Preparation,characterization, and thermal properties of polystyrene‐block‐quaternized poly(4‐vinylpyridine)/Montmorillonite nanocomposites

Polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) was synthesized by two steps of reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization of styrene (St) and 4‐vinylpyridine (4VP) successively. After P4VP block was quaternized with CH₃I, PS‐b‐quaternized P4VP/montmorillonite (PS‐b‐QP4VP/MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by cationic exchange reactions of quaternary ammonium ion in the PS‐b‐QP4VP with ions in MMT. The results obtained from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images demonstrate that the block copolymer/MMT nanocomposites are of intercalated and exfoliated structures, and also a small amount of silicates' layers remained in the original structure; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results show that the nanocomposites displayed higher glass transition temperature (T_g) and higher thermal stability than that of the corresponding copolymers. The blending of PS‐b‐QP4VP/MMT with commercial PS makes MMT to be further separated, and the MMT was homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix. The enhancement of thermal stability of PS/PS‐b‐QP4VP/MMT is about 20°C in comparison with commercial PS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:1950–1958, 2006     

Phase behavior of binary and ternary blends of poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid), poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine), and poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide)

Poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid) (PSMA) and poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine) (PS4VP) of different compositions were prepared and characterized. The phase behavior of these copolymers as binary PSMA/PS4VP mixtures or with poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) as PPO/PSMA or PPO/PS4VP and PPO/PSMA/PS4VP ternary blends was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This study showed that PPO was miscible with PS4VP containing up to 15 mol % 4‐vinylpyridine (4VP) but immiscible with PS4VP‐30 (where the number following the hyphen refers to the percentage 4VP in the polymer) and PSMA‐20 (where the number following the hyphen refers to the percentage methacrylic acid in the polymer) over the entire composition range. To examine the morphology of the immiscible blends, scanning electron microscopy was used. Because of the hydrogen‐bonding specific interactions that occurred between the carboxylic groups of PSMA and the pyridine groups of PS4VP, chloroform solutions of PSMA‐20 and PS4VP‐15 formed interpolymer complexes. The obtained glass‐transition temperatures (T_g's) of the PSMA‐20/PS4VP‐15 complexes were found to be higher than those calculated from the additivity rule. Although, depending on the content of 4VP, the shape of the T_g of the PPO/PS4VP blends changed from concave to S‐shaped in the case of the miscible blends, two T_g were observed with each PPO/PS4VP‐30 and PPO/PS4VP‐40 blend. The thermal stability of the PSMA‐20/PS4VP‐15 interpolymer complexes was studied by thermogravimetry. On the basis of the obtained results, the phase behavior of the ternary PPO/PSMA‐20/PS4VP‐15 blends was investigated by DSC. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

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     

Synthesis and characterization of polystyrene/poly(4‐vinylpyridine) triblock copolymers by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and their self‐assembled aggregates in water

Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) was developed for the controlled preparation of polystyrene (PS)/poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) triblock copolymers. First, PS and P4VP homopolymers were prepared using dibenzyl trithiocarbonate as the chain transfer agent (CTA). Then, PS‐b‐P4VP‐b‐PS and P4VP‐b‐PS‐b‐P4VP triblock copolymers were synthesized using as macro‐CTA the obtained homopolymers PS and P4VP, respectively. The synthesized polymers had relatively narrower molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n < 1.25), and the polymerization was controlled/living. Furthermore, the polymerization rate appeared to be lower when styrene was polymerized using P4VP as the macro‐CTA, compared with polymerizing 4‐vinylpyridine using PS as the macro‐CTA. This was attributed to the different transfer constants of the P4VP and PS macro‐CTAs to the styrene and the 4‐vinylpyridine, respectively. The aggregates of the triblock copolymers with different compositions and chain architectures in water also were investigated, and the results are presented. Reducing the P4VP block length and keeping the PS block constant favored the formation of rod aggregates. Moreover, the chain architecture in which the P4VP block was in the middle of the copolymer chain was rather favorable to the rod assembly because of the entropic penalty associated with the looping of the middle‐block P4VP to form the aggregate corona and tailing of the end‐block PS into the core of the aggregates. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 1017–1025, 2003     

pH‐ and temperature‐sensitive microfiltration membranes from blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐graft‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)

