Physico‐mechanical properties of natural rubber sheets coated by polyethyleneimine‐functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles

The surface modification of sulfur‐prevulcanized natural rubber (SPNR) sheets by the polyethyleneimine‐functionalized‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA/PEI) nanoparticles was successfully performed via a simple dipping method. The percentage of surface coverage (C_s) of the nanoparticles on SPNR sheets was found to be affected by a variation of nanoparticle latex concentrations and immersion times. The adsorption isotherm of PMMA/PEI nanoparticles on SPNR sheets was analyzed and found to fit well to the Freundlich model. After coating, it can be observed that the presence of PMMA/PEI nanoparticles on SPNR surface had no effects over the SPNR mechanical properties e.g., tensile strength, elongation at break, and hardness. On the other hand, the coated SPNR sheets showed a reduction of surface friction coefficients and interfacial adhesion up to 45 and 59%, respectively. Furthermore, PMMA/PEI nanoparticles adsorbed on the SPNR surface was subjected to stretching and wearing conditions, and found to be stable for at least seven stretching and wearing cycles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Functional acrylic acid as stabilizer for synthesis of smart hydrogel particles containing a magnetic Fe3O4 core

This paper reports a novel method to synthesize magnetic, stimuli-sensitive latex nanoparticles made with magnetite/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (Fe₃O₄/P(NIPAAm-co-AAc)). To form a stabilized suspended core, iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) was functionalized with AAc such that further polymerization with NIPAAm and AAc monomers could occur. The P(NIPAAm-co-AAc) shell layer exhibited thermosensitive properties. The inclusion of Fe₃O₄ into the latex nanoparticles was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometer. The NIP–(AAc2.6–Fe) latex nanoparticles contained 2.25% Fe₃O₄ (by weight), as determined by TGA analysis. The particle diameters measured approximately 160–240 nm with a lower critical solution temperature of 35 °C. These novel magnetic stimuli-responsive latex nanoparticles have potential applications in numerous fields, such as catalyst supports, protein immobilization, cancer therapy, target drug delivery systems, and other biomedical applications.     

Facile fabrication approach for a novel multifunctional superamphiphobic coating based on chemically grafted montmorillonite/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>-polydimethylsiloxane binary nanocomposite

In this paper, a novel multifunctional superamphiphobic coating for anticorrosion was successfully prepared on aluminum substrate via a simple spraying technique. Al₂O₃ nanoparticles were chemically grafted onto montmorillonite (MMT) nanosheets via coupling effect of NH₂-C₃H₆-Si(OC₂H₅)₃ (KH-550) and then modified by low surface energy material polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) composite coating with 25 wt% MMT/Al₂O₃-PDMS binary nanocomposite exhibited well-designed nano/μ structures and possessed superamphiphobicity with high contact angles towards water (164°), glycerol (158°) and ethylene glycol (155°). This coating demonstrated outstanding self-cleaning ability and strong adhesive ability (Grade 1 according to the GB/T 9286). The superhydrophobicity could be maintained after 8000 times abrasion or annealing treatment for 2 h under 350 °C. The coating still retained high water-repellence after immersion in 1 mol/L HCl (146°), 1 mol/L NaOH (144°) and 3.5 wt% NaCl (151°) solutions for 30 d. It should be noted that this superamphiphobic coating revealed excellent long-term corrosion protection with extremely low corrosion rate (4.3 × 10^?3 μm/year) and high protection performance (99.999%) after 30 d immersion in 3.5 wt% NaCl solutions based on electrochemical corrosion measurements. It is believed that such integrated functional coating could pave new way for self-cleaning and anticorrosion applications under corrosive/abrasive environment.     

