Nonionic water‐soluble polymer: Preparation,characterization, and application of poly(1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐co‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate) as a polychelatogen

The free‐radical copolymerization of water‐soluble poly(1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐co‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate) was carried out with a feed monomer ratio of 75:25 mol %, and the total monomer concentration was 2.67M. The synthesis of the copolymer was carried out in dioxane at 70°C with benzoyl peroxide as the initiator. The copolymer composition was obtained with elemental analysis and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. The water‐soluble polymer was characterized with elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, ¹H‐ and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Additionally, viscosimetric measurements of the copolymer were performed. The thermal behavior of the copolymer and its complexes were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry techniques under a nitrogen atmosphere. The copolymer showed high thermal stability and a glass transition in the DSC curves. The separation of various metal ions by the water‐soluble poly(1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐co‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate) reagent in the aqueous phase with liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention was investigated. The method was based on the retention of inorganic ions by this polymer in a membrane filtration cell and subsequent separation of low‐molar‐mass species from the polymer/metal‐ion complex formed. Poly(1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐co‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate) could bind metal ions such as Cr(III), Co(II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Fe(III) in aqueous solutions at pHs 3, 5, and 7. The retention percentage for all the metal ions in the polymer was increased at pH 7, at which the maximum retention capacity could be observed. The interaction of inorganic ions with the hydrophilic polymer was determined as a function of the pH and filtration factor. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 178–185, 2006     

Application of conducting poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole) film to cholesterol biosensor

Cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) has been covalently immobilized onto poly(aniline‐co‐pyrrole), electrochemically deposited onto indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) glass plates, using glutaraldehyde as a crosslinker. These poly (An‐co‐Py)/ChOx films have been characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and photometric and amperometric techniques, respectively. The poly(An‐co‐Py)/ChOx bioelectrodes have been utilized for cholesterol estimation in the range of 1–10 mM. The ChOx activity in poly(An‐co‐Py)/ChOx bioelectrode has been found to be the highest at pH 7.0 at 25°C. The sensitivity and stability of poly(An‐co‐Py)/ChOx bioelectrode have been experimentally determined as 93.35 μA/mM and 10 weeks at 4°C, respectively. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Ultrasonochemical‐assisted fabrication and evaporation‐ induced self‐assembly (EISA) of POSS‐SiO2@Ag core/ABA triblock copolymer nanocomposite film

Poly(ethylene glycol)‐octafunctionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) (M_n = 5576.6 g/mol) alloying agent stabilized amphiphilic silica@silver metalloid nanocomposite blended with a triblock copolymer poly(p‐dioxanone‐co‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(p‐dioxanone‐co‐caprolactone) (POSS‐SiO₂@Ag/PPDO‐co‐PCL‐b‐PEG‐b‐PPDO‐co‐PCL) has been synthesized in both water and in organic medium utilizing ultrasonochemical reaction. The POSS stabilized pre‐made metalloid was successfully dispersed in amphiphilic PPDO‐co‐PCL‐b‐PEG‐b‐PPDO‐co‐PCL (ABA) triblock copolymer matrix of molecular weight 45.9 × 10⁴ g/mol. The mechanism of synthesis of high concentration of SiO₂@Ag nanocomposite from TEOS/AgNO₃ (in the presence of NH₄OH as catalyst/NaBH₄ as reductant) nonmetal/metal precursors and the successful EISA of POSS‐SiO₂@Ag/ABA nanocomposite into films has been discussed. The successful synthesis of metalloid nanocomposite was morphologically accessed by field emission‐scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Surface plasmon resonance was ensured from UV–visible spectral analysis. Identity and the crystallinity of as prepared nanocomposite were studied by X‐ray diffractometer. Structural and luminescence properties of the nanocomposite were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to study the thermal stability of the resulting hybrid nanocomposite. The resultant inorganic–organic nanocomposite can be easily suspended in water and would be useful in variety of applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1620–1627, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis,characterization, and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles on poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) polymer support

