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Notes: Homopolymers of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl(methacrylate) (TFEMA) and 2,2,2-trichloroethyl-(methacrylate) (TCEMA) and copolymers with methyl-α-chloroacrylate (MCA) in a range of compositions were synthesized. The reactivity ratios were obtained; the two copolymerizations were close to ideal. Poly(MCA) showed Gs = 7.4 and Gs = 0.9 by γ-radiolysis. On the other hand, poly(TFEMA) and poly(TCEMA) and Gs values of 2.0 and 2.4, respectively, and Gx = 0. Radiolysis of copolymers was initiated to a large degree by dissociative electron capture by the halogen atoms in both comonomers, as revealed by the ESR spectra of radicals derived from them. Germinal recombinations in irradiated poly(TFEMA) suggested the presence of radicals in proximity. This process was absent in the copolymers. GC-MS analysis of volatile products and other supporting evidence showed that TFEMA monomers tended to depolymerize; the TCEMA monomers did not. The radiolysis yields varied monotonically with the comonomer composition for the MCA-TFEMA system but the yield-composition relationship was irregular in MCA-TCEMA copolymers. Four noncrosslinking systems are potential radiation resists arranged in increasing order of promise: poly(TFEMA) (Gs = 2.0, Tg = 70°); poly(TCEMA) (Gs = 2.7, Tg = 142°); poly(94MCA-co-6TCEMA) (Gs = 2.7, Tg = 142°); and poly(68MCA-co-32TFEMA) (Gs = 3.0, Tg = 112°). These materials merit further investigation for E-beam or x-ray lithographic applications. Mechanisms of radiolysis for these materials, based on ESR, GC-MS, and radiolysis yield data, were discussed.

Notes: Photomicrographys of concentrated lyotropic hydroxypropylcellulose solutions confirm the cholesteric nature of the anisotropic phases in acetic acid and water. They reveal the existence of biphasic separation. Typical liquid-crystal solvent-dependent textures are observed. The behavior of liquid-crystalline phases in mixed solvents is also studied, and the cholesteric pitch of the twist structure is measured for various relative concentrations of solvents. Spherical droplets, or “spherulites,” in well-defined relative concentrations of solvents have been observed.

Notes: The chlorometylation of linear and crosslinked polystyrene with 1,4-bis(chloromethoxy) butane was studied, and the behavior of 1,4-bis(chloromethoxy)butane in the presence of chloromethylation catalysts was also established by 1H-NMR spectroscopy.

Notes: Polyaromatic ether-ketone sulfonamides with potentially open structures of interest for membranes were prepared from polyaromatic ether-ketones by sulfonation with chlorosulfonic acid, followed by amination with various amines. Various degrees of substitution were achieved by controlling the reaction conditions of sulfonation. These polymers are soluble in solvents like dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, and chloroform and can be cast into transparent films.

Notes: Copolymerization of ethylene with mixtures of linear α-olefins C6-C36 in the presence of two heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts, δ-TiCl3-AlEt3 and TiCl4/MgCl2-AlEt3, at 90°C was studied by the GC method, and reactivity ratios for all paris ethylene-α-olefin were estimated from the data on olefin consumption in the reactions. In the case of the δ-TiCl3-AlEt3 system, the r2 value decreases from ca. 0.05 for 1-decene to ca. 0.02 for α-C22H44 and then remains approximately constant. This change is similar to the dependence of the modified steric parameter ESC of the olefin alkyl group on the size of the alkyl group. In the case of the supported TiCl4/MgCl2-AlEt3 system a similar variation of r2 with the length of the alkyl group were observed but the absolute values of r2 were six to ten times lower than those for the first catalytic system.

Notes: The photodimerization reaction of thymine bases incorporated in the modified oligo- and polyethyleneimines, in which α-alanine or ß-alanine unit was inserted between the main chain and the pendant thymine bases, was studied both in aqueous and in dimethyl sulfoxide solutions. It was found that the quantum yields for the photodimerization for the oligomers were closely related to the intramolecular interaction in the ground state, while those of the copolymers were not related to the ground state interaction. It was suggested that the singlet energy migration was present in the case of the polyethyleneimine derivatives. This result is discussed in terms of the effects of the nearest-neighboring thymine units, the structure of the side chain, and the singlet energy migration, particularly for the copolymers.

Notes: A 1:1 hydrogen-bonded complex was formed between acrylic acid (AA) or methacrylic acid (MA) and the pyridine group of poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) in dilute solutions. A shift of infrared absorption of the hydrogen-bonded acid O—H to a lower energy direction and an upfield shift of acid proton in the NMR were observed when the monomers were added with pyridine. The equilibrium constants of the 1:1 complexation with P4VP measured by using a semipermeable membrane were 0.58 and 0.26 for AA and MA, respectively, at 25°C in methanol. The bromometrically measured initial rate of radical polymerization showed only a slight enhancement in the presence of P4VP, the rate being maximum at the 4VP unit:monomer mole ratio of 0.25 and 0.5 for AA and MA, respectively, in dilute methanol solution at 60°C.

Notes: Copoly(propyl-L-aspartate-benzyl-L-aspartate)s with various compositions were synthesized by propylation of a parent poly(β-benzyl-L-Aspartate). The variation of helix sense of copolyaspartate obtained against a degree of propylation and temperature was examined by optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism method. Copolyaspartate of propylation less than about 70% is in a left-handed α helix conformation and its Moffitt parameter b0 and molecular ellipticity [θ]222 decreased gradually with increasing propylation. On the other hand, a different temperature dependence of b0 and [θ]222 was observed for copolyaspartate of propylation more than about 80%, i.e., the reversible transition of the helix sense from right- to left-handed α helix took place by temperature increasing. These features were basically similar to the variation in helix sense of copoly(ethyl-L-aspartate-benzyl-L-aspartate), although a slight difference was seen for copoly(propyl-L-aspartate-benzyl-L-aspartate). The thermodynamic treatment indicating larger entropy of right-handed α helix suggests much mobile side chain of the right-handed α helix than the left handed one.

Notes: When reacted for periods of 5-10 min at temperatures of about 280-300°C in the presence of certain organic phosphites polymers that contain available carboxy and aliphatic amine groups undergo amidation. This reaction can increase the molecular weight of many aliphatic polyamides by their self-reaction in an extruder. Block or graft copolymers can be formed by reacting polymers that contain aliphatic amines with others that contain carboxyl. Studies of model compounds in the companion article (II) indicate that polymerization proceeds through an diaryloxy or dialkoxy amino phosphine intermediate to produce amide bonds and disubstituted phosphite reaction by-products. In the absence of primary amines in the reaction mixture an ester is slowly formed from the carboxyl end group of the polymer and the oxysubstituent of the phosphite. In no case was a phosphorus-containing mixed anhydride detected. The mechanistic identity of the low temperature reactions in article II and the high temperature reactions in this article has not been proved conclusively, however.

Notes: The kinetics of propene polymerization in heptane slurry at 1-4 bars was studied with a catalytic system that consisted of a solid catalyst prepared by adsorption of TiCI4 on pure porous MgCl2 (by dehydrating MgCl2, 6 H2O with thionyl chloride) and a cocatalytic, heptanic solution of ethylbenzoate (BE) and triethylaluminium (TEA). At a temperature approaching 60°C/polymerization began immediately after the introduction of the monomer. The polymerization rate decreased continuously during the reaction. The loss in activity, however, was not due to a diffusional effect (e.g., blocking of the catalyst by the growing polymer). Studies of the ageing of the catalytic system showed a deactivation of the catalytic system itself as a function of the time of contact between the catalyst and the cocatalyst. The product of the thermal decomposition of the complex 1:2 formed by the reaction of BE with TEA was not associated with the deactivation process or stereospecific control, which depend on the BE/AI ratio and the presence of the complex.

Notes: 13C-NMR linewidths and spin-lattice relaxation times have been determined for soluble and crosslinked polystyrenes containing quaternary phosphonium and ammonium ions. Solubilities and NMR linewidths show that the solvating abilities toward tri-n-butylphosphonium ions are CDCl3 〉 CH3OH 〉 D2O 〉 benzene, toluene, toward the trimethylammonium ions, CH3OH 〉 CDCl3 〉 D2O 〉 toluene, and toward the nonpolar polymer backbone, CDCl3, benzene 〉 toluene 〉 CH3OH 〉 D2O.

