Supramolecular isomerism in zinc hydroxide coordination polymers with pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid: Two polymorphs with centrosymmetric two-dimensional and acentric three-dimensional coordination networks

Reactions of Zn(BF4)(2) and pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid (2,4-pydcH(2)) in the presence of 1,2-bis( 4-pyridyl) ethylene or 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl) propane under hydro(solvo) thermal conditions yielded two polymorphic metal-organic coordination polymers formulated as Zn-2(OH)(2)(2,4-pydc) (1 and 2). Polymorph 1 features a two-dimensional (2-D) layer-like structure that is constructed by 2,4-pydc ligands bridging between the Zn-OH-Zn double-chain units. Each single Zn-OH-Zn chain is composed of mu(2)-OH groups connecting trigonal bipyramidal and tetrahedral Zn centers. Polymorph 2 is a 3-D coordination polymer containing 2-D Zn-OH-Zn sheets that consist of mu(2)- and mu(3)-OH groups and trigonal bipyramidal Zn centers. The sheets are pillared by 2,4-pydc ligands to form an acentric structural architecture. 1 and 2 are rare examples that the two polymorphs exhibit a centrosymmetric 2-D coordination network and an acentric 3-D coordination network, respectively. The different structures lead to differences in photoluminescent properties and thermal stabilities for 1 and 2.

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.

The effect of Co-60 gamma-rays on the crystal structure, melting and crystallization behavior of poly(butylene succinate)

The results obtained for poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) after Co-60 gamma-ray irradiation, studied by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM), revealed that the degree of crystallinity, melting temperature and enthalpy decreased with increasing irradiation dose, but that the crystal structure of PBS did not vary when compared to non-irradiated PBS. By using Scherrer equation, small changes occurred in the crystal sizes of L-020, L-110 and L-111. The spherulitic morphology of PBS was strongly dependent on irradiation dose and changed significantly at higher irradiation dosages. The crystallization kinetics of PBS indicated that the Avrami exponent (n) for irradiated PBS was reduced to 2.3, when compared to non-irradiated PBS (3.3).

Structure and liquid crystalline properties of 5-[(4 '-heptoxy-4-biphenylyl)carbonyloxy]-1-pentyne

The crystal structure and liquid crystalline properties of a biphenyl-containing acetylene, [5-[(4'-heptoxy-4- biphenylyl) carbonyloxy]-1-pentyne (A3EO7) were investigated by electron crystallography, X-ray diffraction, polarizing optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. A3EO7 crystals obtained from a toluene solution adopts a monoclinic P112/m space group with unit cell parameters of a = 6.25 Angstrom, b = 7.82 Angstrom, c = 46.70 Angstrom and gamma = 96.7degrees, as determined using electron diffraction. Upon cooling from the isotropic phase, A3EO7 exhibits a smectic A phase in the temperature range 72.4 - 53.6degreesC. Further lowering of the temperature results in the formation of a smectic C phase which exhibits a strong tendency towards crystallization.

Electric-field-induced molecular alignment of side-chain liquid-crystalline polyacetylenes containing biphenyl mesogens

Electric-field-induced molecular alignments of side-chain liquid-crystalline polyacetylenes [-{HC=C[(CH2)(m)OCO-biph-OC7H15]}-, where biph is 4,4'-biphenylyl and m is 3 (PA3EO7) or 9 (PA9EO7)] were studied with X-ray diffraction and polarized optical microscopy. An orientation as high as 0.84 was obtained for PA9EO7. Furthermore, the molecular orientation of]PA9EO7 was achieved within a temperature range between the isotropic-to-smectic A transition temperature and 115 degreesC, and this suggested that the orientational packing was affected by the thermal fluctuation of the isotropic liquid and the mobility of the mesogenic moieties. The maximum achievable orientation for PA9EO7 was much greater than that for PA3EO7. This was the first time that the electric-field-induced molecular orientation of a side-chain liquid-crystalline polymer with a stiff backbone was studied.

