On the structure of polybutadiene: 4. 13C n.m.r. spectrum of polybutadienes with cis-1,4-, trans-1,4- and 1,2-units

¹³C n.m.r. spectra of polybutadienes with different contents of cis-1,4- and 1,2-units are assigned in the resonance region of the cis and trans carbon double bond. The observed signals are assigned to configurational triads.     

The effect of heat treatment on the microfibrillar network of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole)

Materials exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties can be fabricated from rigid polymers. In a spinning process, an oriented solution is solidified by the action of a nonsolvent, which induces crystallization of an oriented rigid polymer. Drying and heat treatment result in the final material having the desired properties. The effect of heat treatment on the morphology of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) (PBZT) films was studied by measurements of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Films were formed by coagulation in water. The wet films were dried with supercritical CO₂ to maintain an open network structure. Coagulation in water resulted in formation of microfibrils having diameter of ∼9 nm. Heat-treatment at 600°C caused significant coalescence of microfibrils. The crystallite size was increased by heat treatment from a value that is smaller than the microfibrillar diameter indicating defects in chain packing, to a value comparable to the microfibrillar diameter.     

Characterization of spatial inhomogeneities and dynamic properties of random cross-linked polystyrene networks by dynamic light scattering

The network inhomogeneity and the cooperative motion of the network chains of random cross-linked poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) gels were investigated by dynamic light scattering. Measurements were performed for gels in the preparation state as well as in the swelling equilibrium. Network inhomogeneities and cooperative motion were analyzed at varying the cross-linker concentration and the polymer volume fraction. While the cross-linker concentration has only a minor influence on the inhomogeneity and the diffusion constant D_coop, the polymer volume fraction clearly influences both measured properties. The concentration dependence of D_coop can be well described by a power law, as known for semi-dilute polymer solutions. In the preparation state the networks appear homogeneous, exhibiting dynamic contributions to the scattering intensity of 70-90%. Swollen to equilibrium stage, significant heterogeneities emerge, reducing the dynamic contributions to 10-20%.     

Possibilities of improving the efficiency of power generation with regard to electrolytic water splitting

The efficiency of power generation has a considerable influence on the upper limit of the total efficiency of electrolytic water splitting. This paper deals with the energetic potential of power generation processes and therefore with the water electrolysis processes. In the investigations reported here, it was assumed that the heat source is always the same (high-temperature nuclear reactor). For comparing thermochemical or hybrid water splitting cycles and water electrolysis, the upper limit of process temperatures must be comparable, too. Therefore high-temperature processes for power generation have been investigated. A detailed energy and exergy balance is presented for the following cycles: (1) steam turbine cycles; (2) helium gas turbine cycles; (3) combined gas/steam turbine cycles. For these different processes an exergy analysis was performed in order to localize the process units, which make a considerable contribution to the decrease in total efficiency.     

Zur charakterisierung von polymerfilmen und lichtleitfaserummantelungen aus additionsvernetzendem siliconkautschuk

The crosslinking behaviour of addition-crosslinking Wacker SilGel 600 silicone was investigated in the temperature range of 50 to 90°C with respect to its dependence on heating time. Measurements of the swelling of thin polymer films on special paper (Pecozet Z10) allow the observation of the swelling process which reaches the swelling equilibrium within a few minutes, the selection of a suitable swelling agent, and the rapid determination of the temperature dependence of the degree of swelling Q. Aside from Q, the ?solubility parameter”? of the polymer network, the rate constants, and the activation energy of the crosslinking process can be obtained. Measurements of the swelling combined with determination of Huggins' interaction parameter additionally provide the possibility of determining the density of crosslinking of the polymer films. On the basis of these investigations, a rapid method for characterizing the sheathing of optical fibres could be developed. The cylindrical polymer films detach from the glass core during swelling in toluene (25°C). After 5 min the degree of swelling of the sheathing can be measured.