Notes: In contradiction to reports from this and other laboratories, this study reports that the integrated Mayo-Lewis equation, or Meyer-Lowery equation, adequately describes the high-conversion free radical copolymerization of styrene and methylmethacrylate. The copolymerization was monitored by following the changes in the feed composition using NMR, as well as determination of the resulting copolymer compositions by NMR and UV. “Error in all Variables” statistical techniques were used to produce estimates of the reactivity ratios. The reactivity ratios estimated were, from feed composition, NMR, r1 (styrene) = 0.472, r2 = 0.454, from copolymer composition, UV, r1 = 0.497, r2 = 0.464, and NMR, r1 = 0.432, r2 = 0.422.

Notes: A method to immobilize enzymes photochemically with use of photocrosslinkable poly(vinylalcohol) bearing stilbazolium groups is described. Irradiation of a film of the photosensitive polymer containing enzyme gave water-insoluble, cellophane-like transparent film demonstrating high enzyme activity. The dissolution of enzymes from the film was dependent upon the molecular weight of the proteins and the content of the photocrosslinking unit. It was found that various enzymes are sufficiently entrapped in the photocrosslinked polymer matrix when the content of the photosensitive group is more than about 1.0 mol%.

Notes: Reactions of PVC with three representative stabilizers Bu2SnY2 (Y = OCOC11H23, SCH2COOCH2CH(Et)CH2CH2CH2CH3, OCOCH=CHCOOMe) in solution and under nitrogen were studied by two principal methods. First, using stabilizers with radioactive labels in the Y groups, the uptake of these groups by virgin and degraded polymer was measured. The UV-visible absorption spectra of the stabilized polymers are discussed. Second, the effect of these three stabilizers on the rate of elimination of hydrogen chloride from heated PVC was studied. It is shown that the effects of HCI-scavenging and of exchange reactions in suppressing the evolution of HCI can be separately evaluated. The thermal decomposition of dibutyltin bis(methyl maleate) to give maleic anhydride is reported. Interpretation of the observations is made in terms of assessing the relative importance of the various polymer-stabilizer reactions in promoting stabilization.

Notes: Plasma-polymerized styrene (PPS) thin films (several hundred to several thousand Å thick) have been prepared under a variety of discharge conditions in a tubular reactor inductively coupled to a radio frequency (13.56 MHz) power supply. Studies have focussed on the correlation of deposited polymer structure, evidenced both at the film surface (via XPS analysis) and in the bulk polymer (via transmission FT-IR analysis) with controllable plasma parameters (coupled rf power, monomer flow rate, monomer pressure). It has been determined that the relative number of phenyl rings incorporated into the film intact is an inverse function of the power per styrene molecule ratio. Polymer deposition rate was found to be a strong function of styrene flow rate and substrate temperature. Plausible elements of the styrene plasma polymerization mechanism will be considered.

Notes: Synthesis of low-density polyethylene, that is, a density of less than 0.925 g/cm3, has traditionally been accomplished by the use of free-radical initiators at high ethylene pressures or of an alpha olefin comonomer such as 1-butene at lower pressures. We investigated an alternative route to branched, low-density polyethylene with a single monomer, ethylene, as the feed in conjunction with multicomponent catalyst systems capable of in situ dimerization of ethylene and subsequent copolymerization to produce low-density polyethylene. This article discusses the details of the evaluation of a number of dual-functional systems based on Ziegler-Natta catalysts. Specific, well defined, dual-functional catalyst systems which could easily produce branched, low-density polyethylene with levels of 20-30 branches per 1000 carbon atoms were developed. Variations in the relative number of component catalysts resulted in systematic, predictable changes in the properties of the polyethylene produced, which demonstrated the utility of the dual-functional catalyst concept.

Notes: Acyloin condensation of terephthaloyl chloride under homogeneous conditions using a sodium naphthalene radical anion system and under heterogeneous conditions using finely dispersed molten sodium with varying ratios of sodium to organic substrate gave mainly polymeric materials that were identified as polyhydroxyketones. IR, NMR, and DTA analyses indicate that these polymers are copolymers of benzoin and benzil hitherto unknown. The yields of polymers under homogeneous conditions were higher than those obtained under heterogeneous conditions, but the molecular weight distribution was similar to those obtained with molten sodium.

Notes: The anionic polymerization of δ-valerolactone initiated by KC24 in xylene or tetrahydrofuran was investigated. The influence of the polymerization conditions on the amount and composition of the oligomers fraction and high polymers formed was tested. Experiments were done with a potassium mirror and benzophenone-potassium as initiators of the polymerization to check the influence of the layered structure of the initiator. It was found that the amount of the oligomers formed under comparable conditions increases in the order KC24 (9%), potassium mirror (22%), benzophenone-potassium (56%). The highest yields of poly(δ-valerolactone) (over 90%) and highest intrinsic viscosities (1.0 dL/g and more) were achieved by the KC24-initiated polymerizations in xylene.

Notes: The solid reaction products from pyrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate in the presence and absence of red phosphorus were characterized by CP/MAS 13C-NMR, FR-IR, and MAS 31P-NMR spectroscopy. Over the temperature range of 300-400°C, polyethylene terephthalate was converted in a sealed vial to a highly crosslinked polymer of terephthalic acid. Pyrolysis in the presence of red phosphorus, which functions as a flame retardant by increasing the amount of char, yielded an intractible polyaromatic phosphate ester. After thermal cleavage of polyethylene terephthalate with formation of free carboxyl and vinyl ester groups, there are two competing reaction pathways. The smaller molecular weight fragments may enter the vapor phase where they undergo further degradation primarily to CO2, CO, and acetaldehyde, as described by others. However, if volatilization of the oligomeric fragments is inhibited, an alternate reaction pathway gives rise to the formation of highly crosslinked char. Red phosphorus decreases the volatility of the oligomeric fragments by converting them to phosphates and thereby enhances char formation.

Notes: The scandium naphthenate/trialkylaluminum system was investigated as a catalyst in the polymerization of substituted alkynes. Phenylacetylene was converted to a moderately crystalline, high cis polymer. The alkyl-substituted acetylenes produced rubbery or solid materials of relatively high molecular weight. Infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), 1H-NMR, and 13C-NMR studies of the polyalkylacetylenes revealed high cis conformation, but apparently twisted from planarity to decrease molecular orbital overlap in the polyconjugated chain.

Notes: An attempt was made to produce a new short-chain alphatic polyamide nylon-4,2. This polyoxamide can be prepared by polycondensation of tetramethylene diamine and diethyl oxalate. A high molecular weight polymer (ηinh = 1.9 from 0.5% solutions in 96% sulphuric acid) has been obtained by employing a two-step polycondensation method; the precondensation was carried out in solution at low temperatures (20-140°C) and the postcondensation in the solid state at high temperatures (250-300°C). The effect of solvent composition and reaction temperature on the prepolymerization and the effect of reaction time and temperature on the postcondensation was studied. We also investigated the influence of moisture during washing, storing, and the solid-state reaction on the polymerizability by the postcondensation. Nylon-4,2 is soluble only in highly polar solvents such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), dichloroacetic acid, and 96% sulphuric acid. Films were cast from TFA. With these films we studied the IR spectrum, WAXS pattern, water absorption, and melting behavior. Nylon-4,2 was found to melt at 388-392°C, has a crystallinity of 70%, and a low water absorption (3.1% at 50% RH). The glass transition temperature of the dry sample was found to be at ∼120°C and for the wet sample at -15°C.

Notes: This article describes the synthesis of N,N′-bis(3,3′-maleimidophenyl) sulfone (S) and its Michael addition products with (4,4′-diaminodiphenyl) methane (S-M), 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether (S-E), (3,3′-diaminodiphenyl) sulfone (S-DDSm), (4,4′-diaminodiphenyl) sulfone (S-DDSp), (3,3′,3″-tris aminophenyl) phosphine oxide (S-TAP), and 9,9-bis(p-aminophenyl) fluorene (S-B). Curing behavior of these bisimides was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Activation energy of curing reaction was determined by using isothermal and multiple heating rate method. Thermal stability of bisimides was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. Better char yields were obtained in S-TAP resins.

