Sample records for sulfonated polystyrene ps

  1. A study of the effect of polystyrene sulfonation on the performance of terephthaloyl chloride-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone copolymer/polystyrene system

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kahraman, R.; Kahn, K. A.; Ali, S. A.; Hamid, S. H.; Sahin, A. Z.

    1998-12-01

    Thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of composites of a liquid crystalline copolymer (LCP) poly(terephthaloyl chloride)-co-(p,p’-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone) with polystyrene (PS) and sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) are presented and discussed. Sulfonation of polystyrene was expected to improve the interfacial adhesion by introducing hydrogen bonding in the LCP/PS system. The degree of sulfonation was 11 %. The incompatibility (lack of proper interfacial adhesion) of the LCP/PS system resulted in sharp decrease in the composite tensile strength with LCP addition. The performance of the system did not change when processed at a higher temperature (270 °C instead of 225 °C). While a composite plate of 25% LCP/PS could not be fabricated, it was possible for LCP/SPS (processed at 215 °C), indicating some improvement in interfacial bonding by sulfonation. Sulfonation of PS resulted in fracture with some degree of plastic deformation for pure SPS matrix and also the LCP/SPS system with the lowest LCP content (1 wt%), whereas plastic deformation was not observed for PS used as received. The strength of the LCP/SPS system also decreased with increase in LCP content, indicating that 11% sulfonation is not sufficient to introduce significant compatibility, but it was not as dramatic as that for LCP/PS. The performance of the LCP/SPS system was not affected significantly by heat treatment at the process temperature.

  2. Synthesis of modified sepiolite-g-polystyrene sulfonic acid nanohybrids by radiation induced graft polymerization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taimur, Shaista; Hassan, Muhammad Inaam ul; Yasin, Tariq; Ali, Syed Wasim

    2018-07-01

    In this study, polystyrene (PS) grafted sepiolite nanohybrid (MS-g-PS) was synthesized by using simultaneous radiation grafting technique in the presence of dichloromethane (DCM) as solvent. The radiation grafting process was carried out under inert atmosphere at room temperature using gamma rays from a Co-60 irradiator. The degree of grafting was affected by absorbed dose and monomer concentration in the mixture. Sulfonation of synthesized nanohybrid was carried out with sulfuric acid. Both the grafting of styrene and its sulfonate derivative were verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The structural and morphological investigations of these nanohybrids have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The gravimetric investigations showed that grafting yield increases with the absorbed dose. Results showed that the system allows the controlled grafting of styrene onto sepiolite (Sep) in DCM.

  3. Flow curve analysis of a Pickering emulsion-polymerized PEDOT:PSS/PS-based electrorheological fluid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, So Hee; Choi, Hyoung Jin; Leong, Yee-Kwong

    2017-11-01

    The steady shear electrorheological (ER) response of poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonate)/polystyrene (PEDOT:PSS/PS) composite particles, which were initially fabricated from Pickering emulsion polymerization, was tested with a 10 vol% ER fluid dispersed in a silicone oil. The model independent shear rate and yield stress obtained from the raw torque-rotational speed data using a Couette type rotational rheometer under an applied electric field strength were then analyzed by Tikhonov regularization, which is the most suitable technique for solving an ill-posed inverse problem. The shear stress-shear rate data also fitted well with the data extracted from the Bingham fluid model.

  4. Polystyrene bound oxidovanadium(IV) and dioxidovanadium(V) complexes of histamine derived ligand for the oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide, diphenyl sulfide and benzoin.

    PubMed

    Maurya, Mannar R; Arya, Aarti; Kumar, Amit; Pessoa, João Costa

    2009-03-28

    Ligand Hsal-his (I) derived from salicylaldehyde and histamine has been covalently bound to chloromethylated polystyrene cross-linked with 5% divinylbenzene. Upon treatment with [VO(acac)(2)] in DMF, the polystyrene-bound ligand (abbreviated as PS-Hsal-his, II) gave the stable polystyrene-bound oxidovanadium(iv) complex PS-[V(IV)O(sal-his)(acac)] , which upon oxidation yielded the dioxidovanadium(v) PS-[V(V)O(2)(sal-his)] complex. The corresponding non polymer-bound complexes [V(IV)O(sal-his)(acac)] and [V(V)O(2)(sal-his)] have also been obtained. These complexes have been characterised by IR, electronic, (51)V NMR and EPR spectral studies, and thermal as well as scanning electron micrograph studies. Complexes and have been used as a catalyst for the oxidation of methyl phenyl sulfide, diphenyl sulfide and benzoin with 30% H(2)O(2) as oxidant. Under the optimised reaction conditions, a maximum of 93.8% conversion of methyl phenyl sulfide with 63.7% selectivity towards methyl phenyl sulfoxide and 36.3% towards methyl phenyl sulfone has been achieved in 2 h with 2 . Under similar conditions, diphenyl sulfide gave 83.4% conversion where selectivity of reaction products varied in the order: diphenyl sulfoxide (71.8%) > diphenyl sulfone (28.2%). A maximum of 91.2% conversion of benzoin has been achieved within 6 h, and the selectivities of reaction products are: methylbenzoate (37.0%) > benzil (30.5%) > benzaldehyde-dimethylacetal (22.5%) > benzoic acid (8.1%). The PS-bound complex, 1 exhibits very comparable catalytic potential. These polymer-anchored heterogeneous catalysts do not leach during catalytic action, are recyclable and show higher catalytic activity and turnover frequency than the corresponding non polymer-bound complexes. EPR and (51)V NMR spectroscopy was used to characterise methanolic solutions of 3 and 4 and to identify species formed upon addition of H(2)O(2) and/or acid and/or methyl phenyl sulfide.

  5. Performance of polymer nano composite membrane electrode assembly using Alginate as a dopant in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mulijani, S.

    2017-01-01

    Polymer membrane and composite polymer for membrane electrode assembly (MEAs) are synthesized and studied for usage in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). In this study, we prepared 3 type of MEAs, polystyrene (PS), sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) and composite polymer SPS-alginat membrane via catalyst hot pressed method. The performance and properties of prepared MEAs were evaluated and analyzed by impedance spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result showed that, water up take of MEA composite polymer SPS-alginate was obtained higher than that in SPS and PS. The proton conductivity of MEA-SPS-alginate was also higher than that PS and PSS. SEM characterization revealed that the intimate contact between the carbon catalyst layers (CL) and the membranes, and the uniformly porous structure correlate positively with the MEAs prepared by hot pressed method, exhibiting high performances for DMFC.

  6. Hierarchical Porous Interlocked Polymeric Microcapsules: Sulfonic Acid Functionalization as Acid Catalysts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Xiaomei; Gu, Jinyan; Tian, Lei; Zhang, Xu

    2017-03-01

    Owing to their unique structural and surface properties, mesoporous microspheres are widely applied in the catalytic field. Generally, increasing the surface area of the specific active phase of the catalyst is a good method, which can achieve a higher catalytic activity through the fabrication of the corresponding catalytic microspheres with the smaller size and hollow structure. However, one of the major challenges in the use of hollow microspheres (microcapsules) as catalysts is their chemical and structural stability. Herein, the grape-like hypercrosslinked polystyrene hierarchical porous interlocked microcapsule (HPIM-HCL-PS) is fabricated by SiO2 colloidal crystals templates, whose structure is the combination of open mouthed structure, mesoporous nanostructure and interlocked architecture. Numerous microcapsules assembling together and forming the roughly grape-like microcapsule aggregates can enhance the structural stability and recyclability of these microcapsules. After undergoing the sulfonation, the sulfonated HPIM-HCL-PS is served as recyclable acid catalyst for condensation reaction between benzaldehyde and ethylene glycol (TOF = 793 h-1), moreover, exhibits superior activity, selectivity and recyclability.

  7. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

    MedlinePlus

    Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia (increased amounts of potassium in the body). Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is in a class of medications called potassium-removing agents. It works by ...

  8. Polymer-supported sulfonated catechol and linear catechol amide ligands and their use in selective metal ion removal recovery from aqueous solutions

    DOEpatents

    Fish, Richard H.

    1998-01-01

    The present invention concerns the synthesis of several biomimetically important polymer-supported, sulfonated catechol (PS-CATS), sulfonated bis-catechol linear amide (PS-2-6-LICAMS) and sulfonated 3,3-linear tris-catechol amide (PS-3,3-LICAMS) ligands, which chemically bond to modified 6% crosslinked macroporous polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads (PS-DVB). These polymers are useful for the for selective removal and recovery of environmentally and economically important metal ions from aqueous solution, as a function of pH. The Fe.sup.3+ ion selectivity shown for PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads in competition with a similar concentration of Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, and Cr.sup.3+ ions at pH 1-3. Further, the metal ion selectivity is changed at higher pH values in the absence of Fe.sup.3+ (for example, Hg.sup.2+ at pH 3). The rates of selective removal and recovery of the trivalent metal ions, e.g. Fe.sup.3+ Al.sup.3+ ion etc. with the PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads used determined are useful as well as equilibrium selectivity coefficient (K.sub.m) values for all metal competition studies. The chelate effect for the predisposed octahedral PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer pendant ligand is the reason that this ligand has a more pronounced selectivity for Fe.sup.3+ ion in comparison to the PS-CATS polymer beads. The predisposed square planar PS-2,6-LICAMS series of polymer pendant ligands are more selective to divalent metal ions Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, and Mg.sup.2+, than either PS-CATS or PS-3,3-LICAMS. However, Fe.sup.3+ ion still dominates in competition with other divalent and trivalent metal ions. In the absence of Fe.sup.3+, the polymer ligand is selective for Al.sup.3+, Cu.sup.2+ or Hg.sup.2+. The changing of the cavity size from two CH.sub.2 groups to six CH.sub.2 groups in the PS-2-6-LICAMS polymer pendant ligand series does not effect the order of metal ion selectivity.