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) macroporous copolymer decorated with silver nanoparticles was prepared by a modification of poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) in the reaction with arginine, and consequent reduction of silver ions with amino groups. The mercury intrusion porosimetry, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, UV–vis reflection spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission measurements were used to characterize obtained composite. The coordination of silver nanoparticles to the poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) copolymer was studied using infrared spectroscopy. Time dependence and concentration dependence of the antimicrobial efficiency of composite were tested against Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli , Gram‐positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus , and fungus Candida albicans . The composite ensured maximum reduction of both bacteria, while the fungi reduction reached satisfactory 96.8%. Preliminary antimicrobial efficiency measurements using laboratory flow setup indicated potential applicability of composite for wastewater treatment. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1206–1214, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation,characterization, and metal ion retention capacity of Co(II) and Ni(II) from poly(p‐HO‐ and p‐Cl‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropylmethacrylate) using the ultra filtration technique

p‐Chlorophenylmaleimide and p‐hydroxyphenylmaleimide with 2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate were synthesized by radical polymerization, and the metal ion retention capacity and thermal behavior of the copolymers were evaluated. The copolymers were obtained by solution radical polymerization with a 0.50 : 0.50 feed monomer ratio. The maximum retention capacity (MRC) for the removal of two metal ions, Co(II) and Ni(II) in aqueous phase were determined using the liquid‐phase polymer based retention technique. Inorganic ion interactions with the hydrophilic polymer were determined as a function of pH. The metal ion retention capacity does not depend strongly on the pH. Metal ion retention increased with an increase of pH for a copolymer composition 0.50 : 0.50. At different pH, the MRC of the poly(p‐chlorophenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropylmethacrylate) for Co(II) and Ni(II) ions varied from 44.1 to 48.6 mg/g and from 41.5 mg/g to 46.0 mg/g, respectively; while the MRC of poly(p‐hydroxyphenylmaleimide‐co‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate) for Co(II) and Ni(II) ions varied from 28.4 to 35.6 mg/g and from 27.2 to 30.8 mg/g, respectively. The copolymers and copolymer–metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and thermal behavior. The thermal behavior of the copolymer and polymer–metal complexes were studied using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry techniques under nitrogen atmosphere. The thermal decomposition temperature and T_g were influenced by the binding‐metal ion on the copolymer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Synthesis and characterization of conducting copolymer of Trans‐1‐(4‐methyl‐3′‐thienyl)‐2‐(ferrocenyl)ethene with EDOT

Ferrocene‐substituted conducting polymer namely poly(trans‐1‐(4‐methyl‐3′‐thienyl)‐2‐(ferrocenyl)ethene‐co‐3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) [P(MTFE‐co‐EDOT)] was synthesized and its electrochromic properties were studied. Monomer, MTFE, was obtained using 2‐(ferrocenyl)ethene and 3‐methyl‐4‐bromothiophene. The structure of monomer was determined via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ¹H‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR techniques. The copolymer was synthesized using this monomer and EDOT. The resulting copolymer P(MTFE‐co‐EDOT) was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The conductivity measurements of copolymer and PEDOT were accomplished by the four‐probe technique. Although poly(trans‐1‐(4‐methyl‐3′‐thienyl)‐2‐(ferrocenyl)ethene) [P(MTFE)] reveals no electrochromic activity, its copolymer with EDOT has two different colors (violet and gray). Band gap (E_g) and λ_max of P(MTFE‐co‐EDOT) were determined. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Preparation and characterization of polystyrene/titanium dioxide composite particles containing organic ultraviolet‐stabilizer groups

Polystyrene/titanium dioxide (TiO₂) composite particles containing organic ultraviolet (UV)‐stabilizer groups were prepared by the emulsion copolymerization of styrene and 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methacryloxy‐2‐hydroxylpropoxy)benzophenone with sodium sulfopropyl lauryl maleate as a surfactant in the presence of rutile TiO₂ modified with 3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate, and the product was poly[styrene‐co‐sodium sulfopropyl lauryl maleate‐co‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐(3‐methacryloxy‐2‐hydroxylpropoxy) benzophenone] [poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA)]/TiO₂ composite particles. The structures of the composite particles were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. The Fourier transform infrared and UV–vis measurements showed that poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA) was grafted from the surface of TiO₂, and this copolymer possessed a high absorbance capacity for UV light, which is very important for improving the UV resistance of polystyrene. The thermogravimetric analysis measurements indicated that the percentage of grafting and the grafting efficiency could reach 513.9 and 59.9%, respectively. The differential scanning calorimetry measurement indicated that the glass‐transition temperature of the poly(St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA)/TiO₂ composite particles was higher than that of poly (St‐co‐M12‐co‐BPMA).These research results are very important for preparing polystyrene with high UV resistance. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Water‐soluble copolymers of 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone and acrylamide derivatives: synthesis,characterization, and metal binding capability studied by liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention technique

