bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluorinated polyphosphazene polyelectrolytes
Authors: Andrianov Alexander K. , Marin Alexander , Peterson Paul , Chen Jianping
Published: October 2006

Polyphosphazene polyelectrolytes containing various amounts of hydrophobic fluorinated moieties and ionic carboxylic acid groups were synthesized. Polymer compositions and molecular weights were characterized by NMR and gel permeation chromatography. Interestingly, poly[(carboxylatophenoxy)(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] containing 60 mol % fluorinated groups was found to be soluble in aqueous solutions. The behavior of fluorinated polyelectrolytes in reactions of ionic complexation with multivalent and monovalent salts was studied in aqueous solutions and ethanol–water mixtures. Such reactions led to the formation of ionotropic hydrogels under mild conditions and, thus, are of importance to the development of microencapsulation processes and controlled release formulations. All of the synthesized polymers underwent phase separation in the presence of multivalent ionic crosslinkers, such as spermine and calcium chloride. This included a water‐soluble polyelectrolyte containing 40 mol % ionic groups and hydrophobic polymer with only 3 mol % carboxylic acid groups. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 53–58, 2007
Glycidyl methacrylate as a new host material for laser dyes
Authors: Al‐Shamiri Hamdan. A. S. , Azzouz I. M. , Shafik M. Salah , Badr Y. A.
Published: October 2006

This article reports on the laser action of pyrromethene 597 and pyrromethene 567 doped in the novel solid polymeric matrix glycidyl methacrylate. Mirrorless lasing was observed when samples with diameters of 10 mm and lengths of 20 mm, with different dyes concentrations, were transversely pumped at 532 nm. The influence of the dye concentration on the laser measurements included the peak wavelengths, output energies, conversion efficiencies, and laser gains. Relatively high lasing efficiencies (up to ∼ 60%) were obtained from these new polymeric materials with very good photostability, where a decrease of only 65% in the initial laser output energy was observed after pumping by 60,000 shots of 15 mJ at 10 Hz. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 59–63, 2007
Grafting of poly(3‐hydroxyalkanoate) and linoleic acid onto chitosan
Authors: Arslan Hülya , Hazer Baki , Yoon Sung C.
Published: October 2006

Poly(3‐hydroxy octanoate) (PHO), poly(3‐hydroxy butyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), and linoleic acid were grafted onto chitosan via condensation reactions between carboxylic acids and amine groups. Unreacted PHAs and linoleic acid were eliminated via chloroform extraction and for elimination of unreacted chitosan were used 2 wt % of HOAc solution. The pure chitosan graft copolymers were isolated and then characterized by FTIR, 13C‐NMR (in solid state), DSC, and TGA. Microbial polyester percentage grafted onto chitosan backbone was varying from 7 to 52 wt % as a function of molecular weight of PHAs, namely as a function of steric effect. Solubility tests were also performed. Graft copolymers were soluble, partially soluble or insoluble in 2 wt % of HOAc depending on the amount of free primary amine groups on chitosan backbone or degree of grafting percent. Thermal analysis of PHO‐g‐Chitosan graft copolymers indicated that the plastizer effect of PHO by means that they showed melting transitions Tms at 80, 100, and 113°C or a broad Tms between 60.5–124.5°C and 75–125°C while pure chitosan showed a sharp Tm at 123°C. In comparison of the solubility and thermal properties of graft copolymers, linoleic acid derivatives of chitosan were used. Thus, the grafting of poly(3‐hydroxyalkanoate) and linoleic acid onto chitosan decrease the thermal stability of chitosan backbone. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:81–89, 2007
Microwave‐assisted synthesis of polyaspartic acid and its effect on calcium carbonate precipitate
Authors: Huang Jun‐li , Zhang Yu‐ling , Cheng Zhi‐hui , Tao Hu‐chun
Published: October 2006

Without organic solvent or catalyst, polyaspartic acid (PASP) was synthesized from maleic anhydride (MA) and ammonia (AN) under microwave irradiation. The influences of the molar ratio of maleic anhydride to ammonia and the microwave output power and irradiation time on product yield were investigated. Also, the function of microwave in the process was simply addressed. The results showed that when the molar ratio of MA/AN was 1.2, the output power was 900 W, the irradiation time was 3.5 min, and the product yield was highest and its inhibition performance on calcium carbonate was as good as the polymer synthesized by conventional pyrocondensation polymerization. The main function of microwave was its heat effect. Characterization of the product was carried out by IR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR spectra and the results showed that the product was PASP. The microwave‐assisted synthesis process of PASP has many advantages, including quicker reaction rate, high purity, lower cost, and little pollution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:358–364, 2007
Effect of sequence distribution on short‐range ordering in poly(ether sulfone) copolymers
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Ming , Gao Zhong‐Min , Jiang Zhen‐Hua
Published: October 2006

