Synthesis and characterization of new carbazole/fluorene-based derivatives for blue-light-emitting devices

2,7-Bis(9-ethylcarbazol-3-yl)-9,9-di(2-ethylhexyl)fluorene and a segmented copolymer composed of the same chromophores alternated with hexamethylene fragments were synthesized. The obtained materials possess good solubility in common organic solvents, high thermal stability with 1% weight loss temperature of 350-370 degrees C, and suitable glass transition temperatures. Both derivatives show blue fluorescence in dilute solutions as well as in solid state, demonstrating that excimers are not formed in the thin films. The fluorescence spectra of the materials do not show any peaks in the long-wavelength region even after annealing at 200 degrees C in air. An organic LED with the configuration of ITO/copolymer/Al generates blue electroluminescence with the maximum peak at 416 nm, rather low turn-on voltage (4.0 V), and brightness of about 400 cd/m(2). The heterostructure device based on model derivative emitted stable blue light with low operation voltage (100 cd/m(2) at similar to 11 V) and demonstrated luminescence efficiency of 0.8 cd/A.

Syntheses and properties of polyimides derived from diamines containing 2,5-disubstituted pyridine group

A Series of novel homo- and copolyimides containing pyridine units were prepared from the heteroaromatic diamines, 2,5-bis (4-aminophenyl) pyridine and 2-(4aminophenyl)-5-aminopyridine, with pyromelltic dianhydride (PMDA), and 3,3',4,4'-biphenyl tertracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) via a conventional two-step thermal imidizaton method. The poly(amic acid) precursors have inherent viscosities of 1.60-9.64 dL/g (c = 0.5 g/dL in DMAC, 30 degrees C) and all of them can be cast and thermally converted into flexible and tough polyimide films. All of the polyimides show excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties. The polyimides have 10% weight loss temperature in the range of 548-598 degrees C in air. The glass transition temperatures of the PMDA-based samples are in the range of 395-438 degrees C, while the BPDA-based polyimides show two glass transition temperatures (T(g)1 and T(g)2), ranging from 268 to 353 degrees C and from 395 to 418 degrees C, respectively. The flexible films possess tensile modulus in the range of 3.42-6.39 GPa, strength in the range of 112-363 MPa and an elongation at break in the range of 1.2-69%. The strong reflection peaks in the wide-angle X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that the polyimides have a high packing density and crystallinity.

A new oxide ion conductor: La3GaMo2O12

A new oxide ion conductor, La3GaMo2O12, with a bulk conductivity of 2.7 X 10(-2) S.cm(-1) at 800 degrees C in air atmosphere was prepared by the traditional solid-state reaction. The room temperature X-ray diffraction data could be indexed on a monoclinic cell with lattice parameters of a=0.5602(2) nm, b=0.3224(1) nm, c= 1.5741(1) nm, beta= 102.555(0)degrees, V=0.2775(2) nm(3) and space group Pc(7). Ac impedance measurements in various atmospheres further support that it is an oxide ion conductor. This material was stable in various atmospheres with oxygen partial pressure P(O-2) ranging from 1.0 X 10(5) to 1.0 X 10(-7) Pa at 800 degrees C. A reversible polymorphic phase transition occurred at elevated temperatures as confirmed by the differential thermal analysis and dilatometric measurement.

Nitrate-citrate combustion synthesis and properties of Ce1-xSmxO2-x/2 solid solutions

A nitrate-citrate combustion route to synthesize nanocrystalline samarium-doped ceria powders for solid electrolyte ceramics is presented. This route is based on the gelling of nitrate solutions by the addition of citric acid and ammonium hydroxide, followed by an intense combustion process due to an exothermic redox reaction between nitrate and citrate ions. The influence of ignition temperature on the characteristics of the powders was studied. The change of the crystal structure with the content of doped Sm was investigated. High temperature X-ray, and Raman scattering were used to characterize the sample. The lattice constant and unit volume increase with doping level and increasing temperature. Dense ceramic samples prepared by uniaxial pressing and sintering in air were also studied.

