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At least 37 records · Page 2

Highly Stretchable, Ultratough, and Multifunctional Poly(vinyl chloride)-Based Plastics via a Green, Star-Shaped Macromolecular Additive

As one of the most prolifically produced plastics in the world, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) suffers from mechanical brittleness and low toughness. Compared with traditional phthalate-type plasticizers, poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based plasticizers are especially attractive due to their “green” nature and capabilities to achieve improved physical properties. Herein, a stretchable and ultratough PVC-based plastic was achieved by a star-shaped PCL copolymer with a rigid, amino-containing, branched polylactide (N-BPLA) core and a soft PCL shell, that is, RN-SPCLs. With an optimal feed ratio of the CL monomer and N-BPLA core, the RN-SPCL2 can efficiently lower the glass transition temperature (T g ) of PVC plastics, achieving the transition from the “glassy” to “rubbery” state at ambient temperature. The obtained RN-SPCL2/PVC not only shows high extensibility, that is, 453%, but also maintains close to 80% of tensile strength of neat PVC, that is, 30.1 MPa, which is much higher than the previously reported plasticized PVCs. Its overall toughness reaches 92.7 MJ/m 3 , being more than 50-fold higher than neat PVC and 2 to 3 times higher than linear PCL or dibutyl phthalate plasticized PVCs. The important role of star-shaped architecture with a rigid core and flexible PCL shell for RN-SPCL2 in achieving highly stretchable and ultratough PVC plastics is systematically investigated. More interestingly, the as-prepared RN-SPCLs also endow PVC plastics with photoluminescence property and allow homogeneous dispersion of nanosized TiO 2 for significantly enhancing the anti-UV capability.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Design of robust and versatile hydrocarbon-based single-ion-conducting polymer electrolytes

Hydrocarbon-based polymers offer several advantages, including lower environmental impacts, cost effectiveness, and the ability to finely tune properties. Here, we have developed trifluoromethanesulfonimide (TFSI)-functionalized poly(norbornene) (PNB) polymers utilizing a specifically designed oxa-Michael addition of a vinyl TFSI anion to an alcohol. Our results reveal that PNB-TFSI derivatives exhibit superior thermal stability and mechanical robustness compared with Nafion. The optimized PNB-TFSI-H-48 polymer (IEC 1.86 mmol/g) exhibits equivalent performance to Nafion as an anode ionomer in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Exchanging the counter ion to Li + enables PNB-TFSI to be used for Li-ion battery applications. Propylene carbonate plasticized PNB-TFSI derivatives achieve an Li-ion conductivity of over 10 −5 S/cm at 30°C. This Li polymer electrolyte exhibits excellent electrochemical stability (5 V vs. Li + /Li) and good cycling in a Li symmetric cell. These results highlight the potential and rational design of PNB-TFSI polymers for next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies.

08 HYDROGEN↗

Exploring the Structure and Performance of Cd–Chalcogenide Photocatalysts in Selective Trifluoromethylation

The field of heterogeneous photoredox catalysis has grown substantially and impacted organic synthesis because of the affordability and reusability of catalysts. This study reports radical trifluoromethylation with Cd–chalcogenide semiconductors. Cd semiconductors, particularly CdSe, are readily available, commercial, visible-light-responsive, heterogeneous photocatalysts. The potential of readily available Cd semiconductors, particularly CdSe, is confirmed by their increased photocatalytic activity toward trifluoromethylation with various substrates, such as (hetero)arenes and vinylic amides/acids, via addition, cyclization, and decarboxylation under visible light. Additionally, the economic significance of this strategy is also highlighted through the scalable synthesis of biologically active molecules followed by catalyst reuse. Moreover, these catalysts are relatively inexpensive compared with transition metal-based homogeneous photocatalysts, presently used in organic synthesis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Two-Step Synthesis of Poly (urea formaldehyde) Microcapsules

Self-healing coatings have potential to reduce waste and minimize repair costs in industries where materials need to be protected from harsh environmental conditions and mechanical abrasion. These coatings can be created by embedding healing-agent filled microcapsules which release their contents and fill voids in the event of damage. To synthesize microcapsules that are ideal for self-healing coatings, they must have a diameter less than 100 microns, smooth surface morphology, and have improved dispersibility. Our current one-step method does not produce microcapsules within the desired size distribution, so a two-step route where oligomers of the shell wall material are formed prior to microcapsule formation was investigated. This was done by evaluating the effects of solution viscosity, size of reaction vessel, addition of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and core/shell ratio on microcapsule properties. Characterization of microcapsule size, morphology, and composition was done using optical microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Microcapsules with an average diameter of 78 ± 16 microns were successfully synthesized. Further work must be done to minimize PUF crystallites on the surface of the microcapsules.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Polyvinyl pyridine microspheres

Microspheres are produced by cobalt gamma radiation initiated polymerization of a dilute aqueous vinyl pyridine solution. Addition of cross-linking agent provides higher surface area beads. Addition of monomers such as hydroxyethylmethacrylate acrylamide or methacrylamide increases hydrophilic properties and surface area of the beads. High surface area catalytic supports are formed in the presence of controlled pore glass substrate.