Three kinds of poly(ether sulfone) copolymer samples, R50, B50, and A50, showing marked differences in tensile behavior because of different sequence distributions were investigated by radial distribution function (RDF) methods. The RDF patterns were not virtually identical and showed that the short‐range order (0–14 Å) in the samples had been essentially affected by the sequence distribution. Most of the intramolecular distances in the copolymer were successfully resolved in the RDF pattern. However, there were only suggestions of broad peaks at r = 5.5 Å and r = 11 Å, attributable to intermolecular ordering, which indicated that little intermolecular ordering had occurred in either sample. The appearance of two peaks at about 5 Å periodic suggested the existence of more or less parallel chain segments in the copolymers. Therefore, substantial structural differences between the three copolymers were shown. The structural information revealed by these RDF results was in agreement with the tensile property changes caused by the sequence distribution. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 534–537, 2007
Low pressure plasma‐based approaches to fluorocarbon polymer surface modification
Authors: Nitschke M. , König U. , Lappan U. , Minko S. , Simon F. , Zschoche S. , Werner C.
Published: October 2006

A survey and comparison of several low pressure plasma‐based approaches to fluorocarbon polymer surface modification is reported including “simple” plasma treatment, “grafting to” and “grafting from” plasma activated surfaces, plasma immobilization of predeposited molecules and the adsorption of charged macromolecules on plasma activated surfaces. Examples of each method are discussed in detail based on results from surface analytical experiments using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, contact angle goniometry, and electrokinetic measurements. All reported examples refer to one and the same experimental setup. This makes the different approaches comparable and helps to exploit a wide range of plasma‐based techniques for a particular goal and a given apparatus. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 100–109, 2007
Effect of cationic group content on shape memory effect in segmented polyurethane cationomer
Authors: Zhu Yong , Hu Jinlian , Yeung Kwok‐wing , Choi Ka‐fai , Liu Yeqiu , Liem Haiming
Published: October 2006

To illustrate the importance of cationic groups within hard segments on shape memory effect in segmented polyurethane (PU) cationomers, the shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) cationomers composed of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 1,4‐butanediol (BDO), and N‐methyldiethanolamine (NMDA) or N,N‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl)isonicotinamide (BIN) were synthesized. The comparison of shape memory effect between NMDA series and BIN series was made. The relations between the structure and shape memory effect of the two series of cationomers with various ionic group contents were investigated. It is observed that the stress at 100% elongation is reduced for these two series of PU cationomers with increasing ionic group content. Especially for NMDA series, the stress reduction is more significant. The fixity ratio and recovery ratio of the NMDA series can be improved simultaneously by the insertion of cationic groups within hard segments, but not for the BIN series. Characterizations with DSC and DMA suggest that the crystallibility of soft segment in SMPU cationomers was enhanced by incorporation of ionic groups into hard segments, leading to a relative high degree of soft segment crystallization; compared with the corresponding nonionomers, incorporation of charged ionic groups within hard segments can enhance the cohesion force among hard segments particularly at high ionic group content. This methodology offers good control of the shape memory characteristic in thin films and is believed to be beneficial to the shape memory textile industries. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 545–556, 2007
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of novel polyetherester polyols and developed polyurethanes
Authors: Wang Dongxian , Zhang Guangjin , Zhang Yongcheng , Gao Yongjian , Zhao Yuhua , Zhou Changyue , Zhang Qingyun , Wang Xinkui
Published: October 2006

Three kinds of cyclic anhydrides, which stand for aliphatic anhydride, aromatic anhydride, and anhydride containing double bond: succinic anhydride, phthalic anhydride, and maleic anhydride have been copolymerized with propylene oxide and low molecular weight polyoxypropylenediol via ring‐opening copolymerization initiator by double metal cyanide complex catalyst to synthesis a series of polyetherester (PEE) polyols. The structure of the obtained copolymers was confirmed by several analysis methods. Three kinds of polyetherester polyurethane (PEEPU) were thus synthesized by polymerization of as‐synthesized PEE polyol with 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate. The mechanical properties of the obtained PEEPU were tested. The results showed that the mechanical properties of three polyurethanes are different based on their structure and composition. The inducing of the rigid phenyl group in the soft segment can improve the mechanical strength remarkably. The influences of ester content in soft segment and the hard segment content on the mechanical properties of PEEPU were studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 417–424, 2007
Synthesis and properties of novel conducting polyaniline copolymers
Authors: Lei Xiping , Guo Xiaofang , Zhang Liuxue , Wang Yunpu , Su Zhixing
Published: October 2006

A novel copolymer based on aniline and N‐β‐cyanoethylaniline was chemically prepared and characterized by a number of techniques including UV–vis, FTIR, ESR, XRD, and TGA. According to the systematic studies on the physical properties, it was found that the copolymers had excellent solubility in common organic solvents especially in DMF and pyridine, while the conductivity and yield decreased as the content of cyanoethyl group increased in the system. Moreover, an increase in the feed ratio of N‐β‐cyanoethylaniline induced a blue‐shift of the absorption bands in the UV–vis and IR region and significant line broadening of ESR signals together with a reduction in spin density. The XRD patterns of the copolymers lost the characteristic diffraction peaks of emeraldine salt as the ratio of cyanoethyl group increased. The thermal stability of the copolymer was increased with increasing the feed molar ratio of N‐β‐cyanoethylaniline. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 140–147, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of azo‐based acrylate polymers for use as nonlinear optical materials
Authors: Rekha A. S. , Ratna D. , Samui A. B.
Published: October 2006

