N. V. Yarovaya

Complexation of Fe3+, Cu2+, and Cr3+ β-diketonates with poly(urethane) and poly(methyl methacrylate) in semi-interpenetrating networks: Effect on phase separation

Complexation of iron, copper, and chromium β-diketonates with poly(urethane) and poly(methyl methacrylate) in semi-interpenetrating polymer networks was studied by IR spectroscopy and ESR using various paramagnetic probes. It was shown that types of complexes arising in semi-interpenetrating polymer networks depend on the central metal ion in a chelate. In the networks containing iron and copper β-diketonates, formation of complexes between chelates of these metals and donor groups of PUR and PMMA promotes mutual penetration of poly(urethane) and poly(methyl methacrylate) phases. As a consequence, the degree of their separation decreases and the interphase region widens.

Sequential semi-interpenetrating polymer networks based on polyurethane and polystyrene

The formation of microheterogeneous sequential semi-interpenetrating polymer networks based on network polyurethanes with different molecular masses of chain segments between crosslinks and a linear polystyrene has been studied by DSC and small-angle X-ray scattering. It has been shown that variation in the molecular mass of polymer segments between polyurethane network junctions affects the formation of the linear component of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks. As a result, the material structure may change in a wide range from a nearly single-phase system to a two-phase one. SAXS measurements indicate that there is a cymbate dependence between the degree of segregation of components of sequential semi-interpenetrating polymer networks and their microheterogeneous structure on the internetwork space. Two hierarchical heterogeneity levels are found to exist in polymer networks, and the features of each of these levels are analyzed.

Phase separation in semi-interpenetrating polymer networks based on crosslinked poly(urethane) and linear poly(methyl methacrylate) containing iron, copper, and chromium chelates

Phase separation that occurs during formation of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks of various compositions based on crosslinked poly(urethane) and linear poly(methyl methacrylate) containing 1 wt % iron, copper, and chromium chelates has been studied by the methods of DSC and DMA. It has been shown that, in contrast to chromium chelates, the incorporation of iron and copper β-diketonates into the semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (PU : PMMA = 50 : 50) causes retardation of phase separation owing to high rates of poly(urethane) and poly(methyl methacrylate) formation and the appearance of chelate complexes with both blend components at the interface. A more complete phase separation in metal-containing semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (PU : PMMA = 70 : 30) is associated with the fact that chemical kinetics and complexation processes act in opposite directions. The latter processes prevail, and the influence of the type of metal ion in a chelate that predominantly interacts with PU in the blend is diminished.

Evolution of the structure and phase state in nonequilibrium heterogeneous polymer systems

Structural and phase transformations in the course of the multistage physical aging of semi-inter-penetrating polymer networks based on crosslinked polyurethane and linear polystyrene are studied. Dynamic mechanical and thermophysical studies make it possible to assume that, as a result of the physical aging, a heterogeneous polymer system experiences structural rearrangements and the fraction of the inter-facial region increases.

In situ polymer nanocomposites: Effect of nanoparticles on the interfacial region

Composites based on the blends of polyurethane and poly(methyl methacrylate) of various composition were synthesized in situ in the presence of various amounts of nanoparticles (fumed silica). From thermophysical measurements it was found that, during reaction, phase separation and evolution of two phases occur. The temperature transitions in the systems and their positions depend on the blend composition and on various amounts of nanoparticles. Using scanning differential calorimetry from the changing of heat capacity increments the fraction of an intermediate region between two main phases has been estimated. For the first time it was observed that in nanocomposites in the temperature region between two main relaxation transitions, there appears a third transition, which was related to the adsorption layers formed by both components at the interface of the nanoparticles. The appearance of such intermediate regions increases essentially the fraction of an interfacial region in the system.

Peculiarities of formation of optically transparent photocurable compound adhesive with high refractive index

The peculiarities of the formation of an optically transparent, photocurable composition with a high refractive index based on epoxy resin are studied. The optimal ratios of the components at which the fastest and most complete formation of three-dimensional structures occurs are established.