Preparation and Characterization of lonic Conductive Eutectogels Based on Polyacrylamide Copolymers with Long Hydrophobic Chain

With the blooming development of electronic technology,the use of electron conductive gel or ionic conductive gel in preparing flexible electronic devices is drawing more and more attention.Deep eutectic solvents are excellent substitutes for ionic liquids because of their good biocompatibility,low cost,and easy preparation,except for good conductivity.In this work,we synthesized a reactive quaternary ammonium monomer(3-acrylamidopropyl)octadecyldimethyl ammonium bromide with a hydrophobic chain of 18 carbons via the quaternization of 1-bromooctadecane and N-dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide at first,then we mixed quaternary ammonium with choline chloride,acrylic acid and glycerol to obtain a hydrophobic deep eutectic solvent,and initialized polymerization in UV light of 365 nm to obtain the ionic conductive eutectogel based on polyacrylamide copolymer with long hydrophobic chain.The obtained eutectogel exibits good stretchability(1200%),Young's modulus(0.185 MPa),toughness(4.2 MJ/m^(3)),conductivity(0.315 S/m).The eutectogel also shows desireable moisture resistance with the maximum water absorption of 11.7 wt%after one week at 25℃and 60%humidity,while the water absorption of eutectogel without hydrophobic long chains is 24.0 wt%.The introduction of long-chain hydrophobic groups not only improves the mechanical strength of the gels,but also significantly improves moisture resistance of the eutectogel.This work provides a simpler and more effective method for the preparation of ionic conductive eutectogels,which can further provide a reference for the applications of ionic conductive eutectogels in the field of flexible electronic devices.

INFLUENCE OF SILOXANE CO-SEGMENT LENGTH AND CONTENT OF WATERBORNE POLYSILOXANE-URETHANE COPOLYMERS ON THEIR WATER RESISTANCE,THERMAL STABILITY AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

A series of stable waterborne polysiloxaneurethane （WPSUR） dispersions were prepared using amino-terminated polydimethylsiloxane （NS）, dimethylolpropionic acid （DMPA）, castor oil, polypropylene glycol and toluene diisocyanate. Meanwhile, NS with different molecular weights was synthesized and used as the soft co-segment. Effects of types and contents of soft co-segments as well as chain extenders on the thermal degradation and stability for WPSUR films were examined. Results reveal that WPSUR films exhibit excellent water resistance and mechanical properties as compared with pure polyurethane （PU） films, and the NS soft co-segment possesses a remarkable effect on the second stage （stage Ⅱ）, while the content of the hard segment is propitious to the initial stage （stage Ⅰ）. Moreover, the highest temperature of stage Ⅱ （T2m） for WPSUR films using NS as soft co-segment is 413℃, approximately being 30℃ higher than that of those typical PUs using HDA and APDMS as the chain extenders, respectively.

DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL CHIRAL IONIC LIQUIDS AND THEIR APPLICATION IN FREE RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL METHACRYLATE

Two new chiral ionic liquids, 1 -((-)-menthoxycarbonylmethylene)-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphateand 1-((-)-menthoxycarbonylmethylene)-3-hexadecylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, were designed an d prepared. Theirchemical structures were characterized by ~1H-NMR. Reverse atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate(MMA) in these two ionic liquids was carried out using AIBN/CuCl_2/bipy as the initiating system. The resultant well-definedpolymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) was employed as a macroinitiator to induce the atom transfer radical polymerization ofmenthyl methacrylate (MnMA) in chlorobenzene, which yielded a PMMA-b-PMnMA diblock copolymer with narrow polydispersity.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF AMPHIPHILIC GRAFT COPOLYMER CONTAINING MICROPHASE SEPARATED AND LONG POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE) SIDE CHAIN STRUCTURES

Acryloyl terminated Poly (ethyleneoxide)macromonomers (PEO-A) with different PEO chain lengths have been prepared by deactivation of PEO alkoxide with acryloyl chloride. A new kind of amphiphilic polystyrene-g-poly (ethylene oxide)graft copolymer containing both microphase separated and PEO side chain structures has been synthesized from radical copolymerization of PEO-A macromonomer with styrene. After careful purification by a newly-developed method called 'selective dissolution', the well-defined structure of the purified copolymers was confirmed by IR, ~1H-NMR and GPC. Various experimental parameters controlling the copolymerization were studied in detail. The results indicated that the feed ratio of styrene to macromonomer(S/M) was the most important determining factor for the composition of the copolymers. A detailed 'comb- model' was proposed to describe the molecular structure of the graft copolymers. Finally, this amphiphilic graft copolymers may readily form microphase separated structures as clearly indicated by transmission electron microscopy.