In this work, high molecular weight azo polymers were synthesized by incorporating the azo monomer into a base polymer through their reactive functional groups. Copolymers of methyl methacrylate and methacrylic acid (with varying concentrations of carboxylic acid group) were synthesized. These were then reacted with epoxy‐terminated azo molecule by carboxylic acid–epoxy reaction. The functionalized systems show excellent film homogeneity and optical clarity. The series of copolymers were characterized using FTIR, NMR, UV–vis spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The polymer films coated on ITO glass slides were poled and their order parameters were calculated to check the stability of oriented dipoles. Temporal stability, checked up to 120 h under ambient conditions, was found to be excellent. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 425–431, 2007
Glucose recognition capabilities of hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐based hydrogels containing poly(ethylene glycol) chains
Authors: Bodugoz Hatice , Güven Olgun , Peppas Nicholas A.
Published: October 2006

A configurational biomimetic imprinting technique was used to prepare recognition sites for glucose in copolymers of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) prepared with crosslinking agents containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). We report on the structure, diffusive, and recognition characteristics of these gels, the effect of the type and ratio of crosslinking agent, as well as the template/comonomer ratios on glucose binding ability. The highest equilibrium glucose binding was found as 2.67 mg/g dry polymer when PEG monomethacrylate (PEGMMA) was used in combination with tetra ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) (50%) as a crosslinking agent. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 432–441, 2007
A physical approach to define a class A surface in polymer thermosetting composite materials
Authors: Boyard N. , Serré C. , Vayer M.
Published: October 2006

In polymeric composite material, a class A surface is a high‐quality surface according to its visual appearance. Bulk molding compound polymeric composites behave as a dielectric material with high bulk light scattering, low specular reflection, and low surface scattering. Gloss, related to specular reflection, is then low and cannot be a sufficient criterion to qualify a composite surface. For this purpose, we propose using either haze or roughness and power spectrum density (PSD) measured by AFM. An alternative solution to qualify a surface sample is to cover the sample by a metallic film. The sample then behaves as a metallic material with a main specular reflection and light scattering exclusively because of the surface. Measurements of gloss, haze, PSD, or roughness over a given spatial frequency range can qualify a sample surface and could especially define a surface in the class A family. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 451–461, 2007
Influence of cure schedule on the viscoelastic properties and thermal degradation of crosslinked mono‐ and diepoxides obtained during the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and divinylbenzene
Authors: Worzakowska Marta
Published: October 2006

The present work investigates the influence of cure schedule on the dynamic mechanical behavior and thermal degradation of crosslinked mono‐ and diepoxides obtained in epoxidation of commercially available divinylbenzene by 60% hydrogen peroxide as the oxidant in the presence of organic solvents (acetonitrile and methanol) and the catalyst magnesium oxide. The crosslinking process of the obtained mono‐ and diepoxides was accomplished using three different hardening agents: glutaric anhydride, 2,4,6‐tri(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol, and maleic anhydride. The influence of cure schedule and hardening agent on the dynamic mechanical properties like storage modulus, tan δ, glass transition temperature (Tg), and thermal stability of cured epoxides has been studied by dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The variations obtained in the elastic modulus in the rubber region above the glass transition have been used to analyze the crosslink density of the networks. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 462–469, 2007
Synthesis of chiral polymers and its application in asymmetric reduction
Authors: Cha Rui‐Tao , Li Quan‐Lian , Chen Na‐Li , Wang Yun‐Pu
Published: October 2006

Two new cinchona alkaloids copolymers (PMA‐BQTP and PMA‐QN) have been synthesized by copolymerization and their complexes (PMA‐BQTP‐PdCl2 and PMA‐QN‐PdCl2) have been prepared. Their structures were characterized by FTIR, GPC, and element analysis. The catalytic activity of PMA‐QN‐PdCl2 in the heterogeneous catalytic asymmetric reduction of aromatic ketone by sodium borohydride was studied. The results showed that the polymer complex catalyzed the reduction of aromatic ketone to get alcohol in high optical yield, but their catalytic efficiency was largely dependent on the aromatic ketone and solvent system, which relate to the accessibility of the catalytic active site. And the PdCl2/polymeric alkaloid complex can be simply recovered at the end of the reaction by centrifugation and then reused without serious losing of activity or enantioselectivity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 148–152, 2007
Kinetics and monomer reactivity ratios of N‐vinylpyrrolidone and α‐terpineol
Authors: Yadav Sarika , Srivastava A. K.
Published: October 2006

