Preparation and Properties of α-Cellulose Short Fiber-Reinforced Poly(lactic Acid) Composites

The objective of this study is to fabricate the PLA/α-cellulose composites and to investigate the effect of α-cellulose short fibers on the toughness improvement of PLA. To homogeneously disperse the polar α-cellulose in the non-polar PLA matrix, the as-received α-cellulose was subjected to surface modification using stearic acid to impart the hydrophobic characteristics to the short fibers. The α-cellulose fibers dispersed more homogeneously in PLA through this modification, and consequently, the fiber pull-out and longer micro-crack length could improve the toughness and damping property of the resulting PLA composites. The inclusion of α-cellulose short fibers considerably decreased the spherulite dimension of the PLA/α-cellulose composites to accommodate larger deformation through grain boundary sliding. The PLA/α-cellulose composite improved its toughness by three times that of the neat PLA with low α-cellulose content (～4 wt.%), and maintained its transparency.     

Effect of γ-Irradiation on the Dielectric Properties of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Doped with Some Luminescent Materials

A systematic dielectric study over the frequency range from 0.1 to 10 MHz has been carried out on pure and doped poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) as an acceptor and rhodamine-6G (Rh-6G) and rhodamine-B (Rh-B) as donors before and after being exposed to γ-irradiation. The results indicate that the addition of TCNQ to PMMA increases its ability to withstand γ-irradiation and improves its insulation properties.     

Composites of Poly(Keto-Sulfide)–Epoxy Resin Systems and Their Thermal and Mechanical Properties

A novel matrix resin system, poly(keto-sulfide)–epoxy resin, has been developed. The poly(keto-sulfide)s (PKS), based on various ketones, formaldehyde, and sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaSH), were prepared by the reported process. These (PKS) having terminal thiol (–SH) groups were used for curing commercial epoxy resin (i.e., diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A – DGEBA), to fabricate crosslinked epoxy-poly(keto-sulfide) resin glass fiber-reinforced composites (GRC). Various epoxy/hardener (PKS) mixing ratios were used, and the curing of epoxy-PKS has been monitored using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in dynamic mode. Based on DSC parameters the GRC of epoxy-PKS were prepared and characterized by thermal and mechanical methods. The variation in resin/hardener ratio led to variations in thermal and mechanical properties.     

Novel Proton-Conducting Polymer Electrolytes Based on Poly(Vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene)–Ammonium Thiocyanate

The polymer electrolytes composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) with various concentration of ammonium thiocyanate salt have been prepared by solution casting technique. The complex formation between polymer and dissociated salt has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The highest conductivity has been found to be 6.5?×?10^?3?S?cm^?1 at 343?K for 25?wt% ammonium thiocyanate. The temperature-dependent conductivity of polymer electrolyte follows Arrhenius hopping relation. Thermogravimetric analysis has been used to ascertain the thermal stability of the polymer electrolytes. Atomic force microscopy analysis predicts the roughness parameter of the sample with higher conductivity.     

Lipase Catalyzed Synthesis and Thermal Properties of Poly(dimethylsiloxane)–Poly(ethylene glycol) Amphiphilic Block Copolymers

Resin immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) was used to catalyze the condensation polymerization of two difuctional siloxane and poly(ethylene glycol) systems. In the first system, 1,3-bis(3-carboxypropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane was reacted with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG having a number-average molecular weight, M_n = 400, 1000 and 3400 g mol⁻¹, respectively). In the second system, α,ω-(dihydroxy alkyl) terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (HAT-PDMS, M_n = 2500 g mol⁻¹) was reacted with α,ω-(diacid) terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, M_n = 600 g mol⁻¹). All the reactions were carried out in the bulk (without use of solvent) at 80 °C and under reduced pressure (500 mmHg vacuum gauge). The progress of the polyesterification reactions was monitored by analyzing the samples collected at various time intervals using FTIR and GPC. The thermal properties of the copolymers were characterized by DSC and TGA. In particular, the effect of the chain length of the PEG block on the molar mass build up and on the thermal stability of the copolymers was also studied. The thermal stability of the enzymatically synthesized copolymers was found to increase with increased dimethylsiloxane content in the copolymers.     

Thermosensitive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylonitrile) Hydrogels with Rapid Response

Acrylonitrile （AN） was copolymerized with N-isopropylacrylamide （NIPA） to synthesize thermosensitive hydrogels, and the on-off switch behavior of poly（NIPA-co-AN） hydrogels with different fraction of hydrophobic component （AN） was investigated. It is found that the lower critical solution temperature （LCST）, the swelling ratio at certain temperature and the reswelling rate of poly（NIPA-co-AN） hydrogels decreased as AN unit fraction in copolymers increased. In order to improve the responsive rate of poly（NIPA-co-AN） hydrogels, they were further treated by surface crosslinking using N, N′-methylene bisacrylamide （BIS） as a crosslinking agent. The swelling and deswelling behaviors of these copolymers were compared with those of the untreated hydrogels. The results indicated that the responsive rate of poly（NIPA-co-AN） hydrogel was improved by surface crosslinking. The resulting hydrogels bearing cyano groups with fast response have potential applications in the field of drug-controlled release and immobilization of biomolecules.     

