Effects of molecular weight distribution on the self-assembly of end-functionalized polystyrenes

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (29) ◽  
pp. 4290-4298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bai-Heng Wu ◽  
Qi-Zhi Zhong ◽  
Zhi-Kang Xu ◽  
Ling-Shu Wan

The molecular weight distribution of hydroxyl-end-functionalized polystyrenes shows effects on the self-assembly of patterned porous films and the mechanical strength.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Łojkowski ◽  
Adrian Chlanda ◽  
Emilia Choińska ◽  
Wojciech Swieszkowski

<p>The formation of complex structures in thin films is of interest in many fields. Segregation of polymer chains of different molecular weights is a well-known process. However, here, polystyrene with bimodal molecular weight distribution, but no additional chemical modification was used. It was proven that at certain conditions, the phase separation occurred between two fractions of bimodal polystyrene/methyl ethyl ketone solution. The films were prepared by spin-coating, and the segregation between polystyrene phases was investigated by force spectroscopy. Next, water vapour induced secondary phase separation was investigated. The introduction of moist airflow induced the self-assembly of the lower molecular weight into islands and the heavier fraction into a honeycomb. As a result, an easy, fast, and effective method of obtaining island/honeycomb morphologies was demonstrated. The possible mechanisms of the formation of such structures were discussed.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Łojkowski ◽  
Adrian Chlanda ◽  
Emilia Choińska ◽  
Wojciech Swieszkowski

<p>Segregation of polymer chains of different molecular weights is a well-known process. A traditional experimental approach of studying phase segregation in thin films composed of polymer blends with identical chemical compositions but different molecular weights was focused on functionalisation of chemical group or modification of end-group. In this study, however, a different approach was proposed. Polystyrene with bimodal molecular weight distribution, but no additional chemical modification was used. The films were prepared by spin-coating and the segregation between polystyrene phases was investigated by force spectroscopy. The solubility of bimodal polystyrene was explored. At the right molecular weight distribution and soluted in Methyl Ethyl Ketone, the phase segregation occurred. Introduction of moist airflow induced the separation of the lower molecular weight into micropillars and the heavier fraction self-organized into a honeycomb. As a result, an easy, fast, and effective method of obtaining micropillar/honeycomb morphologies was demonstrated. The mechanism of formation of such structures was explained. </p>


e-Polymers ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 139-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huifang Zhao ◽  
Yinbang Zhu ◽  
Lizheng Sha

AbstractFiber classification of aramid fibrids was carried out using a Bauer-McNett fiber classifier, and the molecular weight and thermal properties of different sizes of aramid fibrids were determined with viscometry and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Aramid handsheets were made from different sizes of aramid fibrids and aramid short fibers, and the relationship between mechanical strength of aramid handsheets and thermal properties of aramid fibrids was examined. In addition, aramid papers from four different sources were also investigated to elucidate the relationship between their thermal properties and mechanical strength. It was found that aramid fibrids passing through 30-mesh screens and remaining on 50-mesh screens and aramid fibrids with narrower molecular weight distribution are suitable for the production of high-strength aramid papers. Lower crystallinity and wider molecular weight distribution are important contributors to the lower mechanical strength of domestic aramid paper when compared to that of Nomex paper.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Łojkowski ◽  
Adrian Chlanda ◽  
Emilia Choińska ◽  
Wojciech Swieszkowski

<p>Segregation of polymer chains of different molecular weights is a well-known process. For many years, it was assumed that this process occurs over long-time intervals. On the contrary, solvent evaporation during spin-coating is very fast. A traditional experimental approach of studying phase segregation of thin films composed of polymer blends with identical chemical compositions but different molecular weights, was focused on functionalization of chemical group or modification of end-group. In this study however, a different approach was proposed, in which polystyrene with a bimodal molecular weight distribution but no additional chemical modification was implemented in order to examine and analyze its phase segregation. By doing this, we have presented an easy, fast, effective and fully controlled method of obtaining biomimetic micropillar/honeycomb morphologies. In addition, the evaporation rate during spin-coating and the viscosity of a solution with a bimodal molecular weight distribution was described.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Łojkowski ◽  
Adrian Chlanda ◽  
Emilia Choińska ◽  
Wojciech Swieszkowski