The radical copolymerization of α‐terpineol with N‐vinylpyrrolidone (N‐VP) in dioxane at (80 ± 0.1)°C for 1 h in the presence of benzoylperoxide follows ideal kinetic and results in the formation of random copolymer as evidenced from the value of reactivity ratios as r1 (N‐VP) = 0.23 and r2 (α‐terpineol) = 0.025, which have been calculated by the Kelen‐Tüdos method. The overall activation energy is computed to be 28 kJ/mol. The FTIR spectrum of the copolymer shows the presence of bands at 3507 cm−1 due to alcoholic group and 1717 cm−1 due to > CO group. The Alfrey‐Price parameters for α‐terpineol has been calculated as 0.024 and –2.66. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 476–481, 2007
Morphology and electrical properties of carbon black filled LLDPE/EMA composites
Authors: Zhou Ping , Yu Wei , Zhou Chixing , Liu Feng , Hou Liming , Wang Jun
Published: October 2006

The morphology and electrical properties of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE)/poly (ethylene‐methyl arylate) (EMA) blends filled with carbon black (CB) are investigated in this work. Comparing to LLDPE/CB composite, the higher percolation threshold of EMA/CB composite is attributed to the good interaction between EMA and CB. However, carbon black is found to locate preferentially in the LLDPE phase of LLDPE/EMA immiscible blends from the characterization of SEM and electrical properties, which greatly decreases the percolation threshold of the composites. The viscosity of the two polymers is the key factor to determine the distribution of CB instead of interfacial energy in this system. This suggests a method to control the distribution of CB in the immiscible blends by choosing the viscosity ratio of polymer blend. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 487–492, 2007
Rheological investigation of xanthan gum–chromium gelation and its relation to enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Marudova‐Zsivanovits Mariya , Jilov Nikolay , Gencheva Elena
Published: October 2006

Xanthan gum–water solutions with polymer concentrations 0.05–1% w/w and chromium ion content 30–1200 ppm were being gelled at temperatures from 25 to 90°C. A control deformation test (CD test) at a constant shear rate 0.05 s−1 was performed for all the specimens. Shear moduli of elasticity and in some cases yield stresses and yield strains were determined from these tests. The energy of activation Ea = 93 ± 6 kJ/mol was obtained. The dependence of the gelation rate on the ionic concentration followed a power law with a coefficient of 1.8. There was relatively small dependence of the gelation rate on the xanthan gum concentration. Surprisingly, the maximum obtainable moduli at complete gelation do not depend on xanthan gum concentration in the range 0.2–1% w/w and are about 2400 Pa. The number of the bound chromium ions per monomer unit of xanthan gum is changed from 0.64 to 0.16 for the above measured concentrations of the polymer. High moduli gels on the base of the lower concentrations of xanthan gum were practically not recoverable after mechanical destruction. The assumption was made that the main reason for the profile modification of the flow for enhanced oil recovery in porous media is the yield stress of the gels. The smaller capillaries can even be closed if the yield stress is higher than the maximum shear stress existing in the capillary. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 160–166, 2007
Toughened polyester matrices for advanced composites
Authors: Sharmila R. Josephine , Premkumar S. , Alagar M.
Published: October 2006

An intercrosslinked network of hybrid bismaleimide (BMI) modified vinyl ester oligomer–unsaturated polyester matrix systems have been developed. Vinyl ester oligomer (VEO) was used as a toughening agent for unsaturated polyester resin and was added in 2, 4, and 6% (by wt). Benzoyl peroxide was used as curing agent. The VEO‐toughened unsaturated polyester matrix systems were further modified with 5, 10, and 15% (by wt) of bismaleimide. Bismaleimides modified vinyl ester–unsaturated polyester matrices were characterized by mechanical (tensile strength, flexural strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and impact strength), thermal [differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetic analysis (TGA), heat deflection temperature analysis (HDT)] and morphological studies [scanning electron microscope (SEM)] and water absorption. Data obtained from mechanical studies indicated that the introduction of VEO into unsaturated polyester resin improves the fracture toughness. The introduction of BMI into VEO incorporated unsaturated polyester resin enhanced both thermal and mechanical behavior. The scanning electron micrographs of fractured surfaces of VEO‐modified unsaturated polyester systems and BMI modified vinyl ester–unsaturated polyester matrices illustrate the presence of homogeneous morphology. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 167–177, 2007
Simultaneous x‐linking and antimicrobial finishing of cotton fabric
Authors: Montazer Majid , Afjeh M. Gorbanali
Published: October 2006