  9. Polymer-supported sulfonated catechol and linear catechol amide ligands and their use in selective metal ion removal and recovery from aqueous solutions

    DOEpatents

    Fish, Richard H.

    1997-01-01

    The present invention concerns the synthesis of several biomimetically important polymer-supported, sulfonated catechol (PS-CATS), sulfonated bis-catechol linear amide (PS-2-6-LICAMS) and sulfonated 3,3-linear tris-catechol amide (PS-3,3-LICAMS) ligands, which chemically bond to modified 6% crosslinked macroporous polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads (PS-DVB). These polymers are useful for the for selective removal and recovery of environmentally and economically important metal ions from aqueous solution, as a function of pH. The Fe.sup.3+ ion selectivity shown for PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads in competition with a similar concentration of Cu.sup.2+, Zn.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+,Mg.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, and Cr.sup.3+ ions at pH 1-3. Further, the metal ion selectivity is changed at higher pH values in the absence of Fe.sup.3+ (for example, Hg.sup.2+ at pH 3). The rates of selective removal and recovery of the trivalent metal ions, e.g. Fe.sup.3+ Al.sup.3+ ion etc. with the PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads use determined are useful as well as equilibrium selectivity coefficient (K.sub.m) values for all metal competition studies. The chelate effect for the predisposed octahedral PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer pendant ligand is the reason that this ligand has a more pronounced selectivity for Fe.sup.3+ ion in comparison to the PS-CATS polymer beads. The predisposed square planar PS-2-6-Mn.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, and Mg.sup.2+, than either PS-CATS or PS-3,3-LICAMS. However, Fe.sup.3+ ion still dominates in competition with other divalent and trivalent metal ions. In the absence of Fe.sup.3+, the polymer ligand is selective for Al.sup.3+, Cu.sup.2+ or Hg.sup.2+. The changing of the cavity size from two CH.sub.2 groups to six CH.sub.2 groups in the PS-2-6-LICAMS polymer pendant ligand series does not effect the order of metal ion selectivity.

  10. Polymer-supported sulfonated catechol and linear catechol amide ligands and their use in selective metal ion removal and recovery from aqueous solutions

    DOEpatents

    Fish, R.H.

    1997-04-22

    The present invention concerns the synthesis of several biomimetically important polymer-supported, sulfonated catechol (PS-CATS), sulfonated bis-catechol linear amide (PS-2-6-LICAMS) and sulfonated 3,3-linear tris-catechol amide (PS-3,3-LICAMS) ligands, which chemically bond to modified 6% crosslinked macroporous polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads (PS-DVB). These polymers are useful for the for selective removal and recovery of environmentally and economically important metal ions from aqueous solution, as a function of pH. The Fe{sup 3+} ion selectivity shown for PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads in competition with a similar concentration of Cu{sup 2+}, Zn{sup 2+}, Mn{sup 2+}, Ni{sup 2+}, Mg{sup 2+}, Al{sup 3+}, and Cr{sup 3+} ions at pH 1--3. Further, the metal ion selectivity is changed at higher pH values in the absence of Fe{sup 3+} (for example, Hg{sup 2+} at pH 3). The rates of selective removal and recovery of the trivalent metal ions, e.g. Fe{sup 3+}, Al{sup 3+} ion etc. with the PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads use determined are useful as well as equilibrium selectivity coefficient (K{sub m}) values for all metal competition studies. The chelate effect for the predisposed octahedral PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer pendant ligand is the reason that this ligand has a more pronounced selectivity for Fe{sup 3+} ion in comparison to the PS-CATS polymer beads. The predisposed square planar PS-2-6-Mn{sup 2+}, Ni{sup 2+}, and Mg{sup 2+}, than either PS-CATS or PS-3,3-LICAMS. However, Fe{sup 3+} ion still dominates in competition with other divalent and trivalent metal ions. In the absence of Fe{sup 3+}, the polymer ligand is selective for Al{sup 3+}, Cu{sup 2+} or Hg{sup 2+}. The changing of the cavity size from two CH{sub 2} groups to six CH{sub 2} groups in the PS-2-6-LICAMS polymer pendant ligand series does not effect the order of metal ion selectivity. 9 figs.

  11. Polymer-supported sulfonated catechol and linear catechol amide ligands and their use in selective metal ion removal recovery from aqueous solutions

    DOEpatents

    Fish, R.H.

    1998-11-10

    The present invention concerns the synthesis of several biomimetically important polymer-supported, sulfonated catechol (PS-CATS), sulfonated bis-catechol linear amide (PS-2-6-LICAMS) and sulfonated 3,3-linear tris-catechol amide (PS-3,3-LICAMS) ligands, which chemically bond to modified 6% crosslinked macroporous polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads (PS-DVB). These polymers are useful for the for selective removal and recovery of environmentally and economically important metal ions from aqueous solution, as a function of pH. The Fe{sup 3+} ion selectivity shown for PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads in competition with a similar concentration of Cu{sup 2+}, Zn{sup 2+}, Mn{sup 2+}, Ni{sup 2+}, Mg{sup 2+}, Al{sup 3+}, and Cr{sup 3+} ions at pH 1--3. Further, the metal ion selectivity is changed at higher pH values in the absence of Fe{sup 3+} (for example, Hg{sup 2+} at pH 3). The rates of selective removal and recovery of the trivalent metal ions, e.g. Fe{sup 3+}, Al{sup 3+} ion etc. with the PS-CATS, PS-2-6-LICAMS, and PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer beads used determined are useful as well as equilibrium selectivity coefficient (K{sub m}) values for all metal competition studies. The chelate effect for the predisposed octahedral PS-3,3-LICAMS polymer pendant ligand is the reason that this ligand has a more pronounced selectivity for Fe{sup 3+} ion in comparison to the PS-CATS polymer beads. The predisposed square planar PS-2,6-LICAMS series of polymer pendant ligands are more selective to divalent metal ions Cu{sup 2+}, Zn{sup 2+}, Mn{sup 2+}, Ni{sup 2+}, and Mg{sup 2+}, than either PS-CATS or PS-3,3-LICAMS. However, Fe{sup 3+} ion still dominates in competition with other divalent and trivalent metal ions. In the absence of Fe{sup 3+}, the polymer ligand is selective for Al{sup 3+}, Cu{sup 2+} or Hg{sup 2+}. The changing of the cavity size from two CH{sub 2} groups to six CH{sub 2} groups in the PS-2-6-LICAMS polymer pendant ligand series does not effect the order of metal ion selectivity. 9 figs.

  12. The influence of chain rigidity and the degree of sulfonation on the morphology of block copolymers as nano reactor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hong, K.; Zhang, X.

    2005-03-01

    Polyelectrolyte block copolymer was used to form an ordered domain of ionic block as a ``nanoreactor'' due to its ability to bind oppositely charged metal ion, Zn^2+, Fe^2+ etc. The purpose of our research is to investigate the controllability of the size and morphology of domains (inorganic nano particles) by changing backbone stiffness, the charge density and the volume fraction of ionic block. Poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS), which backbone is flexible, and poly(cyclohexadiene sulfonate) (PCHDS), which backbone is ``semiflexible'', were used as ionic blocks. We synthesized PtBS-PSS and PS-PCHDS with various degree of sulfonation and the volume fraction. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nano particles successfully formed in the ionic domain of microphase separated block copolymers. We used SANS to characterize the morphology of block copolymers and TEM for block copolymer containing ZnO nano particles. Our experimental results show that the chemistry of ``sulfonation'' of block copolymers can be successfully used to synthesize nano composite materials.

  13. Morphological and physical characterization of poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) block copolymers and ionomers thereof

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Baugh, Daniel Webster, III

    Poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) block copolymers made by living cationic polymerization using a difunctional initiator and the sequential monomer addition technique were analyzed using curve-resolution software in conjunction with high-resolution GPC. Fractional precipitation and selective solvent extraction were applied to a representative sample in order to confirm the identity of contaminating species. The latter were found to be low molecular weight polystyrene homopolymer, diblock copolymer, and higher molecular weight segmented block copolymers formed by intermolecular electrophilic aromatic substitution linking reactions occurring late in the polymerization of the styrene outer blocks. Solvent-cast films of poly(styrene-isobutylene-styrene) (PS-PIB-PS) block copolymers and block ionomers were analyzed using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Four block copolymer samples with center block molecular weights of 52,000 g/mol and PS volume fractions (o sbPS) ranging from 0.17 to 0.31 were studied. All samples exhibited hexagonally packed cylinders of PS within the PIB matrix. Cylinder spacing was in the range 32 to 36 nm for most samples, while cylinder diameters varied from 14 to 21 nm. Porod analysis of the scattering data indicated the presence of isolated phase mixing and sharp phase boundaries. PS-PIB-PS block copolymers and ionomers therefrom were analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tensile testing. The study encompassed five block copolymer samples with similar PIB center blocks with molecular weights of approx52,000 g/mol and PS weight fractions ranging from 0.127 to 0.337. Ionomers were prepared from two of these materials by lightly sulfonating the PS outer blocks. Sulfonation levels varied from 1.7 to 4.7 mol % and the sodium and potassium neutralized forms were compared to the parent block copolymers. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of the block copolymer films indicated the existence of a third phase attributed to PIB chains near the PS domain interface which experience reduced mobility due to their firm attachment to the hard PS domain. The relative amount of this phase decreased in samples with larger PS blocks, while the temperature of the associated transition increased. Tensile testing showed increased tensile strength but decreased elongation at break with larger PS blocks. DMA of the ionomers indicated improved dynamic modulus at temperatures above 100spcirc$C. Tensile testing of the ionomers indicated slight improvements in tensile strength with little loss in elongation at break. PS-PIB-PS block copolymer ionomer (BCP01, center block molecular weight = 53,000 g/mole; 25.5 wt % polystyrene, 4.7% sulfonation of phenyl units, 100% neutralized with KOH) was compounded with various organic and inorganic acid salts of 2-ethylhexyl-p-dimethyl aminobenzoate (ODAB) to explore the efficacy of these compounds as ionic plasticizers. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

  14. Sulfonated polystyrene and its characterization as a material of electrolyte polymer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ngadiwiyana; Ismiyarto; Gunawan; Purbowatiningrum, RS; Prasetya, N. B. A.; Kusworo, T. D.; Susanto, H.