Radical copolymerizations of 1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone with acrylamide and N,N′‐dimethylacrylamide at different feed ratios were investigated. The copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The copolymer composition was determined from the ¹H NMR spectra and found to be statistical. The metal complexation of poly(acrylamide‐co‐1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) and poly(N,N′‐dimethylacrylamide‐co‐1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) for the metal ions Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), Fe(III), and Cr(III) were investigated in an aqueous phase. The liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention method is based on the retention of inorganic ions by soluble polymers in a membrane filtration cell and subsequent separation of low‐molecular compounds from the polymer complex formed. The metal ion interaction with the hydrophilic polymers was determined as a function of the pH and the filtration factor. Poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide‐co‐1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) showed a higher affinity for the metal ions than poly(acrylamide‐co‐1‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone). According to the interaction pattern obtained, Cr(III) and Cu(II) formed the most stable complexes at pH 7. Pb(II) and Zn(II) were not retained. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 741–750, 1999     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(thiophen‐3‐yl acetic acid 4‐pyrrol‐1‐yl phenyl ester‐co‐N‐methylpyrrole) and its application in an electrochromic device

Copolymer of thiophen‐3‐yl acetic acid 4‐pyrrol‐1‐yl phenyl ester (TAPE) with N‐methylpyrrole (NMPy) was synthesized by potentiostatic electrochemical polymerization in acetonitrile–tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate solvent–electrolyte couple. The chemical structures were confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and UV–vis spectroscopy. Electrochromic and spectroelectrochemical properties of poly(TAPE‐co‐NMPy) [P(TAPE‐co‐NMPy)] were investigated. Results showed that the copolymer revealed color change between light yellow and green upon doping and dedoping of the copolymer, with a moderate switching time. Furthermore, as an application, dual‐type absorptive/transmissive polymer electrochromic device (ECD) based on poly(TAPE‐co‐NMPy) and poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT) have been assembled, where spectroelectrochemistry, switching ability, stability, and optical memory of the ECD were investigated. Results showed that the device exhibited good optical memory and stability with moderate switching time. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1988–1994, 2006     

Preparation and drug‐release behavior of minocycline‐loaded poly[hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol)–methacrylate] films

In this work, biocompatible hydrogel matrices for wound‐dressing materials and controlled drug‐release systems were prepared from poly[hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol)–methacrylate] [p(HEMA‐co‐PEG–MA] films via UV‐initiated photopolymerization. The characterization of the hydrogels was conducted with swelling experiments, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (differential scanning calorimetry), and contact‐angle studies. The water absorbency of the hydrogel films significantly changed with the change of the medium pH from 4.0 to 7.4. The thermal stability of the copolymer was lowered by an increase in the ratio of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to methacrylate (MA) in the film structure. Contact‐angle measurements on the surface of the p(HEMA‐co‐PEG–MA) films demonstrated that the copolymer gave rise to a significant hydrophilic surface in comparison with the homopolymer of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The blood protein adsorption was significantly reduced on the surface of the copolymer hydrogels in comparison with the control homopolymer of HEMA. Model antibiotic (i.e., minocycline) release experiments were performed in physiological buffer saline solutions with a continuous flow release system. The amount of minocycline release was shown to be dependent on the HEMA/PEG–MA ratio. The hydrogels have good antifouling properties and therefore are suitable candidates for wound dressing and other tissue engineering applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Complexation of poly(dimethylsiloxane)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) latex with poly(dimethylsiloxane)/poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐butyl acrylate) latex