The copolymer poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐graft‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PVDF‐g‐P4VP) was prepared through the graft copolymerization of poly(vinylidene fluoride) with 4‐vinylpyridine. Through the blending of the PVDF‐g‐P4VP copolymer with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) in an N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone solution, PVDF‐g‐P4VP/PNIPAm membranes were fabricated by phase inversion in aqueous media. Elemental analyses indicated that the blend concentration of PNIPAm in the blend membranes increased with an increase in the blend ratio used in the casting solution. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the membrane surface tended to corrugate at a low PNIPAm concentration and transformed into a smooth morphology at a high PNIPAm concentration. The surface morphology and pore size distribution of the microfiltration membranes could be regulated by the blend concentration of the casting solution, temperature, pH, and ionic strength of the coagulation bath. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed a significant enrichment of PNIPAm on the membrane surface. The flux of aqueous solutions through the blend membranes exhibited a pH‐ and temperature‐dependent behavior. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4089–4097, 2006     

The phase behavior and thermal stability of blends of poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid)/poly(styrene‐co‐ 4‐vinylpyridine)

The hydrogen bonding and miscibility behaviors of poly(styrene‐co‐methacrylic acid) (PSMA20) containing 20% of methacrylic acid with copolymers of poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine) (PS4VP) containing 5, 15, 30, 40, and 50%, respectively, of 4‐vinylpyridine were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). It was shown that all the blends have a single glass transition over the entire composition range. The obtained T_gs of PSMA20/PS4VP blends containing an excess amount of PS4VP, above 15% of 4VP in the copolymer, were found to be significantly higher than those observed for each individual component of the mixture, indicating that these blends are able to form interpolymer complexes. The FTIR study reveals presence of intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interaction between vinylpyridine nitrogen atom and the hydroxyl of MMA group and intensifies when the amount of 4VP is increased in PS4VP copolymers. A new band characterizing these interactions at 1724 cm⁻¹ was observed. In addition, the quantitative FTIR study carried out for PSMA20/PS4VP blends was also performed for the methacrylic acid and 4‐vinylpyridine functional groups. The TGA study confirmed that the thermal stability of these blends was clearly improved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Preparation and coordination with Hg(II) of sulfur‐ and 2‐amino‐pyridine‐containing chelating resin

A novel chelating resin anchoring 2‐amino‐pyridine on macroporous crosslinked polystyrene beads via a sulfur‐containing spacer (PVBS‐AP) has been synthesized and its structures were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, porous structure analysis, and elementary analysis. The results of scanning electron microscopy and pores analysis demonstrated that PVBS‐AP resin had meso‐macro porous structure. Its adsorption properties for Hg(II), Pd(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) were investigated. Some factors affecting the adsorption of PVBS‐AP resin for Hg(II), such as temperature, contact time, ion concentration, and pH were also studied. The results showed that the increasing of temperature was beneficial to adsorption and Langmuir model was much better than Freundlich model to describe the isothermal process. PVBS‐AP resin had good adsorption selectivity for Hg(II). It could selective adsorb Hg(II) from such binary ions system as Hg(II)‐Ni(II), Hg(II)‐Zn(II), and Hg(II)‐Pb(II), their selective coefficients are α_Hg/Ni = ∞, α_Hg/Zn = 28.1, α_Hg/Pb = ∞, respectively. Five adsorption–desorption cycles demonstrate that this resin were suitable for reuse without considerable change in adsorption capacity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:721–727, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Miscibility and morphological properties of quaternized polysulfone blends with polystyrene and poly(4‐vinylpyridine)

Quaternized polysulfones were synthesized by the quaternization reaction of chloromethylated polysulfone with different tertiary amines −N,N‐dimethylethylamine (DMEA) and N,N‐dimethyloctylamine (DMOA), respectively. New blends from these quaternized polysulfones (PSF‐DMEA or PSF‐DMOA) with polystyrene (PS) or poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) were prepared by the solution casting method. Pure quaternized polysulfones, in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF)/methanol (MeOH) and DMF/water solvent/nonsolvent mixtures, and their blends with PS and P4VP, as well, were investigated by shear viscometry and viscoelasticity, atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and surface properties. The results obtained revealed that the blends have good miscibility. Surface morphology is characterized by roughness and nodules formations, depending on the alkyl radical lengths, composition of the polymer mixtures, including specific electron‐donor or electron‐acceptor characteristics of polymers. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate–1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole) copolymer beads for heavy‐metal removal