    2018-05-01

    The research of polystyrene modification from Styrofoam waste and its application as a main material of electrolyte polymer had been done. The sulfonation reaction of polystyrene was conducted using sulfuric acid as sufonation agent and the reactions were done with variation times of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h. The characterization of the sulfonated products covered analysis of functional groups using FT-IR spectrophotometer, sulfonation degree, measurements of ion exchange capacity, conductivity and swelling degree. The sulfonated polystyrene product was white solid as confirmed by the spectra of FT-IR with the presence of wide band absorption of O=S=O at the wavenumber of 1080-1411 cm-1 as indication. The research showed the best sulfonated polystyrene prepared in 4 h as a material of electrolyte polymer, since it had the highest degree of sulfonation, ion exchange capacity, conductivity and swelling degree with the values were 28.52 %, 1.550 meg/g, 15,924.10-6 Ω-1cm-1 and 332.4 %, respectively.

  15. Ordered adsorption of coagulation factor XII on negatively charged polymer surfaces probed by sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiaoyun; Wang, Jie; Paszti, Zoltan; Wang, Fulin; Schrauben, Joel N; Tarabara, Volodymyr V; Schmaier, Alvin H; Chen, Zhan

    2007-05-01

    Electrostatic interactions between negatively charged polymer surfaces and factor XII (FXII), a blood coagulation factor, were investigated by sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy, supplemented by several analytical techniques including attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), zeta-potential measurement, and chromogenic assay. A series of sulfonated polystyrenes (sPS) with different sulfonation levels were synthesized as model surfaces with different surface charge densities. SFG spectra collected from FXII adsorbed onto PS and sPS surfaces with different surface charge densities showed remarkable differences in spectral features and especially in spectral intensity. Chromogenic assay experiments showed that highly charged sPS surfaces induced FXII autoactivation. ATR-FTIR and QCM results indicated that adsorption amounts on the PS and sPS surfaces were similar even though the surface charge densities were different. No significant conformational change was observed from FXII adsorbed onto surfaces studied. Using theoretical calculations, the possible contribution from the third-order nonlinear optical effect induced by the surface electric field was evaluated, and it was found to be unable to yield the SFG signal enhancement observed. Therefore it was concluded that the adsorbed FXII orientation and ordering were the main reasons for the remarkable SFG amide I signal increase on sPS surfaces. These investigations indicate that negatively charged surfaces facilitate or induce FXII autoactivation on the molecular level by imposing specific orientation and ordering on the adsorbed protein molecules.

  16. Randomized Clinical Trial of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate for the Treatment of Mild Hyperkalemia in CKD.

    PubMed

    Lepage, Laurence; Dufour, Anne-Claude; Doiron, Jessica; Handfield, Katia; Desforges, Katherine; Bell, Robert; Vallée, Michel; Savoie, Michel; Perreault, Sylvie; Laurin, Louis-Philippe; Pichette, Vincent; Lafrance, Jean-Philippe

    2015-12-07

    Hyperkalemia affects up to 10% of patients with CKD. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate has long been prescribed for this condition, although evidence is lacking on its efficacy for the treatment of mild hyperkalemia over several days. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sodium polystyrene sulfonate in the treatment of mild hyperkalemia. In total, 33 outpatients with CKD and mild hyperkalemia (5.0-5.9 mEq/L) in a single teaching hospital were included in this double-blind randomized clinical trial. We randomly assigned these patients to receive either placebo or sodium polystyrene sulfonate of 30 g orally one time per day for 7 days. The primary outcome was the comparison between study groups of the mean difference of serum potassium levels between the day after the last dose of treatment and baseline. The mean duration of treatment was 6.9 days. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate was superior to placebo in the reduction of serum potassium levels (mean difference between groups, -1.04 mEq/L; 95% confidence interval, -1.37 to -0.71). A higher proportion of patients in the sodium polystyrene sulfonate group attained normokalemia at the end of their treatment compared with those in the placebo group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (73% versus 38%; P=0.07). There was a trend toward higher rates of electrolytic disturbances and an increase in gastrointestinal side effects in the group receiving sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate was superior to placebo in reducing serum potassium over 7 days in patients with mild hyperkalemia and CKD. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

  17. Randomized Clinical Trial of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate for the Treatment of Mild Hyperkalemia in CKD

    PubMed Central

    Lepage, Laurence; Dufour, Anne-Claude; Doiron, Jessica; Handfield, Katia; Desforges, Katherine; Bell, Robert; Vallée, Michel; Savoie, Michel; Perreault, Sylvie; Laurin, Louis-Philippe; Pichette, Vincent

    2015-01-01

    Background and objectives Hyperkalemia affects up to 10% of patients with CKD. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate has long been prescribed for this condition, although evidence is lacking on its efficacy for the treatment of mild hyperkalemia over several days. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sodium polystyrene sulfonate in the treatment of mild hyperkalemia. Design, setting, participants, & measurements In total, 33 outpatients with CKD and mild hyperkalemia (5.0–5.9 mEq/L) in a single teaching hospital were included in this double–blind randomized clinical trial. We randomly assigned these patients to receive either placebo or sodium polystyrene sulfonate of 30 g orally one time per day for 7 days. The primary outcome was the comparison between study groups of the mean difference of serum potassium levels between the day after the last dose of treatment and baseline. Results The mean duration of treatment was 6.9 days. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate was superior to placebo in the reduction of serum potassium levels (mean difference between groups, −1.04 mEq/L; 95% confidence interval, −1.37 to −0.71). A higher proportion of patients in the sodium polystyrene sulfonate group attained normokalemia at the end of their treatment compared with those in the placebo group, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (73% versus 38%; P=0.07). There was a trend toward higher rates of electrolytic disturbances and an increase in gastrointestinal side effects in the group receiving sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Conclusions Sodium polystyrene sulfonate was superior to placebo in reducing serum potassium over 7 days in patients with mild hyperkalemia and CKD. PMID:26576619

  18. Hydrophilic Modification of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube for Building Photonic Crystals with Enhanced Color Visibility and Mechanical Strength.

    PubMed

    Li, Feihu; Tang, Bingtao; Xiu, Jinghai; Zhang, Shufen

    2016-04-28

    Low color visibility and poor mechanical strength of polystyrene (PS) photonic crystal films have been the main shortcomings for the potential applications in paints or displays. This paper presents a simple method to fabricate PS/MWCNTs (multi-walled carbon nanotubes) composite photonic crystal films with enhanced color visibility and mechanical strength. First, MWCNTs was modified through radical addition reaction by aniline 2,5-double sulfonic acid diazonium salt to generate hydrophilic surface and good water dispersity. Then the MWCNTs dispersion was blended with PS emulsion to form homogeneous PS/MWCNTs emulsion mixtures and fabricate composite films through thermal-assisted method. The obtained films exhibit high color visibility under natural light and improved mechanical strength owing to the light-adsorption property and crosslinking effect of MWCNTs. The utilization of MWCNTs in improving the properties of photonic crystals is significant for various applications, such as in paints and displays.

  19. Copolymers of fluorinated polydienes and sulfonated polystyrene

    DOEpatents

    Mays, Jimmy W [Knoxville, TN; Gido, Samuel P [Hadley, MA; Huang, Tianzi [Knoxville, TN; Hong, Kunlun [Knoxville, TN

    2009-11-17

    Copolymers of fluorinated polydienes and sulfonated polystyrene and their use in fuel cell membranes, batteries, breathable chemical-biological protective materials, and templates for sol-gel polymerization.

  20. Liquid-liquid phase separation in dilute solutions of poly(styrene sulfonate) with multivalent cations: Phase diagrams, chain morphology, and impact of temperature

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hansch, Markus; Hämisch, Benjamin; Schweins, Ralf; Prévost, Sylvain; Huber, Klaus

    2018-01-01

    The dilute solution behavior of sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) is studied in the presence of trivalent Al3+ and bivalent Ba2+ cations at various levels of excess NaCl. The study evaluates the phase behavior and the morphology of the polyelectrolyte chains with increasing extent of decoration with the Al3+ and Ba2+ cations and analyses the effect of temperature on these decorated chains. The phase behavior is presented in the form of the cation concentration versus the respective poly(styrene sulfonate) concentration, recorded at the onset of precipitation. Whereas poly(styrene sulfonate) with Al3+ exhibits a linear phase boundary, denoted as the "threshold line," which increases with increasing poly(styrene sulfonate) concentration, Ba2+ cations show a threshold line which is independent of the poly(styrene sulfonate) concentration. An additional re-entrant phase, at considerably higher cation content than those of the threshold lines, is observed with Al3+ cations but not with Ba2+ cations. The threshold line and the re-entrant phase boundary form parts of the liquid-liquid phase boundary observed at the limit of low polymer concentration. The dimensions of the polyelectrolyte chains shrink considerably while approaching the respective threshold lines on increase of the Al3+ and Ba2+ cation content. However, subtle differences occur between the morphological transformation induced by Al3+ and Ba2+. Most strikingly, coils decorated with Al3+ respond very differently to temperature variations than coils decorated with Ba2+ do. As the temperature increases, the poly(styrene sulfonate) chains decrease their size in the presence of Al3+ cations but increase in size in the presence of Ba2+ cations.

