E. M. Belavtseva

Synthesis and characteristics of the composites based on poly(caproamide) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Polycaproamide composites are synthesized by the anionic activated bulk polymerization of ɛ-caprolactam in the presence of 0.1–5.0 wt % of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and using low-molecularmass monofunctional (N-acetyl-ɛ-caprolactam) and macromolecular polyfunctional (aromatic polyimides) activating agents. The effect of nanotubes on the polymerization of ɛ-caprolactam is studied, and this effect is shown to become more pronounced as the concentration of nanotubes is increased. The effect of nanotubes on the microstructure, phase composition, water sorption, thermophysical, mechanical, and friction characteristics of poly(caproamide) is analyzed.

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.

Methodical aspects of the electron microscopy of biopolymer gels

The methodical aspects of preparation of biopolymer gels using cryotechniques have been considered. By the example of swollen corn starch grains, it is shown that, using a cryostat in scanning electron microscopy, aqueous biopolymer gels can be investigated without artifacts if the sample temperature lies in the range 130–140°C.

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.

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.

Electron microscopy of gels of biopolymer systems

AbstaractStructural characteristics of some gels derived from proteins and polysaccharides are examined by means of electron microscopy. It is shown that for such biopolymer systems, the results from electron microscopy and other research methods correlate.

Application of an ultramicrotome in SEM and TEM studies of polymeric systems with metal-containing clusters

Design features of UMTP-6 and UMTP-7 ultramicrotomes are described. The instruments were tested on the following systems: (1) polyethylene and Nylon 6 fibers treated with AgNO3 and (2) different photographic films based on cellulose triacetate and containing silver halides.