We prepared poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate–1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole) [poly(EGDMA–VTAZ)] beads (average diameter = 150–200 μm) by copolymerizing ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) with 1‐vinyl‐1,2,4‐triazole (VTAZ). The copolymer composition was characterized by elemental analysis and found to contain five EGDMA monomer units for each VTAZ monomer unit. The poly(EGDMA–VTAZ) beads had a specific surface area of 65.8 m²/g. Poly(EGDMA–VTAZ) beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, surface area measurements, swelling studies, and scanning electron microscopy. Poly(EGDMA–VTAZ) beads with a swelling ratio of 84% were used for the heavy‐metal removal studies. The adsorption capacities of the beads for Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) were investigated in aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (5–750 mg/L) and at different pH values (3.0–7.0). The maximum adsorption capacities of the poly(EGDMA–VTAZ) beads were 85.7 mg/g (0.76 mmol/g) for Cd(II), 134.9 mg/g (0.65 mmol/g) for Pb(II), and 186.5 mg/g (0.93 mmol/g) for Hg(II). The affinity order toward triazole groups on a molar basis was observed as follows: Hg(II) > Cd(II) > Pb(II). pH significantly affected the adsorption capacity of the VTAZ‐incorporated beads. The equilibrium data were well fitted to the Redlich–Peterson isotherm. Consideration of the kinetic data suggested that chemisorption processes could have been the rate‐limiting step in the adsorption process. Regeneration of the chelating‐beads was easily performed with 0.1M HNO₃. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4276–4283, 2006     

Preparation of polystyrene/poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylenevinylene] fluorescent microspheres by miniemulsion polymerization

Fluorescent microspheres have great potential for use as probes in biological diagnostics. In this context, poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethylhexyloxy)‐p‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH‐PPV), a conjugated polymer which has high quantum yield, controllable emitting wavelength and facile processing in manufacture, was used as a fluorescent material for the preparation of polystyrene (PS)/MEH‐PPV fluorescent microspheres via miniemulsion polymerization. We demonstrate that the emitting wavelength of the PS/MEH‐PPV fluorescent microspheres can be regulated by changing the amount of azobisisobutyronitrile initiator in the polymerization process. Using acrylic acid comonomer, poly[styrene‐co‐(acrylic acid)]/MEH‐PPV fluorescent microspheres with functional carboxyl groups were also prepared. All the microspheres were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The functional carboxyl groups were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. This work provides a novel platform for the preparation of conjugated polymer fluorescent microspheres for biological applications. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Metal‐chelating properties of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–methacryloylamidohistidine) membranes

Metal‐chelating membranes have advantages as adsorbents in comparison with conventional beads because they are not compressible and they eliminate internal diffusion limitations. The aim of this study was to explore in detail the performance of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate–methacryloylamidohistidine) [poly(HEMA–MAH)] membranes for the removal of three toxic heavy‐metal ions—Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II)—from aquatic systems. The poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes were characterized with scanning electron microscopy and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity of the poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes for the selected heavy‐metal ions from aqueous media containing different amounts of these ions (30–500 mg/L) and at different pH values (3.0–7.0) was investigated. The adsorption capacity of the membranes increased with time during the first 60 min and then leveled off toward the equilibrium adsorption. The maximum amounts of the heavy‐metal ions adsorbed were 8.2, 31.5, and 23.2 mg/g for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II), respectively. The competitive adsorption of the metal ions was also studied. When the metal ions competed, the adsorbed amounts were 2.9 mg of Cd(II)/g, 14.8 mg of Pb(II)/g, and 9.4 mg of Hg(II)/g. The poly(HEMA–MAH) membranes could be regenerated via washing with a solution of nitric acid (0.01M). The desorption ratio was as high as 97%. These membranes were suitable for repeated use for more than three adsorption/desorption cycles with negligible loss in the adsorption capacity. The stability constants for the metal‐ion/2‐methacryloylamidohistidine complexes were calculated to be 3.47 × 10⁶, 7.75 × 10⁷, and 2.01 × 10⁷ L/mol for Cd(II), Pb(II), and Hg(II) ions, respectively, with the Ruzic method. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 1213–1219, 2005     

Preparation and properties of bio‐based epoxy montomorillonite nanocomposites derived from polyglycerol polyglycidyl ether and ε‐polylysine

