PROGRESS IN PHASE INVERSION EMULSIFICATION FOR EPOXY RESIN WATERBORNE DISPERSIONS

In this review, our recent work in phase inversion emulsification （PIE） for polymer （especially epoxy resin） waterborne dispersions is summarized. Based on experimental results about PIE process, the physical model is proposed which can guide the synthesis of the waterborne dispersions such as polymer/nanoparticle composite dispersion. In the presence of a latent curing catalyst, PIE can give a crosslinkable epoxy resin waterborne dispersion. The dispersions can form cured transparent coatings with some unique properties such as UV shielding. They are promising in functional coatings, waterborne resin matrices for composites, and sizing for high performance fibers.

Thermal comfort and thermoregulation in manned space flight

Exposure to thermal environment is one of the main concerns for manned space exploration. By focusing on the works performed on thermoregulation at microgravity or simulated microgravity, we endeavored to review the investigation on space thermal environmental physiology. First of all, the application of medical requirements for the crew module design from normal thermal comfort to accidental thermal emergencies in a space craft will be addressed. Then, alterations in the autonomic and behavioral temperature regulation caused by the effect of weightlessness both in space flight and its simulation on the ground are also discussed. Furthermore, countermeasures like exercise training, simulated natural ventilation, encouraged drink, etc., in the protection of thermoregulation during space flight is presented. Finally, the challenge of space thermal environment physiology faced in the future is figured out.

PREPARATION OF BISPHENOL A EPOXY RESIN WATERBORNE DISPERSIONS BY THE PHASE INVERSION EMULSIFICATION TECHNIQUE

The phase inversion emulsification technique (PIET) is an effective physical method for preparing waterborne dispersions of polymer resins. Some results concerning the preparation of bisphenol A epoxy resin waterborne dispersions by PIET in our laboratory were summarized. Electrical properties, rheological behavior and morphological evolution during phase inversion progress were systematically characterized. The effects of the emulsifier concentration and emulsification temperature on phase inversion progress and the structural features of the waterborne particles were studied as well. The deformation and break up of water drops in a shear field were analyzed in terms of micro-theology, while the interaction and coalescence dynamics of water drops were discussed in terms of DLVO theory and Smoluchowski effective collision theory, respectively. Based on the experimental results and theoretical analysis, a physical model of phase inversion progress was suggested, by which the effects of the parameters on phase inversion progress and the structural features of the waterborne particles were interpreted and predicted.

RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF EPOXY RESIN WATERBORNE DISPERSIONS

The waterborne dispersions of epoxy resin were prepared by the phase inversion emulsification technique. Rheological behavior and its relationship with the structural change of the systems were studied. It was shown that the concentrated dispersions were highly viscoelastic and pseudoplastic, which was attributed to the formation of a physical network among the waterborne particles via hydrogen bond. The dilute dispersions were Newtonian fluids. The discrete clusters composed of small waterborne particles were found in diluted dispersions. With increasing solid content, there existed a structural transition via percolation through a cluster-cluster aggregation mode to form the physical network, which was qualitatively evidenced by the TEM morphologies.

SOME KEY ORDERED MACROPOROUS COMPOSITES

This review summarizes recent progress of the ordered macroporous composites with the opals and inverse opal structure. Synthesis and performance of the composites are emphasized. Composition of the ordered composites is tunable ranging within metal, metal alloy, metal oxide, polymer, carbon and hydrogel. The ordered structure gives brilliant color effects, which is useful for sensors and photonic crystals. The interconnected macroporous structure provides easiness for mass transportation and species culturing.

Two-dimensional mesoporous materials:From fragile coatings to flexible membranes

Received 30 November 2012 Received in revised form 24 December 2012 Accepted 26 December 2012 Available online 29 January 2013

Solvothermal synthesis of PbTe/SnTe hybrid nanocrystals

PbTe/SnTe hybrid nanocrystals with designed shape, chemical composition and narrow size distribution were synthesized by an efficient solvothermal approach. This approach enables mass and economical synthesis of PbTe-based nanocrystals. The organic ligands were completely removed by pretreatment with a super-hydride solution, making it possible to fabricate fully dense and robust thermoelectric devices with increased electrical conductivity.

pH responsive Janus polymeric nanosheets

pH responsive polymeric Janus nanosheets with poly（maleic acid） moiety and crosslinked PS onto the corresponding sides have been synthesized by free radical polymerization. The Janus nanosheets can serve as solid emulsifier to stabilize an oil/water emulsion, whose stability is easily triggered by changing pH across pKa of the poly（maleic acid）.

Ionic liquid functionalized polymer composite nanotubes toward dye decomposition

Poly（ionic liquid） functionalized composite nanotubes are achieved by ATRP grafting ionic liquid monomers for example ViEtIm^＋Br^- from the poly（DVB-co-VBC） nanotubes surface. PW12O40^3- anion is introduced through anion exchange. The PW12O40^3- based composite nanotubes can synchronously absorb and decompose water soluble dyes for example methyl orange（MO）. The cooperative interplay is promising in highly efficient decomposition of dyes.

Cable-like Au@SiO2 Janus composite nanorods

Cable-like Au@SiO2 Janus composite nanorods with PS and PEG grafting on both ends respectively are fabricated by skiving in combination of a post favorable modification. The cable-like Au@SiO2 composite nanofibers are synthesized in the channel of porous anodic aluminium oxide （AAO） membrane. After skiving, the corresponding composite nanorods are obtained. Following, PEG-SH and PS-SH are conjugated onto the two ends of the nanorods by a selective partial modification, respectively. Length and diameter of the Au@SiO2 Janus composite nanorods can be tuned controllably. It can be extended to fabricate a variety of different Janus nanorods with different compositions and microstructures.