  1. Compared effects of calcium and sodium polystyrene sulfonate on mineral and bone metabolism and volume overload in pre-dialysis patients with hyperkalemia.

    PubMed

    Nakayama, Yosuke; Ueda, Kaoru; Yamagishi, Sho-Ichi; Sugiyama, Miki; Yoshida, Chika; Kurokawa, Yuka; Nakamura, Nao; Moriyama, Tomofumi; Kodama, Goh; Minezaki, Tomohisa; Ito, Sakuya; Nagata, Akiko; Taguchi, Kensei; Yano, Junko; Kaida, Yusuke; Shibatomi, Kazutaka; Fukami, Kei

    2018-02-01

    Hyperkalemia is prevalent in end-stage renal disease patients, being involved in life-threatening arrhythmias. Although polystyrene sulfonate (PS) is commonly used for the treatment of hyperkalemia, direct comparison of effects between calcium and sodium PS (CPS and SPS) on mineral and bone metabolism has not yet been studied. In a randomized and crossover design, 20 pre-dialysis patients with hyperkalemia (>5 mmol/l) received either oral CPS or SPS therapy for 4 weeks. After 4-week treatments, there was no significant difference of changes in serum potassium (K) from the baseline (ΔK) between the two groups. However, SPS significantly decreased serum calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and increased intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) values, whereas CPS reduced iPTH. ΔiPTH was inversely correlated with ΔCa and ΔMg (r = -0.53 and r = -0.50, respectively). Furthermore, sodium (Na) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels were significantly elevated in patients with SPS, but not with CPS, whereas ΔNa and ΔANP were significantly correlated with each other in all the patients. We also found that ΔNa and Δ(Na to chloride ratio) were positively correlated with ΔHCO 3 - . In artificial colon fluid, CPS increased Ca and decreased Na. Furthermore, SPS greatly reduced K, Mg, and NH 3 . Compared with SPS, CPS may be safer for the treatment of hyperkalemia in pre-dialysis patients, because it did not induce hyperparathyroidism or volume overload.

  2. Quasi-Block Copolymers Based on a General Polymeric Chain Stopper.

    PubMed

    Sanguramath, Rajashekharayya A; Nealey, Paul F; Shenhar, Roy

    2016-07-11

    Quasi-block copolymers (q-BCPs) are block copolymers consisting of conventional and supramolecular blocks, in which the conventional block is end-terminated by a functionality that interacts with the supramolecular monomer (a "chain stopper" functionality). A new design of q-BCPs based on a general polymeric chain stopper, which consists of polystyrene end-terminated with a sulfonate group (PS-SO3 Li), is described. Through viscosity measurements and a detailed diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy study, it is shown that PS-SO3 Li can effectively cap two types of model supramolecular monomers to form q-BCPs in solution. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry data and structural characterization of thin films by scanning force microscopy suggests the existence of the q-BCP architecture in the melt. The new design considerably simplifies the synthesis of polymeric chain stoppers; thus promoting the utilization of q-BCPs as smart, nanostructured materials. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Preparation and characterization of self-crosslinked organic/inorganic proton exchange membranes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhong, Shuangling; Cui, Xuejun; Dou, Sen; Liu, Wencong

    A series of silicon-containing sulfonated polystyrene/acrylate (Si-sPS/A) nanoparticles are successfully synthesized via simple emulsion polymerization method. The Si-sPS/A latexes show good film-forming capability and the self-crosslinked organic/inorganic proton exchange membranes are prepared by pouring the Si-sPS/A nanoparticle latexes into glass plates and drying at 60 °C for 10 h and 120 °C for 2 h. The potential of the membranes in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) is characterized preliminarily by studying their thermal stability, ion-exchange capacity, water uptake, methanol diffusion coefficient, proton conductivity and selectivity (proton conductivity/methanol diffusion coefficient). The results indicate that these membranes possess excellent thermal stability and methanol barrier due to the existence of self-crosslinked silica network. In addition, the proton conductivity of the membranes is in the range of 10 -3-10 -2 S cm -1 and all the membranes show much higher selectivity in comparison with Nafion ® 117. These results suggest that the self-crosslinked organic/inorganic proton exchange membranes are particularly promising in DMFC applications.

  4. Interactions of proteins in human plasma with modified polystyrene resins.

    PubMed

    Boisson-Vidal, C; Jozefonvicz, J; Brash, J L

    1991-01-01

    Investigations are reported on the composition of protein layers adsorbed from plasma to various modified polystyrene resins. As well as polystyrene itself, polystyrene bearing sulfonate groups in the benzene rings, and polystyrene sulfonate in which the sulfonate groups were converted to amino acid sulfamide, were investigated. Some of these resins were shown in previous work to have anticoagulant properties. To study the adsorption of proteins from plasma, the resins were exposed to citrate anticoagulated human plasma for 3 h. Adsorbed proteins were then eluted sequentially by 1M Tris buffer and 4% SDS solution, and examined by SDS-PAGE. The gel patterns were similar on all resins except polystyrene. From the MWs of the gel bands, the major protein component appeared to be fibrinogen. Smaller amounts of plasminogen, transferrin, albumin, and IgG were also present. In addition, Ouchterlony immunoassay of the eluates from one resin gave positive identification of complement C3, fibronectin, IgG, and IgM. Many other minor gel bands remain unidentified. A consistent finding for all resins was the presence of plasmin-type fibrinogen degradation products though the amounts varied with resin type. It is concluded from this (and from experiments showing FDP formation when fibrinogen was absorbed to the resins, from buffer containing a trace of plasminogen) that the functional groups in these materials promote the adsorption of plasminogen and its activation to a plasmin-like molecule. It appears from the substantial quantities of fibrinogen adsorbed to these materials after 3 h exposure to plasma that the Vroman effect (giving transient adsorption of fibrinogen) is not operative on these materials. It is hypothesized that specific interactions occur between fibrinogen and sulfonate groups.

  5. Colitis induced by sodium polystyrene sulfonate in sorbitol: A report of six cases.

    PubMed

    Jacob, Sheba S K; Parameswaran, Ashok; Parameswaran, Sarojini Ashok; Dhus, Ubal

    2016-03-01

    Drug-related injury has been noted in virtually all organ systems, and recognition of the patterns of injury associated with medication enables modification of treatment and reduces the morbidity associated with the side effects of drugs. With the large number of new drugs being developed, documentation of the morphology of the changes seen as an adverse effect becomes important to characterize the pattern of injury. The pathologist is often the first to identify these abnormalities and correlate them with a particular drug. Kayexalate or sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), a linear polymer derived from polystyrene containing sulfonic acid and sulfonate functional groups is used to treat hyperkalemia. It is usually administered with an osmotic laxative sorbitol orally or as retention enema. This combination has been implicated in causing damage to different parts of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract especially the colon and causes an established pattern of injury, recognizable by the presence of characteristic crystals, is presented to create a greater awareness of the Kayexalate colitis. This entity should be included in the differential diagnosis of lower GI mucosal injury in a setting of uremia and hyperkalemia.

  6. Magnetic graphene oxide-polystyrene and magnetic activated carbon-polystyrene nanocomposites as sorbents for bisphenol A.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rekos, Kyriazis; Kampouraki, Zoi Christina; Samanidou, Victoria; Deliyanni, Eleni

    2016-04-01

    Magnetic graphene oxide-polystyrene and magnetic activated carbon-polystyrene nanocomposites as sorbents for bisphenol A. Kyriazis Rekos1, Zoi Christina Kampouraki1, Victoria Samanidou2, Eleni Deliyanni1 1 Laboratory of General and Inorganic Chemical Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece 2 Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-541 24 Thessaloniki, Greece The aim of this work was to prepare and characterize novel composites of magnetic activated carbon or magnetic graphene oxide with polystyrene (GO/PSm), through one step simple and effective route. Μagnetite nanoparticles, prepared in the laboratory, were dispersed in the presence of activated carbon (C) or graphene oxide (GO) in a polystyrene (PS) solution in dimethylformamide, at elevated temperature, for the fabrication of the magnetite-Carbon-PS (C-PSm) and magnetite- Graphene Oxide-PS (GO-PSm) hybrid-nanoparticles. For comparison, C-PS and GO-PS composites were also prepared in the same route. The nanocomposites were tested for their sorption ability for an endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A. The effect of solution pH, initial concentration, contact time and temperature were examined. The magnetic graphite oxide-polystyrene presented higher adsorption capacity (100 mg/g) than the non magnetic composites (70 mg/g), as well as than initial graphite oxide (20 mg/g). FTIR, XRD, BET, TGA, VSM and SEM were performed in order to investigate the role of the PS on the better adsorption performance of the mGO-PS nanocomposites. The characterization with these techniques revealed the possible interactions of the surface functional groups of activated carbon and/or graphite oxide with polystyrene that resulted in the better performance of the magnetic nanocomposites for bisphenol A adsorption.

  7. Raman spectroscopy investigation and improved knowledge on industrial cation-exchange membranes involved in electrodialysis process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chaouki, M.; Huguet, P.; Bribes, J.-L.

    1996-06-01

    Raman spectra of three specific, industrial, cation-exchange membranes (CEMs) have shown the existence of an extra vibrational band. The relative intensity of this band is different in each membrane spectrum recorded. Chlorosulfonation of polymeric ethylenetrifluoroethylene (ETFE) film grafted with polystyrene chains is used to obtain these CEMs involved in the electrodialysis process. A Raman study of the above reaction has been undertaken and has shown that non-sulfonated polystyrene rings give rise to this extra vibrational band. Different behavior of CEMs synthesized under similar conditions can be explained by a variable amount of non-sulfonated polystyrene rings contained in these materials.