Polymerization of isoprene catalyzed by neodymium heterocyclic Schiff base complex

Neodymium-based heterocyclic Schiff base complex was prepared and applied for the coordination polymerization of isoprene. This complex polymerized isoprene to afford products featuring high cis-1,4 stereospecificity （ca. 95%） and high molecular weight （ca, 10^5） in the presence of the triisobutyl aluminium （AliBu3） as cocatalyst, The microstructure of obtained polyisoprene was investigated by FTIR, 1^H NMR. Two different kinds of active centers in the catalyst system were examined by GPC method.

Microwave-assisted Polymerization of D,L-Lactide with Stannous Octanoate as Catalyst

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) was synthesized by microwave-assisted ring-opening polymerization of D, L-lactide with stannous octanoate (SnOct(2)) as catalyst. Its weight-average molar mass (M-w) ranged from 39000 to 67000 and the polydispersity index from 1.3 to 1.7. The polymerization rate was much faster than that of the conventional thermal polymerization. A degradation of newly formed PLA in reaction mixture by microwave irradiation was observed.

Surface Modification of Polypropylene Microporous Membrane by Atmospheric-pressure Plasma Induced N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone Graft Polymerization

Membrane surfaces modified with poly（N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone） （PNVP） can be endowed with hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and functionality. In this work, atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge plasma graft polymerization of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone （NVP） onto polypropylene （PP） microporous membrane surface was studied. The experimental results reveal that plasma treatment conditions, such as discharge power, treatment time and adsorbed NVP amount, have remarkable effects on the grafting degree of NVP. Structural and morphological changes on the membrane surfaces were characterized by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FT-IR/ATR）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscope （XPS） and field emission scanning electron microscopy （FE-SEM）. Water contact angles of the membrane surfaces were also measured by the sessile drop method. Water contact angles on the membrane surfaces decrease with the increase of NVP grafting degree, which indicates an enhanced hydrophilicity for the modified membranes. The effects of grafting degrees on pure water fluxes were also measured. It is shown that pure water fluxes increase with grafting degree firstly and then decrease adversely. Finally, filtration of bovine serum albumin （BSA） solution and platelets adhesion of the PNVP modified membranes show good protein resistance and potential biocompatibility due to the enhancement of surface hydrophilicity.

PREPARATION OF HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE/POLYETHYLENE-BLOCK-POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)COPOLYMER BLEND POROUS MEMBRANES VIA THERMALLY INDUCED PHASE SEPARATION PROCESS AND THEIR PROPERTIES

High density polyethylene （HDPE）/polyethylene-block-poly（ethylene glycol） （PE-b-PEG） blend porous membranes were prepared via thermally induced phase separation （TIPS） process using diphenyl ether （DPE） as diluent. The phase diagrams of HDPE/PE-b-PEG/DPE systems were determined by optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry （DSC）. By varying the content of PE-b-PEG, the effects of PE-b-PEG copolymer on morphology and crystalline structure of membranes were studied by scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and wide angle X-ray diffraction （WAXD）. The chemical compositions of whole membranes and surface layers were characterized by elementary analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflection （FTIR-ATR） and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy （XPS）. Water contact angle, static protein adsorption and water flux experiments were used to evaluate the hydrophilicity, antifouling and water permeation properties of the membranes. It was found that the addition of PE-b-PEG increased the pore size of the obtained blend membranes. In the investigated range of PE-b-PEG content, the PEG blocks could not aggregate into obviously separated domains in membrane matrix. More importantly, PE-b-PEG could not only be retained stably in the membrane matrix during membrane formation, but also enrich at the membrane surface layer. Such stability and surface enrichment of PE-b-PEG endowed the blend membranes with improved hydrophilicity, protein absorption resistance and water permeation properties, which would be substantially beneficial to HDPE membranes for water treatment application.

STUDIES ON STRUCTURE AND PHASE BEHAVIOR OF MULTICOMPONENT POLYMERS THROUGH RHEOLOGICAL TESTS

Rheological measurement has been a preferred approach to the characterization of the structure and phase behaviors for multi-component/multi-phase polymer systems, due to its sensitive response to the changes of structure for these heterogeneous polymers. In the present article, recent progresses in the studies on rheology for heterogeneous polymer systems including phase-separated polymeric blends and block copolymers are reviewed, mainly depending on the results by the authors＇ research group. By means of rheological measurements, not only some new fingerprints responsible for the evolution of morphology and structure concerning these polymer systems are obtained, also the corresponding results are significant for design and preparation of novel polymeric structural materials and functional materials.