This research work tries to achieve a multifunctional finishing on the cotton fabric by using environmentally friendly chemicals. Chitosan and N‐(2‐hydroxy) propyl‐3‐trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) with different crosslinking agents including citric acid (CA), butane tetra carboxylic acid (BTCA), and glutaraldehyde (GA) were coapplied on the cotton fabric. This improves the laundering durability of antimicrobial treatment by formation of covalent bond between the crosslinking agent, antimicrobial agent, and cellulosic chains. Furthermore, it helps to enhance the crease resistance properties of the treated samples. The antimicrobial activities of the treated samples were tested after 15 laundering cycles. The whiteness and wrinkle recovery angle of the treated fabric were also examined. The glutaraldehyde treatment was superior to CA treatment in terms of prolonged antimicrobial activity of the samples after successive laundering. Also, the treated samples with glutaraldehyde showed a higher wrinkle recovery angle with excessive deterioration in whiteness when compared with CA and BTCA. The treated samples with CA and BTCA show good antimicrobial activity after successive laundering and improved wrinkle recovery angle. However, BTCA indicates a higher durability in comparison with CA and same durability after repeated laundering with glutaraldehyde. This can be achieved without yellowing and unpleasant odor. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 178–185, 2007
Synthesis of cationic flocculants by the inverse microemulsion copolymerization of acrylamide with 60% 2‐acryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride in the monomer feed. II. Influence of the formulation composition, hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance, starting polymerization temperature, and reaction time
Authors: Ochoa J. R. , Sanz F. J. Escudero , Sasia P. M. , García A. Santos , de Apodaca E. Díaz , Río P.
Published: October 2006

Acrylamide/2‐acryloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride copolymers in inverse microemulsions, with 60% 2‐acryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride in the monomer feed and a concentration of active matter of 30% (w/w) as flocculants, were obtained by inverse microemulsion copolymerization. Inverse microemulsion formulations of comonomers, interesting from both technical and economical viewpoints, were polymerized by semicontinuous free‐radical copolymerization with sodium disulfite as the initiator. The influence of the formulation composition, hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance (HLB), starting polymerization temperature, and reaction time on the polymerization and final properties of the products as flocculants was studied. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:186–197, 2007
β‐Polypropylene/wood flour composites: Effects of specific β‐nucleation and coupling agent on mechanical behavior
Authors: Kotek Jiří , Kelnar Ivan , Synková Hana , Starý Zdeněk , Baldrian Josef
Published: October 2006

Polypropylene/wood flour composites were prepared by melt compounding. To improve their mechanical performance, the matrix polypropylene was modified with a specific nucleation agent based on an amide of dicarboxylic acid, which promotes crystallization predominantly in the β‐phase. The resulting material was used as a matrix for composites containing 10%, 20%, and 30% of wood flour. Uniform dispersion of the filler and improved interfacial adhesion was ensured by compatibilization with a small amount of maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene. A beneficial effect of application of the nucleation agent together with a compatibilizer on the resulting mechanical behavior was shown. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 506–511, 2007
Segmented copolymers of uniform tetra‐amide units and poly(phenylene oxide) by direct coupling
Authors: Krijgsman J. , Biemond G. J. E. , Gaymans R. J.
Published: October 2006

Segmented copolymers with telechelic poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene ether) (PPE) segments and crystallizable bisester tetra‐amide units (two‐and‐a‐half repeating unit of nylon‐6,T) were studied. The copolymers were synthesized by reacting bifunctional PPE with hydroxylic end groups with an average molecular weight of 3500 g/mol and bisester tetra‐amide units via an ester polycondensation reaction. The bisester tetra‐amide units had phenolic ester groups. By replacing part of the bisester tetra‐amide units with diphenyl terephthalate units (DPT), the concentration of tetra‐amide units in the copolymer was varied from 0 to 11 wt%. Polymers were also prepared from bifunctional PPE, DPT, and a diaminediamide (6T6‐diamine). The thermal and thermal mechanical properties were studied by DSC and DMA and compared with a copolymer with flexible spacer groups between the PPE and the T6T6T. The copolymers had a high Tg of 180–200°C and a melting temperature that increased with amide content of 220–265°C. The melting temperature was sharp with monodisperse amide segments. The Tm – Tc was 39°C, which suggests a fast, but not very fast, crystallization. The crystallinity of the amide was ∼ 20%. The copolymers are semicrystalline materials with a high Tg and a high Tg/Tm ratio (> 0.8). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 512–518, 2007
Microstructure dependent properties of polypropylene‐clay nanocomposites
Authors: Fan Y. , Lou J. , Shinozaki D. M.
Published: October 2006

The mechanical properties of melt processed polypropylene‐montmorillonite nanocomposites were studied as a function of clay content. The measurement of tensile properties at room temperature and dynamic mechanical properties over a wide temperature range reveal a decrease in modulus and tensile strength of the composite with increasing clay content. The origins of this anomalous result were examined in detail using X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimeter, which averaged the microstructure over reasonable specimen volumes. Micromechanical models could be used to adequately describe the composite properties, provided appropriate properties for the matrix and particle were used. The matrix properties were found to affect the average properties significantly. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 204–210, 2007
Photolytic and free‐radical polymerization of monomethyl maleate esters of epoxidized plant oil triglycerides
Authors: Esen Hüseyin , Küsefoğlu Selim , Wool Richard
Published: October 2006

Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was reacted with monomethyl maleate with AMC‐2 catalyst. Monomethyl maleate was found to react with 65% of the available epoxy groups to give the monomethyl maleic esters of ESO (MESO). 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, and IR spectra of the new derivative confirmed the proposed structure. The NMR spectra revealed that the average number of monomethyl maleate groups per triglyceride molecule was 2.6. MESO was photopolymerized with ultraviolet light and was free radically homopolymerized and copolymerized with styrene (STY), vinyl acetate (VA), and methylmethacrylate (MMA). MESO was also reacted with maleic anhydride at the newly formed hydroxyl groups to give maleinized MESO, (MESOMA), which now contained 4.9 maleate unsaturations per triglyceride. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed the dynamic modulus for styrene copolymers of MESO and maleinized MESO as 105 and 140 MPa, respectively. Both of these plant oil derived monomers are good candidates for a practical and economical liquid molding resin. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 626–633, 2007
Polymer nanocomposite powders and melt spun fibers filled with silica nanoparticles
Authors: Rottstegge (Y. K. Qiao) J. , Zhang X. , Zhou Y. , Xu D. , Han C. C. , Wang D.
Published: October 2006

Nanocomposite powders from polypropylene filled with surface modified and unmodified fumed silica have been prepared from polymer solution to achieve improved mixing and have been forwarded to fiber melt spinning. The surface of the fumed silica was modified with dodecyl alkoxy silanes. Crystallization velocity and viscosity of the PP nanocomposites thereof were determined to ensure good melt spinning processing conditions for all composite compositions. Upon addition of untreated filler particles, a shear thinning and an increased crystallization velocity of the polymer melt was found, while only minor changes were detected in the presence of surface modified fumed silica particles. The composites and the polymer fibers made from these powder composites by melt spinning were mainly characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and solid‐state NMR. The unmodified fumed silica was found to have a strong influence on the mechanical fiber properties, while the surface modified silica only a small one. Fibers were additionally characterized with respect to the uniformity, the PP crystallinity, moisture absorption, and the water contact angle. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 218–227, 2007
Mechanical properties of polypropylene composites based on natural fibers subjected to multiple extrusion cycles
Authors: Morán J. , Alvarez V. , Petrucci R. , Kenny J. , Vazquez A.
Published: October 2006

The influence of multiple extrusion cycles on the behavior of natural fibers‐reinforced polypropylene was studied. Composites were fabricated with 20 wt % of flax fibers. Final fibers dimensions (length and diameter) were measured by means of optical microscopy. Mechanical properties of matrix and composites were measured after each extrusion cycle. It was observed that the elastic modulus increased by fibers incorporation. The elastic modulus of the matrix was higher after the first process cycle than that of the virgin material, mainly because of chain scission. In the next cycles, the modulus kept constant. On the other hand the elastic modulus of the composite after a single extrusion step was lower than that predicted by the Halpin–Tsai model probably because of a poor mixing and to low adhesion at the fiber–matrix interface. In the following two steps, modulus increased because the better fiber dispersion was observed. For the final two extrusion cycles, the slow decrease in this property was correlated with the darkening and poor organoleptic properties observed as a result of thermal degradation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 228–237, 2007
Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)‐modified red mud composite materials
Authors: Bhat A. H. , Banthia A. K.
Published: October 2006

A series of polymer–acid‐modified red mud composite (PRM) materials that consist of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and layered Red mud (RM) are prepared by effectively dispersing organic PVA matrix into the inorganic layers of modified RM via a conventional solvent casting technique. The as‐synthesized PRM materials are typically characterized by Fourier transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The morphological image of as‐synthesized materials is studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscope (OM). Effects of the material composition on the thermal stability and optical clarity of PVA along with a series of PRM materials freestanding film are also studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and UV–vis transmission spectra, respectively. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 238–243, 2007
Ageing of soft thermoplastic starch with high glycerol content
Authors: Shi Rui , Liu Quanyong , Ding Tao , Han Yanming , Zhang Liqun , Chen Dafu , Tian Wei
Published: October 2006

In this study, a soft and thermoplastic starch with an improved ageing‐resistant property was prepared by melt blending method for a biodegradable biomaterial. The glycerol content varies from 30 to 60 wt %. The aging temperature and humidity of the glycerol‐plasticized thermoplastic starch (GTPS) was 37°C and 50 ± 5 RH %, respectively. The retrogradation was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and the stress‐strain mechanical properties. The XRD results suggest that high content of glycerol promotes the formation of single helix structure of V‐type, but inhibits double helix structure of B‐type. Changing of the tan δ, storage modules (E′), and the glass transition temperatures as a function of glycerol content and ageing time was detected by DMTA. FTIR result shows that the shifting speed of the peak of hydroxyl group stretching fell as the glycerol content increased. The glycerol content has no obvious effect on the mechanical properties when it is high enough. Results from all characterizations demonstrate that the ageing speed is closely relative to the plasticizers content. The higher content of glycerol possesses an obviously inhibitory effect on the ageing. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 574–586, 2007
Dyeing, fastness, and deodorizing properties of cotton, silk, and wool fabrics dyed with coffee sludge (Coffea arabica L.) extract
Authors: Lee Young‐Hee
Published: October 2006