  8. Thin Film Stability of Polystyrene with a Functional End Group

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tanaka, Keiji; Shimomura, Shinichiro; Inutsuka, Manabu; Tajima, Koichiro; Nabika, Masaaki; Moritomi, Satoru; Matsuno, Hisao; Kyushu Univ. Team; Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. Collaboration

    The thin film stability of omega- N-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)propylamide-terminated polystyrene (PS-N) and its mixture with conventional polystyrene (PS-H) spin-coated on silicon wafers with a native oxide layer was studied. While a 20 nm-thick film of PS-H with a number-average molecular weight of approximately 50k was broken at 423 K, a comparable PS-N film and blend films with a PS-N fraction higher than 40 wt% were stable. Although the local conformation of chains at the substrate interface was not the same for PS with/without the functionalized terminal group, the glass transition temperature at the interface was identical for PS-H and PS-N. The residual adsorbed layer on the substrate after washing the films with toluene was thicker for PS-N than for PS-H. This implies that the end functionalization impacts chain movement on a large scale rather than via segmental dynamics.

  9. Synthesis and Properties of Poly(ether sulfone)s with Clustered Sulfonic Groups for PEMFC Applications under Various Relative Humidity.

    PubMed

    Lee, Shih-Wei; Chen, Jyh-Chien; Wu, Jin-An; Chen, Kuei-Hsien

    2017-03-22

    Novel sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) copolymers (S4PH-x-PSs) based on a new aromatic diol containing four phenyl substituents at the 2, 2', 6, and 6' positions of 4,4'-diphenyl ether were synthesized. Sulfonation was found to occur exclusively on the 4 position of phenyl substituents by NMR spectroscopy. The ion exchange capacity (IEC) values can be controlled by adjusting the mole percent (x in S4PH-x-PS) of the new diol. The fully hydrated sulfonated poly(ether sulfone) copolymers had good proton conductivity in the range 0.004-0.110 S/cm at room temperature. The surface morphology of S4PH-x-PSs and Nafion 212 was investigated by atomic force microscopy (tapping-mode) and related to the percolation limit and proton conductivity. Single H 2 /O 2 fuel cell based on S4PH-40-PS loaded with 0.25 mg/cm 2 catalyst (Pt/C) exhibited a peak power density of 462.6 mW/cm 2 , which was close to that of Nafion 212 (533.5 mW/cm 2 ) at 80 °C with 80% RH. Furthermore, fuel cell performance of S4PH-35-PS with various relative humidity was investigated. It was confirmed from polarization curves that the fuel cell performance of S4PH-35-PS was not as high as that of Nafion 212 under fully hydrated state due to higher interfacial resistance between S4PH-35-PS and electrodes. While under low relative humidity (53% RH) at 80 °C, fuel cells based on S4PH-35-PS showed higher peak power density (234.9 mW/cm 2 ) than that (214.0 mW/cm 2 ) of Nafion 212.

  10. Trapping of microwave radiation in hollow polypyrrole microsphere through enhanced internal reflection: A novel approach

    PubMed Central

    Panigrahi, Ritwik; Srivastava, Suneel K.

    2015-01-01

    In present work, spherical core (polystyrene, PS)/shell (polypyrrole, PPy) has been synthesized via in situ chemical oxidative copolymerization of pyrrole (Py) on the surface of sulfonated PS microsphere followed by the formation of hollow polypyrrole (HPPy) shell by dissolving PS inner core in THF. Thereafter, we first time established that such fabricated novel art of morphology acts as a conducting trap in absorbing electromagnetic (EM) wave by internal reflection. Further studies have been extended on the formation of its silver nanocomposites HPPy/Ag to strengthen our contention on this novel approach. Our investigations showed that electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency (SE) of HPPy (34.5-6 dB) is significantly higher compared to PPy (20-5 dB) in the frequency range of 0.5-8 GHz due to the trapping of EM wave by internal reflection. We also observed that EMI shielding is further enhanced to 59–23 in 10 wt% Ag loaded HPPy/Ag-10. This is attributed to the simultaneous contribution of internal reflection as well as reflection from outer surface. Such high EMI shielding capacity using conducting polymers are rarely reported. PMID:25560384

  11. Investigation of the adsorption of polymer chains on amine-functionalized double-walled carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Ansari, R; Ajori, S; Rouhi, S

    2015-12-01

    Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the adsorption of different polymer chains on functionalized double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs). The nanotubes were functionalized with two different amines: NH2 (a small amine) and CH2-NH2 (a large amine). Considering three different polymer chains, all with the same number of atoms, the effect of polymer type on the polymer-nanotube interaction was studied. In general, it was found that covalent functionalization considerably improved the polymer-DWCNT interaction. By comparing the results obtained with different polymer chains, it was observed that, unlike polyethylene and polyketone, poly(styrene sulfonate) only weakly interacts with the functionalized DWCNTs. Accordingly, the smallest radius of gyration was obtained with adsorbed poly(styrene sulfonate). It was also observed that the DWCNTs functionalized with the large amine presented more stable interactions with polyketone and poly(styrene sulfonate) than with polyethylene, whereas the DWCNTs functionalized with the small amine showed better interfacial noncovalent bonding with polyethylene.

  12. Study on selective laser sintering of glass fiber reinforced polystyrene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Laixia; Wang, Bo; Zhou, Wenming

    2017-12-01

    In order to improve the bending strength of Polystyrene (PS) sintered parts by selective laser sintering, Polystyrene/glass fiber (PS/GF) composite powders were prepared by mechanical mixing method. The size distribution of PS/GF composite powders was characterized by laser particle size analyzer. The optimum ratio of GF was determined by proportioning sintering experiments. The influence of process parameters on the bending strength of PS and PS/GF sintered parts was studied by orthogonal test. The result indicates that the particle size of PS/GF composite powder is mainly distributed in 24.88 μm~139.8 μm. When the content of GF is 10%, it has better strengthen effect. Finally, the article used the optimum parameter of the two materials to sinter prototype, it is found that the PS/GF prototype has the advantages of good accuracy and high strength.

  13. Coarse-grained model of water diffusion and proton conductivity in hydrated polyelectrolyte membrane

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Lee, Ming-Tsung; Vishnyakov, Aleksey; Neimark, Alexander V., E-mail: aneimark@rutgers.edu

    2016-01-07

    Using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD), we simulate nanoscale segregation, water diffusion, and proton conductivity in hydrated sulfonated polystyrene (sPS). We employ a novel model [Lee et al. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 11(9), 4395-4403 (2015)] that incorporates protonation/deprotonation equilibria into DPD simulations. The polymer and water are modeled by coarse-grained beads interacting via short-range soft repulsion and smeared charge electrostatic potentials. The proton is introduced as a separate charged bead that forms dissociable Morse bonds with the base beads representing water and sulfonate anions. Morse bond formation and breakup artificially mimics the Grotthuss mechanism of proton hopping between the bases. Themore » DPD model is parameterized by matching the proton mobility in bulk water, dissociation constant of benzenesulfonic acid, and liquid-liquid equilibrium of water-ethylbenzene solutions. The DPD simulations semi-quantitatively predict nanoscale segregation in the hydrated sPS into hydrophobic and hydrophilic subphases, water self-diffusion, and proton mobility. As the hydration level increases, the hydrophilic subphase exhibits a percolation transition from isolated water clusters to a 3D network. The analysis of hydrophilic subphase connectivity and water diffusion demonstrates the importance of the dynamic percolation effect of formation and breakup of temporary junctions between water clusters. The proposed DPD model qualitatively predicts the ratio of proton to water self-diffusion and its dependence on the hydration level that is in reasonable agreement with experiments.« less

  14. Water-stable diblock polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) and diblock polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) cylindrical patterned surfaces inhibit settlement of zoospores of the green alga Ulva.

    PubMed

    Grozea, Claudia M; Gunari, Nikhil; Finlay, John A; Grozea, Daniel; Callow, Maureen E; Callow, James A; Lu, Zheng-Hong; Walker, Gilbert C

    2009-04-13

    Nanopatterned surfaces with hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains were produced using the diblock copolymer polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) and polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA). The PS-b-P2VP diblock copolymer, mixed with the cross-linker benzophenone and spin-coated onto silicon wafers, showed self-assembled cylindrical structures, which were retained after UV treatment for cross-linking. The thin films displayed cylindrical domains after immersion in water. This study shows that pattern retention in water is possible for a long period of time, at least for two weeks in pure water and three weeks in artificial seawater. The PS-b-PMMA diblock showed self-assembled cylindrical structures. PS-b-P2VP and PS-b-PMMA cylindrical patterned surfaces showed reduced settlement of zoospores of the green alga Ulva compared to unpatterned surfaces. The copolymers were investigated using atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

  15. A Highly Aromatic and Sulfonated Ionomer for High Elastic Modulus Ionic Polymer Membrane Micro-Actuators

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2012-05-01

    fluorophenyl)sulfone (DPA-PS:BP) is investigated for ionic polymer actuators. The uniqueness of DPA-PS:BP is that it can have a high ionic liquid (IL... ionic liquid Q M Zhang, Gokhan Hatipoglu, Yang Liu, Ran Zhao, Mitra Yoonessi, Dean M Tigelaar, Srinivas Tadigadapa Virginia Polytechnic Institute...DPA-PS:BP) is investigated for ionic polymer actuators. The uniqueness of DPA-PS:BP is that it can have a high ionic liquid (IL) uptake and

  16. Kelvin probe microscopic visualization of charge storage at polystyrene interfaces with pentacene and gold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dawidczyk, T. J.; Johns, G. L.; Ozgun, R.; Alley, O.; Andreou, A. G.; Markovic, N.; Katz, H. E.