Two latices—the poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)/poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate‐co‐methacrylic acid) system (PA latex) and the PDMS/poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐butyl acrylate) system (PB latex)—were prepared by seeded emulsion polymerization, and PA/PB complex latices were obtained through the interparticle complexation of the PA latex with the PB latex. In addition, for the further study of the interparticle complexation of the PA latex with the PB latex, copolymer latices [PDMS/methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate‐co‐vinyl acetate‐co‐methacrylic acid) (PC)] were prepared according to the monomer recipe of the complex latices and the polymerization process of the component latices. The properties of the obtained polymer latices and complex latices were investigated with surface‐tension, contact‐angle, and viscosity measurements. The mechanical properties of the coatings obtained from the latices were investigated with tensile‐strength measurements. The results showed that, in comparison with the two component latices (PA latex and PB latex) and the corresponding copolymer latices (PC latices), the PA/PB complex latices had lower surface tension, lower viscosities, and better wettability to different substrates. The tensile strengths of the coatings obtained from the complex latices were higher than the tensile strengths of the coatings from the two component latices and copolymer latices. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2522–2527, 2004     

Electrochemical preparation of poly(2‐bromoaniline) and poly(aniline‐co‐2‐bromoaniline) in acetonitrile

Electrochemical preparation of poly(2‐bromoaniline) (PBrANI) and poly(aniline‐co‐2‐bromoaniline) [P(An‐co‐2‐BrAn)] was carried out in an acetonitrile solution containing tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) and perchloric acid (HClO₄). The cyclic voltammograms during the copolymerization had many features similar to those for the usual polymerization of aniline. The copolymer exhibits a higher dry electrical conductivity value than that of PBrANI and a lower one than that of PANI. The observed decrease in the conductivity of the copolymer relative to PANI is attributed to the incorporation of bromine moieties into the polyaniline chain. The structure and properties of the polymer and copolymer were elucidated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), FTIR, and UV‐vis spectroscopy. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 2460–2468, 2003     

Synthesis of poly(aniline‐co‐o‐toluidine) coatings and their corrosion‐protection performance on low‐carbon steel

Strongly adherent poly(aniline‐co‐o‐toluidine) coatings were synthesized on low‐carbon‐steel substrates by the electrochemical copolymerization of aniline with o‐toluidine with sodium tartrate as the supporting electrolyte. These coatings were characterized with cyclic voltammetry, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The formation of the copolymer with the mixture of monomers in the aqueous sodium tartrate solution was ascertained by a critical comparison of the results obtained from the polymerizations of the individual monomers, aniline and o‐toluidine. The optical absorption spectrum of the copolymer was drastically different from the spectra of the respective homopolymers, polyaniline and poly(o‐toluidine). The extent of the corrosion protection offered by poly(aniline‐co‐o‐toluidine) coatings to low‐carbon steel was investigated in aqueous 3% NaCl solutions by open‐circuit‐potential measurements and a potentiodynamic polarization technique. The results of the potentiodynamic polarization measurements showed that the poly(aniline‐co‐o‐toluidine) coatings provided more effective corrosion protection to low‐carbon steel than the respective homopolymers. The corrosion rate depended on the feed ratio of o‐toluidine used for the synthesis of the copolymer coatings. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:1868–1878, 2007     

Synthesis,characterization, and metal complexation of poly(N‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐acrylic acid) and poly(N‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐acrylamide) as polychelatogens in aqueous solution

We carried out the free‐radical copolymerization of N‐phenylmaleimide with acrylic acid and acrylamide with an equimolar feed monomer ratio. We carried out the synthesis of the copolymers in dioxane at 70°C with benzoyl peroxide as the initiator and a total monomer concentration of 2.5M. The copolymer compositions were obtained by elemental analysis and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. The hydrophilic polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Additionally, viscosimetric measurements of the copolymers were performed. Hydrophilic poly(N‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐acrylic acid) and poly(N‐phenylmaleimide‐co‐acrylamide) were used for the separation of a series of metal ions in the aqueous phase with the liquid‐phase polymer‐based retention method in the heterogeneous phase. The method is based on the retention of inorganic ions by the polymer in conjunction with membrane filtration and subsequent separation of low‐molecular‐mass species from the formed polymer/metal‐ion complex. The polymer could bind several metal ions, such as Cr(III), Co (II), Zn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), and Fe(III) inorganic ions, in aqueous solution at pH values of 3, 5, and 7. The interaction of the inorganic ions with the hydrophilic polymer was determined as a function of pH and a filtration factor. Hydrophilic polymeric reagents with strong metal‐complexing properties were synthesized and used to separate those complexed from noncomplexed ions in the heterogeneous phase. The polymers exhibited a high retention capability at pH values of 5 and 7. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006     

