydride onto styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymer through solvothermal process
Authors: Qi Rongrong , Yu Qiuming , Shen Yanhan , Liu Qiaochu , Zhou Chixing
Published: September 2006

The grafting copolymerization of maleic anhydride (MAH) onto styrene‐butadiene‐styrene terpolymer (SBS) was carried out through a new synthesis method––solvothermal synthesis. Infrared (IR) spectra and solid state 13C‐NMR confirmed that maleic anhydride was successfully grafted onto the SBS backbone. The effects of different solvents, different initiators and their concentration, the amount of MAH, SBS concentration, and reaction time on the graft degree were evaluated, and the optimal conditions were obtained. Results indicated that the grafting reaction of MAH onto SBS through solvothermal method can be carried out in both good solvents and poor solvents, which are much different from the traditional solution grafting method, and high grafting degree can be obtained in good solvents. Finally, we also compared the grafting degree (GD) prepared by the solvothermal method with that by the melt grafting method and solution grafting method. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5274–5279, 2006
Shrinkage and re‐expansion of extruded starch acetate foams
Authors: Zhou Jiahua , Hanna Milford
Published: September 2006

The effects of concentration of steam, heating time, pretreatment, and cooling conditions on the shrinkage and re‐expansion of extruded starch acetate foam were investigated. The re‐expansion ratio was determined from the degree by which the foam cells were moistened under the condition tested. The higher the concentration of steam used, the faster and greater the foam re‐expanded. Shrinkage was a result of the negative pressure resulting from cooling and condensation of steam or ethanol inside the foam and the unbalanced osmosis of steam transported out of the foam and air transported into the foam and the resistance of foam cell walls. Quenching re‐expanded foams led to significant shrinkage, especially for foams re‐expanded with highly concentrated steam. Shrinkage cannot be avoided even if the foam is kept at the same temperature it was expanded at the nozzle. Gradually reducing the degree of concentration of steam could reduce the shrinking tendency of the re‐expanded foam. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4264–4268, 2006
Thermal, morphological, and mechanical characteristics of polypropylene/polybutylene terephthalate blends with a liquid crystalline polymer or ionomer
Authors: Zhang Bao‐Yan , Sun Qiu‐Ju , Li Qian‐Yue , Wang Yang
Published: September 2006

Thermotropic side‐chain liquid crystalline polymer (SLCP) and corresponding side‐chain liquid crystalline ionomer (SLCI) containing sulfonate acid were used in the blends of polypropylene (PP) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) by melt‐mixing respectively, and thermal behavior, morphological, and mechanical properties of two series of blends were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, and tensile measurement. Compared with the immiscible phase behavior of PP/PBT/SLCP blends, SLCI containing sulfonate acid groups act as a physical compatibilizer along the interface and compatibilize PP/PBT blends. FTIR analyses identify specific intermolecular interaction between sulfonate acid groups and PBT, and then result in stronger interfacial adhesion between these phases and much finer dispersion of minor PBT phase in PP matrix. The mechanical property of the blend containing 4.0 wt % SLCI was better than that of the other blends. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4712–4719, 2006
A comparative study of cardanol and aromatic oil as plasticizers for carbon‐black‐filled natural rubber
Authors: Alexander Mary , Thachil Eby Thomas
Published: September 2006

Cardanol is the main ingredient of cashew nut shell liquid, an agro‐byproduct. Its comparative merits vis‐a‐vis aromatic oil for plasticizing HAF‐black‐filled natural rubber (NR) is the subject of this article. Aromatic oil is the conventional plasticizer employed for such compounding requirements. The mechanical properties, ageing behavior, and torque time curves during cure of NR plasticized by both these materials are compared under identical conditions. It has been established that cardanol, when used as plasticizer, gives rise to similar tensile properties, shorter cure times, and superior ageing behavior compared to aromatic oil. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4835–4841, 2006
A comparative study on effects of two kinds of polymerization methods on grafting of polymer onto silica surface
Authors: Gao Baojiao , Wang Ruixin , Jiu Hongfang , Kong Delun
Published: September 2006