Polyimides from isomeric oxydiphthalic anhydrides

2,2',3,3'-Oxydiphthalic dianhydride (2,2',3,3'-ODPA) and 2,3,3',4'-ODPA were synthesized from 3-chlorophthalic anhydride with 2,3-xylenol and 3,4-xylenol, respectively. Their structures were determined via single-crystal X-ray diffraction. A series of polyimides derived from isomeric ODPAs with several diamines were prepared in dimethylacetamide (DMAc) with the conventional two-step method. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight spectra showed that the polymerization of 2,2',3,3'-ODPA with 4,4'-oxydianiline (ODA) has a greater trend to form cyclic oligomers than that of 2,3,3',4'-ODPA. Both 2,2',3,3'-ODPA and 2,3,3',4'-ODPA based polyimides have good solubility in polar aprotic solvents such as DMAc, dimethylformamide, and N-methylpyrrolidone. The 5% weight-loss temperatures of all polyimides were obtained near 500 degreesC in air. Their glass-transition temperatures measured by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis or differential scanning calorimetry decreased according to the order of polyimides on the basis of 2,2',3,3'-ODPA, 2,3,3',4'-ODPA, and 3,3',4,4'-ODPA. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction of all polyimide films from isomeric ODPAs and ODA showed some certain extent of crystallization after stretching. Rheological properties revealed that polyimide (2,3,3',4'-ODPA/ODA) has a comparatively lower melt viscosity than its isomers, which indicated its better melt processability.

VUV-UV excited luminescent properties of calcium borophosphate doped with rare earth ions

The VUV-UV spectra of rare earth ions activated calcium borophosphate, CaBPO5:RE (RE = Ce3+, sm(3+), Eu2+, Eu3+, Tb3+ and Dy3+) were determined. The bands at about 155 nm in the VUV excitation spectra are attributed to the host lattice absorptions. The bands at 166 and 190 nm for the sample CaBPO5:Sm have been considered as related to the f-d transition and the charge transfer band (CTB) of Sm3+ ions, and the band at 169 nm for the sample CaBPO5:Dy is assumed to be connected with the f-d transition of the Dy3+ ions in CaBPO5. The partial reduction of Eu3+ CaBPO5:Eu prepared by high temperature solid state reaction in air is confirmed by the VUV-UV spectra.

VUV-UV photoluminescence spectra of strontium orthophosphate doped with rare earth ions

The measurements of VUV-UV photoluminescence emission (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra of rare earth ions activated strontium orthophosphate [Sr-3(PO4)(2):RE, RE = Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb] are performed. Whenever the samples are excited by VUV or UV light, the typical emission of Ce-3+,Ce- Sm3+, Eu3+, Eu2+ and Tb3+ ions can be observed in PL spectra, respectively. The charge transfer bands (CTBs) of Sm3+ and Eu3+ are found, respectively, peaking at 206 and 230nm. The absorption bands peaking in the region of 150-160 nm are assigned to the host lattice sensitization bands, i.e., the band-to-band transitions of PO43- grouping in Sr-3(PO4)(2). It is speculated that the first f-d transitions of Sm3+ (Eu3+), and the CTB of Tb3+ are, respectively, located around 165 (14 3) and 167 urn by means of VUV-UV PLE spectra and relational empirical formula, these f-d transitions or CT bands are included in the bands with the maxima at 150-160 nm, respectively. The valence change of europium from trivalent to divalent in strontium orthophosphate prepared in air is observe by VUV-UV PL and PLE spectra.

Synthesis and characterization of poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) copolyester by transesterification

To synthesize the copolyester of poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL), the transesterification of PHB and PCL was carried out in the liquid phase with stannous octoate as the catalyzer. The effects of reaction conditions on the transesterification, including catalyzer concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time, were investigated. The results showed that both rising reaction temperature and increasing reaction time were advantageous to the transesterification. The sequence distribution, thermal behavior, and thermal stability of the copolyesters were investigated by C-13 NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The transesterification of PHB and PCL was confirmed to produce the block copolymers. With an increasing PCL content in the copolyesters, the thermal behavior of the copolyesters changed evidently. However, the introduction of PCL segments into PHB chains did not affect its crystalline structure. Moreover, thermal stability of the copolyesters was little improved in air as compared with that of pure PHB.

Study on the transesterification of poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone)

The transesterification of poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) was carried out by using stannous octoate as catalyzer in liquid phase. The effects of reaction conditions on the transesterification, including reaction temperature, reaction time and catalyzer content, were investigated. The sequence distribution, crystallization behavior and thermal stability of PHB-co-PCL copolyesters were studied by C-13-NMR, FTIR, DSC, WAXD and TGA. The results showed that the transesterification of PHB with PCL was confirmed to produce a block copolymer, and enhancing reaction temperature and increasing reaction time were advantageous to the transesterification. With the increase in PCL content in the block copolymer, the crystallization behavior of PHB-co-PCL copolyesters changed evidently. On the other hand, the introduction of PCL segment into PHB chains did not change its crystalline structure; moreover, thermal stability of PHB-co-PCL copolyesters was a little improved in air, comparing with that of pure PHB.