Effects of Poly(ϵ-caprolactone) on Structure and Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(ϵ-caprolactone) Meltblown Nonwoven

To obtain flexile poly(lactic acid)-based melt-blown nonwoven filtration material, poly(lactic acid)/poly(?-caprolactone) melt-blown nonwoven with various components were melt-spun by melt-blown processing in the Melt-blown Experiment Line. The 3 wt.% tributyl citrate to poly(?-caprolactone) was added in the composites as compatibilizer. The effect of poly(?-caprolactone) on the structure, morphology, mechanical and filtration properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(?-caprolactone) melt-blown nonwoven was reported. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed good dispersion of the additive in the fiber webs. The crystallinity of melt-blown webs with poly(?-caprolactone) was more than that of poly(lactic acid) alone. The tensile strength, ductility and air permeability of poly(lactic acid) melt-blown nonwovens were enhanced significantly. The input of poly(?-caprolactone) increased the diameter of fibers and decreased the filtration efficiency of poly(lactic acid)/poly(?-caprolactone) melt-blown nonwoven.     

Morphology and Properties of Poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)/Poly(L-lactic acid) Blend Membrane

A series of poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PBLG-block-PEG)/poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) blend membranes were prepared by casting the polymer blend solution in chloroform. Surface morphologies of the PBLG-block-PEG/PLLA blend membranes were investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of PBLG-block-PEG/PLLA blend membranes were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile tests, and contact angle testing. It was found that the introduction of PLLA could exert outstanding effects on the morphology and the properties of polypeptide copolymer membrane.     

Fabrication and In Vitro Bioactivity of Poly (ϵ-caprolactone) Composites Filled with Silane-Modified Nano-Apatite Particles

Silane coupling agents were firstly employed to modify the surfaces of nano-apatite (n-HA) particles, and then thin films of the silanized n-HA/PCL composites were successfully developed by incorporating solvent dispersion and thermal co-blending with hot-pressing methods. In vitro studies were conducted using the 2-time simulated body fluid (2SBF). Composite specimens were soaked in 2SBF from 3 to 14. Results showed that a layer of bone-like apatite was formed within 7 days on the surfaces of all composites, after its immersion in 2SBF, demonstrating moderate in vitro bioactivity of these composites.     

Surface Morphology and Properties of Poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)/Poly(butyl acrylate-co-methyl Methacrylate) Blend Film

Poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)/poly(butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PBLG/Poly(BA-co-MMA)) blend films were prepared by casting the polymer blend solution in dichloroethane. Surface morphology of the polymer blend film was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer blend film were studied using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and tensile tests. It was revealed that the introduction of Poly(BA-co-MMA) into PBLG could exert marked effects on the surface morphology and the properties of the PBLG film.     

Enhancement of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)–Poly(Vinyl Pyrrolidone) Blend Properties using Modified Copper (II) Oxide and Ultrasonic Irradiation

Copper (II) oxide nanoparticles supported within poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) films have been successfully prepared through ultrasonication method. It is discernible that before the preparation of blends, the surface of copper (II) oxide nanoparticles was modified with citric acid and vitamin C as biosafe capping agents. X-ray diffraction scans illustrated the semicrystalline nature of the obtained pure blend and exhibited a good combination between the blend and the modified copper (II) oxide nanoparticles. Also, thermal stability of blends was improved in comparison to the pure polymer blend with increasing modified copper (II) oxide nanoparticles.     

Adhesion at Poly(Butylacrylate)–Poly(Dimethylsiloxane) Interfaces

We present an investigation of the adhesion modulation mechanisms of silica-like nanoparticles (MQ resins) incorporated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers and acrylic adhesives. The Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) test has been used to gain information on the both zero velocity and the velocity dependence of the adhesive strength, avoiding as much as possible contributions to the adhesive strength of bulk dissipation in the adhesive (which is not the case with peel tests). As the incorporation of the MQ resins into the elastomers deeply affects their own mechanical properties, the loading and unloading curves of small poly(butylacrylate) (PBA) lenses on either PDMS elastomers, adsorbed PDMS and pure MQ resin layers are compared in a systematic manner. The PBA chains are observed to have a neat affinity for the MQ resin nanoparticles. When MQ resins are present at the interface, they tend to prevent facture propagation, thus producing a larger deformation of the PBA lens. The modulation of adhesion is then dominated by the corresponding dissipation inside the acrylic adhesive.     