Rembaum, Alan↗

Cross-linked polyvinyl pyridine coated glass particle catalyst support and aqueous composition or polyvinyl pyridine adducted microspheres

Microspheres are produced by cobalt gamma radiation initiated polymerization of a dilute aqueous vinyl pyridine solution. Addition of cross-linking agent provides higher surface area beads. Addition of monomers such as hydroxyethylmethacrylate acrylamide or methacrylamide increases hydrophilic properties and surface area of the beads. High surface area catalytic supports are formed in the presence of controlled pore glass substrate.

Rembaum, Alan↗

Polyvinyl pyridine microspheres

Microspheres are produced by cobalt gamma radiation initiated polymerization of a dilute aqueous vinyl pyridine solution. Addition of cross-linking agent provides higher surface area beads. Addition of monomers such as hydroxyethylmethacrylate acrylamide or methacrylamide increases hydrophilic properties and surface area of the beads. High surface area catalytic supports are formed in the presence of controlled pore glass substrate.

Rembaum, Alan↗

Silicone formulations for 3D printing

In one embodiment, a silicone-based ink for additive manufacturing includes a vinyl-terminated siloxane macromer, a hydrophobic reinforcing filler, and a rheology modifying additive. In another embodiment, a method of additive manufacturing with silicone-based ink includes adding a mixture that includes a vinyl-terminated siloxane macromer, a hydrophobic reinforcing filler, and a rheology modifying additive to a cartridge for additive manufacturing, extruding the mixture through the cartridge to form a structure, and curing the mixture to at least a predefined extent.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Integrative Additive Design for Robust SEI Formation in NMC811||Silicon Batteries

Silicon (Si) is considered a promising replacement for graphite anodes in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its high abundance and exceptional specific capacity, but its widespread commercialization has been hindered by poor electrochemical performance. Among various strategies, the use of functional additives has emerged as one of the most effective and cost-efficient methods to enhance the electrochemical properties of LIBs. In this study, several additives—vinylene carbonate (VC), vinyl ethylene carbonate (VEC), lithium difluorophosphate (LiDFP), lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB), lithium tetrafluorooxalatophosphate (LiTFOP), and lithium difluorobis(oxalato)phosphate (LiDFBOP)—were systematically investigated in LiNi₀.₈Mn₀.₁Co₀.₁O₂ (NMC811)||Si full cells. Notably, LiDFBOP, a lithium salt containing two oxalate groups, outperformed all other additives, delivering the best capacity retention after 300 cycles. Comprehensive characterizations, including FTIR, SEM, and XPS, revealed that LiDFBOP's superior performance stems from its ability to form a more stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the Si anode, owing to its favorable molecular structure that integrates the beneficial features of the other additives.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Three-dimensional porous siloxanes using leachable porogen particles

According to one embodiment, a silicone-based ink for additive manufacturing includes a vinyl-terminated diphenyl siloxane macromer, a treated silica hydrophobic reinforcing filler, a rheology modifying additive, and a plurality of porogen particles. According to another embodiment, a product of additive manufacturing with a silicone-based ink includes a plurality of continuous filaments comprised of a siloxane matrix, where the continuous filaments are arranged in a geometric pattern, a plurality of inter-filament pores defined by the geometric pattern of the continuous filaments, and a plurality of intra-filament pores having an average diameter in a range of greater than 1 micron to less than 50 microns.

Perez, Lemuel Perez↗

Quantitative Proteomics and Quantitative PCR as Predictors of cis -1,2-Dichlorethene and Vinyl Chloride Reductive Dechlorination Rates in Bioaugmented Aquifer Microcosms