    2012-02-01

    Charge carriers trapped in polystyrene (PS) were investigated with Kelvin probe microscopy (KPM) and thermally stimulated discharge current (TSDC). Lateral heterojunctions of pentacene/PS were scanned using KPM, effectively observing polarization along a side view of a lateral nonvolatile organic field-effect transistor dielectric interface. TSDC was used to observe charge migration out of PS films and to estimate the trap energy level inside the PS, using the initial rise method.

  17. Ileocolic perforation secondary to sodium polystyrene sulfonate in sorbitol use: A case report

    PubMed Central

    Trottier, Vincent; Drolet, Sébastien; Morcos, Mohib W

    2009-01-01

    Hyperkalemia is a common condition encountered in medical and surgical patients. It can lead to various complications including cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) in sorbitol is an ion-exchange resin that can be used to treat hyperkalemia. It can be used in enema or in oral form. The present article describes the case of an intensive care unit patient who experienced severe, diffuse, intestinal perforation induced by the use of SPS-sorbitol, requiring multiple laparotomies, followed by a brief review of the relevant literature and recommendations regarding the use of SPS-sorbitol. PMID:19826644

  18. Distribution of short block copolymer chains in Binary Blends of Block Copolymers Having Hydrogen Bonding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kwak, Jongheon; Han, Sunghyun; Kim, Jin Kon

    2014-03-01

    A binary mixture of two block copolymers whose blocks are capable of forming the hydrogen bonding allows one to obtain various microdomains that could not be expected for neat block copolymer. For instance, the binary blend of symmetric polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) copolymer (PS-b-P2VP) and polystyrene-block-polyhydroxystyrene copolymer (PS-b-PHS) blends where the hydrogen bonding occurred between P2VP and PHS showed hexagonally packed (HEX) cylindrical and body centered cubic (BCC) spherical microdomains. To know the exact location of short block copolymer chains at the interface, we synthesized deuterated polystyrene-block-polyhydroxystyrene copolymer (dPS-b-PHS) and prepared a binary mixture with PS-b-P2VP. We investigate, via small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and neutron reflectivity (NR), the exact location of shorter dPS block chain near the interface of the microdomains.

  19. A Facile Synthesis of Dynamic, Shape-Changing Polymer Particles

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2014-04-02

    utilizing functional surfactants to control the phase separation of symmetric polystyrene- b -poly(2-vinylpyr- idine) ( PS - b - P2VP ) in dispersed droplets...Figure 1. Schematic representation of a mixed surfactant strategy for controlling the self-assembly of PS - b - P2VP and the generation of particles with...surfactant mixtures to control the phase separation of the symmetric polystyrene- b -poly(2-vinylpyridine) ( PS - b - P2VP ) block copolymers (BCPs) within

  20. Structure and Dynamics Ionic Block co-Polymer Melts: Computational Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aryal, Dipak; Perahia, Dvora; Grest, Gary S.

    Tethering ionomer blocks into co-polymers enables engineering of polymeric systems designed to encompass transport while controlling structure. Here the structure and dynamics of symmetric pentablock copolymers melts are probed by fully atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The center block consists of randomly sulfonated polystyrene with sulfonation fractions f = 0 to 0.55 tethered to a hydrogenated polyisoprene (PI), end caped with poly(t-butyl styrene). We find that melts with f = 0.15 and 0.30 consist of isolated ionic clusters whereas melts with f = 0.55 exhibit a long-range percolating ionic network. Similar to polystyrene sulfonate, a small number of ionic clusters slow the mobility of the center of mass of the co-polymer, however, formation of the ionic clusters is slower and they are often intertwined with PI segments. Surprisingly, the segmental dynamics of the other blocks are also affected. NSF DMR-1611136; NERSC; Palmetto Cluster Clemson University; Kraton Polymers US, LLC.

  1. Preparation of Electrically Conductive Polystyrene/Carbon Nanofiber Nanocomposite Films

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sun, Luyi; O'Reilly, Jonathan Y.; Tien, Chi-Wei; Sue, Hung-Jue

    2008-01-01

    A simple and effective approach to prepare conductive polystyrene/carbon nanofiber (PS/CNF) nanocomposite films via a solution dispersion method is presented. Inexpensive CNF, which has a structure similar to multi-walled carbon nanotubes, is chosen as a nanofiller in this experiment to achieve conductivity in PS films. A good dispersion is…

  2. Hydrothermal carbon nanosphere-based agglomerated anion exchanger for ion chromatography.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Qiming; Wu, Shuchao; Zhang, Kai; Lou, Chaoyan; Zhang, Peiming; Zhu, Yan

    2016-10-14

    This work reports the application of hydrothermal carbon nanospheres (HCNSs) as stationary phases in ion chromatography. HCNSs were facilely quaternized through polycondensation of methylamine and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether. The quaternization was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Owing to the electrostatic interaction, quaternized HCNSs were equably attached onto the surface of sulfonated polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) beads to construct the anion exchangers. The aggregation was verified by scanning electron microscopy and elemental analysis. Common anions, aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, polarizable anions, and aromatic acids were well separated on the stationary phases with good stability and symmetry. The prepared column was further applied to detect phosphate content in Cola drink samples. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.09mg/L, and the relative standard deviation (n=10) of retention time was 0.31%. The average recovery was 99.58%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Transient Cooperative Processes in Dewetting Polymer Melts.

    PubMed

    Chandran, Sivasurender; Reiter, Günter

    2016-02-26

    We compare the high velocity dewetting behavior, at elevated temperatures, of atactic polystyrene (aPS) and isotactic polystyrene (iPS) films, with the zero shear bulk viscosity (η_{bulk}) of aPS being approximately ten times larger than iPS. As expected, for aPS the apparent viscosity of the films (η_{f}) derived from high-shear dewetting is less than η_{bulk}, displaying a shear thinning behavior. Surprisingly, for iPS films, η_{f} is always larger than η_{bulk}, even at about 50 °C above the melting point, with η_{f}/η_{bulk} following an Arrhenius behavior. The corresponding activation energy of ∼160±10  kJ/mol for iPS films suggests a cooperative motion of segments which are aligned and agglomerated by fast dewetting.

  4. Diffusion of liquid polystyrene into glassy poly(phenylene oxide) characterized by DSC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Linling; Wang, Xiaoliang; Zhou, Dongshan; Xue, Gi

    2013-03-01

    We report a diffusion study on the polystyrene/poly(phenylene oxide) (PS/PPO) mixture consisted by the PS and PPO nanoparticles. Diffusion of liquid PS into glassy PPO (l-PS/g-PPO) is promoted by annealing the PS/PPO mixture at several temperatures below Tg of the PPO. By tracing the Tgs of the PS-rich domain behind the diffusion front using DSC, we get the relationships of PS weight fractions and diffusion front advances with the elapsed diffusion times at different diffusion temperatures using the Gordon-Taylor equation and core-shell model. We find that the plots of weight fraction of PS vs. elapsed diffusion times at different temperatures can be converted to a master curve by Time-Temperature superposition, and the shift factors obey the Arrhenius equation. Besides, the diffusion front advances of l-PS into g-PPO show an excellent agreement with the t1/2 scaling law at the beginning of the diffusion process, and the diffusion coefficients of different diffusion temperatures also obey the Arrhenius equation. We believe the diffusion mechanism for l-PS/g-PPO should be the Fickean law rather than the Case II, though there are departures of original linearity at longer diffusion times due to the limited liquid supply system. Diffusion of liquid polystyrene into glassy poly(phenylene oxide) characterized by DSC

  5. Low-voltage high-performance organic thin film transistors with a thermally annealed polystyrene/hafnium oxide dielectric

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Ying; Acton, Orb; Ting, Guy; Weidner, Tobias; Ma, Hong; Castner, David G.; Jen, Alex K.-Y.

    2009-12-01

    Low-voltage pentacene-based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) are demonstrated with polystyrene (PS)/hafnium oxide (HfOx) hybrid dielectrics. Thermal annealing of PS films on HfOx at 120 °C (PS-120) induces a flatter orientation of the phenyl groups (tilt angle 65°) at the surface compared to PS films without annealing (PS-RT) (tilt angle 31°). The flatter phenyl group orientation leads to better matching of surface energy between pentacene and PS. Pentacene deposited on PS-120 display higher quality thin films with larger grain sizes and higher crystallinity. Pentacene OTFTs with PS-120/HfOx hybrid dielectrics can operate at low-voltage (<3 V) with high field-effect mobilities (1 cm2/V s), high on/off current ratios (106), and low subthreshold slopes (100 mV/dec).

  6. A High-Performance Recycling Solution for Polystyrene Achieved by the Synthesis of Renewable Poly(thioether) Networks Derived from d-Limonene

    PubMed Central

    Nash, Landon D.; Rodriguez, Jennifer N.; Lonnecker, Alexander T.; Raymond, Jeffery E.; Wilson, Thomas S.; Wooley, Karen L.; Maitland, Duncan J.

    2014-01-01

    Nanocomposite polymers have been prepared using a new sustainable materials synthesis process in which d-Limonene functions simultaneously both as a solvent for recycling polystyrene (PS) waste and as a monomer that undergoes UV-catalyzed thiol-ene polymerization reactions with polythiol co-monomers to afford polymeric products comprised of precipitated PS phases dispersed throughout elastomeric poly(thioether) networks. These blended networks exhibit mechanical properties that greatly exceed those of either polystyrene or the poly(thioether) network homopolymers alone. PMID:24249666

  7. Biodegradation of polystyrene wastes in yellow mealworms (larvae of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus): Factors affecting biodegradation rates and the ability of polystyrene-fed larvae to complete their life cycle.