A mica-modified quartz resonator for a quartz crystal microbalance study

Mica, as a bridge of the study for combining between quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and atomic force microscope (AFM), was successfully modified onto the piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC). This mica-modified piezoelectric quartz crystal (mica-PQC) can be stably oscillated with a shift frequency of +/-1 Hz per half an hour in air. Using this mica-PQC, the processes of DNA adsorbed onto the mica surface were studied in liquid phase. The results show that a bivalent cation, such as Mn2+, can be used as an ionic bridge to immobilize DNA on mica surface. The image of DNA on the mica surface was also obtained by AFM. Mica-PQC gives the possibility of a combination between QCM and AFM in situ.

Synthesis and characterization of aromatic dianhydrides and polyesterimides derived from 4-hydroxyphthalic anhydride

4-Hydroxyphthalic anhydride, prepared from 4-chlorophthalic anhydride, was reacted with trimellitic anhydride monoacid chloride or arylene diacid chloride to give aromatic ester-containing dianhydrides (EDAs). These dianhydrides were characterized by element analysis, melt point, FTIR and H-1-NMR. A series of aromatic poly (amic ester acid)s was synthesized by polycondensation of these EDAs and various diamines in polar organic solvent. The inherent viscosity of poly (amic ester acid)s ranged from 0.55 to 0.89 dL/g, indicating the intermediate to higher molecular weight. Polyesterimides having glass transition temperatures between 184-219degreesC were produced by thermal imidization of corresponding poly (amic ester acid)s. These polymers were fairly resistant to organic solvent, but some of them were soluble in phenol solvents. Thermogravimetric analyses revealed that these polyesterimides were stable up to 400degreesC, and the 5% weight loss temperatures were recorded in the range of 432-483degreesC in air atmosphers and 451-490degreesC in nitrogen.

Effect of cross-linking of high-density polyethylene. I. On spherulitic structures

Crystallization behavior and spherulitic structure of linear high-density polyethylene (HDPE), after being irradiated in its molten state by gamma -rays, was investigated by small-angle laser scattering (SALS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Significant changes in the crystallization of HDPE during cooling in air before and after being irradiated in the melt were observed. A critical minimum average molar mass between cross-links (200 carbon-carbon bonds) for spherulite formation in such an irradiated HDPE network was obtained.

Synthesis and properties of aromatic polyimides derived from 2,2,' 3,3 '-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride

2,2,'3,3' -Biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (2,2,'3,3'-BPDA) was prepared by a coupling reaction of dimethyl 3-iodophthalate. The X-ray single-crystal structure determination showed that this dianhydride had a bent and noncopolanar structure, presenting a striking contrast to its isomer, 3,3,'4,4'-BPDA. This dianhydride was reacted with aromatic diamines in a polar aprotic solvent such as N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) to form polyamic acid intermediates, which imidized chemically to polyimides with inherent viscosities of 0.34-0.55 dL/g, depending on the diamine used. The polyimides from 2,2,'3,3'-BPDA exhibited a good solubility and were dissolved in polar aprotic solvents and polychlorocarbons. These polyimides have high glass transition temperatures above 283 degrees C. Thermogravimetric analyses indicated that these polyimides were fairly stable up to 500 degrees C, and the 5% weight loss temperatures were recorded in the range of 534-583 degrees C in nitrogen atmosphere and 537-561 degrees C in air atmosphere. All polyimides were amorphous according to X-ray determination. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Polyimides from 3,3 '-dioxo-[1,1 ']-spirodiphthalan-5,5 ',6,6 '-tetracarboxylic dianhydride

A novel dianhydride, 3,3'-dioxo-[1,1']-spirodiphthalan-5,5',6,6'-tetracarboxlic dianhydride, was synthesized and used as a monomer to prepare polyimides with several diamines via a conventional two-stage procedure. The intermediate poly(amic-acid)s had inherent viscosities of 0.84-1.71 dL/g and could be thermally converted into lightly yellow, transparent, flexible and tough films. Films cast from chemically imidized polyimides were transparent and colorless. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) were > 400 degrees C, and the 5% weight-loss temperatures were > 420 degrees C in N-2 and in air. The solubilities of these polyimides in various solvents were evaluated. The mechanical properties of some polyimides were also tested. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Luminescent properties of divalent samarium-doped strontium hexaborate

The valence change of samarium from trivalent to divalent in strontium hexaborate (SrB6O10) prepared in air is observed. The temperature dependence of the luminescence and vibronic transitions of Sm2+ are studied. The Sm2+ ions occupy three crystallographic sites. With increasing temperature, the D-5(0)-->F-7(0) transition line exhibits red shifts, and the half-width increases. At room temperature, due to the thermal population through the 4f(5)5d channel, the D-5(1)-->F-7(J) transitions are observed even though the vibrational energy is very close to the energy gap between the D-5(1) and D-5(0) levels in the host. A coupled phonon energy of about 108 cm(-1) is determined from the vibronic transitions of Sm2+ in the host.