A natural colorant was extracted from Coffea arabica L., using water as extractant at 90°C for 90 min. Studies have been made on the dyeing, color fastness, and deodorization properties of cotton, silk, and wool fabrics dyed with Coffea arabica L. extract solutions. The best mordants were found to be FeSO4, CuSO4, and SnSO4 for improving the color strength (K/S) of cotton, silk, and wool fabrics. Mordants MnSO4, ZnSO4, and NiSO4 for cotton (Rating 3), and all mordants except MnSO4 for silk (Rating 3), mordants CuSO4, FeSO4, CoSO4, Al2(SO4)3, and MnSO4 for wool (Rating 4) were the best mordants to improve the light fastness. It was found that FeSO4 and CuSO4 were the best mordants for the improvements of color strength (K/S) and light fastness for silk and wool fabrics. In addition, it was found that cotton, silk, and wool fabrics dyed with the Coffea arabica L. extract showed good deodorization performance. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 251–257, 2007
Microphotometric inline determination of polymer blend morphologies during extrusion processing
Authors: Stephan M. , Groβe S. , Stintz M. , Blankschein U.
Published: October 2006

A novel inline method using microphotometric measuring principle is able to determine mean particle sizes of polymer blends directly during extrusion processing. This process‐micro‐photometer (PMP) is adapted on a special slit die at the extruder head. Refractive indices needed for particle size calculation have been measured by an inline refractometer for all the involved polymers at molten state. For investigation, blends have been made from polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA6), and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA); and the resulting blend morphologies are found to be smaller than 1 μm in all cases. Sensor calculations show good correlation to microscopic reference measurements. Because of multiple scattering effects at larger particle number concentrations an exact particle size calculation is limited to low volume concentrations of that polymer blends because of the small blend particle sizes. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 258–262, 2007
Thermal characterization of n‐alkyl maleate‐styrene‐allyl propionate terpolymers
Authors: Boztuğ Ali , Basan Satılmış
Published: October 2006

Thermal characterization of maleic anhydride‐styrene‐allyl propionate (MA‐St‐AP) terpolymer and its ester derivatives named as n‐alkyl maleate and shown as nPr MA‐St‐AP, nBu MA‐St‐AP, nPn MA‐St‐AP, and nBz MA‐St‐AP was carried out. The thermal characterization was performed using thermal analysis techniques such as TGA, DTA, DSC, and TMA. Different results were observed between the original terpolymer and its ester derivatives. Thermal stabilities of the terpolymer and its ester derivatives were compared by using various measurements plotted as TGA, DTA, DSC, and TMA curves. The increase in the alcohols' carbon numbers added to the original terpolymer results in ester derivatives with different thermal stability behavior. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 600–604, 2007
Barrier properties of polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Dumont M.‐J. , Reyna‐Valencia A. , Emond J.‐P. , Bousmina M.
Published: October 2006

Polypropylene/clay nanocomposites are attractive candidates for applications requiring good barrier properties because of the inherent features of the polymer matrix. To assess their potential, systematic research relating the barrier performance to the structural characteristics of polypropylene/montmorillonite samples has been conducted. The nanocomposites have been tested in the presence of helium, water vapor, toluene, and methanol, and the unmodified matrix has been found to exhibit better properties than its mixtures with the compatibilizer and/or clay. The method for the interpretation of the results proposed in this study considers the composition of the samples, the morphology of the semicrystalline polymer matrix, and the state of dispersion/exfoliation of the clay layers, along with the specific interactions between the solvent molecules and the system components. In this way, several points have been identified for understanding and improving the performance of the nanocomposites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 618–625, 2007
Preparation and characterization of wood‐(nylon 12) composites
Authors: Lu J. Z. , Doyle T. W. , Li K.
Published: October 2006

The melting temperature of nylon 12 is lower than the degradation temperature of wood, which makes the preparation of wood‐(nylon 12) composites through a regular compounding/compression molding process possible. Results indicated that wood‐(nylon 12) composites had higher modulus of rupture, higher modulus of elasticity, and higher tensile strength than nylon 12, wood‐polypropylene (PP) composites, and wood‐high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites, respectively. Wood‐(nylon 12) composites also had higher thermal stability than wood‐PP composites and wood‐HDPE composites. Acting as a nucleating agent, wood increased the crystallization temperature and the degree of crystallinity of nylon 12 in wood‐(nylon 12) composites. The superior mechanical properties of wood‐(nylon 12) composites were ascribed to the good interfacial adhesion between wood and nylon 12 and the increased transcrystallinity of nylon 12 by wood. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:270–276, 2007
Novel polyurethane elastomer continuous carbon fiber composites: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Borda Jenő , Kéki Sándor , Ráthy Istvánné , Bodnár Ildikó , Zsuga Miklós
Published: October 2006