    PubMed

    Yang, Shan-Shan; Brandon, Anja Malawi; Andrew Flanagan, James Christopher; Yang, Jun; Ning, Daliang; Cai, Shen-Yang; Fan, Han-Qing; Wang, Zhi-Yue; Ren, Jie; Benbow, Eric; Ren, Nan-Qi; Waymouth, Robert M; Zhou, Jizhong; Criddle, Craig S; Wu, Wei-Min

    2018-01-01

    Commercial production of polystyrene (PS) -a persistent plastic that is not biodegradable at appreciable rates in most environments-has led to its accumulation as a major contaminant of land, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Recently, however, an environment was identified in which PS is susceptible to rapid biodegradation: the larval gut of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (yellow mealworms). In this study, we evaluate PS degradation capabilities of a previously untested strain of T. molitor and assess its survival and PS biodegradation rates for a range of conditions (two simulated food wastes, three temperatures, seven PS waste types). For larvae fed PS alone, the %PS removed in the short (12-15 h) residence time of the mealworm gut gradually increased for 2-3 weeks then stabilized at values up to 65%. Thirty two-day survival rates were >85% versus 54% for unfed larvae. For mealworms fed ∼10% w/w PS and ∼90% bran, an agricultural byproduct, rates of PS degradation at 25 °C nearly doubled compared to mealworms fed PS alone. Polymer residues in the frass showed evidence of partial depolymerization and oxidation. All of the tested PS wastes degraded, with the less dense foams degrading most rapidly. Mealworms fed bran and PS completed all life cycle stages (larvae, pupae, beetles, egg), and the second generation had favorable PS degradation, opening the door for selective breeding. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. Structural Composite Construction Materials Manufactured from Municipal Solid Waste

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1994-04-20

    in Table 1. Candidate matrix materials included polystyrene (PS) or expanded polystyrene (EPS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene...companies make a variety of expanded polystyrene insulation panels that arc used in insulation and roofing systems.46 Thermoplastics are seeing

  9. Enhanced Stability and Bioconjugation of Photo-cross-linked Polystyrene-Shell, Au-Core Nanoparticles

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Ying; Cho, Juhee; Young, Alexi; Taton, T. Andrew

    2008-01-01

    Encapsulating Au nanoparticles within a shell of photo-cross-linked block copolymer surfactant dramatically improves the physical and chemical stability of the nanoparticles, particularly when they are applied as bioconjugates. Photo-cross-linkable block copolymer amphiphiles [polystyrene-co-poly(4-vinyl benzophenone)]-block-poly(acrylic acid) [(PS-co-PVBP)-b-PAA] and [poly(styrene)-co-poly(4-vinyl benzophenone)]-block-poly(ethylene oxide) [(PS-co-PVBP)-b-PEO] were assembled around Au nanoparticles ranging from 12 nm to 108 nm in diameter. UV irradiation cross-linked the PVBP groups on the polymer to yield particles that withstood extremes of temperature, ionic strength, and chemical etching. Streptavidin was attached to [PS-co-PVBP]-b-PAA coated particles using the same noncovalent and covalent conjugation protocols used to bind biomolecules to divinylbenzene-crosslinked polystyrene microspheres. We expect that these particles will be useful as plasmonic, highly light-scattering and light-absorbing analogs to fluorescently labeled polystyrene nanospheres. PMID:17530871

  10. Fine-tuning of process conditions to improve product uniformity of polystyrene particles used for wind tunnel velocimetry

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Ray, Asit K.

    1990-01-01

    Monodisperse polymer particles (having uniform diameter) were used for the last two decades in physical, biological, and chemical sciences. In NASA Langley Research Center monodisperse polystyrene particles are used in wind tunnel laser velocimeters. These polystyrene (PS) particles in latex form were formulated at the Engineering Laboratory of FENGD using emulsion-free emulsion polymerization. Monodisperse PS latices particles having different particle diameters were formulated and useful experimental data involving effects of process conditions on particle size were accumulated. However, similar process conditions and chemical recipes for polymerization of styrene monomer have often yielded monodisperse particles having varying diameters. The purpose was to improve the PS latex product uniformity by fine-tuning the process parameters based on the knowledge of suspension and emulsion polymerization.

  11. Effect of chemical heterogeneity on photoluminescence of graphite oxide treated with S-/N-containing modifiers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ebrahim, Amani M.; Rodríguez-Castellón, Enrique; Montenegro, José María; Bandosz, Teresa J.

    2015-03-01

    Graphite oxide (GO) obtained using Hummers method was modified by hydrothermal treatment either with sulfanilic acid or polystyrene (3-ammonium) sulfonate at 100 °C or 85 °C, respectively. Both modifiers contain sulfur in the oxidized forms and nitrogen in the reduced forms. The materials were characterized using FTIR, XPS, thermal analysis, potentiometric titration and SEM. Their photoluminescent properties and their alteration with an addition of Ag+ were also measured. As a result of these modifications nitrogen was introduced to the graphene layers as amines, imides, amides, and sulfur as sulfones and sulfonic acids. Moreover, the presence of polyaniline was detected. This significantly affected the polarity, acid-base character, and conductivity of the materials. Apparently carboxylic groups of GO were involved in the surface reactions. The modified GOs lost their layered structure and the modifications resulted in the high degree of structural and chemical heterogeneity. Photoluminescence in visible light was recorded and linked to the presence of heteroatoms. For the polystyrene (3-ammonium) sulfonate modified sample addition of Ag+ quenched the photoluminescence at low wavelength showing sensitivity as a possible optical detector. No apparent effect was found for the sulfanilic acid modified sample.

  12. Polystyrene Sulfonate Threaded through a Metal-Organic Framework Membrane for Fast and Selective Lithium-Ion Separation.

    PubMed

    Guo, Yi; Ying, Yulong; Mao, Yiyin; Peng, Xinsheng; Chen, Banglin

    2016-11-21

    Extraction of lithium ions from salt-lake brines is very important to produce lithium compounds. Herein, we report a new approach to construct polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) threaded HKUST-1 metal-organic framework (MOF) membranes through an in situ confinement conversion process. The resulting membrane PSS@HKUST-1-6.7, with unique anchored three-dimensional sulfonate networks, shows a very high Li + conductivity of 5.53×10 -4  S cm -1 at 25 °C, 1.89×10 -3  S cm -1 at 70 °C, and Li + flux of 6.75 mol m -2  h -1 , which are five orders higher than that of the pristine HKUST-1 membrane. Attributed to the different size sieving effects and the affinity differences of the Li + , Na + , K + , and Mg 2+ ions to the sulfonate groups, the PSS@HKUST-1-6.7 membrane exhibits ideal selectivities of 78, 99, and 10296 for Li + /Na + , Li + /K + , Li + /Mg 2+ and real binary ion selectivities of 35, 67, and 1815, respectively, the highest ever reported among ionic conductors and Li + extraction membranes. © 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Colorful Polyelectrolytes: An Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Route to Fluorescent Polystyrene Sulfonate.

    PubMed

    Huberty, Wayne; Tong, Xiaowei; Balamurugan, Sreelatha; Deville, Kyle; Russo, Paul S; Zhang, Donghui

    2016-03-01

    A labeled green fluorescent polystyrene sulfonate (LNaPSS) has been synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization of a styrene sulfonate monomer with a fluorescent co-monomer, fluorescein thiocyanate-vinyl aniline. As a result this 100 % sulfonated polymer contains no hydrophobic patches along the chain backbone besides the fluorescent marker itself. The concentration of the fluorescent monomer was kept low to maintain the characteristic properties of the anionic polyelectrolyte, LNaPSS. ATRP conditions facilitated the production of polymers spanning a range of molecular weights from 35,000 to 175,000 in gram-scale batches with polydispersity indices of 1.01-1.24. Molecular weight increased with the monomer to initiator ratio. Gel permeation chromatography results show a unimodal distribution, and the polymer structure was also confirmed by (1)H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed covalent bonding of fluorescein isothiocyanate to the polymer, indicating that the polymer is suitable as a probe in fluorescence microscopy. To demonstrate this ability, the polymer was used to locate structural features in salt crystals formed during drying, as in the evaporation of sea mist. A second application to probe diffusion studies is also demonstrated.

  14. Urea photosynthesis inside polyelectrolyte capsules: effect of confined media.

    PubMed

    Shchukin, Dmitry G; Möhwald, Helmuth

    2005-06-07

    The influence of the restricted volume of poly(styrene sulfonate)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) capsules of different size (2.2, 4.2, and 8.1 microm) on the TiO2-assisted photosynthesis of urea from inorganic precursors (CO2 and NO(3-)) in aqueous solution was demonstrated. Poly(vinyl alcohol) was employed as electron donor to facilitate the photosynthetic process. Decreasing the size of the confined microvolume of polyelectrolyte capsules accelerates the NO(3-) photoreduction, which is a limiting stage of the urea photosynthesis and, correspondingly, increases the efficiency of urea production. The highest yield of urea photosynthesis (37%) was achieved for Cu-modified TiO2 nanoparticles encapsulated inside 2.2 microm poly(styrene sulfonate)/poly(allylamine hydrochloride) capsules.