Quantitative measurement of process-specific biomarker genes of Dehalococcoides mccartyi (Dhc) supports monitoring at chlorinated ethene contaminated sites. In this study, we varied Dhc cell abundances from ~103 to 108 cells/mL in aquifer microcosms and correlated the corresponding reductive dehalogenase (RDase) gene and RDase protein abundances with measured reductive dechlorination (RD) rates of cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE) and vinyl chloride (VC). An additional set of microcosms tested the RD rate-predictive power of the regression analyses. These efforts revealed (1) that targeted proteomics quantifies Dhc biomarker proteins (e.g., TceA and VcrA, OmeA) over a relevant range of Dhc cell densities, and (2) that protein and gene abundances can predict RD rates. Protein detection limits translated to a rate coefficient of 10 –4 day –1 (0.04 year –1 ) for both k cDCE and k vc , which is within the range observed at sites undergoing monitored natural attenuation (MNA) (i.e., without the implementation of enhanced bioremediation treatment). Rates predicted using a combination of quantitative biomarker gene and protein measurements generally resulted in the best match with experimentally determined rate constants. These new findings provide evidence that quantitative biomarker measurements may be useful predictors of in situ RD rates, which would constitute a major advance for the cost-effective management of contaminated sites.

42 ENGINEERING↗

OH Roaming and Beyond in the Unimolecular Decay of the Methyl-Ethyl-Substituted Criegee Intermediate: Observations and Predictions

Alkene ozonolysis generates short-lived Criegee intermediates that are a significant source of hydroxyl (OH) radicals. Here this study demonstrates that roaming of the separating OH radicals can yield alternate hydroxycarbonyl products, thereby reducing the OH yield. Specifically, hydroxybutanone has been detected as a stable product arising from roaming in the unimolecular decay of the methyl-ethyl-substituted Criegee intermediate (MECI) under thermal flow cell conditions. The dynamical features of this novel multistage dissociation plus a roaming unimolecular decay process have also been examined with ab initio kinetics calculations. Experimentally, hydroxybutanone isomers are distinguished from the isomeric MECI by their higher ionization threshold and distinctive photoionization spectra. Moreover, the exponential rise of the hydroxybutanone kinetic time profile matches that for the unimolecular decay of MECI. A weaker methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) photoionization signal is also attributed to OH roaming. Complementary multireference electronic structure calculations have been utilized to map the unimolecular decay pathways for MECI, starting with 1,4 H atom transfer from a methyl or methylene group to the terminal oxygen, followed by roaming of the separating OH and butanonyl radicals in the long-range region of the potential. Roaming via reorientation and the addition of OH to the vinyl group of butanonyl is shown to yield hydroxybutanone, and subsequent C–O elongation and H-transfer can lead to MVK. A comprehensive theoretical kinetic analysis has been conducted to evaluate rate constants and branching yields (ca. 10–11%) for thermal unimolecular decay of MECI to conventional and roaming products under laboratory and atmospheric conditions, consistent with the estimated experimental yield (ca. 7%).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis of improved phenolic and polyester resins

Thirty-seven cured phenolic resin compositions were prepared and tested for their ability to provide improved char residues and moisture resistance over state of the art epoxy resin composite matrices. Cyanate, epoxy novolac and vinyl ester resins were investigated. Char promoter additives were found to increase the anaerobic char yield at 800 C of epoxy novolacs and vinyl esters. Moisture resistant cyanate and vinyl ester compositions were investigated as composite matrices with Thornel 300 graphite fiber. A cyanate composite matrix provided state of the art composite mechanical properties before and after humidity exposure and an anaerobic char yield of 46 percent at 800 C. The outstanding moisture resistance of the matrix was not completely realized in the composite. Vinyl ester resins showed promise as candidates for improved composite matrix systems.

Delano, C. B.↗

Digital Light Processing (DLP): 3D printing of polymer-based graphene oxide nanocomposites—Efficient antimicrobial material for biomedical devices

Bacterial infections are one of the major causes of surgical implant inefficiency and failure. Herein, we present a Nanocomposite (NC) produced by the addition of Poly(N-vinyl carbazole)-Graphene Oxide dispersion (PVK-GO) as a nanofiller to a commercial photopolymer acrylate resin and 3D printed as coatings via the Digital Light Processing technique. Characterization and bioassay results against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus confirmed the elevated thermomechanical properties and efficient antibacterial activity of the printed NC-based coatings. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the fabrication and optimization of a PVK-GO-based NC and its potential utilization as a 3D-printable material for biomedical applications.

2D materials↗

Effect of resin on impact damage tolerance of graphite/epoxy laminates

Twenty-four different epoxy resin systems were evaluated by a variety of test techniques to identify materials that exhibited improved impact damage tolerance in graphite/epoxy composite laminates. Forty-eight-ply composite panels of five of the material systems were able to sustain 100 m/s impact by a 1.27-cm-diameter aluminum projectile while statically loaded to strains of 0.005. Of the five materials with the highest tolerance to impact, two had elastomeric additives, two had thermoplastic additives, and one had a vinyl modifier; all the five systems used bisphenol A as the base resin. An evaluation of test results shows that the laminate damage tolerance is largely determined by the resin tensile properties, and that improvements in laminate damage tolerance are not necessarily made at the expense of room-temperature mechanical properties. The results also suggest that a resin volume fraction of 40 percent or greater may be required to permit the plastic flow between fibers necessary for improved damage tolerance.

Williams, J. G.↗

Primary Volatile Abundances in Comets from Infrared Spectroscopy: Implications for Reactions on Grain Surfaces in the Interstellar/Nebular Environment

Comets retain relatively primitive icy material remaining from the epoch of Solar System formation, however the extent to which they are modified from their initial state remains a key question in cometary science. High-resolution lR spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool for measuring vibrational emissions from primary volatiles (i.e., those contained in the nuclei of comets). With modern instrumentation, most notably NIRSPEC at the Keck II 10-m telescope, we can quantify species of astrobiological importance (e.g., H20, C2H2, CH4, C2H6, CO, H2CO, CH30H, HCN, NH3). In space environments, compounds of keen interest to astrobiology could originate from HCN and NH3 (leading to amino acids), H2CO (leading to sugars), or C2H6 and CH4 (suggested precursors of ethyl- and methylamine). Measuring the abundances of these precursor molecules (and their variability among comets) is a feasible task that contributes to understanding their delivery to Earth's early biosphere and to the synthesis of more complex pre biotic compounds. Over 20 comets have now been measured with IR spectroscopy, and this sample reveals significant diversity in primary volatile compositions. From this, a taxonomic classification scheme is emerging, presumably reflecting the diverse conditions experienced by pre-cometary grains in interstellar and subsequent nebular environs. The importance of H-atom addition to C2H2 on the surfaces of interstellar grains to produce C2H6 was validated by the discovery of abundant ethane in comet C/1996 B2 (Hyakutake) with C2H6/CH4 well above that achievable by gas-phase chemistry , and then in irradiation experiments on laboratory ices at 10 - 50 K. The large abundance ratios C2H6/CH4 observed universally in comets establish H-atom addition as an important and likely ubiquitous process, and comparing C2H6/C2H2 among comets can provide information on its efficiency. The IR is uniquely capable since symmetric hydrocarbons (e.g., C2H2, CH4, C2H6) have no electric dipole moment and thus no allowed pure rotational transitions. CO should also be hydrogenated on grain surfaces. Irradiation experiments on interstellar ice analogs show this to require very low temperatures, the resulting yields of H2CO and CH30H being highly dependent on temperature in the range approx 10 - 25 K. The relative abundances of these chemically-related molecules in comets provide one measure of the efficiency of H-atom addition to CO Oxidation of CO is also important on grain mantles, as evidenced by the widespread presence of C02 ice towards interstellar sources observed with ISO and in a survey of 17 comets observed with AKARI. H-atom addition to C2H2 produces the vinyl radical, and through subsequent oxidation1reduction reactions can lead to vinyl alcohol, acetaldehyde, and ethanol This may have implications for interpreting observed abundance ratios CO/C2H2. We will discuss possible implications regarding formation conditions in the context of measured primary volatile compositions, emphasizing recently observed comets and published results. These are continually providing new insights regarding our taxonomic scheme and also delivery of pre-biological material to the young Earth.

DiSanti, M. A.↗

Additive Manufacturing of Dissolvable Mandrels

ORNL collaborated with Mitsubishi Chemical America to investigate different grades of vinyl alcohol co-polymers as a potential feedstock material for large-scale material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM). Dissolvable polymers and can find potential applications in AM tooling for complex, hollow, and trapped composite structures without the need for specialized molds and tools. This CRADA Phase I work involved analysis of three different developmental grades of vinyl alcohol co-polymers for thermal and rheological properties, followed by print trials on the Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) system using these materials. Finally, printed part properties, including mechanical and thermal performance, as well as dissolvability were evaluated. The properties and performance evaluated in this phase of the project have provided guidelines to further develop these vinyl alcohol co-polymers to enable large-scale printing at high deposition rates and obtain parts that satisfy high temperature molds and dies requirements.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Dynamic-pressure measurements using an electronically scanned pressure module

Frequency response was measured for different lengths and diameters of tubing between a sinusoidal pressure source and a pressure sensing module from an electronically scanned pressure measuring system. Measurements were made for straight runs of both steel and vinyl tubing. For steel tubing, measured results are compared with results calculated by using equations developed by Tijdeman and Bergh. Measurements were also made with a bend in the vinyl tubing at the module. In addition, measurements were made with two coils placed in the tubing near the middle of the run.

Chapin, W. G.↗