Synthesis of bis(amine anhydride)s for novel high T(g)s and organosoluble poly(amine imide)s by palladium-catalyzed amination of 4-chlorophthalide anhydride

Two novel bis(amine anhydride)s, NN-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)aniline dianhydride (I) and N,N-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-p-tert-butylaniline (II), were synthesized from the palladium-catalyzed amination reaction of N-methyl-protected 4-chlorophthalic anhydride with arylamines, followed by alkaline hydrolysis of the intermediate bis(amine-phthalimide)s and subsequent dehydration of the resulting tetraacids. The X-ray structures of anhydride I and II were determined. The obtained dianhydride monomers were reacted with various aromatic diamines to produce a series of novel polyimides. Because of the incorporation of bulky, propeller-shaped triphenylamine units along the polymer backbone, all polyimides exhibited good solubility in many aprotic solvents while maintaining their high thermal properties. These polymers had glass transition temperatures in the range of 298-408 degrees C. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that all polymers were stable, with 10% weight loss recorded above 525 degrees C in nitrogen.The tough polymer films, obtained by casting from solution, had tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus values in the range of 95-164 MPa, 8.8-15.7%, and 1.3-2.2 GPa, respectively.

Synthesis and gas transport property of polyimide from 2,2 '-disubstituted biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydrides (BPDA)

A series of dianhydride monomers, 2,2'-disubstituted-4,4',5,5'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (substituents = phenoxy, p-methylphenoxy, p-tert-butylphenoxy, nitro, and methoxy) were synthesized by the nitration of an N-methyl protected 3,3',4,4'-biphenyttetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and subsequent aromatic nucleophilic substitutions with aroxides (NaOAr) or methoxide. These dianhydrides were polymerized with various aromatic diamines in refluxing m-cresol containing isoquinoline to afford a series of aromatic polyintides. The effects of varying 2,2'-substituents of the dianhydride (BPDA) moiety on the properties of polyimides were investigated. It was found that polyimides from the dianhydrides containing phenoxy, p-methylphenoxy, and p-tert-butylphenoxy side groups possessed excellent solubility and film forming capability whereas polyimides from 2,2'-dinitro-BPDA and 2,2'-dimethoxy-BPDA were less soluble in organic solvent. The soluble polymers formed flexible, tough and transparent films. The films had a tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus in the ranges 102-168 MPa, 8-21%, 2.02-2.38 GPa, respectively. The polymer gas permeability coefficients (P) and ideal selectivities for N-2, O-2, CO2 and CH4 were determined for the -OAr substituted polyimides. The oxygen permeability coefficient (P-O2) and permselectivity of oxygen to nitrogen (PO2/N-2) of the films were in the ranges 3.4-11.3 barrer and 3.8-4.6, respectively.

Surface morphology evolution of poly (styrene-block-4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP)(H+) and poly(methyl methacrylate)-dibenzo-18-crown-6-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMCMA) supramolecular film

Well-ordered nanostructured polymeric supramolecular thin films were fabricated from the supramolecular assembly of poly(styrene-block-4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP)(H+) and poly(methyl methacrylate)-dibenzo-18-crown-6-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMCMA). A depression Of cylindrical nanodomains was formed by the block of P4VP(H+) and PMCMA associates surrounded by PS. The repulsive force aroused from the incompatibility between the block of P4VP(H+) and PMCMA was varied through changing the molecule weight (M-w) of PMCMA, the volume fraction of the block of P4VP(H+), and annealing the film at high temperature. Increasing the repulsive force led to a change of overall morphology from ordered nanoporous to featureless structures. The effects of solvent nature and evaporation rate on the film morphology were also investigated. Further evolution of surface morphologies from nanoporous to featureless to nanoporous structures was observed upon exposure to carbon bisulfide vapors for different treatment periods. The wettability of the film surface was changed from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity due to the changes of the film surface microscopic composition.

Facile synthesis and characterization of hyperbranched poly(ether amide)s generated from Michael addition polymerization of in situ created AB(2) monomers

A new straightforward strategy for synthesis of novel hyperbranched poly (ether amide)s from readily available monomers has been developed. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the AB(2)-type monomers were formed dominantly during the initial reaction stage. Without any purification, the AB(2) intermediate was subjected to further polymerization in the presence (or absence) of an initiator, to prepare the hyperbranched polymer-bearing multihydroxyl end-groups. The influence of monomer, initiator, and solvent on polymerization and the molecular weight (MW) of the resultant polymers was studied thoroughly. The MALDI-TOF MS of the polymers indicated that the polymerization proceeded in the proposed way. Analyses of H-1 NMR and C-13 NMR spectra revealed the branched structures of the polymers obtained. These polymers exhibit high-moderate MWs and broad MW distributions determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) in combination with triple detectors, including refractive index, light scattering, and viscosity detectors. In addition, the examination of the solution behavior of these polymers showed that the values of intrinsic viscosity [eta] and the Mark-Houwink exponent a were remarkably lower compared with their linear analogs, because of their branched nature.