Syntheses and crystal structures of [Mn(H2O)(4)(bpy)]L center dot 4H(2)O, [Mn(H2O)(4)(bpy)]L ' center dot 4H(2)O (H2L = SUCCINIC ACID, H2L ' = FUMARIC ACID)

Reactions of freshly prepared M(OH)(2-2x)(CO3)(x) (.) yH(2)O (M = Mn, Zn) and 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) with succinic acid (H2L) or famaric acid (H2L') in CH3OH-H2O afforded [Mn(H2O)(4)(bpy)]L (.) 4H(2)O, 1, [Mn(H2O)(4)(bpy)]L' (.) 4H(2)O, 2 and [Zn(H2O)(4)(bpy)]L (.) 4H(2)O, 3. The three coordination polymers are isostructural and consist of (1)(infinity)[M(H2O)(4)(bpy)(2/2)](2+) cationic chains, crystal H2O molecules and dicarboxylate anions (succinate or fumarate anions). Within the chains, the metal atoms are each octahedrally coordinated by four aqua oxygen atoms and two pyridyl nitrogen atoms from two 4,4'-bipyridine ligands. The crystal H2O molecules are hydrogen bonded to dicarboxylate anions to form ribbon-like anionic chains. The cationic and anionic chains are interconnected via hyqrogen bonds to generate a 3D network. Crystal data: 1 triclinic, P (1) over bar, a = 7.235(1), b = 7.749(2), c = 10.020(2) Angstrom, alpha = 79.95(3), beta = 88.79(3), gamma = 71.39(3)degrees, V = 523.9(2) Angstrom(3) and D-cal = 1.494 g cm(-3) for Z = 1; 2 triclinic, P (1) over bar, a = 7.127(1), b = 7.800(2), c = 9.945(2) Angstrom, alpha = 80.26(3), beta = 87.86(3), gamma = 72.69(3)degrees, V = 520.2(2) Angstrom(3) and D-cal = 1.498 g cm(-3) for Z = 1; 3 triclinic, P (1) over bar, a = 7.189(1), b = 7.764(2), c = 9.843(2) Angstrom, alpha = 79.16(3), beta = 87.80(3), gamma = 71.29(3)degrees, V = 510.9(2) Angstrom(3) and D-cal = 1.559 g cm(-3) for Z = 1.

Syntheses, structures, and characterizations of four new silver(I) sulfonate coordination polymers with neutral ligands

In this paper, four novel silver(I) sulfonate coordination polymers containing neutral ligands, namely, [Ag(2)Ll (biim)(2)]center dot 2H(2)O (1). AgL2(biim) (2), [Ag(HL3)(Pic)(2)]center dot H2O (3), and [Ag-3(L3)(HL3)(4,4'-bipy)(3)(H2O)(2)]center dot 4H(2)O (4), have been synthesized [L1 = 3-carboxy-4-hydroxybenzenesulfonate, L2 = p-aminobenzenesulfonate, H(2)L3 = p-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid, biim = 1,1'-(1.4-butanediyl)-bis(imidazole), Pic = beta-picoline, 4,4'-bipy = 4,4'-bipyridine]. For compounds 1 and 2, Ag(I) cations are bridged by biim ligands to form a one-dimensional (1D) "zigzag" chain, and L1 and L2 sulfonate ligands are not coordinated to the silver cation. Compound 3 has a dimeric structure in which two silver cations are bridged by two HL3 ligands. For compound 4, L3 ligand coordinates to a silver cation as a monodentate ligand, and Ag(l) cations are bridged by 4,4'-bipy ligands to form a ID chain. Compound 1 contains water dimers, while compound 4 contains water trimers. Compounds 1-3 display room-temperature photoluminescence.