Notes: A Comparison between two different feedstocks in the homogeneous polymerization of butadiene has been conducted. The conversion and molecular weight trends were essentially the same for both feedstock systems. Changes in polydispersity at high conversions could not be explained by a living polymerization mechanism. A reaction scheme involving reuse of active cobalt centres combined with termination has been proposed.

Notes: Studies on the thermal oxidation of carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene in the presence of antioxidants have been carried out by dynamic DTA. Bis-thioacetylacetonato nickel(II) compounds are found to be effective in inhibiting the air oxidation reaction in the polymer. The crosslinking reaction of the polymer through the double bonds present in the polymer molecule is desensitized by the antioxidants and the effect is more with N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine. An exothermic peak formed at 270°C in the presence of tris(2-methylaziridinyl-1) phosphine oxide has been identified as the curing reaction. The infrared spectra of CTPB in the presence of MAPO at various temperatures confirm the various stages of reaction.

Notes: Cyanoacetylene can be polymerized from the vapor state onto an inactive surface of substrate at a temperature as low as 200°C. The polymerization first occurs by way of the carbon-carbon triple bond. The reaction product obtained at 1000°C contains nitrogen at a concentration as high as 13.7%. At least some of this nitrogen is in naphtiridine ring or rings similar to it. The product obtained at 400°C is amorphous, while the product obtained at 1000°C has at least partly graphite-like crystalline structures with an apparent crystallite size (Lc) of about 17 Å. The electric conductivities of the products obtained at 400, 700, and 1000°C are 7.7 × 10-2, 91, and 1600 S/cm, respectively. These values are extremely high compared to the pyrolized PAN treated at the same temperature. Electric conductivity of the product obtained at 400°C is well explained by the variable range hopping model in 3-dimensional amorphous materials. With the products obtained at the higher temperatures, conductivity cannot be accounted for by the hopping model. This is probably due to the development of graphite-like structure.

Notes: The syntheses of two new pyrene-containing monomers - 2-(1-pyrenyl)methyl-2-oxazoline (6) and methyl 2-(1-pyrenyl)acetamidopropenoate (12) - and their polymerization are described. Cationic isomerization polymerization of 6 with ethylene glycol ditosylate initiator gave poly[N-(1-pyrenyl)acetyl ethylenimine] (7) and free-radical polymerization of 12 with AIBN initiator gave poly[methyl 2-(1-pyrenyl)acetamidopropenoate] (15). The monomer model compounds of the two polymers, namely, N,N-diethyl(1-pyrenyl)acetamide (9) and methyl 2-methyl-2-(1-pyrenyl)acetamidopropanoate (14), were also synthesized. The polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and a comparison of their 1H-NMR spectra with those of the respective monomer model compounds.

Notes: The kinetics of radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate were investigated in a dioxane solution with cyclohexanone as initiator. It was found that the overall rate of reaction initiated with cyclohexanone (Rp) is proportional to the concentration of monomer and to the square root of the concentration of the initiator. The effect of temperature on the Rp in the temperature range of 65-95°C was discussed. The Arrhenius activation energy Ea estimated for the temperature range of 65-75°C was 137 kJ mol-1.

Notes: The ylide 4-picolinium, p-chloro phenacylide-initiated thermal polymerization of ethyl methacrylate (EMA) was studied. 4-Picolinium p-chloro phenacylide induces the thermal polymerization of ethyl methacrylate at 65°C. The rate of polymerization (Rp) rose as the initiator concentration increased from 2 × 10-3 to 4 × 10-3 M and the initiating exponent was computed as 1.9. The Rp decreased as the concentration of ylide increased from 6 × 10-2 to 1M. The greater initiator concentration also affected the molecular weight inversely. The polymerization was carried out at different temperatures and the overall activation energy was computed as 4.08 Kcal/mol. Polymerization was inhibited in the presence of hydroquinone as a radical scavenger. Kinetic studies and other data show that the overall polymerization takes place in a radical mechanism. The various kinetic parameters, such as the rate and average degree of polymerization, molecular weight, and energy of activation of the present system, were evaluated.

Notes: N-Phenylated aromatic polyamide-esters with high molecular weights were synthesized by the high-temperature solution polycondensation in nitrobenzene at 200°C from combinations of m- and p-anilinophenol and isophthaloyl and terephthaloyl chloride. Reaction variables such as monomer concentration, solvent, temperature, and time were studied to optimize the reaction conditions for the preparation of high molecular weight polymers. Some of the N-phenylated aromatic polyamide-esters have glass transition temperatures around 190°C and good solubility in chlorinated and amide solvents. These polymers gave transparent flexible films by solution-casting. Copolymers from p-anilinophenol and the two diacid chlorides were also synthesized and characterized.

Notes: Copolymers of vinylamine and vinylalcohol were prepared by hydrolysis of poly(N-vinyltert-butylcarbamate-co-vinylacetate) in 1:1 v/v % ethanol/HCl mixtures at room temperature. Reactivity ratios of the monomers N-vinyl-tert-butylcarbamate (1) and vinylacetate (2) were calculated from monomer feed and copolymer composition data, according to the methods of Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tüdös, yielding r1 = 1.14 ± 0.05, r2 = 0.47 ± 0.07, and r1 = 1.12 ± 0.07, r2 = 0.46 ± 0.03, respectively. From these values the average sequence length distribution of monomer units was derived showing that in the raction of N-vinyl-tert-butyl carbamate and vinylacetate nearly Bernouillian (i.e., purely random) copolymers are formed, with a slight tendency toward alternation.

Notes: New optically active monomers L-[α-(N-p-acryloxybenzoyl)alanine ethyl esters] (I) and their polymers were synthesized. The title monomers (I) were prepared by the reaction of 1-p-acryloxybenzoyloxy-4-chlorobenzotriazoles (II) with L-alanine ethyl ester hydrochloride, by aminolysis of the active monoester. The new typical active ester (II) was synthesized by the N-hydroxy compound active-ester methods in excellent yield. Before the synthesis of the optically active monomers was carried out, a model study of the aminolysis of the two active esters was performed.

Notes: Photopolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was studied at 40°C using a macromolecular C.T. Complex between poly(N-vinyl carbazole) and bromine, expressed in brief as (PNVC-Br2) complex, as the photoinitiator. Initiator exponent was 0.40 for [PNVC-Br2] ≤ 2.5 × 10-3 mol L-1 and practically zero for [PNVC-Br2] 〉 2.5 × 10-3 mol L-1. Monomer exponent in different diluent systems such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and acetone was close to 1.0. Low initiator exponent (〈0.5) is explained on the basis of an initiator-dependent termination mechanism, in addition to the usual bimolecular termination. Analysis of kinetic data indicates that the initiator-dependent termination is primarily due to degradative initiator transfer and that due to primary radicals is considered inconsequential in view of monomer exponent being close to unity. The non-ideal termination process assumes over-whelming prominence at high [PNVC-Br2].

Notes: Some new TiCl4/Crown ether complexes were synthesized and used as polymerization catalysts with AlEt3 or AlEt2Cl as cocatalyst for the stereospecific polymerization of 1,3-butadiene. As with most of the nucleophilic ligands the addition of crown ethers to Ziegler-Natta catalytic systems results in a decrease of the polymer conversion. But the Al/Ti molar ratio appears to be less critical for the complexed systems than for the uncomplexed ones. The presence of the crown ether in the surroundings of the catalytic sites presumably protects them from an excess of the organoaluminum cocatalyst. The side groups of the crown ether do not influence the microstructure of the polybutadiene obtained but they change the activity of the catalytic systems. Thus, the electron-donating effect of the macrocyclic ligands seems to be less important than the sterical effect due to the rigidity and to the hole size of the crown ether.