<p>Segregation of polymer chains of different molecular weights is a well-known process. A traditional experimental approach of studying phase segregation of thin films composed of polymer blends with identical chemical compositions but different molecular weights, was focused on functionalization of chemical group or modification of end-group. In this study however, a different approach was proposed, in which polystyrene with a bimodal molecular weight distribution but no additional chemical modification was implemented in order to examine and analyze its phase segregation. It was found that by choosing right molecular weight distribution it is possible to obtain controlled phase separation at short time interval and at microscale. By doing this, we have presented an easy, fast, effective and fully controlled method of obtaining biomimetic micropillar/honeycomb morphologies. In addition, the evaporation rate during spin-coating and the viscosity of a solution with a bimodal molecular weight distribution was studied.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Łojkowski ◽  
Adrian Chlanda ◽  
Emilia Choińska ◽  
Wojciech Swieszkowski

<p>Segregation of polymer chains of different molecular weights is a well-known process. A traditional experimental approach of studying phase segregation of thin films composed of polymer blends with identical chemical compositions but different molecular weights, was focused on functionalization of chemical group or modification of end-group. In this study however, a different approach was proposed, in which polystyrene with a bimodal molecular weight distribution but no additional chemical modification was implemented in order to examine and analyze its phase segregation. It was found that by choosing right molecular weight distribution it is possible to obtain controlled phase separation at short time interval and at microscale. By doing this, we have presented an easy, fast, effective and fully controlled method of obtaining biomimetic micropillar/honeycomb morphologies. In addition, the evaporation rate during spin-coating and the viscosity of a solution with a bimodal molecular weight distribution was studied.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria-Roxana Marinescu ◽  
Elena David ◽  
Liviu-Daniel Ghiculescu

In this research, high-density and high-strength carbonized carbon blocks were manufactured by coke sintering resulted from heat treatments of biomass pyrolysis tar. First, the molecular weight distribution of the tar was controlled through a pressurized heat treatment at 365°C and then this heat-treated tar was treated using a delayed coking system to obtain the self-sintering coke. Finally, carbon blocks were molded from the self-sintering coke and carbonized at 1100°C for 2h. Through rapid decomposition of the high molecular weight compounds in the tar at 360°C, the molecular weight distribution of tar was confirmed to be controllable by this treatment stage. During carbonization was observed a swelling in carbon blocks manufactured that contain more than 15 wt% of volatile matter from 150-500°C. The optimum conditions of the two heat treatments stage were established to be 310°C for 3 h and 500°C for 1.5 h. The highest density and highest strength of the carbonized carbon blocks manufactured were 1.44 g/cm3 and 68.7 MPa, respectively.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej Łojkowski ◽  
Adrian Chlanda ◽  
Emilia Choińska ◽  
Wojciech Swieszkowski

AbstractThe formation of complex structures in thin films is of interest in many fields. Segregation of polymer chains of different molecular weights is a well-known process. However, here, polystyrene with bimodal molecular weight distribution, but no additional chemical modification was used. It was proven that at certain conditions, the phase separation occurred between two fractions of bimodal polystyrene/methyl ethyl ketone solution. The films were prepared by spin-coating, and the segregation between polystyrene phases was investigated by force spectroscopy. Next, water vapour induced secondary phase separation was investigated. The introduction of moist airflow induced the self-assembly of the lower molecular weight into islands and the heavier fraction into a honeycomb. As a result, an easy, fast, and effective method of obtaining island/honeycomb morphologies was demonstrated. The possible mechanisms of the formation of such structures were discussed.


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