Carboxyl-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes-filled PDMS nanocomposites for anti-biofouling applications

In the current study, six carboxyl-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes (cMWNTs)-filled PDMS nanocomposites (CPs) were successfully prepared, respectively. The antifouling (AF) properties of the CPs surfaces were evaluated via the long-term field immersion assays. The effects of the CPs surfaces on the attachment and colonization of the pioneer biofilm communities were investigated using the single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) technique via the comparison of the diversity indices. Different CPs surfaces (i.e. the P₁–P₆ surfaces) have exhibited differential and excellent AF properties in the sea trial test as compared to that of the unfilled PDMS (P₀) surface, indicating that the six cMWNT nanoparticles (i.e. the C1–C6 fillers) have demonstrated better AF properties, when used as reinforcing fillers in the PDMS matrix. The only reinforcing cMWNT filler (i.e. the C3 filler, 50 nm diameter, 10–20 μm length) has been identified and determined in the field. In addition, the partially aggregated cMWNT filler in the PDMS matrix was found to contribute to the improved AF properties of the CPs. The CPs surfaces can significantly reduce the adherent pioneer eukaryotic community diversity and richness, which may have dramatically modulating effect on the attachment and colonization of pioneer eukaryotic microbes. In contrast, most CPs (i.e. the P₁–P₅ surfaces) can only exert slight perturbation effect on the pioneer prokaryotic communities. Only the P₆ surface can exert significant perturbation effect on the adherent pioneer prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities at the same time. The functionalized CPs surfaces may have the potential to be used for future maritime applications.     

Growth of Ag and Au Nanoparticles on Reduced and Oxidized Rutile TiO2(110) Surfaces

The nucleation and growth of Au and Ag nanoparticles on rutile TiO₂(110)–(1 × 1) surfaces in different oxidation states is studied by means of photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Au and Ag nanoparticles were found to bind much more strongly to oxidized TiO₂(110) model supports than to reduced TiO₂(110) surfaces, as directly revealed by STM. Detailed PES studies addressing small Au and Ag particles complete this picture and show that the PES core level spectra acquired on Au/TiO₂(110) and Ag/TiO₂(110) can be best described by fitting with two binding energy (BE) components. Particularly for coverages in the sub-monolayer regime and for depositions at low temperatures (100 K) the PES core level spectra must be fitted with at least two BE components. The higher BE component is attributed to atoms at the interface between the metal clusters and the TiO₂(110) support. For Au/TiO₂(110), the two BE components were evident in the core level spectra for higher coverage than for Ag/TiO₂(110), consistent with different growth modes for Au (initially 2D) and Ag (3D) on TiO₂(110). Finally, strong evidence for charge transfer from Ag nanoparticles to the TiO₂(110) support is presented, whereas the charge transfer between Au nanoparticles and the TiO₂(110) support is very small.     

Kinetic Analysis of Nonisothermal Reduction of Silica-Supported Nickel Catalyst Precursors in a Hydrogen Atmosphere

A series of silica-supported nickel catalyst precursors was synthesized with different SiO₂/Ni molar ratios. Reduction of Ni catalyst precursors with different SiO₂/Ni molar ratios under a hydrogen atmosphere was investigated at different heating rates. Kinetic parameters were determined using Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose isoconversional and invariant kinetic parameter methods. It was found that for all molar ratios, the apparent activation energy (E_a) is practically constant in the conversion range of 0.20 ≤ α ≤ 0.80. In the considered conversion range, following values of E_a were found: 134.5 kJ mol^?1 (SiO₂/Ni = 0.20), 139.6 kJ mol^?1 (SiO₂/Ni = 0.80), and 128.3 kJ mol^?1 (SiO₂/Ni = 1.15). It was established that the reduction of Ni catalyst precursors with different SiO₂/Ni molar ratios is a complex process and can be described by the ?esták–Berggren autocatalytic model. It was found that the reaction is more Langmuir–Hinshelwood type, as hydrogen dissociates rapidly on surface nuclei and the dissociated hydrogen reacts with the Ni–O active system. It was concluded that the reduction process proceeds through bulk nucleation, which is a dominant mechanism, where three-dimensional growth of crystals with polyhedron-like morphology exists. It was found that the Ni/Si ratio decreases after the reduction process. This has been explained by low Ni and higher Si surface concentrations. It has been disclosed that Ni dispersion decreases.     