Effects of reinforcement filler and temperature on the stability of beta-crystal in glass bead filled polypropylene

The effects of crystallization temperature (T,), glass bead content and its size on the, formation of beta-crystal and structural stability of originally formed beta-crystal in glass bead filled polypropylene (PP) were examined. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements indicated that the amount of beta-phase in PP crystals was a function of the crystallization temperature and glass bead content. For a constant crystallization temperature, it was observed that the amount of beta-crystal initially increased with increase in glass bead content up to 30 wt.%, and then decreased slightly with further increase in the filler content. From the DSC data, a disorder parameter (S) was derived to define the structural stability of originally formed beta-crystals. The structural stability of originally formed beta-crystals was enhanced with increase in either the crystallization temperature or the glass bead content. Also, the influence of glass bead size (4-66 mu m) on the formation and stability of beta-crystals in PP/glass bead blends was studied. Large glass bead particles suppressed the formation and decreased the stability of beta-crystals.

Rheological properties in blends of poly(aryl ether ether ketone) and liquid crystalline poly(aryl ether ketone)

Rheological properties of the blends of poly(aryl ether ether ketone) (PEEK) with liquid crystalline poly(aryl ether ketone) containing substituted 3-trifluoro-methylbenzene side group (F-PAEK), prepared by solution precipitation, have been investigated by rheometer. Dynamic rheological behaviors of the blends under the oscillatory shear mode are strongly dependent on blend composition. For PEEK-rich blends, the systems show flow curves similar to those of the pure PEEK, i.e., dynamic storage modulus G' is larger than dynamic loss modulus G", showing the feature of elastic fluid. For F-PAEK-rich systems, the rheological behavior of the blends has a resemblance to pure F-PAEK, i.e., G" is greater than G', showing the characteristic of viscous fluid. When the PEEK content is in the range of 50-70%, the blends exhibit an unusual rheological behavior, which is the result of phase inversion between the two components. Moreover, as a whole, the complex viscosity values of the blends are between those of two pure polymers and decrease with increasing F-PAEK content. However, at 50% weight fraction of PEEK, the viscosity-composition curves exhibit a local maximum, which may be mainly attributed to the phase separation of two components at such a composition.

Liquid-liquid phase behavior of toluene/polyethylene oxide/poly(ethyleneoxide-b-dimethylsiloxane) polymer-containing ternary mixtures

The experimental data of phase diagrams for both polyethylene oxide/poly(ethylene oxide-b-dimethylsiloxane) binary and toluene/polyethylene oxide/poly(ethylene oxide-b-dimethylsiloxane) ternary polymer-containing systems was obtained at atmosphere pressure by light scattering method. The critical points for some pre-selected compositions and the pressure effect on the phase transition behavior of ternary system were investigated by turbidity measurements. The chosen system is a mixture of ternary which is one of the very few abnormal polymer-containing systems exhibiting pressure-induced both miscibility and immiscibility. This unusual behavior is related to the toluene concentration in the mixtures. The effect of toluene on the phase transition behavior of the ternary polymer-containing mixture was traced. Such behavior can make it possible to process composite materials from incompatible polymers.

From dissymmetrical mononuclear entities to centrosymmetrical heterotrinuclear complex with 2D supramolecular structure: synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, and magnetic properties

A new centrosymmetrical heterotrinuclear complex, {[Cu(oxbe)](2)Co(H2O)(2)}.2DMF.DMA with 2D supramolecular structure, has been obtained by the self-assembly of a dissymmetrical building block [Cu(oxbe)](-) with bivalent metal ion Co2+, where H(3)oxbe is dissymmetrical ligand N-benzoato-N'-(2-aminoethyl)oxamido, DMF = dimethylformamide, DMA = dimethylamine. Its structure was determined by single crystal X-ray analysis. The molecular structure is centrosymmetrical with the cobalt atom lying on an inversion center. Through the hydrogen bonds and d-pi stacking interactions, a 2D supramolecular structure is formed. This study exemplifies a new method for the assembly of supramolecular structure using a dissymmetrical brick. Magnetic susceptibility measurements (5-300 K) indicate that the central cobalt and terminal copper metal ions are antiferromagnetically coupled with J = -23.1 cm(-1).