In this article we present the result of a comparative study of two kinds of polymerization methods—solution polymerization (sol. poly.) and dispersion polymerization (dis. poly.) for grafting polymer onto silica. As a model for the grafting polymerization reaction, styrene was chosen as the monomer and azo diisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as the initiator. The study aims at supplying theoretical reference for better selecting polymerization method to graft polymer on the silica particle surface. First, monolayers of 3‐methacryloylpropyl trimethoxysilane were chemically bonded onto the surfaces of micrometer‐sized silica gel particles, and so double bonds were immobilized onto the silica surface. Second, the copolymerizations between the immobilized double bonds and the monomer styrene were carried out, homopolymerizations of styrene followed, and finally polystyrene was grafted to the silica surfaces. Two kinds of polymerization methods, sol. poly. and dis. poly., were adopted respectively, and the effects of polymerization methods on grafting process were examined mainly. At the same time, the effects of different polymerization conditions on the grafting degree were researched. It was found that in the dis. poly. system the grafting degree is obviously higher than that in the sol. poly. system under the same polymerization conditions, and the grafting degree can go up to 47%, i.e. 47g/100g. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5808–5817, 2006
Photoinitiating behavior of bifunctional photoinitiator containing α‐hydroxyalkylphenone group on free‐radical polymerization
Authors: Ye Guodong , Yang Jianwen , Zhao Tianyi , Rao Rui , Zeng Zhaohua , Chen Yonglie
Published: September 2006

Photoinitiating behaviors of bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐isopropionyl)]ether photoinitiator on free‐radical polymerization have been investigated. The kinetics of photopolymerization initiated by the photoinitiator was studied by means of differential photocalorimetry. The bifunctional photoinitiator showed comparative performance with those commercial photoinitiators with monofunctional chromophoric group. The effect of UV intensity on the polymerization rate was investigated, and the value of exponential factor was found to be 0.5 at the beginning of polymerization, suggesting that the photopolymerization initiated by bis[4‐(2‐hydroxy‐isopropionyl)]ether followed biradical termination mechanism. Photosensitizer triethylamine improves the initiating efficiency while oxygen is shown to restrict polymerization in this system. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5297–5302, 2006
Swelling of pH‐sensitive chitosan–poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels
Authors: Gunasekaran Sundaram , Wang Tao , Chai Chunxiang
Published: September 2006

The swelling properties of different chitosan–poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were investigated as functions of the medium pH and salt concentration. The maximum swelling ability of the hydrogels was at a buffer pH of approximately 3, regardless of the PVA content in the hydrogels. The maximum mass of the swollen hydrogels was about 13 times that of their contracted counterparts. The cyclical swelling and contraction between pH 3 and pH 7 buffers and pH 3 and pH 3 buffers with salt confirmed the Donnan swelling mechanism of these hydrogels. The swelling mechanism was considered the transfer of water molecules driven by a concentration gradient. This was represented by a simplified mass‐balance model, which neglected the effect of the ionization reaction, for the initial swelling period. The effective mass‐transfer coefficient of water molecules during swelling, estimated with this model, gradually decreased with increasing PVA content in the hydrogels. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4665–4671, 2006
Wood‐fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites: Evaluation of the physicomechanical and morphological properties
Authors: Huda M. S. , Drzal L. T. , Misra M. , Mohanty A. K.
Published: September 2006

This article presents the results of a study of the processing and physicomechanical properties of environmentally friendly wood‐fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites that were produced with a microcompounding molding system. Wood‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene composites were also processed under similar conditions and were compared to wood‐fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites. The mechanical, thermomechanical, and morphological properties of these composites were studied. In terms of the mechanical properties, the wood‐fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites were comparable to conventional polypropylene‐based thermoplastic composites. The mechanical properties of the wood‐fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites were significantly higher than those of the virgin resin. The flexural modulus (8.9 GPa) of the wood‐fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) composite (30 wt % fiber) was comparable to that of traditional (i.e., wood‐fiber‐reinforced polypropylene) composites (3.4 GPa). The incorporation of the wood fibers into poly(lactic acid) resulted in a considerable increase in the storage modulus (stiffness) of the resin. The addition of the maleated polypropylene coupling agent improved the mechanical properties of the composites. Microstructure studies using scanning electron microscopy indicated significant interfacial bonding between the matrix and the wood fibers. The specific performance evidenced by the wood‐fiber‐reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites may hint at potential applications in, for example, the automotive and packaging industries. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4856–4869, 2006
Electrochromic properties and electrochromic device application of copolymer of N‐(4‐(3‐thienyl methylene)‐oxycarbonylphenyl)maleimide with thiophene
Authors: Ak Metin , Camurlu Pinar , Yılmaz Faruk , Cianga Luminita , Yağcı Yusuf , Toppare Levent
Published: September 2006

