Studies on the Morphology of Natural Rubber/Polyacrylate Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

The interpenetrating polymer network(IPN) systems have attracted a lot of attention because of their unique two-phase structure and properties. There have been many publications concerning the IPNs in which poly (isoprene) (PIP) or polyacrylates (PAC) is formed as one of the networks.In the present study, Four serles of natural rubber(NR)/PAC IPNs were prepared and their morphologies were investigated with dynamic mechanics analysis(DMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

High Water Resistance and Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Bio-Based Waterborne Polyurethane Enabled by in-situ Construction of Interpenetrating Polymer Network

In this study,acrylic acid was used as a neutralizer to prepare bio-based WPU with an interpenetrating polymer network structure by thermally induced free radical emulsion polymerization.The effects of the content of acrylic acid on the properties of the resulting waterborne polyurethane-poly(acrylic acid)(WPU-PAA)dispersion and the films were systematically investigated.The results showed that the cross-linking density of the interpenetrating network polymers was increased and the interlocking structure of the soft and hard phase dislocations in the molecular segments of the double networks was tailored with increasing the content of acrylic acid,leading to enhancement of the mechanical properties and water resistance of WPU-PAA films.Notably,with the increase in content of acrylic acid,the tensile strength,Young’s modulus,and toughness of the WPU-PAA-110 film increased by 3 times,and 8 times,and 2.4 times compared with WPU-PAA-80,respectively.The WPU-PAA-100 film showed the best water resistance,and the water absorption rate at 96 h was only 3.27%.This work provided a new design scheme for constructing bio-based WPU materials with excellent properties.

Structural characteristics and properties of polyurethane modified TDE-85/MeTHPA epoxy resin with interpenetrating polymer networks

Diglycidyl-4,5-epoxycyclohexane-1,2-dicarboxylate(TDE-85)/methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride (MeTHPA) epoxy resin was modified with polyurethane(PU) and the interpenetrating polymer networks(IPNs) of PU-modified TDE-85/MeTHPA resin were prepared. The structural characteristics and properties of PU-modified TDE-85/MeTHPA resin were investigated by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectrum,emission scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and thermogravimetry(TG). The results indicate that epoxy polymer network (Ⅰ) and polyurethane polymer network (Ⅱ) of the modified resin can be obtained and the networks (Ⅰ) and (Ⅱ) interpenetrate and tangle highly each other at the phase interface. The micro morphology presents heterogeneous structure. The integrative properties of PU-modified TDE-85/MeTHPA epoxy resin are improved obviously. The PU-modified TDE-85/ MeTHPA resin's tensile strength reaches 69.39 MPa,the impact strength reaches 23.56 kJ/m,the temperature for the system to lose 1% mass (t1%) is 300 ℃,and that for the system to lose 50% mass (t50%) is 378 ℃. Compared with those of TDE-85/MeTHPA resin,the tensile strength,impact strength,t1% and t50% of the PU-modified resin increases by 48%,115%,30 ℃,11 ℃,respectively. The PU-modified TDE-85/MeTHPA resin has the structure characteristics and properties of interpenetrating polymer networks.

Preparation,Morphology and Damping Property of PU/UP Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Interpenetrating polymer networks （IPNs） composed of acrylate-modified polyurethane （PU）/unsaturated polyester （UP） resin via simultaneous polymerization with various component ratios of PU/UP were prepared. The polymerization processes of IPNs were traced through infrared spectrum （IR） techniques, by which the phase separation in systems could be controlled effectively. Results for the morphology and miscibility among multiple phases of IPNs, obtained by transmission electron microscope （TEM） indicated that the domains between two phases were constricted in nanometer scales. The dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer （DMTA） detection results revealed that the loss factor （tanS） and loss modulus （E″） increased with the polyurethane amounts in system, and the peak value in curves of tanδ and E″ appeared toward low temperature ranges. Maximum tanδ values of all samples were above 0.3 in the nearly 50℃ ranges. Also, the mechanical properties of PU/UP IPNs were studied in detail.

Polymerization Process and Morphology of Polyurethane/Vinyl Ester Resin Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

A series of polyurethane （PU）/vinyl ester resin （VER） simultaneous IPNs （interpenetrating polymer networks） with different component ratios and comonomers types introduced to VER were synthesized and the polymerization processes were traced by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy （FTIR） to study the kinetics of IPNs and hydrogen bonding action within multi-component. Furthermore, the relationship of polymerization process with morphology was investigated in detail for the first time by the morphological information given by chemical action between two networks besides physical entanglement, atomic force microscope （AFM） observation and dynamic mechanical analysis （DMA）. The results indicated that the degree of hydrogen bonding （Xb,UT,%）, calculated from functional group conversional rate and fine structures gained from FT-IR spectra of two networks, were affected by PU/VER weight ratios and comonomer types of VER. The relationship of formation kinetics and morphology showed that the change of Xb,UT （%） values exhibited excellent consistency with that of phase sizes observed by AFM and detected by DMA.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE/POLYSTYRENE SEMIINTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORKS

The synthesis of pseudo- and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polystyrene (PS) is described. IPNs were obtained by simultaneous and in situ sequential synthesis procedure. The preliminary studies on IPNs properties such as transition temperature, microphase separation and mechanical behaviors have been carried out by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental evidence clearly showed that semi-IPNs obtained by sequential synthesis procedure have higher interpenetrating extent than pseudo-IPNs synthesized by simultaneous procedure. Over the full composition, the PDMS/PS IPNs are immiscible. The pseudo-IPNs microphase separation can be greatly subdued through the formation of grafting bonds between two networks as well as the kinetic rate-matching of the individual network crosslinking.

Microstrueture and Properties of Fluoroelastomer/Butadiene-Acrylonitrile Rubber Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Interpenetrating polymer networks （IPNs） based on fluoroelastomer/butadiene-acrylonitrile rubber （FKM/NBR） by molten blending at a high temperature and chemical cross-linking of two components were prepared. The influence of the two networks component on the mechanical properties and thermostabilities was studied. The experimental results show that the mechanical properties of the IPNs are superior to those of the individual FKM and NBR networks due to forming the case of interpenetrating and intercross-linking between the two networks, the mechanical properties and thermal resistance exhibit higher values when 80/20 （w/w） FKM and NBR is blended and respectively cured simultaneously. The co-continuous morphology of the IPNs in the blends of 80/20 （w/w） FKM/NBR is found by transmission electron microscopy （TEM）, the differential scanning calorimetry （DSC） determination shows that the blends of 80/20 （w/w） FKM/NBR have better compatibility, and the glass transition temperature of the elastomer is -21.5 ℃.

Influence of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPN) Microstructure on Underwater Acoustic Stealth Performance

According to the configuration and absorption theory of polymer macromolecule materials, a kind of IPN with wider temperature range and higher damping property was designed and synthesized. By using the spectrum of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis （DMTA） and acoustic pulse tube device, the microstructure, phase separation degree, phase size and phase continuity of IPN with different components were analyzed. The experimental results show that the nano size grade of phase, the continuous and homogeneous IPN phase can provide higher absorption coefficient. The absorption coefficient of optimized sample I09 is 0.7 in 2 kHz, and the absorption peak is 0.9 in 4 kHz. Then the underwater acoustic properties of modified IPN filled with mica, micro-balloon and nano-SiO2 were discussed respectively to indicate that the inhomogeneous property of filler-modified IPN can improve the underwater acoustic stealth performance effectively, and the micro size grade of these filler-modified IPN can work well in low frequency acoustic stealth.

Biosorption of Toxic Zn（ll） Ion from Water Using Ion Imprinted Interpenetrating Polymer Networks

Toxic Zn（II） ion imprinted interpenetrating polymer networks were synthesized for the selective sorption of Zn（ll） from aqueous solutions using a biopolymer alginic acid. The polymeric biosorbant was prepared using Zn（II） ion as template, acrylamide as functional monomer, cross linker NNMBA （N,N＇ Methylene-bis-acrylamide） and potassium persulphate as an initiator. The non-imprinted polymer networks were also prepared without use of the Zn（II） ion. The synthesized interpenetrating networks were characterized by various spectral techniques. Metal ion binding studies were carried out and the factors affecting binding were also optimized. Competitive sorption studies were investigated to determine the selectivity of Zn（II） ion imprinted interpenetrating polymer network. Zinc ion imprinted polymer networks showed good selectivity for the target ion.

PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF GEL POLYMER ELECTROLYTE BASED ON PVDF/ACRYLATE INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORK FOR DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL

The gel polymer electrolytes（GPEs）based on poly（vinylidence fluoride）（PVDF）/acrylate interpenetrating polymer network（IPN）are prepared.The micro-phase separation type GPEs are characterized by Fourier transform infrared（FTIR）spectroscopy,scanning electron microscope（SEM）,respectively.Moreover,the conductivity and the voltage-current curves of the electrolytes are measured by electrochemical workstation.The higher porosity and electrolyte uptake are observed in the membranes prepared at lower crosslinker concentration.The suitable cross-linking acrylate monomer improves the porosity and the electrochemical behavior of GPE.A dye-sensitized solar cell（DSSC）employing PGE based on PVDF/poly（ethylene glycol dimethacrylate）（PEGDMA）IPN yields an open-circuit voltage of 0.674 V,short-circuit current of 8.476 mA·cm-2and the conversion efficiency of 2.710% under 100 mW·cm-2illumination.