Shear induced molecular alignments of a side-chain liquid crystalline polyacetylene containing biphenyl mesogens

Mesomorphic properties of a side chain liquid crystalline polyacetylene, poly(11-{[(4'-heptyloxy-4-biphenylyl)carbonyl]oxy}-1-undecyne) (PA9EO7), are investigated using polarized optical microscope, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscope. Polymer PA9EO7 forms enantiotropic smectic A and smectic B phases. It also exhibits an additional high order smectic phase, a sandwich structure consisting of different molecular packing of biphenyl mesogenic moieties from that of alkyl spacers and terminals, when it is prepared from its toluene solution. Shearing the polymer film at its smectic A phase generates banded texture with the alignment of the backbones parallel to the direction of shear force. While at its high order smectic phase, the mesogen pendants of the polymer are arranged parallel to the direction of shear. The different mesomorphic behaviors arise from different molecular alignments influenced by the fluidity.

High order liquid crystalline structure of poly(11-{[(4 '-heptyloxy-4-biphenylyl)carbonyl]oxy}-1-undecyne)

Liquid crystalline properties of a mesomorphic polyacetylene {-[HC=C(CH2 )(9)OOC-Biph-OC7H15](n)- (PA9EO7), Biph=4-4'-biphenylyl} are investigated by X-ray diffraction, polarizing optical microscope, and transmission electron microscope. Polyacetylene PA9EO7 from solution adopts a sandwich structure, which is a high order smectic phase. The biphenylyl pendants pack in a hexagonal fashion and the distance between two appendages is 4.51 Angstrom. The heptyloxy tails on one polymer backbone overlap with those on the neighboring chain. The nonyl spacer and the heptyloxy tail exhibit a hexagonal packing arrangement with intermolecular distance of 3.24 Angstrom.

Study on a carbosilane liquid crystalline (LC) dendrimer of the first generation - Containing twelve 4-butoxyazobenzene mesogenic groups in periphery

The divergent synthesis of a new carbosilane liquid-crystalline (LC) dendrimer of the first generation (D1) is described. Twelve 4-butoxyazobenzene groups are used as mesogenic fragments and attached in the periphery of the molecule. Structure and properties of D1 were characterized by element analysis, H-1 NMR, MALDI-TOF-MS, IR, UV-Vis, polarizing optical micrograph, DSC and WAXD. It is argued that mesophase of nematic type is realized. It is shown that the mesophase type of the dendrimer essentially depends on the chemical nature of the mesogenic groups. Phase behavior of D1 is K82N1331132N67K. The melting point of D1 is 30similar to43 degreesC lower than that of M5, its clearing temperature is 9 similar to 11 degreesC higher than that of M5 and its mesophase region is enlarged by 39 similar to 54 degreesC compared to that of M5. Eight extinguished brushes emanating from a stationary point are observed, corresponding to the high-strength disclination of S = + 2 of dendrimer. The clearing enthalpy of D1 is smaller than the value that is commonly found for phase transition n-i in LC and LC polymers. This may be due to the presence of branched dendrimer cores which cannot be easily deformed to fit into the anisotropic LC phase structure.

In situ study of nanostructure and morphological development during the crystal-mesophase transition of poly(di-n-hexylsilane) and poly(di-n-butylsilane) by X-ray and hot-stage AFM

Nanostructure and morphology and their development of poly(di-n-hexylsilane) (PDHS) and poly(di-n-butylsilane) (PDBS) during the crystal-mesophase transition are investigated using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), wide angle X-ray diffraction and hot-stage atomic force microscopy. At room temperature, PDHS consists of stacks of lamellae separated by mesophase layers, which can be well accounted using an ideal two-phase model. During the crystal-mesophase transition, obvious morphological changes are observed due to the marked changes in main chain conformation and intermolecular distances between crystalline phase and mesophase. In contrast to PDHS, the lamellae in PDBS barely show anisotropy in dimensions at room temperature. The nonperiodic structure and rather small electronic density fluctuation in PDBS lead to the much weak SAXS. The nonperiodic structure is preserved during the crystal-mesophase transition because of the similarity of main chain conformation and intermolecular distances between crystalline phase and mesophase.