Notes: Data on the ablative photodecomposition of three condensation polymers [polyimide, poly(ethylene terephthalate), and polycarbonate] and one addition polymer (polymethyl methacrylate) by laser pulses at 193 nm are presented. The etch depth/pulse is a linear function of the number of pulses at constant laser fluence. It varies with the logarithm of the fluence in a linear manner at different fluences. The etch depth is independent of the atmosphere above the film, whether it is air at 1 atm, or a vacuum. The etching of PMMA at fluences 〉 100 mJ/cm2 is believed to follow a mechanism different from the process at lower fluences. Etching of polyimide and polyethylene terephthalate at 248 and 308 nm is also reported. The mechanism of etching by laser radiation may receive greater contribution from a thermal process with increasing wavelength. This is manifested in the etch depth versus log fluence plot by sharp changes in slope.

Notes: Three-component IPN systems made from polyurethanes, epoxies, and poly(methacrylates) containing charge groups in the backbones of the constituent networks have been prepared. Specific attractive forces that occurred among the various networks helped to compatibilize them and aided in the formation of true homogeneous topologically interpenetrating polymer networks. These three-component polymer alloys, including full-IPN's, pseudo-IPN's, and graft-IPN's, were characterized by means of mechanical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and stress-strain properties. In addition, some adhesion studies were carried out (lap shear strength and peel strength). A comparison of the different types of three-component polymer alloys showed that better properties were generally exhibited by the graft-IPN's and full-IPN's containing opposite charge groups.

Notes: Aromatic polyesters of high molecular weights were prepared by the direct polycondensation reaction of dicarboxylic acids and bisphenols or hydroxybenzoic acids with triphenylphosphine dichloride as a new condensing agent. Reaction conditions, including the amount of reagents and the concentration of monomer, solvent, and acid acceptor, were investigated. The aromatic polyester with the solution viscosity of 1.66 dL/g was obtained from bisphenol. A and terephthalic and isophthalic acid in quantitative yield under the optimum condition. The principal advantage of this condensing agent is that, based on the recycling system, recovered triphenylphosphine oxide can be reconverted to the reactive triphenylphosphine dichloride by treating with phosgene or oxalyl chloride.

Notes: The compatibility of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PEO-PMMA) blends were examined covering the complete composition range. Up to 20% of PEO content films were transparent and glass transition temperatures were determined by DSC and by refractive index vs. temperature measurements. Only one Tg was obtained for these samples and the relationship between Tg and composition has been evaluated. At higher PEO content crystallization took place and the films were opaque. Melting temperatuures of PEO in blends were determined by DSC. Melting point depression was observed for increasing proportion of PMMA and the binary interaction parameter has been calculated.

Notes: Superacid polymers were prepared by bringing metal halides (AlCl3, SnCl4, TiCl4, BF3, or SbF5) in contact with macroporous sulfonic acid resins [sulfonated, crosslinked poly(styrene-divinylbenzene)]. The resulting solids were characterized by chemical analysis, temperature-programmed desorption, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. They were also tested as catalysts for n-butane isomerization at 0.5 bar and 60 to 120°C. The polymers consist of supported metal oxyhalide particles, complexes of metal oxyhalides and sulfonate groups, and the remaining unreacted sulfonic acid groups. In the presence of HCl, these polymers were highly active catalysts for the butane isomerization reaction, the activity being a consequence of a high proton-donor strength inferred to be associated with H2Cl+ groups stabilized on the polymer surface by negative charge delocalization over sulfonate-metal oxyhalide sulfonate groups.

Notes: The double salt 1 consisting of the hydrochloride of 6-amino-2,4-trans-hexadienoic acid and cadmium chloride in a 2:1 stoichiometry polymerizes in the crystalline state if exposed to UV or γ irradiation. A stereoregular polymeric ampholyte is formed in an extended chain macroconformation, embedded in an inorganic matrix. The crystal structure of the polymerized crystals and the solution properties of the polymer are reported. Polymerized crystals are triclinic, space group P1, a = 7.2144 Å, b = 7.2447 Å, c = 18.5936 Å, α = 104.49°, β = 96.631°, γ = 95.706°, Z = 2. The structure consists of 2-dimensional layers of polymer and inorganic CdCl6 octahedra alternatively stacked in the third dimension. The cadmium ions can be separated from the polymer by a precipitation as insoluble CdS. After separation from the inorganic material the polymer is soluble in strong acids and bases and insoluble in neutral water. From viscosity measurements of alkaline solutions of the polymer, an average molar mass of 4 × 104 g/mol can be deduced. The polymer selectively adsorbs divalent transition metal ions if suspended in an aqueous solution of transition metal salts. The structure of the resulting polymer-metal complexes is discussed.

Notes: Growth of two droplet families and a polymer seed family as a function of percent monomer conversion in PVC miniemulsion synthesis demonstrates that polymerization in droplets predominates to ∼ 30-40% conversion, whereupon polymerization of seed becomes favored. This difference appears to be due to a liquid-to-solid phase change in the forming particles during the course of polymerization.

Notes: Photocrosslinking of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was studied in the solid state in the presence of various quinones. For the study of photocrosslinking mechanism, a PMMA film containing p-benzoquinone (Q) was irradiated with UV light (λ 〉 370nm) and then purified by reprecipitation. It was found that the reprecipitated polymer has quinone-type moieties, besides the hydroquinone-type moieties, chemically bound to the polymer chain. The reprecipitated polymer film also crosslinking efficiency was higher than that of PMMA film containing Q. It was concluded that the formation of quinone-type structure during irradiation played an important role in the photocrossing of PMMA containing Q.

Notes: Hydroxy-terminated polyarylates (HTPA) with number-average molecular weights of approximately 2500, 5000, 7500, and 10,000 were synthesized and converted to corresponding 4-ethynylbenzolyloxy-terminated polyarylates (ETPA) by reaction with 4-ethynylbenzoyl chloride. The terminal ethynyl groups were thermally reacted to provide chain extension and crosslinking. The cured ETPA exhibited higher glass transition temperatures (Tg) and better solvent resistance than a high molecular weight linear polyarylate. Solvent resistance was further improved by curing 2,2-bis(4-ethynylbenzoyloxy-4′-phenyl) propane, a coreactant, with ETPA at concentrations of approximately 10% (w/w).

Notes: Thermal degradation of the silica-aminopropylsilane-amic acid/imide interface was studied by modifying a high-surface-area, neutral silica gel with a number of substituted aminopropylsilanes (APS). These substrates were reacted further with phthalic anhydride or aromatic amic acid monomers and the thermal decomposition of the adsorbed/reacted materials was monitored by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane/poly[N,N′-(p,p′-oxydiphenylene)pyromellitimide] interface was also evaluated by this method.Comparison clearly distinguishes the thermal decomposition of surface-bound APS from surface-bound alkylphthalimides, the adhesion product of alkylamines and aromatic amic acids. Alkylamine imidization with the elimination of aromatic amine (analogous to polymer scission) and the decomposition of the surface-bound imide are shown in the amic acid TGA profiles. This imidization and the accompanying aniline elimination begin at about 130°C, under nitrogen, to form the surface alkyl imide which slowly decomposes at 400°C. TGA analysis indicates that the surface-bound imide undergoes minimal degradation under nitrogen at 370 ± 10°C; temperatures above this threshold range produce changes in the APS-imide interface.

Notes: The reactions of hexa(aryloxy)cyclotriphosphazenes N3P3(OR)6[R = C6H5, C6H4CH3-p] with polyhaloalkanes in the presence of anhydrous aluminium chloride yield new crosslinked phosphazene polymers which are characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and pyrolysis - mass spectrometric measurements. Soluble “prepolymers” are obtained by using stoichiometric quantities of the phosphazene and haloalkane in nitromethane as the solvent. The 1H and 31P NMR data for these “prepolymers” are presented. The thermal stability of the polymers derived from various haloalkanes decreases in the order 1,2-ClCH2CH2Cl 〈 CHCl3 〉 CH2Cl2 〉 CCl4. The thermal stability also increases with increasing amounts of the catalyst, reaching a maximum at 1:10 mol ratio of N3P3(OPh)6:AlCl3. The phosphazene polymers reported here possess much greater thermal stability compared to linear polyorganophosphazenes, [NPR2]n, as well as the polymers prepared by the Friedel-Crafts reactions of P(O)(OPh)3 and P(O)(OC6H4CH3-p)3 with haloalkanes.