A new copolymer of N‐(4‐(3‐thienyl methylene)‐oxycarbonylphenyl)maleimide (MBThi) with thiophene [P(MBThi‐co‐Th)] was synthesized electrochemically in the presence of tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate as the supporting electrolyte, in acetonitrile/borontrifluoride ethylether solvent mixture (80 : 20, v/v). Spectroelectrochemical analysis of the resulting copolymer reflected electronic transitions at 440, 730, and ∼1000 nm, revealing π–π* transition, polaron, and bipolaron band formation, respectively. Switching ability was evaluated by a kinetic study via measuring the transmittance (%T) at the maximum contrast. Dual‐type polymer electrochromic devices (ECDs) based on P(MBThi‐co‐Th) and poly(ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) were constructed. Spectroelectrochemistry, switching ability, and stability of the devices were investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. These devices exhibit low switching voltages (between 0.0 and +2.0 V) and short switching times with reasonable switching stability under atmospheric conditions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl PolymSci 102: 4500–4505, 2006
Preparation of microspheres with silicone oil cores and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) shells by physical coating
Authors: Xiao Xin‐Cai , Zhuo Ren‐Xi , Xu Jian , Liu Bing , Liu Ji‐Ying
Published: September 2006

Surfactant‐free thermoresponsive microspheres with a silicone oil cores surrounded by poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) shells have been successfully prepared by physical coating method for the first time. The influences of reaction temperature, N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) dosage, and stirring rate on the formation, morphology, particle size, and monodispersity of microspheres were experimentally studied. In the preparation of microspheres, when reaction temperature was above the lower critical solution temperature of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide), products had higher yield of particles and narrower size distribution. With increasing NIPAM dosage, the particle diameter became larger and the shell layer thickened and the monodispersity became better. With increasing stirring rate, the particle diameter and the monodispersity decreased obviously. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:5571–5576, 2006
Preparation and characterization of a hyperbranched polyethoxysiloxane based anti‐fouling coating
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Jie , Fan Xiao‐Dong , Si Qing‐Fa , Kong Jie , Liu Yu‐Yang , Qiao Wen‐Qiang , Zhang Guo‐Bin
Published: September 2006

A hyperbranched polyethoxysiloxane was synthesized via hydrolytic polycondensation between methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), with hydrochloride acid as catalyst. FTIR, 1H NMR, 29Si NMR, and GPC measurements confirmed that the polyethoxysiloxane synthesized was indeed a hyperbranched polymer with a degree of branching of 0.67. It was also found that there were no silanol groups in polymer matrix. This quality can effectively enhance its storage stability. Based on the hyperbranched polyethoxysiloxane, a novel antifouling coating with high curing speed at ambient temperature was developed. The recipe and other technique parameters of the coating were revealed and investigated. Experiments indicate that the coating performs well as an antifouling agent and can be applied to various ceramic products. By using scanning electron microscope (SEM) to inspect the surface of a polished tile applied with the coating, the antifouling mechanism was studied and the results were explained in accordance with the penetrating and crosslinking of the macromolecules of hyperbrached polyethoxysiloxane into the microdefects on the surface of tiles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 5818–5824, 2006
Electrical behavior of PET films coated with nanostructured organic–inorganic hybrids
Authors: Saccani A. , Toselli M. , Messori M. , Fabbri P. , Pilati F.
Published: September 2006

Hybrid coatings, based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) or polycaprolactone (PCL) and silica (SiO2), at different organic–inorganic compositions have been used to coat PET films employed in the electric industry to produce capacitors. The overall electrical behavior of the coated films has been investigated. The electrical strength of the coated films increases up to 10–15% of the uncoated ones regardless of polymer type (PEO/PCL) and amount of inorganic phase, as far as the thickness of the coating is below 5 μm. A systematic increase of surface electrical conductivity is found in all coated samples which however still behave as insulators. Permittivity and loss factor also increase particularly at low frequencies (< 10 Hz) on account of the presence of ions deriving from the sol–gel process and on the presence of interfacial polarization probably related to the coatings nanostructurated morphology which leads to phase separation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4870–4877, 2006