Fabrication and apparent kinetic study of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(octyl acrylate) and poly(octyl acrylate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) latex interpenetrating polymer networks

Two latex interpenetrating polymer networks (LIPNs) were synthesized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and octyl acrylate (OA) as monomers, respectively. The apparent kinetics of polymerization for the LIPNs was studied. This demonstrates that network II does not have a nucleus formation stage. The monomers of network II were diffused into the latex particles of network I and then formed network II by in situ polymerization. It indicates that the polymerization of network I obeys the classical kinetic rules of emulsion polymerization. But the polymerization of network II only appears a constant‐rate stage and a decreasing‐rate stage. The apparent activation energies (E_a) of network I and network II of PMMA/POA were calculated according to the Arrhenius equation. The E_a values of POA as network I (62 kJ/mol) is similar to that of POA as network II PMMA/POA (60 kJ/mol). However, the E_a value of PMMA as network II POA/PMMA (105kJ/mol) is higher than that of PMMA as network I (61 kJ/mol). Results show that the E_a value of the network II polymerization is related to the properties of its seed latex. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Adsorption Behavior of Platinum Group Metals (Pd,Pt, Rh) on Nonylthiourea‐Coated Fe3O4 Nanoparticles

Abstract

Magnetite nanoparticles coated with nonylthiourea (NTH) were synthesized and analyzed for the separation and recovery of platinum group metals (PGMs) from diluted aqueous chloride solutions. Physical characterizations of the coated nanoparticles were performed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and FT‐IR Spectrometry. Separation efficiency of the coated nanoparticles and the equilibrium adsorption isotherm of PGMs were investigated. The maximum adsorption was attained in less than 30 minutes, and the maximum loading capacity of NTH‐coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles for Pt(IV) and Pd(II) was determined to be 10.7 and 8.1 mg g^?1, respectively. The recovery of PGMs from the loaded nanoparticles was examined using different eluting solutions, including HNO₃, thiourea, and NaClO₄.     

Enhancement of hydroxyapatite formation on anodic TiO2 nanotubular arrays via precalcification

Hydroxyapatite (HA) depositions on metallic biomedical implants have been widely applied to generate bioactive surfaces in simulated biological environments. Meanwhile, highly ordered TiO₂ nanotubular arrays obtained via anodization have attracted increasing interest for biomedical applications. However, capability to grow HA coating on TiO₂ nanotubular arrays at room temperature remains problematic. In this study, we applied a precalcification treatment on anodic TiO₂ nanotubular arrays to examine the formation of HA coating in simulated biological fluid. The as-formed TiO₂ nanotubular arrays on titanium were immersed in boiling saturated Ca(OH)₂ solutions for up to 40 min. The specimens readily grew HA once immersed in the simulated biological fluid (SBF) after 4 days immersion. The carbonated HA coating was formed with more than 5 μm thickness after 12 days of immersion while only a few calcium phosphate particles were observed on annealing TiO₂ nanotubular arrays immersed in the same solution for the same duration. This treatment dramatically improved efficiency for promoting HA formation on anodic TiO₂ nanotubular arrays without high temperature treatment.     

Mixing Phase Behavior of 1,3-Dipalmitoyl-2-Oleoyl-sn-Glycerol (POP) and 1,2-Dipalmitoyl-3-Oleoyl-rac-Glycerol (PPO) in n-Dodecane Solution

We examined the mixing phase behavior of 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (POP) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoyl-rac-glycerol (PPO) in organic solutions containing n-dodecane (C₁₂) as a solvent to confirm whether the molecular compound (MC) crystals of POP/PPO are formed as metastable and most stable forms in the dilute solution by using DSC and synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction. The POP/PPO mixtures were prepared at different concentration ratios of POP and PPO with a 10 % increment in two solutions having weight concentration ratios of (POP+PPO):C₁₂ of 50:50 (50 % solution) and 20:80 (20 % solution). We found that MC crystals formed at a ratio of POP/PPO = 50/50 having the melting point of 23.1 and 20.6 °C in 50 and 20 % solution systems in stable states of incubated samples, respectively. The metastable (β′) and stable (β) forms of MC of POP/PPO = 50/50 having a double-chain-length structure were confirmed in kinetic behavior and thermodynamically stable states attained after long time incubation, in contrast to the triple-chain-length structure of stable forms of POP (β) and PPO (β′). In addition, we observed the formation of MC crystals of POP/PPO in diluted solutions having n-dodecane concentrations up to 98 % and conclude that molecular interactions between POP and PPO molecules to form MC crystals are not altered by solvent molecules in diluted solutions.     