Notes: The ring-opening, nucleophilic addition of amine-terminated oligomers to alkenyl azlactones was exploited to prepare reactive, that is, in free radical polymerizations, oligomers that could be used in 100% solids resin systems. Acrylamide-functional oligomers resulted from the reaction that used 2-vinyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone, whereas methacrylamide-functional oligomers were produced with 2-isopropenyl-4,4-dimethylazlactone. The overall reaction took place under mild conditions, for example, a few hours at room temperature, and was particularly free of side reactions. Examination of reaction rates with the two alkenyl azlactones revealed that the 2-vinyl derivative reacted ca. four times faster. The (meth)acrylamide-terminated resins were characterized by IR, NMR, and molecular weight analyses.

Notes: The thermodynamical properties of the star-branched polymers on the tetrahedral lattice are studied taking into account nearest-neighbor interactions. The excess free energy and energy and heat capacities are computed for wide ranges of chain lengths, reduced potential ∊/kT, and number of branches. A significant influence of the degree of branching on long-range interactions in the polymer random coil is observed. The possibilities of phase transitions in both linear and branched systems are discussed on the basis of the Monte Carlo data.

Notes: To control the swelling of polymer membrane by photoirradiation amphiphilic azoaromatic polymer membranes were prepared and a photoinduced change in the swelling degree of water was investigated. The azobenzene moiety in the side chain of the polymer was isomerized from trans form to cis form by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and reverse isomerization was found by visible light irradiation. The swelling degree of the polymer membrane for water in the dark was decreased by UV radiation, and when visible light irradiation was carried out in the polymer membrane the degree of swelling recovered to the original level. The swelling degree decreased with an increase in the mole fraction of the azobenzene moiety in the dark and under UV irradiation. The deswelling degree of the polymer membrane by UV irradiation also decreased with an increase in the mole fraction of the azobenzene moiety. This reversible change in the swelling degree was considered to be caused by the photoisomerization of the azobenzene moiety in the polymer membrane.

Notes: The small-angle X-ray scattering method was applied to evaluate macromolecular parameters of Agave fibers (Agave sisalana, A. cantala, A. hybrid, A. elongata, and A. ameniensis). The macromolecular parameters such as specific inner surface, percentage of void, length of coherence, range of inhomogeneity, and transversal lengths were evaluated. The correlation of macromolecular parameters with the average breaking strength of Agave fibers did not lead to a linear relation, however, the specific macromolecular organization in A. sisalana manifested higher breaking strength.

Notes: The theories of hydrodynamic properties of macromolecules in solution leading to an invariant relationship between the values of the intrinsic viscosity, [η], the molecular weight, M, and the translational friction coefficient of the molecule, f, have been considered. The review of experimental data comprising as much as about 2000 fractions of various polymers suggests that for all flexible-chain and moderately rigid-chain molecules the hydrodynamic parameter A0 = kη0(M[η]/100)1/3f-1 is actually an invariant independent of the chain length and the thermodynamic strength of the solvent and for moderately polydisperse samples also independent of the degree of their polydispersity. For polymers with very rigid chains the parameter A0 has a high value over the experimentally investigated range of M. These conclusions make it possible to recommend the use of the following average experimental values of the invariant A0 for the determination of M of polymers from the values of [η] and f: for flexible-chain and synthetic polymers with moderately high chain rigidity (3.2 ± 0.2) · 10-10, for polymers with high chain rigidity (3.7 ± 0.4) · 10-10, and for cellulose derivatives and other polysaccharides with molecular dispersity of nonelectrolyte solutions (3.30 ± 0.30) · 10-10 erg deg-1 mol-1/3. The fact that the experimental value of A0 = 3.2 · 10-10 does not coincide with the value of A∞ = 3.8 · 10-10 erg deg-1 mol-1/3 predicted by the theories of translational friction and viscosity of macromolecules implies that the theoretical values of P∞ = 5.11 and Φ∞ = 2.8 · 1023 mol-1 are mutually incompatible and these theories require further development.

Notes: The chemical composition of polyacrolein (PA) microspheres of various types as well as polyglutaraldehyde (PGL) microspheres was elucidated. Nephelometric measurements were used for studying the stability properties of the polyaldehyde microspheres in different pH and salt concentrations. The stability of the aldehyde groups themselves at various pH and temperature was also determined. The polyaldehyde microspheres covalently bind amino ligands, e.g., proteins, antibodies, enzymes, and drugs in a single step. The effect of temperature and the influence of thiol compounds on the reaction between the polyaldehyde microspheres and amino ligands was examined. The reaction of the polyaldehyde microspheres with sodium hydrogen sulfite is also described.

Notes: A series of nadimidized 1-[(dialkoxyphosphinyl1)methyl]-2,4- and -2,6-diaminobenzenes was prepared and polymerized thermally to yield highly crosslinked fire-resistant laminating resins. Bisnadimides were characterized by elemental analysis and Fourier-transform-infrared (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy. Curing behavior of the polymer precursors was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Char yield of polymers at 700°C was 64-69% and 30-60% in nitrogen and air atmospheres, respectively. The pyrolysis behavior of some bisnadimides was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Cyclopentadiene was evolved by retrograde Diels-Alder reaction during processing, but most was captured by copolymerization. The fire-resistance of some polymers was evaluated by determining their limiting oxygen index and smoke evolution.

Notes: A study using hot-stage microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry in assessing the ability of a number of substrates to nucleate transcrystalline growth in polypropylene is reported. Surface energy, chemical composition, crystal morphology, and moisture content of the substrate are discounted as being of importance in determining the ability of a substrate to nucleate polypropylene. It is concluded that surface topography plays a major role and it is argued that a prealignment of polymer chains occur in suitably sized cracks or channels on the surface. The rate of cooling the melt also dramatically influences the nucleating activity of a surface and this is ascribed to interfacial stresses resulting from differential contraction.

Notes: The objective of this project was to utilize the alternating copolymerizability of electrondonor monomers with electron-acceptor monomers to selectively introduce nucleic acid bases into copolymers in a controlled sequence distribution. To this end, maleimide monomers containing the adenine, thymine, cytosine, and 6-chloropurine moieties were converted to their hompolymers. The homopolymer of 1-(vinyloxyethoxy)thymine was also prepared. Alternating copolymers of the adenine maleimide monomer and the corresponding 6-chloropurine maleimide monomer with 1-(vinyloxyethoxy)thymine were prepared. The latter copolymer was converted to the alternating adenine-thymine copolymer by reaction with ammonia. Characterization of the polymers and copolymers via spectroscopic methods and physical measurements confirm their proposed structures. Monomer syntheses and characterization, as well as studies designed to establish the extent and nature of adenine-thymine interactions in the copolymers, are reported in accompanying papers.

Notes: New soluble aromatic polyazomethines with inherent viscosities of 0.4-0.8 dL/g were prepared by the solution polycondensation of 2,5-bis(4-aminophenyl)-3,4-diphenylthiophene, bis(4-aminophenyl) ether, and aromatic dialdehydes in o-chlorophenol at 20°C. The copolyazomethines are generally soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons, amide-type or phenolic solvents. The thermal stability of the polymers, which showed no weight loss up to 400°C in both air and nitrogen atmospheres.

Notes: This paper critically examines the scope and limitations of state-of-the-art chromatographic techniques (GPC, GC, HPLC) for separating and analyzing the composition, molecular weight, and molecular weight distribution of acrylate and styrene based polyether macromonomers. Of the three chromatrographic techniques investigated, HPLC is found to be the most useful technique for macromonomer analysis, being applicable over a wide molecular weight range and having favorable selectivities towards the many macromonomer components. Macromonomer purity, n-mer distribution, and molecular weight can be derived from a single chromatographic run. In addition, conformational information can be obtained.

Notes: Anhydrous chlorides of Mg, Mn, Y, and selected lanthanides were reacted with tri-n-butylphosphate and finally TiCI4 to prepare ethylene polymerization catalysts. With triethylaluminum as cocatalyst the highest activities were observed with Mg, Nd, and Pr, which correlate with the peak activity for Nd and Pr in diene polymerization catalysts prepared from the lanthanides. At a given hydrogen concentration molecular weights and molecular weight distributions and catalyst activities were similar for these three metals. The high activity for Nd and Pr is surprising because NdCI3 and PrCI3 adopt the UCI3 structure rather than a layer lattice structure common to MgCI2 and TiCI3.