Preparation and characterization of novel polyurethane (PUR)–carbon fiber (CF) composites are reported. The reinforcement of PUR elastomers was achieved using unidirectional continuous CFs with different coatings (uncoated and epoxy and polyester resin coatings) by applying molding for the preparation of PUR‐CF composites. Considerable reinforcement of PUR was attained even at relatively low CF content, e.g., maximum stress and Young's modulus of PUR‐CF composite at CF content 3% (m/m) were found to be 3–5 and 4–10 times higher than those of the PUR‐matrix, respectively. In addition, a linear relationship between the Young's modulus and the CF content was found as well as linear variation of maximum stress with the CF content was also observed. The adhesion of CF to the PUR‐matrix was strong in each case as concluded from the strain–stress and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations. However, the extent of reinforcement of PUR at a given CF content was found to depend greatly on the coatings of CF, and increased in the following order: epoxy resin < polyester resin < uncoated. The effect of the coating of CF on the reinforcement of PUR is also discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 287–292, 2007
Kinetic and heat transfer modeling of rubber blends' sulfur vulcanization with N‐t‐butylbenzothiazole‐sulfenamide and N,N‐di‐t‐butylbenzothiazole‐sulfenamide
Authors: Likozar Blaž , Krajnc Matjaž
Published: October 2006

Vulcanization kinetics and heat transfer for various blends of natural (NR) and polybutadiene (BR) rubber were studied simultaneously using a mechanistic approach when developing vulcanization model kinetics. Rubber process analyzer (RPA), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) methods were used for the study. The model reaction scheme was based on one of the best possible proposed individual reaction mechanisms. Molecular modeling was applied to distinguish between the reactivity of chemically similar species. The kinetics of N‐t‐butylbenzothiazole‐sulfenamide (TBBS) and N,N‐di‐t‐butylbenzothiazole‐sulfenamide (TBSI) were treated separately using FTIR experiment data, and then incorporated in a model suitable for two‐accelerator vulcanization. The proposed model quite well describes the thermal equilibration during the induction period despite a few simplifications. During cure and over‐cure periods the course of vulcanization was described using a rigorous kinetic model. Physical and chemical model parameters were calculated from experimental data. Average heat transfer coefficient minimum during induction period was found to be at a weight ratio of BR and NR 1 : 1. The activation energy of significant reactions between rubber and other species was found to vary linearly with vulcanization compound composition. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 293–307, 2007
Cloisite clay‐infused phenolic foam nanocomposites
Authors: Rangari Vijaya K. , Hassan Tarig A. , Zhou Yuanxin , Mahfuz Hassan , Jeelani Shaik , Prorok Barton C.
Published: October 2006

A sonochemical technique was developed to infuse Cloisite clay nanoparticles into phenolic foam materials. Phenolic resin solution (Part A) was mixed with clay particles, and irradiated using a high intensity ultrasonic liquid processor. In the next step, the modified phenolic resin solution containing clay particles was mixed with Part B (containing phenol sulfonic acid, catalyst) through a high‐speed mechanical stirrer. The reaction mixture was then cast into rectangular molds to make nanophased foam panels. Test coupons were cut precisely from the panels to carry out thermal, morphological, and mechanical characterizations. The as‐prepared foam samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The SEM studies have shown that the particles are well dispersed over the entire volume of the matrix with minimal agglomeration. The foam cells structures are well‐ordered and uniform in size and shape. The TGA and DSC analyses show that the nanophased foams are thermally more stable than the corresponding neat system. Quasistatic compression tests have been carried out for both nanophased and neat foams systems. The test results show that there is a significant increase (approximately in the range of 150–180%) in the compressive strength and modulus of the nanophased foams over the neat system. This improvement in compressive properties has been noted repeatedly for multiple batches and with a minimum of three specimens tested from each batch. Details of the synthesis, thermal and mechanical characterization are presented in this paper. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 308‐314, 2007
Feasibility of D‐glucuronate to enhance γ‐hydroxybutyric acid metabolism during γ‐hydroxybutyric acid toxicity: pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies
Authors: Bhattacharya Indranil , Boje Kathleen M. K.
Published: October 2006

γ‐Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is a drug of abuse. Literature studies showed that D‐glucuronate acts as an oxidative stimulator of GHB metabolism following in vivo GHB tracer doses. The present proof‐of‐concept study investigates if D‐glucuronate enhances GHB metabolism and inhibits blood–brain barrier (BBB) carrier‐mediated transport of GHB for clinically relevant and toxicological concentrations of GHB. In a randomized cross‐over study with a 3 day washout period, rats were intravenously administered GHB (200, 400 or 800 mg/kg) with either saline or D‐glucuronate (830 mg/kg i.v. bolus followed by a constant infusion of 1.39 g/kg‐h). Systemic and renal GHB pharmacokinetics, as well as onset, offset and duration of GHB sedative/hypnotic effects were measured following each GHB dose. In situ brain perfusion was used to determine if D‐glucuronate inhibited GHB BBB transport. D‐Glucuronate did not alter GHB sedative/hypnotic effects at all three GHB doses. A model independent approach revealed that GHB systemic (AUC, CLTotal, CLMetabolism, VSS, T1/2) and renal (CLRenal, fe) pharmacokinetic parameters were unaltered by D‐glucuronate administration. GHB influx clearance was unaltered by D‐glucuronate suggesting a lack of transport inhibition. These observations suggest that although previously shown to be promising at GHB tracer doses, D‐glucuronate lacks therapeutic benefit in the treatment of GHB toxicity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.