Interpenetrating polymers supported on microporous polypropylene membranes for the transport of chromium ions

Modifying polypropylene membranes with interpenetrating polymer networks(IPNs) through the incorporation of poly(glycidyl methacrylate-N-methyl-D-glucamine)(P(GMA-NMG)) was performed by in situ synthesis via radical polymerization. The surface of the polypropylene membrane was activated by hydrophilic grafted polyelectrolyte, and then, pressure injection was used for the impregnation of the reactive solution in the membrane.Two types of pore-filled membranes were synthesized, chelating interpenetrating homopolymer networks of P(GMA-NMG), and chelating-ion exchange interpenetrating polymer networks(e.g., P(GMA-NMG)/P(AA),P(GMA-NMG)/P(AMPSA), and P(GMA-NMG)/P(Cl VBTA)). After their synthesis, the modified polypropylene membranes were characterized using techniques such as the electrokinetic potential, SEM, FT-IR, and Donnan dialysis to corroborate the chromium ion transport. The P(GMA-NMG) and complex network membranes exhibited a hydrophilic character with a water-uptake capacity between 20% and 35% and a percentage of modification between 4.0% and 7.0% in comparison with the behavior of the unmodified polypropylene membrane.Hexavalent chromium ions were efficiently transported from the food chamber at p H 9.0 when the 65.2%MTA1 P(Cl VBTA) homopolymer IPN membrane and 48.5% MTAG P(GMA-NMG)/P(Cl VBTA) IPN membrane were used. Similarly, hexavalent chromium ions were removed from the food chamber at pH 3.0 when MTAG(63.30%) and MTA1(35.68%) were used in 1 mol·L^(-1)Na Cl solution as the extraction reagent.

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyurethane and Epoxy Resin Interpenetrating Polymer Network

A series of Polyurethane (PU)/bisphenol A based Epoxy Resin(EP) Interpenetrating Polymer Networks(IPN) were synthesized and characterized by SEM, DSC, TGA and DMTA. It was found that IPN shows the best compatibility and damping properties when the ratio of PU/EP is 80 to 20. The results show that chain-extender and higher molecular weight of PPG are able to improve the properties of compatibility, damping and thermal properties.

Thermoreversible Thickening and Self-assembly Behaviors of pH/Temperature Dually Responsive Microgels with Interpenetrating Polymer Network Structure

The pH /temperature dually responsive microgels of interpenetrating polymer network( IPN) structure composed of poly( N-isopropylacrylamide)( PNIPAM) network and poly( acrylic acid)( PAA) network( PNIPAM /PAA IPN microgels) were synthesized by seed emulsion polymerization. The results obtained by dynamic laser light scattering( DLLS) show that the microgels have good pH /temperature dual sensitivities. The temperature sensitive component and the pH sensitive component inside the microgels have little interference with each other. The rheological properties of the concentrated PNIPAM /PAA IPN microgel dispersions as a function of temperature at pH 4. 0 or 7. 0 were investigated by viscometer,and the results displayed that only at pH 7. 0 the dispersions presented thermoreversible thickening behavior. Then the PNIPAM /PAA fibers were prepared by self-assembly of the PNIPAM /PAA IPN microgels in the ice-crystal templates formed by unidirectional liquid nitrogen freezing method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy( FESEM) images indicate that the PNIPAM /PAA fibers are rounded,randomly orientated and interweaved.

AN EPOXY/(METHYL METHACRYLATE)INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORK FOR NONLINEAR OPTICS

An interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN) consisting of an epoxy-based polymer network and a polymethyl methacrylate network were synthesized and characterized. The IPN showed only one T-g, and hence a homogeneous-phase morphology was suggested. The second-order nonlinear optical coefficient (d(33)) of the IPN was measured to be 1.72 X 10(-7) esu. The study of NLO temporal stability at room temperature and elevated temperature (100 degrees C) indicated that the IPN exhibits a high stability in the dipole orientation due to the permanent entanglements of two component networks in the IPN system. Long-term stability of second harmonic coefficients was observed at room temperature for more than 1000 h.

Preparation of Semi-interpenetrating Polymer Network of Silicon Rubber and Poly(methyl methylacrylate) Using Supercritical CO_2

The heterogeneous free-radical polymerization of methyl methylacrylate (MMA) and divinylbenzene (DVB) as cross-linker within supercritical carbon dioxide-swollen silicon rubber (SR) has been studied as an approach to preparing semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) of SR and poly(methyl methylacrylate) (PMMA). The SR/PMMA semi-IPNs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA).