Glycerol polyglycidyl ether (GPE) and polyglycerol polyglycidyl ether (PGPE) were cured with ε‐poly(L ‐lysine) (PL) using epoxy/amine ratios of 1 : 1 and 2 : 1 to create bio‐based epoxy cross‐linked resins. When PGPE was used as an epoxy resin and the epoxy/amine ratio was 1 : 1, the cured neat resin showed the greatest glass transition temperature (T_g), as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Next, the mixture of PGPE, PL, and montomorillonite (MMT) at an epoxy/amine ratio of 1 : 1 in water was dried and cured finally at 110°C to create PGPE‐PL/MMT composites. The X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements revealed that the composites with MMT content 7–15 wt % were exfoliated nanocomposites and the composite with MMT content 20 wt % was an intercalated nanocomposite. The T_g and storage modulus at 50–100°C for the PGPE‐PL/MMT composites measured by DMA increased with increasing MMT content until 15 wt % and decreased at 20 wt %. The tensile strength and modulus of the PGPE‐PL/MMT composites (MMT content 15 wt %: 42 and 5300 MPa) were much greater than those of the cured PGPE‐PL resin (4 and 6 MPa). Aerobic biodegradability of the PGPE‐PL in an aqueous medium was ～ 4% after 90 days, and the PGPE‐PL/MMT nanocomposites with MMT content 7–15 wt % showed lower biodegradability. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Graft copolymerization of 4‐vinyl pyridine onto konjac glucomannan initiated by ammonium persulfate

The grafting of 4‐vinyl pyridine (4‐VP) onto konjac glucomannan (KGM) by ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator was studied in an acid aqueous solution under an inert atmosphere. The grafting ratio (G%) and grafting efficiency (E%) were evaluated comparatively. The dependence of these parameters on the initiator concentration, sulfuric acid concentration, ratio of monomer to KGM, temperature, and reaction time was also investigated. Under conditions of [KGM] = 1.00 g/L, [APS] = 1.00 × 10^?2 mol/L, [4‐VP] = 9.32 × 10^?2 mol/L, [H⁺] = 5.00 × 10^?2 mol/L, temperature = 35°C, and time = 120 min, the optimum G% and E% were 307.27 and 52.75%, respectively. The proof of grafting was obtained from thermogravimetric analysis and infrared spectra. Preliminary research of the graft's adsorption capacity for heavy‐metal ions [Cr(VI), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II)] was done. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Synthesis and characterization of quaternized poly(4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐styrene) membranes

Copolymers of 4‐vinylpyridine and styrene [P(4VP–St)s] with varied molar ratios were synthesized by means of radical mass polymerization with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The insoluble (linear) pyridinium‐type polymers in the octyl‐pyridinium bromide form, which possess various macromolecular chain compositions, were prepared by the reaction of each P(4VP–St) with 1‐bromooctane. A series of membranes were prepared for use in electrochemistry. These membranes, prepared with quaternized poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylpyridine), were characterized by IRspectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetory, tensile strength measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and an electrochemistry workstation. Our emphasis was to select a membrane with appropriate properties for use in the electrochemistry field. A promising membrane was selected to use in the field of electrochemistry by these characterizations. This study could be the preparation for a study on the electrochemical properties of pyridinium‐type polymers. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2146–2153, 2005     

Synthesis of CdS nanoparticles dispersed within amphiphilic poly(urethane acrylate‐co‐styrene) films

CdS nanoparticles were prepared using amphiphilic urethane acrylate nonionomer (UAN) precursor chains having a poly(propylene oxide)‐based hydrophobic segment and a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) segment. Cadmium salts were first dissolved in UAN/styrene solutions, and then the solutions were copolymerized to obtain poly(urethane acrylate‐co‐styrene) films containing dissolved cadmium salts. After reduction with H₂S gas, freestanding films containing CdS nanoparticles were obtained. Transmission electron microscopy images of the films showed that 9.67‐nm CdS nanoparticles were dispersed within the poly(urethane acrylate‐co‐styrene) matrix. The formation of CdS nanoparticles was also confirmed with UV absorption spectra and photoluminescence emission spectra of the films. Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis measurements confirmed that hydrophilic/hydrophobic microphase separation in UAN/styrene solutions occurred during the dissociation of the cadmium salts, and the microphase‐separated structures were locked in by crosslinking copolymerization. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2357–2363, 2005     

One‐pot synthesis of a few nanocomposites with poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) and CdS,Ag, Pd50–Ag50, and Pt50–Ru50 nanoparticles with γ irradiation