Thermosensitive folic acid-targeted poly (ethylene-<Emphasis Type="Italic">co</Emphasis>-vinyl alcohol) hemisuccinate polymeric nanoparticles for delivery of epirubicin to breast cancer cells

A novel thermosensitive folic acid (FA)-targeted succinylated poly (ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) (EVOHS-FA) nanocarrier was synthesized for the specific delivery of epirubicin (EPI) to MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Three different ratios of synthesized EVOH-Suc were reacted with FA. The structure of the desired products (EVOHS₄₀-FA, EVOHS₆₀-FA and EVOHS₈₀-FA) was confirmed by ¹H NMR and FTIR techniques. Nanoparticles were obtained by nano-precipitation procedure using DMSO/H₂O as solvent/anti-solvent. The particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy and in vitro release profile of the final formulations in different temperatures were measured. The optimized nanoparticles had the particle size of 214 ± 8.5 nm, zeta potential of ?29.6 mV, PDI of 0.198 ± 0.04, and a high encapsulation efficiency that released the drug efficiently within 450 h at the temperature of 40 °C compared to 37 °C. The morphology of nanoparticles was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on MCF-7 cell lines in response to temperatures of 37 and 40 °C. The MTT assay indicated that the targeted nanoparticles carrying EPI were significantly more cytotoxic than the non-targeted nanoparticles and the free drug at 40 °C.     

Spectroscopic and Antibacterial Evaluation of Nano-Hydroxapatite Polyvinyl Alcohol Biocomposite Doped with Microbial-Synthesized Nanogold for Biomedical Applications

Gold nanoparticles were synthesized by locally isolated fungi, Eurotium herbariorum. The biosynthesized nanogold was estimated by color change after the addition of fungal biomass to an aqueous solution of HAuCl₄ (1 g/L). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evaluated that the biosynthesized gold nanoparticles exhibited size range between 15 and 34 nm. Hydroxyapatite/polyvinylalcohol biocomposite containing fungal biosynthesized gold nanoparticles at different concentrations were studied for using in biomedical applications. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) studies test the physical and chemical characteristics of the biocomposite. The biocomposite containing nanogold showed antibacterial activity that increased with nanogold concentration.     

Effect of femtosecond laser beam angle and formed shape on surface roughness and shear bond strength between zirconia and resin cement

Achieving adhesion between resin cement and zirconia requires pretreatment of the surface. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the effect of femtosecond laser beam angle and the shape of the formed surfaces, on the roughness and shear bond strength (SBS) of resin cement to zirconia ceramic. Seventy Y-TZP ceramic specimens were divided into seven groups (n = 10). A femtosecond laser irradiation was performed on the ceramic surface of three shapes (spiral (SP), square (SQ) and circular (CI) and at two angles (30 and 90°) to give SP-30, SQ-30 and CI-30 and SP-90, SQ-90 and CI-90, respectively. After treatment, the surface roughness of all specimens was evaluated using a profilometer. One specimen from each group was analysed using a scanning electron microscope. The bonded specimens were thermocycled 5000 times and then an SBS test was performed. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyse surface roughness and SBS values. The control group had statistically lower surface roughness (R_a) values than the treated groups (p < 0.05). SP-30 and SQ-30 laser treated specimens showed higher R_a values than the other specimens. Statistically significant SBS values (p = 0.000) were observed between the groups. All laser treated samples showed greater SBS compared to the control group. SP-30, SQ-30 and SQ-90 groups showed the highest SBS values. Within the limitations of this experimental study, the highest mean values for R_a and SBS were achieved with SP and SQ surfaces using a 30° angle laser beam.     