Synthesis and morphology of polyethylene chains grafted onto the surface of crosslinked polystyrene microspheres

The bifunctional comonomer 4-(3-butenyl) styrene was used to synthesize crosslinked polystyrene microspheres (c-PS) with pendant butenyl groups on their surface via suspension copolymerization. Polyethylene chains were grafted onto the surface of c-PS microspheres (PS-g-PE) via ethylene copolymerizing with the pendant butenyl group on the surface of the c-PS microspheres under the catalysis of metallocene catalyst. The composition and morphology of the PS-g-PE microspheres were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. It is possible to control the content of PE grafted onto the surface of c-PS microspheres by varying the polymerization time or the initial quantity of pendant butenyl group on the surface of c-PS microspheres. Investigation on the morphology and crystallization behavior of grafted PE chains showed that different surface patterns could be formed under various crystallization conditions. Moreover, the crystallization temperature of PE chains grafted on the surface of c-PS microspheres was 6 degrees C higher than that of pure PE. The c-PS microspheres decorated by PE chains had a better compatibility with PE matrix.

Nature of the ring-banded spherulites in blends of aromatic poly(ether ketone)s

The ring-banded spherulites in liquid crystalline poly(aryl ether ketone) (LC-PAEK) and poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (PEEK) blends with a higher content (>50%) of LC-PAEK are investigated by polarizing light microscopy (PLM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The results indicate that the light core and rings of the ring-banded spherulites under PLM are mainly composed of an LC-PAEK phase, while the dark rings consist of coexisting phases of PEEK and a small amount of LC-PAEK. The formation of the ring-banded spherulites is attributable to structural discontinuity caused by a rhythmic radial growth.

Ordering-induced micro-bands in thin films of a main-chain liquid crystalline chloro-poly(aryl ether ketone)

Micro-banded textures developed from thin films of a main-chain thermotropic liquid crystalline chloro-poly(aryl ether ketone) in the melt were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). selective area electron diffraction, and atomic force microscopy techniques. The micro-banded textures were formed in the copolymer thin films after annealing at temperatures between 320 and 330degreesC, where a highly ordered smectic crystalline phase is formed without mechanical shearing. The micro-banded textures displayed a sinusoidal-like periodicity with a spacing of 150 nm and an amplitude of 2 rim. The long axis of the banded texture was parallel to the b-axis of an orthorhombic unit cell. In the convex regions, the molecular chains exhibited a homeotropic alignment, i.e. the chain direction was parallel to the film normal. In the concave re-ions, the molecular chains possessed a tilted alignment. In addition to the effects of annealing temperatures and times, the thickness of the film played a vital role in the formation of the banded texture. A possible formation mechanism of this banded texture vas also suggested and discussed. It was suggested that the micro-bands were formed during cooling.

Phase separation of PS/PVME blend films induced by capillary force

The phase behavior of a miscible PS/PVME (80/20, w/w) blend film in a confined geometry has been investigated at the annealing temperature much lower than the low critical solution temperature (LCST) of the blend. When the annealing temperature (52degreesC) is near the glass transition temperature of the blend (51.2degreesC), PVME-rich phase at the air-film surface under a microchannel forms smaller protrusion. When the annealing temperature is increased to 70degreesC, the protruding stripes, which are almost developed, are mainly composed of the mobile PVME-rich phase. These results reveal that the capillary force lead to the enrichment of PVME-rich phase at the air-polymer interface of a PDMS microchannel, that is, the capillary force lithography (CFL) can induce the phase separation of PS/PVME blend films.

