Application of A4F-MALS for the Characterization of Polymers Prepared by Emulsion Polymerization: Comparison of the Molecular Structure of Styrene-Acrylate and Methyl Methacrylate-Acrylate Copolymers

In this paper, organic asymmetric flow field flow fractionation coupled to a multi-angle light scattering detector is presented as a very efficient tool for the characterization of copolymers prepared by emulsion polymerization. The molar mass distribution and the extent of branching of styrene–acrylate copolymers have been compared with corresponding copolymers of methyl methacrylate. It has been found that the presence of acrylate monomer results in the increase of molar mass and formation of branched macromolecules due to intermolecular chain transfer to polymer similarly as in case of methyl methacrylate–acrylate copolymers. However, the effect is far less pronounced.     

Investigation of the effect of molar mass on coating properties of self-crosslinking latexes based on acrylic microgels

The effect of reducing the molar mass of the shell layer of core–shell latex particles on film-forming and final coating properties of self-crosslinking latexes was investigated. Latex particles were prepared by the semi-continuous non-seeded emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate and methacrylic acid as main monomers. The particle core was slightly cross-linked (using a constant amount of allyl methacrylate as a comonomer) to prevent the copolymers forming the core phase from migration into the shell phase. For interfacial cross-linking, diacetone acrylamide was copolymerized into the shell layer of latex particles to provide sites for subsequent reaction with adipic acid dihydrazide. The molar mass of copolymers forming the shell layer was systematically varied by isooctyl 3-mercaptopropionate chain transfer agent included in the synthesis of each of the shell layers and the molar mass distribution was determined using size exclusion chromatography coupled with a multi-angle light scattering detection. Fundamental properties of latexes and cast films were systematically compared. These properties included minimum film-forming temperature, pendulum hardness, adhesion, impact resistance, stress–strain properties as well as the characterization of water absorption. The results confirmed theoretical predictions and described empirically the effects of reducing the molar mass of the shell layer copolymer on final properties of coating films.     

Characterization of Molecular Structure of Emulsion Acrylic Microgels: Exploring the Impact of Molar Mass on Coating Properties of Self-Cross-Linkable Latexes

Self-cross-linkable latexes of core–shell microgel particles were synthesized by the emulsion polymerization of acrylic monomers. The molar mass of copolymers forming the shell layer was gradually reduced by isooctyl 3-mercaptopropionate included in the synthesis of the shell layers. The molar mass distribution of latex particles was determined using size exclusion chromatography and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation, respectively, both separation methods being coupled with a multiangle light scattering detector. The results confirmed theoretical predictions and described empirically the effects of molar mass of the shell layer copolymer on decreasing the minimum film-forming temperature and influencing the end-use properties of coatings.     

Research of a Tram Headstock from Composite

The requirements for crashworthiness of railway vehicles are defined by the Railroad crashworthiness standard EN 15227. This standard is based on the findings of the characteristics of steel structures of front parts of railway vehicles. In the Czech Republic an extensive research was carried out within the project TIP FR-TI1/113 on application of composite sandwich structure elements in the design of the front cabins of a railway vehicle. The aim of the research work was to determine real possibilities of the composite sandwich structures for use in the construction of railway vehicles while considering the validity of the above-mentioned standard.