Synthesis and characterization of a copolymer: Poly(aniline‐co‐fluoroaniline)

In the present article, we report the chemical synthesis and characterization of poly(aniline‐co‐fluoroaniline) [poly(An‐FAn)]. The copolymerization of aniline and 2‐fluoroaniline was carried out by chemical method in acidic medium. The characterization of poly(aniline‐co‐fluoroaniline) was done using FTIR, UV‐visible spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron micrography (SEM), and a four‐points‐probe conductivity method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM characterization reveal crystalline nature of doped copolymer compared to undoped copolymer. The observed decrease in the conductivity of the copolymer relative to polyaniline is attributed to the incorporation of the fluoro moieties into the polyaniline chain. The chemically synthesized copolymer shows good solubility in common organic solvents, and is, therefore, technological useful. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1460–1466, 2001     

Electrochemical synthesis of poly(2‐iodoaniline) and poly(aniline‐co‐2‐iodoaniline) in acetonitrile

Poly(2‐iodoaniline) (PIANI) and poly(aniline‐co‐2‐iodoaniline) [P(An‐co‐2‐IAn)] were synthesized by electrochemical methods in acetonitrile solution containing tetrabutylammonium perchlorate (TBAP) and perchloric acid (HClO₄). The voltametry of the copolymer shows characteristics similar to those of conventional polyaniline (PANI), and it exhibits higher dry electrical conductivity than PIANI and lower than PANI. The observed decrease in the conductivity of the copolymer relative to PANI is attributed to the incorporation of the iodine moieties into the PANI chain. The structure and properties of these conducting films were characterized by FTIR and UV‐Vis spectroscopy and by an electrochemical method (cyclic voltametry). Conductivity values, FTIR and UV‐Vis spectra of the PIANI and copolymer were compared with those of PANI and the relative solubility of the PIANI and the copolymer powders was determined in various organic solvents. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 1652–1658, 2003     

Bio‐Based Hybrid Magnetic Latex Particles Containing Encapsulated γ ‐Fe2O3 by Miniemulsion Copolymerization of Soybean Oil‐Acrylated Methyl Ester and Styrene

This work reports the use of acrylated fatty acid methyl ester (AFAME) as a biomonomer for the synthesis of bio‐based hybrid magnetic particles poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME)/γ‐Fe₂O₃ produced by miniemulsion polymerization. Poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME)/γ‐Fe₂O₃ can be tailored for use in various fields by varying the content of AFAME. The strategy employed is to encapsulate superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as γ‐Fe₂O₃ into a styrene/AFAME‐based copolymer matrix. Raman spectroscopy is employed to ensure the formation of the SPIONs (γ‐Fe₂O₃) obtained by a co‐precipitation technique followed by oxidation of Fe₃O₄. The functionalization of SPIONs with oleic acid (OA) is carried out to increase the SPIONs–monomer affinity. The presence of OA on the surface of γ‐Fe₂O₃ is certified by identification of main absorption bands by fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal analysis (differential thermogravimetry/differential thermo analysis and differential scanning calorimetry) results of poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME)/γ‐Fe₂O₃ show an increase in AFAME content leading to a lower copolymer glass transition temperature (T _g). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements result in poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME)/γ‐Fe₂O₃ particles with diameter in the range of 100–150 nm. It is also observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cryo‐TEM techniques that γ‐Fe₂O₃ particles are successfully encapsulated into the poly(styrene‐co‐AFAME) matrix.     