Notes: Direct evidence of the TiO2 and ZnO photocatalytic decomposition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide and atactic polypropylene hydroperoxides in solution is reported. Molecular and macromolecular hydroperoxides behaved similarly. Untreated TiO2 in the rutile form was a far more efficient photocatalyst than ZnO in solution; the photoactivities of both pigments were limited on preferential absorption sites. In the solid state no preferential reaction sites were observed. When added to preoxidized atactic polypropylene both pigments were photocatalysts of the formation of macromolecular hydroperoxides and of their decomposition. The photoreactivities of untreated TiO2 and ZnO varied less than in solution.

Notes: High molecular weight aromatic poly(amide-ester)s were prepared by the direct polycondensation reactions between aromatic dicarboxylic acids and aminophenols under mild conditions in pyridine. The condensing agents examined in this study were diphenyl chlorophosphate (DPCP), DPCP/LiCl, and DPCP/DMF. Addition time of the aminophenols, depending on their nucleophilicities, affected the ηinh values and monomer sequence of the resulting polymer. Their thermal properties were studied in terms of the sequences in the polymer backbones.

Notes: A series of methylmethacrylate-vinylferrocene random copolymers was synthesized and characterized. Their adsorption from toluene and chloroform was measured onto pyrogenic silicas. The level of adsorption depended on the solvent, the surface area of the adsorbent, and the copolymer composition. Thus, an inverse adsorption-solubility relationship for toluene and chloroform was observed. However, in solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, 2-butanone, and cyclobutanone, which have strong interaction with silica, this trend was not evident. The compositional dependence of the adsorption of these copolymers in toluene and chloroform is similar. Initially, adsorption tends to increase with the vinylferrocene content in the polymer, and at equimolar copolymer compositions the adsorption reaches a maximum which is followed by a decrease in the adsorption values at high vinylferrocene contents. Gel permeation chromatography(GPC) measurements allowed us to conclude that high molecular weight polymer was preferentially adsorbed.

Notes: The physical interactions of polymers with neighboring molecules are determined by only two kinds of interactions: London dispersion forces and Lewis acid-base interactions. These two kinds of attractive energies (together with certain steric restrictions) determine solubility, solvent retention, plasticizer action, wettability, adsorption, adhesion, reinforcement, crystallinity, and mechanical properties. The London dispersion force interaction energies of polymers have been quantified by the dispersion force contribution to cohesive energy density (δ2d) and the dispersion force contribution to surface energy (δd). The Lewis acid-base interactions, often referred to as “polar” interactions, can be best quantified by Drago's CA and EA constants for acid sites and CB and EB constants for basic sites. In this article infrared spectral shifts are featured as a method of determining enthalpies of acid-base interaction, and the C and E constants for polymers, plasticizers, and solvents. Examples are given where acid-base complexation of polymers with solvents dominate solubility and swelling phenomena. Enthalpies of acid-base complexation in polymer blends are determined from spectral shifts.

Notes: A TiO2 semiconductor was immersed in a solution that contained styrene monomer and a supporting electrolyte. Polymer was formed when light was focused on the semiconductor. The yield was a function of the bias level maintained at the semiconductor elecotrode. With methylmethacrylate monomer direct photoinitiation of the monomer occurred, but the polymer yield could be reduced by varying the electrode potential.

Notes: The microstructure of polybutadiene produced by anionic initiation in diethyl ether and tetrahydrofuran with counterions Li+, Na+ and K+ was determined by 1H- and 13C-NMR. Ionization suppressing salts were added in tetrahydrofuran to ensure that only the ion-pair reaction was studied. Results are compared with older published data. In general, the 1,4 content of the polymer increases with increasing counterion size but varies somewhat with solvent with a given counterion. The cis component of the 1,4 structures changes with temperature and counterion. It is suggested that this change reflects the proportion of cis and trans centers that carry the reaction.

Notes: Ionic groups incorporated into a polymer have a decided effect on its physical properties. A number of ionomers and polyelectrolytes have been widely applied. In particular, sulfonated bisphenol-A polysulfone (SPSF) has been used as a composite or single-component membrane for the desalination of water. In this article, the synthesis and physical characteristics of sulfonated polysulfone are addressed. A detailed synthesis route is provided and methods that yield determinable levels of sulfonation are described. These ion-containing polymers retain an excessive amount of residual salts, which, of course, are impurities to the system. Therefore, before any analyses were made the polymers were subjected to a thorough soxhlet extraction process with boiling water, which appeared to be quite effective. The degree of sulfonation was assessed by several methods such as 1H NMR and FT-IR. A new 1H NMR method was derived because the method cited in the literature proved to be too inconsistent for our work. The new 1H NMR method used a quaternary ammonium counterion [N(CH3)4]. These methyl protons are easily measured and may be ratioed against the isopropylidene protons in the polymer backbone that act as an internal standard. Characterization of the physical properties of SPSF consisted of water uptake, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and solubility studies. Its physical appearance and mechanical behavior were improved by the solution procedure. Also addressed were the effects of different counterions (Na+ & Mg++) with SPSFs of low levels of sulfonation. The variation in physical properties between the divalent and monovalent counterions is dramatic, especially when observed by TMA in the rubber plateau above the apparent glass temperature.

Notes: Preparations of poly[(3-hydroxypropyl)oxirane] and poly[(4-hydroxybutyl)oxirane] are described. Three routes to poly[(3-hydroxypropyl)oxirane] are discussed, each of which involves the methanolysis of a polymeric ester. (3-Acetoxypropyl)oxirane, [3-(m-chlorobenzoyloxy)propyl]oxirane, and (3-chloropropyl)oxirane were polymerized using the AIEt3/H2O/AcAc initiator system. Poly[(3-acetoxypropyl)oxirane] and poly{[3-(m-chlorobenzoyloxy)propyl]oxirane} were converted directly to poly[(3-hydroxypropyl)oxirane] by methanolysis, the former under either acidic or basic conditions only. Poly[(3-chloropropyl)oxirane] was first converted to poly[(3-benzoyloxypropyl)oxirane] by treatment with tetrabutylammonium benzoate; subsequent basic methanolysis then afforded poly[(3-hydroxypropyl)oxirane]. Poly[(3-hydroxypropyl)oxirane] is a colorless elastomer which can be cast into tough, clear films from water or methanol. Poly[(4-hydroxybutyl)oxirane] was prepared from poly[(4-chlorobutyl)oxirane] by benzoyloxylation and subsequent methanolysis. Poly[(4-hydroxybutyl)oxirane] is insoluble in water, but is hydrophilic and can be cast into tough films from methanol or dimethylsulfoxide.

Notes: Based on a redox function of 1,2-dithiolane ⇌ 1,3-dithiol, lipoamide immobilized on hydrophilic polymers such as polyacrylamide, polyethyleneimine, and chitosan was found to work as polymeric reducing catalysts for the reduction of O-benzylhydroxylamine to benzyl alcohol and ammonia with sodium borohydride in the presence of ferrous ion. These polymers were easily separable and maintained high reactivities even after repeated uses.

Notes: Extensive MNDO SCF MO calculations were made to determine the heats of formation of the ground state of geometry-optimized perfluorodiazabenzenes (pyridazine, pyrimidine, and pyrazine) and some of their structural isomers (Dewar benzene, benzvalene, prismane, fulvene, and hexadienyne). The heats of formation of the cation, singlet, and triplet states, were derived for the ground-state geometry of 1,3-diaza isomers to gain some insight into the excited state manifolds. These results were used to interpret various experimental observations that relate to the plasma polymerization of the diazines. In particular, the interconversion of the parent heteroaromatic, the relative energies of interconversion and polymerization, and the possibility of the elimination of a small stable molecule were considered. Comparison is made with results reported for the tetrafluorobenzenes.