Study on the Crystallization,Miscibility, Morphology,Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(ε-caprolactone) Blends

A series of blends of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with different mass ratio were prepared by means of the melt blending method to study their crystallization, miscibility, morphology, and thermal and mechanical properties. The result of DSC tests showed that the melting temperatures of PLA and PCL shifted toward each other, and that the largest shift appeared at the PLA₇₀PCL₃₀ blend. This result reveals that the PLA₇₀PCL₃₀ blend gives the strongest interaction intensity among the blends. Combined the result of dynamic mechanical analysis and SEM morphologies, it was found that PLA and PCL form a partial miscible blend, in which an amount of amorphous PCL (amorphous PLA) is dissolved in the PLA-rich phase (PCL-rich phase), leading to a depression of the T_g. value. The polarized optical micrographs showed that PCL can serve as a nucleating agent to promote PLA crystallization in the PLA/PCL blend. Moreover, the PLA₇₀PCL₃₀ blend gave the largest growth rate of PLA spherulite. Finally, the mechanical property of PLA/PCL blends indicated that PLA can easily be tuned from rigid to ductile by the addition of PCL.     

Morphology and Thermal Properties of Poly[bis(β-phenoxyethoxy)phosphazene]

The structure and thermal properties of poly[bis(-phenoxyethoxy)phosphazene)] (PBPEP) newly synthesized by us were investigated. The crystallization from the melt, the volumetric relaxation in the amorphous phase in the upper vicinity of the glass transition temperature (T _g) and the enthalpy of relaxation of the glass in the lower vicinity of the T _g were shown to be very slow. These slow rates may be related to the low chain mobility due to the bulky side chain. Two kinds of crystal forms, called and forms were found in the melt-crystallized sample. These forms were clearly seen as individual types of spherulites by optical microscopy. The melting temperature of these crystals were analyzed by the Hoffmann–Weeks plot. The so-called T(1) transition that had often been detected in many crystalline polyphosphazenes as the transition from the crystal phase to the mesophase was not observed by x-ray diffraction at elevated temperatures.     

Preparation of Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Nanocomposite Films Reinforced with Poly(Amide–Imide)/CuO Having N-trimellitylimido-L-valine Linkages for the Improvement of Mechanical and Thermal Properties

In this investigation, nanocomposite films were fabricated by dispersion of poly(amide–imide)/CuO nanocomposites as nanofiller in the poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix via an ultrasonic process. The nanofiller was prepared and mixed with PVA matrix. After dispersion of nanofiller into the poly(vinyl alcohol), the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were improved. For example, the addition of 6 wt% nanofiller into the poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix enhanced the tensile modulus by 39%. The residual weight at 800°C was 7% for pure poly(vinyl alcohol) while the nanocomposites illustrated 12–19% residue at this temperature.     

Properties of Colloidal Silica‐Fixed and Propionylated Wood Composites (I): Preparation and Dimensional Stability of the Composites

Abstract

Colloidal silica‐fixed and propionylated dual‐treated wood (CSPW) composites were prepared and their dimensional stability evaluated. The results indicated that: (1) colloidal silica only–treated wood composites had minimal dimensional stability improvement, and they could be propionylated similarly to untreated wood specimens and (2) CSPW composites had a high antiswelling efficiency (ASE) during liquid water or moisture vapor absorption relative to propionylated only–treated wood, and a lower moisture excluding efficiency (MEE) during the moisture vapor absorption than propionylated wood.     

Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Vitamin C Structures: Characterization and Fabrication of Thiazole Containing Poly(amide–imide)-based Composites

The functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) was carried out. Then, functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes were dispersed throughout a poly(amide–imide) matrix by ex situ technique with 5, 10, and 15% loading by weight. The composite hybrid films were prepared by a solvent casting method. It was found that the functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes could improve their dispersion and interfacial adhesion to the poly(amide–imide) matrix as proved by field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The modulus, tensile strength, and the thermal stability of the composites were improved in spite of excellent multi-walled carbon nanotube dispersion in the matrix.     

Polaron Hopping in Nano-scale Poly(dA)–Poly(dT) DNA

We investigate the current–voltage relationship and the temperature-dependent conductance of nano-scale samples of poly(dA)–poly(dT) DNA molecules. A polaron hopping model has been used to calculate the I–V characteristic of nano-scale samples of DNA. This model agrees with the data for current versus voltage at temperatures greater than 100 K. The quantities G ₀ , i ₀ , and T _1d are determined empirically, and the conductivity is estimated for samples of poly(dA)–poly(dT).     

Interfacial Interaction Analysis of Blends of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Poly(ethylene–butylacrylate–glycidyl methacrylate) Compatibilized by Poly(butylene succinate): Morphologies,Rheological Behavior,and Mechanical Properties

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(ethylene–butylacrylate–glycidyl methacrylate) (PTW) are polymers with weak interfacial adhesion. Blends based on PVDF and PTW (50/50?w/w) with poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) (0, 1, 3, 5, 7?wt%) are obtained by compression molding. The estimation of interfacial interaction among PVDF, PTW, and PBS and the properties of PVDF/PTW blends are investigated. The optimal content of PBS to form a co-continuous morphology in PVDF/PTW blends is proposed, indicating that the beneficial effect of PBS (7?wt%) on interfacial adhesion is observed. Overall, estimating interfacial adhesion is a critical issue for designing PVDF/PTW blend with excellent performance, which has a prospect in coating.