"LIVING" FREE RADICAL SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL RODCOIL DIBLOCK COPOLYMERS WITH POLYSTYRENE AND MESOGEN-JACKETED LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMER SEGMENTS

The synthesis of rod-coil diblock copolymers was achieved for the first time by TEMPO-mediated 'living' free radical polymerization of styrene and 2,5-bis [(4-methoxyphenyl)oxycarbonyl] styrene(MPCS). The block architecture of the two diblock copolymers thus prepared, MPCS-b-St(5400/2400) and MPCS-b-St(10800/8700), was confirmed by GPC, DSC studies and the formation of multimolecular micelles. (Author abstract) 10 Refs.

Synthesis and characterization of H-type amphiphilic liquid crystalline block copolymers by ATRP

H-type amphiphilic liquid crystalline block copolymers containing azobenzene were synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization （ATRP）. Macroinitiators prepared by the esterification between poly（ethylene oxide） （PEG） and 2,2-dichloroacetyl chloride were utilized to initiate the polymerization of 6-[4-（4-ethoxyphenylazo）phenoxy]hexyl rnethacrylate （M6C）. The resulting macroinitiators and block copolymers were characterized by ^1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography （GPC）. Polarizing optical microscopy （POM） and differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） preliminarily revealed the liquid crystalline property of these block copolymers. This series of liquid crystalline block copolymers are promising in some areas, such as optical data storage, optical switch, and molecular devices.

Effect of spacer length on the liquid crystalline property of azobenzene-containing ABA-type triblock copolymers via ATRP

The effect of flexible spacer length on the liquid crystalline property of ABA-type triblock copolymers containing azobenzene groups was investigated. For the study, the monomers, n-[4-(4-ethoxyphenylazo)phenoxy]alkyl methacrylates with varying methylene groups (n = 0, 2, 6) were used to synthesize a series of azobenzene-containing amphiphilic triblock copolymers PAnC–PEG–PAnC by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and one-dimensional X-ray diffraction (1D WAXD) have shown that the glass transition temperatures of these copolymers decreased with increasing n, PA0C–PEG–PA0C has no mesophase, while both PA2C–PEG–PA2C and PA6C–PEG–PA6C have a nematic mesophase. These differences derive from the length of spacer groups between the polymer backbone and side-chain LC monomers.

RING OPENING COPOLYMERIZATION OF SUCCINIC ANHYDRIDE-ETHYLENE OXIDE BY Al(Ⅲ) ORGANOMETALLIC CATALYSTS

Ring opening copolymerization of succinic anhydride (SA) with ethylene oxide (EO)was successfully carried out by using a series of aluminum-based catalyst in 1,4-dioxane at62±2℃. The results showed that in-situ AlR_3-H_2O (R=ethyl, iso-butyl) catalysts gavehigher molecular weight (M_w～10~4), while Al(OR)_3 catalysts gave the higher alternatingcopolymer structure with slightly lower molecular weight. The in-situ AlR_3-H_2O systemshave been evaluated in more detail for the reaction which showed the optimum H_2O/Almolar ratio to be 0.5. The copolymers with different composition (F_(SA)/F_(EO)= 36/64to 45/55 mol/mol) were synthesized by using different monomer feed ratio. The melt-ing point (T_m), glass transition temperature (T_g) and enthalpy of fusion (ΔH_f) of thesecopolymers are depended on the copolymer composition and in the range of 87～102℃,-12～-18℃, and 37～66J/g, respectively. The second heating scan of DSC also in-dicated that the higher alternating copolymer was more easily recrystallized. The onsetdecomposition temperature was more than 300℃ under nitrogen and influenced by thecopolymer composition.

Synthesis and characterization of star-comb styrene/butadiene copolymer

A novel star-comb styrene/butadiene copolymer（SC-SBC） was synthesized by anionic polymerization and grafting reaction with epoxidized star liquid polybutadiene（ESPB） as coupling agent.The overall shape of the star-comb macromolecules can be altered by changing the molecular weight and number of the side chain.The molecular parameters and mechanical properties of the SC-SBC resins were investigated.The notched izod impact strength of the SC-SBC resins are excellent and reach as high as to 239 J/m.