Notes: The photoinduced decay in THF of the sodium salt of the polybromostyryl carbanions (PSB̄) was investigated in vacuum at -78°C. Maximal rates of decay were obtained when the wavelength of the incident light corresponded to the absorption maximum of the PSB̄ at 495 nm. The quantum yield of the process was found to be 13 eq./Einstein. Products of the photostimulated decompositions at -78°C were found to be different from those obtained as result of the “dark” thermal decomposition at -20°C. Decomposition of the PSB̄ carbanions was accompanied by evolution of Br- anions and by formation of polyaryl carbanions absorbing in the 270- to 400-nm range. The mechanism of the photoinduced decomposition of PSB̄, though basically analogous to the SRN1 reaction mechanism, was found to differ significantly from the latter. The intramolecular dissociative electron transfer was assumed to represent its initiation step. Its propagation was attributed to the addition of PSB̄ to the initially formed biradicals, ejection of Br- from the resulting radical anions, and intramolecular electron transfer yielding polybromostyryl radicals. Products of the photoinduced decomposition of PSB̄ remained soluble in THF when the intensity of the incident light was relatively weak, though their molecular weight distribution broadened. Insoluble, highly crosslinked polymers were obtained when the intensity of the incident light was very high.

Notes: β-Pinene was polymerized with cationic initiators in reactions that were carried out to study the solvent, temperature, initiator, and monomer-to-solvent ratio. Polymers obtained under different conditions were characterized by intrinsic viscosity, softening point, and gel permeation chromatography.

Notes: Poly(styrene-co-4-thiocyanatoacetylstyrene) and poly(4-acetylstyrene-co-4-thiocyanatoacetyl-styrene) were prepared and their photochemical reactions were studied in the solid state. It was found that the thiocyanatoacetyl groups were easily rearranged with the corresponding isothiocyanatoacetyl groups by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and that the resulting isothiocyanatoacetyl groups underwent intramolecular cyclization when treated with triethylamine or ammonia to yield oxazole-2-thione moieties. The irradiated polymer films could be dyed selectively with cationic dyes in an appropriate dye bath because of the formation of anionic species by keto-enol tautomerization of oxazole-2-thione moieties in an alkaline state.

Notes: The condensation of silicic acid butyl esters was investigated by gel permeation chromatographic (GPC) analysis. The results revealed that the condensation was greatly dependent on a degree of esterification of the esters. The ester with the lowest degree of esterification underwent condensation to form a highly polymerized ester. It was found that fibers could be drawn from the ester solution before gelation.

Notes: Free-radical copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and methyl α-benzylacrylate has been studied in benzene solutions at 40 and 60°C. A simple copolymerization model fits the composition data at both temperatures. However, considering that the ceiling temperature for the polymerization of methyl α-benzylacrylate in benzene solution (|M| = 5 mol/L) is 67°C and that the overall rate of copolymerization drastically decreases with respect to that of methyl methacrylate homopolymerization with an increase of the molar fraction of methyl α-benzylacrylate in the feed, the behavior of this system is analyzed from both simple and reversible copolymerization models.

Notes: The reactions of 1,2-dihydroxy-1,2-bis(diethoxyphosphinyl)ethane (DBE) with various diisocyanates, such as tolylene diisocyanate, methylenebis(4-phenylisocyanate), and hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate, were studied for the synthesis of phosphorus-containing polyurethanes. In addition, DBE and ethyleneglycol or butanediol-1,4 were copolymerized with the diisocyanates. The synthesized poyurethanes were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Their thermal properties were compared with those of the corresponding common polyurethanes. The fire resistance of the copolyurethanes was evaluated by determining their limiting oxygen index and smoke evolution.

Notes: The results and numerical analysis of measurements of absorption spectra of charge-transfer complexes of poly(N-vinyl halogenocarbazoles) with tetracyanoethylene are presented. The absorption bands result from donor-acceptor interaction together with values of equilibrium constants, enthalpy, and oscillators strengths of investigated complexes allowed us to conclude that isomerism of complexing took place. The influence of halogen substituents (mono- and disubstitution) in positions 3 and 6 of the carbazole ring (polymeric donor) on the spectral properties of its complexes was observed.

Notes: The influence of the reaction medium on the polycondensation of the tetranitriles of tetracarboxylic acids and diamines has been investigated. The reaction in phenol and cresols yields polymers with macroheterocycles in the chain - polyhexasocyclanes. If phenols with electron-accepting substituents are used as reaction medium, nonmacrocyclic polymers with side aroxyl groups in the chain, polyisoindoxazenes - are formed. The properties of these polymers were studied. Macroheterocyclic compounds formed by condensation of phthalodinitrile with diamines can be used as one of the initial substances in polyhexasocyclane synthesis. Polyamidohexasocyclanes were prepared by polycondensation of macroheterocycles with dicarboxylic acid dichlorides. Some regularities of their formation and their properties were investigated.

Notes: Poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate N-oxide) (poly(DMAEMNO)) was prepared by oxidation of poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) with hydrogen peroxide in methanol. From thermogravimetric and IR spectroscopic investigations Cope elimination of amine oxide group in poly(DMAENO) was found to occur at 120-150°C. The postpolymerization of partially pyrolyzed polymer carrying vinyl ester group as pendant was performed with azobisisobutyronitrile at 60°C in methanol to give cross-linked polymer that was found to form hydrogel. Poly(DMAEMNO) gave metal-polymer complexes with CuCl2, ZnCl2, and CoCl2. Cobalt-polymer complex had a constitution of 1:2 of metal ion to amine oxide group, while copper- and zinc-polymer complexes seemed to have structures of 1:1 and 1:2 of metal ion to amine oxide group. Furthermore, polymer complexes of poly(DMAEMNO) with poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(acrylic acid) were found to be formed by mixing aqueous solutions of both polymers and also by radical polymerization of the acid monomers in the presence of poly(DMAEMNO). From elemental analysis, thermogravimetric investigation, and measurement of turbidity it was concluded that the resulting polymer-polymer complexes contained more than one acid monomer unit per one N-oxide unit.

Notes: A novel class of fire- and heat-resistant bisimide resins was prepared by thermal polymerization of maleimido or citraconimido derivatives of 1-[(dialkoxyphosphinyl)methyl]-2,4- and -2,6-diaminobenzenes (1). The neat bisimide resin prepared by curing 1-[di(2-chloroethoxyphosphinyl)methyl]-2,4- and -2,6-bismaleimidobenzene exhibited a limiting oxygen index 75% higher and smoke evolution about 30 times lower compared with the parent polymer obtained by curing m-phenylenebismaleimide. The char yield of cured bisimide resins at 700°C was 58-70% in a nitrogen atmosphere and 35-60% in air. An increase in formula weight between the imide groups slightly reduced the char yield. The polymer precursors were synthesized by reacting the phosphorus-containing diamines (1) (1 mol) with maleic anhydride/citraconic anhydride (2 mol) or by reacting the monomaleimido derivative of (1) with benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride/methylenebis(4-phenylisocyanate) in a 2:1 mole ratio. The monomers were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier-transform-infrared (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Direct cleavage of the P—C bond and inversion of the synthesis reaction may occur during their pyrolysis. The thermal polymerization of the monomers was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Biscitraconimides are thermally polymerized at a relatively lower temperature than the corresponding bismaleimides.

Notes: Glycidyl methacrylate was copolymerized with tert-butyl acrylate in bulk at 60°C using benzoyl peroxide as free radical initiator. The copolymer composition was determined by chemical analysis as well as from 13C-NMR data. The monomer reactivity ratios were calculated by using the YBR method. The number average sequence length of the copolymers was determined from 13C-NMR data and compared with those obtained from reactivity ratios. The intrinsic viscosity of the copolymers was determined in DMF, and thermal stability as well as mechanism of thermal degradation of the copolymers were evaluated.

Notes: Two-component interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) that contained charge groups in the backbones of the polyurethane and epoxy networks were studied. IPNs that contained opposite charge groups, similar charge groups, no charge groups, and corresponding pseudo-IPNs were prepared. A comparison of mechanical properties, water-resistance data, mechanical spectra, and electron microscopy showed that improved properties and morphologies resulted in IPNs that contained opposite charge groups. Presumably, interactions between the opposite charge groups in the constituent networks resulted in a forced compatibility between the two polymers which decreased the degree of phase separation.