Crystal structures of EtEDTB center dot 1.4C(2)H(5)OH center dot 5H(2)O and H4EtEDTB(ClO4)(4)center dot C2H5OH (EtEDTB=N, N, N ', N '-tetrakis[2-(1-ethylbenzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-ethanediamine)

The crystal structures of EtEDTB.1.4C(2)H(5)OH.5H(2)O 1 and H4EtEDTB(ClO4)(4).C2H5OH 2 (EtEDTB = N, N,N',N'-tetrakis[2-(1-ethylbenzimidazolyl)methyl]-1,2-ethanediamine) have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. Compound 1 crystallizes in the space group P(1) over bar with a = 11.489(2), b = 11.866(3), c = 12.002(3) Angstrom, alpha = 97.47(2), beta = 114.564(13), gamma = 114.11(2)degrees, V = 1266.6(5) Angstrom(3), Z = 1, M-r = 847.48, D-c = 1.111 g/cm(3), F(000) = 456 and mu(MoKalpha) = 0.076 mm(-1). A total of 5207 reflections were measured for 1, of which 4323 were independent. The structure of 1 was solved by direct methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares technique to the final R = 0.0706 and wR = 0.1802 for 1318 observed reflections with I > 2sigma(I). In the structure of 1, centrosymmetric EtEDTB molecules are linked by hydrogen bonds through water and ethanol to form 2-dimensional network. Compound 2 crystallizes in the space group C2/c with a = 24.260(5), b = 13.040(3), c = 17.680(4) Angstrom, beta = 97.50(3)degrees, V = 5545.2(2) Angstrom(3), Z = 4, M-r = 1140.80, D-c = 1.366 g/cm(3), F(000) = 2384 and mu(MoKalpha) = 0.289 mm(-1).

Properties of a nanocomposite polymer electrolyte from an amorphous comb-branch polymer and nanoparticles

Three fully amorphous comb-branch polymers based on poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride) as a backbone and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether of different molecular weights as side chains were synthesized. SiO2 nanoparticles of various contents and the salt LiCF3SO3 were added to these comb-branch polymers to obtain nanocomposite polymer electrolytes. The thermal and transport properties of the samples have been characterized. The maximum conductivity of 2.8x10(-4) S cm(-1) is obtained at 28 degreesC. In the system the longer side chain of the comb-branch polymer electrolyte increases in ionic conductivity after the addition of nanoparticles. To account for the role of the ceramic fillers in the nanocomposite polymer electrolyte, a model based on a fully amorphous comb-branch polymer matrix in enhancing transport properties of Li+ ions is proposed.

Microwave-assisted synthesis of high-molecular-weight poly(ether imide)s by phase-transfer catalysis

A facile and rapid polycondensation reaction of disodium bisphenol A with bis(chlorophthalimide)s was preformed with a domestic microwave oven in o-dichlorobenzene by phase-transfer catalysis. The polymerization reactions, in comparison with conventional heating polycondensation, proceeded rapidly and were completed within 25 min. The polymerizations gave the corresponding poly(ether imide)s with inherent viscosities of 0.55-0.92 dL g(-1). The effects of various factors on the polymerization, such as the amount of the catalyst, the reaction time, and the microwave power were studied. The properties of the polymers were briefly characterized.

Ordered macroporous films from self-assembly of two-armed polymer with a crown ether core

Highly ordered honeycomb-like macroporous films were obtained via self-assembly of a two-armed polymer with a crown ether core under controlled conditions. A possible mechanism is speculated, primarily based on the strong affinity between the crown ether cores. The pore size and arrangement are sensitive to the solvent evaporation rate and the solution concentration. Upon spontaneous drying, the pore diameter (D) depends on the concentration (c) by a relation of D=518c(-0.610).

Formation and photoluminescence of silver nanoparticles stabilized by a two-armed polymer with a crown ether core

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the use of a two-armed polymer with a crown ether core [poly(styrene)]-dibenzo-18-crown-6-[poly(styrene)] based on the flexibility of the polymer chains and the complex effect of crown ether with Ag+ and Ag. The size of silver nanoparticles could be tailored by controlling the initial concentrations of the polymer and Ag+, and the molecular weight of the polymer. The emission of silver nanoparticles was blue-shifted, and the intensity of the photoluminescence of silver nanoparticles stabilized by the polymer was significantly increased due to the complex effect between the crown ether embedded in the polymer and the silver nanoparticles.

Polymerization of methyl methacrylate by iron(II) pyridinebisimine complexes

Fe(II) pyridinebisimine complexes activated with trialkylaluminium or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) as catalysts were employed for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Polymer yields, activities and polymer molecular weights as well as molecular weight distributions can be controlled over a wide range by the variation of the structures of the Fe(II) pyridinebisimine complexes and the reaction parameters such as Al/Fe molar ratio, monomer/catalyst molar ratio, monomer concentration, reaction temperature and time applied to the polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Under optimum condition, the catalytic activity of Fe(II) complex is of up to 74.5 kg(polym)/mol(Fe)h.