High stability superhydrophobic glass-ceramic surface with micro–nano hierarchical structure

Inspired by the surface structure of lotus leaves, micro–nano hierarchical surface structures have been widely used for designing superhydrophobic surfaces. However, the conventionally designed superhydrophobic surface structures are fragile. In this study, a layer of micron-sized mullite whiskers was grown using molten salt on the surface of BaAl₂Si₂O₈ (BAS) glass ceramics. Subsquently, SiO₂ nanoparticles modified with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane were sprayed onto the whisker layer to form a superhydrophobic surface. The nanoparticles exhibit superhydrophobicity, which is protected by the whisker layer containing pores and bulges. This prohibits direct contact between the nanoparticles and external objects. Contact and rolling angle tests indicated that the surface contact angle of the micro–nano hierarchical structure is 158° and the rolling angle is less than 10°. The stability of the superhydrophobic surface was tested through ultraviolet light, long-time immersion in solutions with various pH values, water scouring, and sandpaper abrasion. The results showed that the contact angle is greater than 150°. This study is expected to provide a simple and effective method for fabricating superhydrophobic surfaces on ceramics on a large scale.     

Synthesis of Silica Nanofluid and Application to CO2 Absorption

Abstract

This study focused on the synthesis of stable nanofluids and their direct application to the CO₂ absorption process. A sol-gel process was used as the synthesis method of nanoparticles in nanofluid. The particle size and stability were determined by SEM image and zeta potential of the nanofluid. Three types of nanofluids containing approximately 30 nm, 70 nm, and 120 nm particles were synthesized and all nanofluids had a stable zeta potential of approximately ? 45 mV. Addition of nanoparticles increased the average absorption rate of 76% during the first 1 minute and total absorption amount of 24% in water. The capacity coefficient of CO₂ absorption in the nanofluid is 4 times higher than water without nanoparticles, because the small bubble sizes in the nanofluid have large mass transfer areas and high solubility.     

Zinc modified cadmium titanite nanoparticles: Electrical and room temperature methanol sensing properties

In this work Zn_xCd_1?xTiO₃ (x=0.25, 0.5, 0.75) nanoparticles were synthesized using solid state reaction method. Detailed investigation of electrical properties and room temperature methanol sensing characteristics of synthesized nanoparticles was carried out. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microcopy (SEM) were used to determine the crystal structure and morphology of the prepared material. The transition from positive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) to negative temperature coefficient of resistivity (NTCR) was observed in Zn_0.75Cd_0.25TiO₃, Zn_0.50Cd_0.50TiO₃ and Zn_0.25Cd_0.75TiO₃ nanoparticles at 268 K, 248 K and 278 K respectively. Prototype sensors of prepared Zn_xCd_1?xTiO₃ (x=0.25, 0.5, 0.75) nanoparticles were tested at 10 ppm, 20 ppm, 30 ppm and 40 ppm of methanol at room temperature. The Zn_0.75Cd_0.25TiO₃ and Zn_0.25Cd_0.75TiO₃ nanoparticles sensors exhibited fast response and recovery times and a linear response with increase in methanol concentration. The Zn_0.5Cd_0.5TiO₃ nanoparticles sensors exhibited nonlinear response and slow response and recovery times. Response of sensors based on all compositions was stable over period of 30 days.     

Chitosan- and dehydroascorbic acid-coated Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanoparticles: preparation,characterization and their potential as draw solute in forward osmosis process

Forward osmosis (FO) is a natural osmosis process that has attracted a significant attention due to its many advantages. However, the development of FO process depends on the development of proper draw solutions. In this work, chitosan (CS)-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA)-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by co-precipitation method and their performance as draw solutes was investigated for application in FO systems. CS and DHAA could improve the surface hydrophilicity of the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) which the results presented a small size, crystalline morphology and high magnetization value for their structure as well as a good dispersion in water. Cellulose triacetate/cellulose acetate (CTA/CA)-based membranes were also prepared by immersion precipitation and used as FO membranes. The synthesized FO membranes were characterized by FESEM. The performance evaluation of synthesized nanoparticles revealed that the water flux of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles capped with DHAA was higher than that of the chitosan-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. At the end of the process, the Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were easily separated from the diluted draw solution by applying the magnetic field.     