High Conduction Band Inorganic Layers for Distinct Enhancement of Electrical Energy Storage in Polymer Nanocomposites

Dielectric polymer nanocomposites are considered as one of the most promising candidates for high-power-density electrical energy storage applications.Inorganic nanofillers with high insulation property are frequently introduced into fluoropolymer to improve its breakdown strength and energy storage capability.Normally,inorganic nanofillers are thought to introducing traps into polymer matrix to suppress leakage current.However,how these nanofillers effect the leakage current is still unclear.Meanwhile,high dopant(>5 vol%)is prerequisite for distinctly improved energy storage performance,which severely deteriorates the processing and mechanical property of polymer nanocomposites,hence brings high technical complication and cost.Herein,boron nitride nanosheet(BNNS)layers are utilized for substantially improving the electrical energy storage capability of polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)nanocomposite.Results reveal that the high conduction band minimum of BNNS produces energy barrier at the interface of adjacent layers,preventing the electron in PVDF from passing through inorganic layers,leading to suppressed leakage current and superior breakdown strength.Accompanied by improved Young’s modulus(from 1.2 GPa of PVDF to 1.6 GPa of nanocomposite),significantly boosted discharged energy density(14.3 J cm^(-3)) and charge-discharge efficiency(75%)are realized in multilayered nanocomposites,which are 340 and 300% of PVDF(4.2 J cm^(-3),25%).More importantly,thus remarkably boosted energy storage performance is accomplished by marginal BNNS.This work offers a new paradigm for developing dielectric nanocomposites with advanced energy storage performance.

SYNTHESIS OF AMPHIPHILIC COMB-SHAPED COPOLYMERS USED FOR SURFACE MODIFICATION OF PVDF MEMBRANES

The synthesis of a novel amphiphilic comb-shaped copolymer consisting of a main chain of styrene-(N-(4- hydroxyphenyl) maleimide)(SHMI) copolymer and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate(PEGMA) side groups was achieved by atom transfer radical polymerization(ATRP).The amphiphilic copolymers were characterized by ~1H-NMR, Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography(GPC).From thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),the decomposition temperature of SHMI-g-PEGMA is lower ...

Fluorescence Enhancement of a Polymer Planar Waveguide Doped with Rhodamine B and Ag Nanoparticles

Planar polymer multi-model waveguides doped with Ag nano-particles and rhodamine B are fabricated and investigated by the spectroscopy analysis method as well as the M-line method. Experimental results shown that fluorescence enhancement occurs when excited by a wide band wavelength with Ag nano-particle concentration at a certain level. The maximum enhancement factor in our experiment is obtained to be about 3.8 when excited by 350 nm. Our study may have potential applications in polymers optical elements, such as polymer waveguide lasers and amplifiers.

Polymerization of Styrene by Neutral Ni (II) Acetylide Complex

Neutral nickel sigma -acetylide complex [Ni(C=CPh)(2)(PBu3)(2)] is a novel initiator for the polymerization of styrene in CHCl3 over a range of polymerization temperature from 40 degreesC to 60 degreesC. The polystyrene obtained was a syndio-rich atactic polymer and its weight-average molecular weight reached 279000. The mechanism of the polymerization was discussed and a radical mechanism was proposed.

SELF ASSEMBLY OF ABC TRIBLOCK COPOLYMER THIN FILMS ON A BRUSH-COATED SUBSTRATE

Self assemblies of ABC triblock copolymer thin films on a densely brush-coated substrate were investigated by using the self-consistent field theory.The middle block B and the coated polymer form one phase and the alternating phase A and phase C occur when the film is very thin either for the neutral or selective hard surface(which is opposite to the brushcoated substrate).The lamellar phase is stable on the hard surface when it is neutral and interestingly,the short block tends to stay on this hard surface...

SIMULTANEOUS SAXS/WAXS/DSC STUDIES ON MICROSTRUCTURE OF CONVENTIONAL AND METALLOCENE-BASED ETHYLENE-BUTENE COPOLYMERS

The fractions of one metallocene-based (mPE) and one conventional (znPE) ethylene-butene copolymer eluted at from temperature rising elution fractionation were selected for DSC and time-resolved small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) characterization. The DSC and WAXS results show that two crystal structures exist in both mPE and znPE: structure A with higher melting temperature and structure B with lower melting temperature. It was found that original znPE (s-znPE) contains more highly ordered structure A than original mPE (s-mPE) in spite of the higher comonomer content of znPE. Another structure C is also identified because of higher crystallinity measured by WAXS than by DSC and is attributed to the interfacial region. The SAXS data were analyzed with correlation function and two maxima were observed in s-mPE and s-znPE, in agreement with the conclusion of two crystal populations drawn from DSC and WAXS results. These two crystal populations have close long periods in s-mPE, but very different long periods in s-znPE. In contrast, freshly crystallized mPE and znPE (f-mPE and f-znPE) contain only a single crystal population with a broader distribution of long period