Notes: The thermal decomposition of the epoxy resin system, MY720 (70 wt % tetraglycidyl diaminodiphenyl methane), cured with Eporal (diamino diphenyl sulfone), was investigated at 125-215°C. The primary decomposition product was propenal. Several other aldehydes were observed; however, they are formed during cure and are not thermal decomposition products. The apparent activation energy for the production of propenal was 67 kJ/mol (16 kcal/mol). Possible mechanisms for the source of this compound are discussed.

Notes: A regenerable dihydronicotinamide, immobilized on a macroreticular polystyrene resin was used for the reduction of trifluoroacetophenone (TFA) in acetonitrile. Practical reutilization of the polymeric reagent (91% per cycle) was obtained when magnesium perchlorate was added to the reaction of the immobilized dihydropyridine with TFA. A possible explanation of the role of Mg ion in the reaction of benzyldihydronicotinamide and its polymeric analog is presented. This explanation also accounts for the results of other NADH model reactions, described in the literature, and for the role of the Zn ion in the enzyme liver alcohol dehydrogenase (LADH).

Notes: The catalytic activity of imidazole-containing polymers in the hydrolyses of substrates with poor leaving groups was examined. Hydrolyses of p-methoxyphenyl esters (Sn) catalyzed by poly[4(5)-vinylimidazole] (pvIm) in relation to imidazole (Im) indicates that both cooperative and hydrophobic interactions are operative. Hydrolyses of 3-methoxy-4-acyloxybenzoic acid substrates (Sn-) catalyzed by pvIm and a water-soluble copolymer, copoly[1-methyl-4-vinylimidazole/4(5)-vinylimidazole], exhibit many characteristics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions like saturation kinetics, bellshaped pH-rate profiles, and nonproductive binding. The importance of general-base, cooperative interactions for substrates with poor leaving groups and hydrophobic interactions in the formation of a stable catalyst-substrate complex in the case of long-chain esters is demonstrated. The interesting similarity between the Michaelis constants Km for the two polymer catalysts, pvIm and the copolymer, suggests that the common underlying principle involved in binding is hydrophobic interactions and the presence of N—CH3 group in the copolymer does not increase the hydrophobicity significantly. The pH-rate profiles for the hydrolyses of Sn- by pvIm show that the optimum pH is around neutrality, which indicated that the presence of neutral Im units to serve as nucleophiles and protonated Im units to serve as electrostatic binding sites is essential for maximum catalytic efficiency. The rate enhancement as a function of acyl chain length at different pH leads to the conclusion that a cooperative effect between electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions would reduce the nonspecificity of hydrophobic interactions and result in their better realization. An approximate calculation shows that the binding of S12-, in relation to S7-, with the copolymer in aqueous solution corresponds to the additional interactions of two methylene units.Our recent studies1-10 in the field of catalysis by polymeric imidazoles are oriented mainly toward the recognition of the significance of hydrophobic interactions. The role of hydrophobic interactions in enzymatic catalysis11-13 and synthetic macromolecular catalysts1-10,14-29 has been understood only recently. Hydrophobic interactions describe the tendency of nonpolar groups to associate themselves in aqueous solution30,31. Because the catalytic mechanism generally involves the prior complexation of the catalyst with the substrate and the catalyst-substrate complex is apolar, the influence of hydrophobic interactions in catalysis is conceivable. The favorable free energy of formation of hydrophobic interaction leads to better binding and better catalysis.In the present study we examined the hydrolytic reactions of the following substrates with poor leaving groups, catalyzed by imidazole-containing vinyl polymers, poly[4(5)-vinylimidazole] (pvIm), and a water-soluble copolymer, copoly[1-methyl-4-vinylimidazole/4(5)-vinylimidazole], ∼(1:1)M, Esters of varying acyl chainlength are chosen to determine the influence of hydrophobic interactions.

Notes: Copper(II)-exchanged-13X molecular sieves, prepared from four copper(II) salts, namely, sulfate, nitrate, chloride, and acetate, and their activities in the polymerization of N-vinylcarbazole at a fixed copper ion exchange level were studied. From the kinetic characteristics of polymerization it was established that the variation in activities of the Cu-exchanged sieves is due primarily to the difference in the pH of the original salt solution, which is responsible for the varying degree of proton exchange with the zeolite during copper ion exchange. A first-order dependence of the rate of polymerization was observed with respect to H+ ion concentration of the original copper-salt solution. It was further established that the rate of polymerization of exchanged copper ion, at a hypothetical zero proton concentration, is low. A mechanism of polymerization of NVC on copper-exchanged-13X zeolite was suggested on the basis of the results obtained.

Notes: 5,5′-1,4-Phenylene-bis(2-cyano-2,4-pentadienoic acid) derivatives were prepared. Many of this series of compounds were found to be polymerizable in the crystalline state by irradiation with light of wavelength λ 〉 340 nm. The polymers obtained contain a benzene and a cyclobutane ring in the main chain and have a cyanoacrylate as the side chain. They are crystalline and some of them are soluble in organic solvents. Photopolymerization was found to follow a stepwise mechanism. The polymerization process is separable into an oligomerization and a subsequent polymerization by controlling the wavelength of the irradiating light; an oligomer was obtained by an irradiating light; an oligomer was obtained by an irradiating light of wavelength λ 〉 430 nm.

Notes: 2,5-Bis(4-aminophenyl)-3,4-diphenylthiophene, a polyimide-forming monomer, was prepared in three steps starting from benzyl chloride and sulfur. Novel polyimides were synthesized from the diamine and pyromellitic dianhydride or 3,3′, 4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). Polymerization was carried out either by the usual two-step procedure that included ring-opening polyaddition giving polyamic acids, followed by cyclodehydration to polyimides, or by the direct one-pot procedure involving cyclodehydration in situ. The polyimide derived from the diamine and BTDA, especially that prepared by the one-pot procedure in m-cresol containing isoquinoline, is soluble in various organic solvents and gave a yellow, transparent, tough, and flexible film. Solubility of this polyimide varied by the preparative method and by the copolymerization with bis(4-aminophenyl) ether. All the polyimides are highly thermally stable and exhibited no appreciable decomposition up to 450°C in air and nitrogen atmospheres.

Notes: By interfacial polycondensation of 4,4′-dimercaptobenzophenone with oxalyl, succinyl, adipolyl, suberoyl, and sebacoyl chlorides new polythioesters were obtained. To determine the optimal conditions of interfacial polycondensation the influence of the following factors on yield and value of reduced viscosity was studied: type of organic phase, the quantitative ratio of aqueous to organic phase, concentration of hydrogen chloride acceptor, molar ratio of reagents, temperature of reaction, rate of acid chloride addition, and contribution of catalyst. A thorough examination of the polycondensation of dithiol with adipolyl and sebacoyl chlorides was carried out. The structure of all polythioesters obtained under model conditions was determined by elemental analysis and infrared spectra. Initial decomposition and intensive decomposition temperature were defined by the curves of thermogravimetric analysis. Mechanical and electrical properties of the polythioesters obtained from 4,4′-dimercaptobenzophenone and adipoyl and sebacoyl chlorides were determined. The molecular weight was not measured because of the low solubility of the polythioesters.

Notes: A process is described for the conversion of methylricinoleate, the major castor oil, fatty acid ester, directly into esters of dimer and oligomer acids by using molybdenum oxide on a silica-alumina catalyst. The dehydration of the methylricinoleate into a corresponding mixture of conjugated and nonconjugated olefins and the oligomerization reaction took place side by side in a continuous column, fixed-bed reactor. The products are characterized by IR, 1H NMR, and MS. The fragmentation pattern in the mass spectrum of the dimeric species distilled from the mixture reveals that the product contains cyclic and acyclic isomeric structures. The mechanism of dimerization and oligomerization reactions to transition metal complexes and transition metal oxide catalyst systems is reviewed briefly and the possibility of a common mechanism for all similar systems is suggested. A general mechanism for oligomerization reactions to similar catalysts is proposed and the products of the present reaction are explained on the basis of the proposed mechanism.