Gas Permeability and Free Volume Hole Properties of Interpenetrating Polymer Network Studied by Positrons

A series of polyurethane/epoxy resin interpenetrating polymer networks （PU/ER IPN） were studied by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy （PALS）. The effects of epoxy resin type and content on the free volume properties in IPN were investigated. We found that in PU/ER IPN, the free volume hole size and fractional free volume showed a negative deviation due to closer segmental chain packing through some chemical bonding between PU and epoxy resin. Direct relationship between the gas permeability and the free volume has been established based on the free volume theory. Experimental results revealed that the free volume plays an important role in determining the gas diffusion and permeability.

Preparation and Swelling Behavior of L-Lactide Interpenetrating Networks

Novel triblock copolymers of poly (L-lactide)-poly (ethylene glycol)-sebacate-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (L-lactide) were synthesized by Ring-Opening Polymerization of different ratios of L-lactide with other three pre-prepared poly (ethylene glycol)-sebacate-poly (ethylene glycol) polymers, coded A, B and C which had different poly (ethyleneglycol) chain lengths. The copolymers were characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, which indicated that the reaction of ROP took place and led to producing nine triblock copolymers having new different lactide chain lengths (n = 10, 25 and 50), AL10, AL25, AL50,BL10, BL25, BL50, CL10, CL25, and CL50. Nine polymer networks were also prepared from copolymers with sodium alginate S1 - S9 and finally mixed with a solution of hydroxyl ethyl cellulose to form SH1 - SH9.

Fabrication and evaluation of carboxymethyl guar gum-chitosan interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery

Guar gum(GG)has drawn more interest from researchers in the last several decades for the controlled delivery of drugs.The aim of the research is to fabricate and evaluate an interpenetrating polymer network(IPN)based nanocarriers system employing chemically modified GG to achieve controlled release of drug.In present study,we have reported the synthesis of carboxymethyl GG-chitosan IPN nanoparticles for controlled release of metformin hydrochloride.Carboxymethyl guar gum(CMGG)was synthesized and employed for developing IPN nanoparticles in combination with chitosan in varying polymeric ratios.A cross-linking agent,sodium tripolyphosphate(Na-TPP)was used for the synthesis of IPN colloidal suspension of nanoparticles which was lyophilized to obtain nanoparticles.The carboxymethylation of GG was confirmed through Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy.The mean particle size was 440.6 nm indicating a polydispersity index of 0.528.The drug entrapment efficiency was found to vary between 67.461.64%to 88.232.02%.The differential scanning calorimetry study revealed the presence of amorphous metformin hydrochloride as a homogenous dispersion in nanoparticles(NPs)matrix.In vitro drug release study indicated controlled release ability of developed IPN matrix.A2 formulation(chitosan:CMGG-1:1)exhibited 78.110.27%release after 8 h.Antidiabetic evaluation performed in alloxan-treated diabetic rat model exhibited a prolonged hypoglycemic efficacy over 6 h,for A2 formulation treated group,compared to the group receiving only metformin HCl,which demonstrated a reduction in blood glucose levels for up to 4 h.The study findings demonstrated the efficacy of the CMGG-chitosan based IPN nanoparticulate system for sustained delivery of therapeutic agents.

Preparation, morphology and mechanical properties of acrylate-modified polyurethane/unsaturated polyester resin graft-IPNs

Acrylate modified polyurethane resin was first synthesized, and interpenetrated with unsaturated polyester resin to form IPNs and gradient IPNs which cured at room temperature. The polymerization process was traced by an IR spectroscopy technique and the simultaneous interpenetrating techniques were determined. The morphology of these IPNs were estimated by TMA and TEM methods. The results indicated that large amount of interpenetrating and entanglement make T g linked up effectively, and domains between two phases can be in nanometre ranges, which changed with composition ratios. The mechanical properties results showed that IPNs varied from elastomeric to plastic materials. It was noteworthy that, with the introduction of modified groups and the formation of graft construction in IPNs, the miscibility in the systems was improved a lot. These further led to the improved mechanical properties of IPNs with elastomer reinforced and plasticizer toughened as well. The reinforced miscibility between the networks can apparently change mechanical property especially for the gradient ones when the materials are elongated.

Synthesis of HTPB based PU-PS IPN Membrane for Pervaporation Recovery of Butanol

Hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene（HTPB） based polyurethane（PU）-polystyrene（PS） interpenetrating polymer network（IPN） was prepared and characterized by FTIR, TGA, WCA, swelling experiments, and SEM. The IPN was used for pervaporation（PV） recovery of butanol. Both the permeation flux and separation factor increased with feed temperature, and both water and butanol fluxes increased with feed concentration while no obvious effect of concentration on separation factor was found. Through the formation of IPN structure, the total flux of HTPB based PU increased greatly with the decrease of separation factor. At the feed temperature of 60 °C, the IPN membrane obtained a total flux of 613.3 g/m^2 h with a separation factor of 6.15.