Preparation and characterization of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone‐co‐p‐dioxanone)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(ϵ‐caprolactone‐co‐p‐dioxanone)/bioactive inorganic particle nanocomposites

With an aim to develop injectable hydrogel with improved solution stability and enhanced bone repair function, thermogelling poly(ε‐caprolactone‐co‐p‐dioxanone)‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(ε‐caprolactone–co‐p‐dioxanone) (PECP)/bioactive inorganic particle nanocomposites were successfully prepared by blending the triblock copolymer (PECP) with nano‐hydroxyapatite (n‐HA) or nano‐calcium carbonate (n‐CaCO₃). The hydrogel nanocomposites underwent clear sol–gel transitions with increasing temperature from 0 to 50°C. The obtained hydrogel nanocomposites were investigated by ¹H NMR, FT‐IR, TEM, and DSC. It was found that the incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles into PECP matrix would lead to the critical gelation temperature (CGT) shifting to lower values compared with the pure PECP hydrogel. The CGT of the hydrogel nanocomposites could be effectively controlled by adjusting PECP concentration or the content of inorganic nanoparticles. The SEM results showed that the interconnected porous structures of hydrogel nanocomposites were potentially useful as injectable scaffolds. In addition, due to the relatively low crystallinity of PECP triblock copolymer, the aqueous solutions of the nanocomposites could be stored at low temperature (5°C) without crystallization for several days, which would facilitate the practical applications. The PECP/bioactive inorganic particle hydrogel nanocomposites are expected to be promising injectable tissue engineering materials for bone repair applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Polarographic determination of the competitive adsorption of U(VI), Pb(II), and Cd(II) ions on poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐g‐citric acid) hydrogels

Poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone‐g‐citric acid) [P(VP‐g‐CA)] hydrogels were prepared for the removal of U(VI), Pb(II), and Cd(II) from aqueous solutions containing different amounts of these ions (2.5–10 mg/L). Different pHs (1–13), temperatures (20–40°C), and ionic strengths (0.5M) were also tried for the adsorption behavior of these ions. The competitive adsorption values of U(VI), Pb(II), and Cd(II) ions on pure poly(N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) were low [0.71–2.03 mg of U(VI)/g of dry gel, 0.15–1.58 mg of Pb(II)/g of dry gel, and 0.10–0.68 mg of Cd(II)/g of dry gel]. The incorporation of citric acid significantly increased the adsorption of these ions [0.67–2.12 mg of U(VI)/g of dry gel, 0.44–1.88 mg of Pb(II)/g of dry gel, and 0.04–0.92 mg of Cd(II)/g of dry gel for P(VP‐g‐CA)‐1; 0.71–2.36 mg of U(VI)/g of dry gel, 0.60–2.16 mg of Pb(II)/g of dry gel, and 0.14–0.80 mg of Cd(II)/g of dry gel for P(VP‐g‐CA)‐2; and 0.79–2.47 mg of U(VI)/g of dry gel, 0.70–2.30 mg of Pb(II)/g of dry gel, and 0.20–0.86 mg of Cd(II)/g of dry gel for P(VP‐g‐CA)‐3]. The observed affinity order of adsorption was U(VI) > Pb(II) > Cd(II) for competitive conditions. The optimal pH range for the removal of these ions was 5–9. Competitive adsorption studies showed that other stimuli, such as the temperature and ionic strength of the solution, also influenced the U(VI), Pb(II), and Cd(II) adsorption capacity of P(VP‐g‐CA) hydrogels. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2019–2024, 2003     

Preparation and characterization of PS‐PMMA/ZnO nanocomposite films with novel properties of high transparency and UV‐shielding capacity

High transparent and UV‐shielding poly (styrene)‐co‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS‐PMMA)/zinc oxide (ZnO) optical nanocomposite films were prepared by solution mixing using methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) as a cosolvent. The films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR‐TEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). Cross‐section HR‐TEM and AFM images showed that the ZnO nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix at the nanoscale level. The XRD and FTIR studies indicate that there is no chemical bond or interaction between PS‐PMMA and ZnO nanoparticles in the nanocomposite films. The UV–vis spectra in the wavelength range of 200–800 nm showed that nanocomposite films with ZnO particle contents from 1 to 20 wt % had strong absorption in UV spectrum region and the same transparency as pure PMMA‐PS film in the visible region. The optical properties of polymer are greatly improved by the incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010