The one‐pot synthesis of nanocomposites of a conductive poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (PVK) with CdS, Ag, Pd₅₀–Ag₅₀, and Pt₅₀–Ru₅₀ nanoparticles was performed with γ irradiation in a tetrahydrofuran–water mixture (3/1 vol %). For comparison, the CdS, Ag, Pd₅₀–Ag₅₀, and Pt₅₀–Ru₅₀ nanoparticles were also prepared with γ irradiation with polyvinylpyrrolidone as a stabilizer. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction analysis, and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used for the characterization of CdS, Ag, Pd₅₀–Ag₅₀, and Pt₅₀–Ru₅₀ nanoparticles and nanocomposites of PVK with CdS, Ag, Pd₅₀–Ag₅₀, and Pt₅₀–Ru₅₀ nanoparticles. The absorption spectrum of the CdS‐nanoparticle‐based composite revealed a quantum confinement effect. The emission spectrum of the composite with CdS nanoparticles and PVK indicated the block effect of PVK for surface recombination. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1809–1815, 2006     

Free‐radical grafting of 4‐vinyl pyridine onto nylon 6 fiber

The chemistry of free‐radical graft copolymerization initiated with peroxomonosulfate (PMS)–thioglycolic acid (TGA) redox system has been investigated by using 4‐vinyl pyridine (4VP) as a model for nylon 6 fiber in aqueous solution under nitrogen atmosphere. Effects of concentration of 4VP, PMS, TGA, nylon 6, time, and temperature on R_h and graft parameters were studied. The FTIR spectrum of nylon 6‐g‐4VP was reported. Water retention capacity (WRC) of the grafted fiber was tested. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 3108–3113, 2002     

Controllable self‐assembly of polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine)

Block copolymers can form various ordered structures by self‐assembly, and their composites with inorganic materials may give surprising properties. This review summarizes recent developments in the preparation, mechanism and application of various types of self‐assembly of polystyrene‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P2VP). The focus of the review is on how to control the self‐assembly of the dynamic and ordered structure of PS‐b‐P2VP based materials by applying effective factors such as thermal annealing, solvent annealing, block composition and blending. Moreover, the combination of the self‐assembly of PS‐b‐P2VP and various nanoparticles, with potentials in drug delivery, sensors and catalysis, is highlighted. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Metal‐ion‐retention properties of the poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanosulfonic acid‐co‐4‐vinyl pyridine) resin

The water‐insoluble resin poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanosulfonic acid‐co‐4‐vinyl pyridine), through a radical polymerization solution, was synthesized with ammonium persulfate as an initiator and N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide as a crosslinking reagent. The metal‐ion‐retention properties were studied by batch and column equilibrium procedures for the following metal ions: Hg(II), Cu(II), Cd(II), Zn(II), Pb(II), and Cr(III). These properties were investigated under competitive and noncompetitive conditions. The effects of the pH, maximum retention capacity, and regeneration capacity were studied. The resin showed a high retention ability for Hg(II) ions at pH 2.0. The retention of Hg(II) ions from a mixture of ions was greater than 90%. The resin showed a high selectivity for Hg(II) with respect to other metal ions. The Hg(II)‐loaded resin was able to be recovered with 4M HClO₄. The retention capacity was kept after four cycles of adsorption and desorption. The retention properties for Hg(II) were very similar with the batch and column methods. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 3556–3562, 2003     

Preparation and morphology of amphiphilic polystyrene–poly (2‐vinylpyridine) heteroarm star copolymers prepared by ATRP

BACKGROUND: The self‐assembly of amphiphilic copolymers has been demonstrated to be a powerful route towards supramolecular objects with novel architectures, functions and physical properties. In this study, the synthesis and morphology of amphiphilic linear polystyrene (PS)‐block‐poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P2VP) and heteroarm star PS‐star‐P2VP copolymers are studied. The dispersion of silver nanoparticles with the prepared PS‐block‐P2VP and PS‐star‐P2VP copolymers is also discussed. RESULTS: Amphiphilic copolymers with different P2VP chain lengths were successfully synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The copolymers prepared had low polydispersity indices. Various aggregate morphologies, including spheres, vesicles, rods, large compound micelles, two‐dimensional ring‐like and three‐dimensional hollow structures, were formed by varying the hydrophilic coil length and the selective solvent content. Silver nanoparticles showed good dispersion behavior in both types of copolymers. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, it will be possible to prepare metal/copolymer nanocomposites by direct mixing. Further, the PS‐block‐P2VP and PS‐star‐P2VP copolymers prepared can be used in the preparation of nanoporous films as templates and nanoparticles as nanoreactors. They can also be applied in terms of oil recovery, paints and cosmetics formulations, as well as in pharmaceutical and medical applications as rheological agents. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry