Benzil Photoperoxidations in Polymer Films and Crosslinking by the Resultant Benzoyl Peroxides in Polystyrene and Other Polymers

Benzil (BZ) can be converted almost quantitatively to benzoyl peroxide (BP) in aerated polymer films upon irradiation at >400 nm (i.e., the long-wavelength edge of the n→π* absorption band of BZ, where BP does not absorb). Here, we summarize results for the photoperoxidation of BZ structures with molecular oxygen, principally in glassy polymer matrices. Some of the polymers are doped directly with BZ or its derivatives, and others, contain covalently attached BZ pendant groups from which BP groups are derived. While the decomposition of low-molecular-weight BP doped into polymer films (such as those of polystyrene (PS)) results in a net decrease in polymer molecular weight, thermal decomposition of pendant BP groups is an efficient method for chain crosslinking. Crosslinking of PS films doped with a molecule containing two covalently linked BZ or BP groups proceeds in a similar fashion. Free radicals from the covalently attached BP allow grafting of new monomers, as well. Additionally, the use of radiation filtered through masks has been used to create patterns of polymers on solid surfaces. Crosslinking of photodegradable poly(phenyl vinyl ketone) with BP structures obtained by photoperoxidation of BZ structures for the preparation of photodegradable polymer networks is described as well. In sum, the use of BZ and BP and their derivatives offers simple and convenient routes for modifying polymer chains and, especially, for crosslinking them. Specific applications of each use and process are provided. Although applications with PS are featured here, the methodologies described are amenable to a wide variety of other polymers.

Glassy Polymers – Diffusion, Sorption, Aging, and Applications

For the past few decades, researchers have been intrigued with glassy polymers, which have applications ranging from gas separations to corrosion protection to drug delivery systems. The techniques employed to examine the sorption and diffusion of small molecules in glassy polymers are the subject of this review. Diffusion models in glassy polymers are regulated by Fickian and non-Fickian diffusion, with non-Fickian diffusion being more prevalent. The characteristics of glassy polymers are determined by sorption isotherms, and different models have been proposed in the literature to explain sorption in glassy polymers during the last few years. This review also includes the applications of glassy polymer. Despite having so many applications, current researchers still have difficulty in implementing coating challenges due to issues like as physical ageing, which is briefly discussed in the review.

Effect of Mechanical Properties in Enhanced Polymeric Blend Membranes

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of blending the rubbery and glassy polymer with an alkanolamine on the mechanical properties. Due to the intrinsic properties of glassy polysulfone (PSU) and rubbery polyvinyl acetate (PVAc), optimizing their properties by blending both polymers is expected to address the shortage. The enhanced polymeric blend membrane (EPBM) was developed by varying the composition of PVAc ranging from 5 to 20 wt. % with 95 to 80 wt. % base PSU in dimethyl- acetamide (DMAc) solvent. The DEA amine composition was added to the blend and kept at 10 wt. % over solvent. The tensile analysis technique is utilized to evaluate the mechanical behaviour of a polymeric material which comprises the deformation of the polymeric material underneath the effect of an applied force prior to failure. The mechanical analysis showed improvement in tensile strength, Young's modulus and elongation at break properties with the increase in PVAc/DEA composition in the enhanced polymeric blend membranes. The elongation at break property increased with an increase in the amine contents which indicated the flexibility of the EPBM. In addition, the mechanical analysis revealed remarkable enhancement in the mechanical properties of the EPBM which might be attributed to the robust interactions among the PSU blend with PVAc and DEA.