A. G. Filatova

Magnetic nanocomposites based on hypercrosslinked polystyrenes

Magnetic sorbents (composites with inclusions of iron oxide nanoparticles in a polymer matrix), which can be used to remove toxic compounds by the magnetic separation method, have been developed on the basis of hypercrosslinked polystyrenes. Composites based on gel-type hypercrosslinked polystyrenes contain nanoparticles with a radius of ∼3 nm, while biporous hypercrosslinked polystyrenes (with micro- and macropores) contain nanoparticles with a radius of ∼8.5 nm (mainly magnetite). Macropores with a radius of ∼50 nm have been revealed in biporous hypercrosslinked polystyrenes.

Properties and microstructure of composites derived from polycaproamide and multiwall carbon nanotubes

Composites were synthesized by anionic in situ polymerisation of ɛ-caprolactam in the presence of 0.1–5.0% of multiwall carbon nanotubes. It is found that nanotube filling increases rigidity and improves the friction characteristics of polycaproamide. The friction coefficient decrease is especially significant at a nanotube concentration of 0.1%. It is shown that nanotubes affect the composite film microstructure.

Studying the structure of siloxane-urethane-ethylene oxide block copolymers

The structure of siloxane-urethane-ethylene oxide block copolymers is studied by means of atom force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The degree of copolymer crystallinity is determined by X-ray diffraction. A correlation between the obtained results is established.

Studying the structure of nanocomposites obtained via the chemical decomposition of metal siloxanes in polymer matrices

The structure of polymer nanocomposites containing CuS clusters is studied by atom force (AFM), scanning (SEM), and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy, and by narrow-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The results point to the existence of spherical nanoparticles of 3–50 nm in diameter and larger agglomerates of sizes 1–5 μm in the studied nanocomposites (NCs). The morphology of NCs depends on the conditions of synthesis.

Effect of an organosilicon modifier on the structure of polyether urethanes

Structures of amorphous polyether urethanes modified with oligomeric organosilicon blocks are studied via AFM, SEM, and TEM. The main structural unit of the investigated polymers is found to be a globule. The effect the silicon modifier has on the polyether urethane structure is determined.

Studying the structure of polysiloxane carbonate urethanes

The structure of amorphous polysiloxane carbonate urethanes is studied by AFM, SEM, and TEM. It is found that the polymer structure depends on the nature of solvent used for film casting.

Investigating the microstructure and surface composition of corn starch cryogel treated with FeCl3 solution

Corn starch cryogels treated with FeCl3 solution were investigated by scanning electron micros-copy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A correlation of the data obtained by these methods was established.

Cryogenic technique in the electron microscopy of aqueous suspensions and biopolymer-based gels

Methodical aspects of application of the cryogenic technique in the electron microscopy of gelatin gels and cellulose and beet pulp aqueous suspensions are considered. The optimal conditions for sample preparation without artifacts are determined by thermogravimetric analysis.

Dependence of the structure of siloxane urethane elastomer on the conditions of synthesis

The morphology and thermal and mechanical properties of siloxane urethane block copolymers based on oligosiloxane- and oligoalkylene diols are investigated. The dependence of morphology on the conditions of synthesis is studied via atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

Polycaproamide films containing ionic liquids: Microstructure and properties

Films of polycaproamide and its composites containing ionic liquids (ILs) derived from 1-methyl-3-ethylimidazolium cation and N(CF3SO2)2 or N(CN)2 anions having crystalline structures were cast from solutions in formic acid. The structure and concentration of the ILs were shown to affect the conductivity (up to ∼10−4 S cm−1 25°C), microstructure (studied by X-ray diffraction, SEM, and AFM), and thermomechanical properties of the films.