Acid Functionalized Multiwall Carbon Nanotube/Magnetite (MWCNT)-COOH/Fe3O4 Hybrid: Synthesis, Characterization and Conductivity Evaluation

A functionalized multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–COOH/Fe₃O₄ hybrid was fabricated by co-precipitation method. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were stably attached to the surface of carboxyl groups (COOH). The presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and their surface conjugation to MWCNT have been confirmed by XRD, TEM and FT-IR techniques. Magnetic evaluation revealed a superparamagnetic character of the hybrid and therefore the attached Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The crystallite size (9 ± 3 nm), particle size (9 ± 2 nm) and magnetic domain size estimated for Fe₃O₄ are consistent with each other, which reveal the single crystalline character of the nanoparticles. Electrical conductivity and dielectric behavior have also been characterized by utilizing impedance spectroscopy up to 3 MHz for an isotherm line varying from 293 to 393 K by 10 K steps. Electrical characteristics and its complex dielectric approaches might be elucidated with the existence of a conventional tunneling conduction mechanism of temperature-independency. The AC conductivity of MWCNT–COOH/Fe₃O₄ hybrid could also be a consequence of the estimations of the universal dynamic response.     

Palladium‐catalyzed electroless plating of gold on latex particle surfaces

Gold can be deposited onto a latex particle surface via the growth of metal islands with the electroless plating method. A new method is proposed for the electroless plating of gold on the surface of poly(styrene‐co‐vinylimidazole) latex particles, which is catalyzed by palladium present on the latex particle surfaces. The palladium ions are anchored to the latex particle surfaces by the formation of a palladium–imidazole complex, and palladium nanoparticles are nucleated by a reductant. These palladium islands act as catalytic sites, so gold is preferentially deposited onto the latex particle surfaces. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and sucrose density gradient column results indicate that the palladium is associated with the imidazole‐functionalized latex particles. Different gold loading levels and reductant types were explored. Latex particles were partially encapsulated by finely dispersed gold nanoparticles less than 2 nm in diameter or by gold islands with sizes ranging from 10 to 100 nm up to a gold loading level of 3.1 mg of Au/m² of latex. However, using higher gold loading levels led to uncontrollable electroless plating of gold because gold reduction in the water phase became very dominant even in the presence of catalytic palladium on the latex particle surface. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

ULTRASOUND-ASSISTED N-ALKYLATION OF PHTHALIMIDE UNDER PHASE-TRANSFER CATALYSIS CONDITIONS AND ITS KINETICS

In this work, N-butylation of potassium phthalimide was carried out under ultrasonic-assisted phase-transfer catalysis condition using n-bromobutane as an alkylating agent. The mechanism of the solid-liquid reaction of alkyl halide and potassium salt of phthalimide in an organic solvent was verified in this work. The kinetics of the reaction depends on the amount of catalyst, agitation speed, type of quaternary ammonium salts, volume of water, type of organic solvent, volume of organic solvents, temperature, and the frequency of the ultrasound. Five different onium salts were examined for the reaction and tetrahexylammonium bromide showed maximum catalytical activity. An improvement of the reaction outcome (yield and reaction time) was achieved through the immersion of the reactor into an ultrasound bath. The rate of the reaction is two times faster under ultrasonic condition (k_app = 10.7 × 10^?3 min^?1) than silent condition (k_app = 5.5 × 10^?3 min^?1) and is five times faster when the reaction is carried out in acetonitrile medium than in cyclohexane medium. The reaction is very fast under anhydrous condition. Based on the experimental data, a rational mechanism for the reaction is proposed.