  15. Cationic polystyrene nanospheres induce autophagic cell death through the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chiu, Hui-Wen; Xia, Tian; Lee, Yu-Hsuan; Chen, Chun-Wan; Tsai, Jui-Chen; Wang, Ying-Jan

    2014-12-01

    Nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to produce a wide range of products that have applications in imaging and drug delivery in medicine. Due to their chemical stability, well-controlled sizes and surface charges, polystyrene (PS) NPs have been developed as biosensors and drug delivery carriers. However, the possible adverse biological effects and underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Recently, autophagy has been implicated in the regulation of cell death. In this study, we evaluated a library of PS NPs with different surface charges. We found that NH2-labeled polystyrene (NH2-PS) nanospheres were highly toxic with enhanced uptake in macrophage (RAW 264.7) and lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. Furthermore, NH2-PS could induce autophagic cell death. NH2-PS increased autophagic flux due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by misfolded protein aggregation. The inhibition of ER stress decreased cytotoxicity and autophagy in the NH2-PS-treated cells. In addition, the Akt/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways were involved in the regulation of NH2-PS-triggered autophagic cell death. These results suggest an important role of autophagy in cationic NP-induced cell death and provide mechanistic insights into the inhibition of the toxicity and safe material design.Nanoparticles (NPs) have been used to produce a wide range of products that have applications in imaging and drug delivery in medicine. Due to their chemical stability, well-controlled sizes and surface charges, polystyrene (PS) NPs have been developed as biosensors and drug delivery carriers. However, the possible adverse biological effects and underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Recently, autophagy has been implicated in the regulation of cell death. In this study, we evaluated a library of PS NPs with different surface charges. We found that NH2-labeled polystyrene (NH2-PS) nanospheres were highly toxic with enhanced uptake in macrophage (RAW 264.7) and lung epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells. Furthermore, NH2-PS could induce autophagic cell death. NH2-PS increased autophagic flux due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress caused by misfolded protein aggregation. The inhibition of ER stress decreased cytotoxicity and autophagy in the NH2-PS-treated cells. In addition, the Akt/mTOR and AMPK signaling pathways were involved in the regulation of NH2-PS-triggered autophagic cell death. These results suggest an important role of autophagy in cationic NP-induced cell death and provide mechanistic insights into the inhibition of the toxicity and safe material design. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05509h

  16. Nanoparticle Encapsulation in Diblock Copolymer/Homopolymer Blend Thin Film Mixtures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Junnan; Chen, Xi; Green, Peter

    2014-03-01

    We investigated the organization of low concentrations of poly (2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) grafted gold nanoparticles within a diblock copolymer polystyrene-b-poly (2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP)/homopolymer polystyrene (PS) blend thin film. The PS-b-P2VP copolymers formed micelles, composed of inner cores of P2VP block and outer coronae of PS blocks, throughout the homopolymer PS. All nanoparticles were encapsulated within micelle cores and each micelle contained one or no nanoparticle, on average. When the host PS chains are much longer than corona chains, micelles tended to self-organize at the interfaces. Otherwise, they were dispersed throughout the PS host. In comparison to the neat PS-b-P2VP/PS blend, the nanoparticles/PS-b-P2VP/PS system had a higher density of smaller micelles, influenced largely by the number of nanoparticles in the system. The behavior of this system is understood in terms of the maximization of the nanoparticle/micelle core interactions and of the translational entropies of the micelles and the nanoparticles.

  17. Effects of the alkylamine functionalization of graphene oxide on the properties of polystyrene nanocomposites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jang, Jinhee; Pham, Viet Hung; Rajagopalan, Balasubramaniyan; Hur, Seung Hyun; Chung, Jin Suk

    2014-05-01

    Alkylamine-functionalized graphene oxides (FGOs) have superior dispersibility in low-polar solvents and, as a result, they interact with low-polar polymers such as polystyrene. In this work, the functionalization of graphene oxide using three types of alkylamines, octylamine (OA), dodecylamine (DDA), and hexadecylamine (HDA), was performed, and nanocomposites of polystyrene (PS) and FGOs were prepared via solution blending. Different dispersions of FGOs over PS were obtained for the three alkylamines, and the properties of the PS composites were influenced by the length of the alkylamine. A better thermal stability was observed with a longer chain length of the alkylamine. On the other hand, functionalization with the shortest chain length alkylamine resulted in the highest increase in the storage modulus (3,640 MPa, 140%) at a 10 wt.% loading of FGO.

  18. Coating gigaporous polystyrene microspheres with cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel as a rapid protein chromatography matrix.

    PubMed

    Qu, Jian-Bo; Huan, Guan-Sheng; Chen, Yan-Li; Zhou, Wei-Qing; Liu, Jian-Guo; Huang, Fang

    2014-08-13

    Gigaporous polystyrene (PS) microspheres were hydrophilized by in situ polymerization to give a stable cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel coating, which can shield proteins from the hydrophobic PS surface underneath. The amination of microspheres (PS-NH2) was first carried out through acetylization, oximation and reduction, and then 4,4'-azobis (4-cyanovaleric acid) (ACV), a polymerization initiator, was covalently immobilized on PS-NH2 through amide bond formation, and the cross-linked poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) was prepared by radical polymerization at the surfaces of ACV-immobilized PS microspheres (PS-ACV). Finally, the cross-linked PVA hydrogel coated gigaporous PS microspheres (PS-PVA) was easily achieved through alcoholysis of PVAc. Results suggested that the PS microspheres were effectively coated with cross-linked PVA hydrogel, where the gigaporrous structure remained under optimal conditions. After hydrophilic modification (PS-PVA), the protein-resistant ability of microspheres was greatly improved. The hydroxyl-rich PS-PVA surface can be easily derivatized by classical chemical methods. Performance advantages of the PS-PVA column in flow experiment include good permeability, low backpressure, and mechanical stability. These results indicated that PS-PVA should be promising in rapid protein chromatography.

  19. The Study of Interpenetration Length between dPS Films and PS-grafted Layers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lee, Hoyeon; Jo, Seongjun; Hirata, Toyoaki; Yamada, Norifumi L.; Tanaka, Keiji; Ryu, Du Yeol

    In polymer thin film system, the type of interfacial interaction is a critical parameter to determining the thermal and physical properties of polymer films. Interestingly, the interfacial energy of grafted substrates with polymer chains is remarkably altered by simply controlling grafting density, which has been referred to as autophobicity. In this study, we investigated the interpenetrating interfaces between deuterated polystyrene (dPS) and grafted substrates with the same chemical identity. PS-grafted substrates were prepared using a grafting-to approach with hydroxyl end-functionalized polystyrene (PSOH) in a dry brush regime, where the brush thickness and grafting density were determined based on the chain length (or molecular weight, Mn) of PSOHs. The interpenetration lengths (ξ) at interfaces between dPS and PS-grafted layers were characterized using neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements (performed at the SOFIA beam-line at J-PARC, Japan). Academic adviser.

  20. Fabrication and Characterization of All-Polystyrene Microfluidic Devices with Integrated Electrodes and Tubing.

    PubMed

    Pentecost, Amber M; Martin, R Scott

    2015-01-01

    A new method of fabricating all-polystyrene devices with integrated electrodes and fluidic tubing is described. As opposed to expensive polystyrene (PS) fabrication techniques that use hot embossing and bonding with a heated lab press, this approach involves solvent-based etching of channels and lamination-based bonding of a PS cover, all of which do not need to occur in a clean room. PS has been studied as an alternative microchip substrate to PDMS, as it is more hydrophilic, biologically compatible in terms of cell adhesion, and less prone to absorption of hydrophobic molecules. The etching/lamination-based method described here results in a variety of all-PS devices, with or without electrodes and tubing. To characterize the devices, micrographs of etched channels (straight and intersected channels) were taken using confocal and scanning electron microscopy. Microchip-based electrophoresis with repetitive injections of fluorescein was conducted using a three-sided PS (etched pinched, twin-tee channel) and one-sided PDMS device. Microchip-based flow injection analysis, with dopamine and NO as analytes, was used to characterize the performance of all-PS devices with embedded tubing and electrodes. Limits of detection for dopamine and NO were 130 nM and 1.8 μM, respectively. Cell immobilization studies were also conducted to assess all-PS devices for cellular analysis. This paper demonstrates that these easy to fabricate devices can be attractive alternative to other PS fabrication methods for a wide variety of analytical and cell culture applications.

  1. Characterization of silver/polystyrene nanocomposites prepared by in situ bulk radical polymerization

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vukoje, Ivana D., E-mail: ivanav@vinca.rs; Vodnik, Vesna V., E-mail: vodves@vinca.rs; Džunuzović, Jasna V., E-mail: jasnav2002@googlemail.com

    2014-01-01

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Synthesis and characterization of polystyrene nanocomposites based on Ag nanoparticles. • The glass transition temperature decreased in nanocomposites with respect to the pure polymer. • Resistance of the polymer to thermal degradation enhanced with Ag nanoparticles content. - Abstract: Nanocomposites (NCs) with different content of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) embeded in polystyrene (PS) matrix were prepared by in situ bulk radical polymerization. The nearly monodisperse Ag NPs protected with oleylamine were synthesized via organic solvo-thermal method and further used as a filler. The as-prepared spherical Ag NPs with diameter of 7.0 ± 1.5 nm weremore » well dispersed in the PS matrix. The structural properties of the resulting Ag/PS NCs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, while optical properties were characterized using optical absorption measurements. The gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements showed that the presence of Ag NPs stabilized with oleylamine has no influence on the molecular weight and polydispersity of the PS matrix. The influence of silver content on the thermal properties of Ag/PS NCs was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that resistance of PS to thermal degradation was improved upon incorporation of Ag NPs. The Ag/PS NCs have lower glass transition temperatures than neat PS because loosely packed oleylamine molecules at the interface caused the increase of free volume and chain segments mobility near the surface of Ag NPs.« less

  2. Synthesis and characterization of sulfonate polystyrene-lignosulfonate-alumina (SPS-LS-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) polyblends as electrolyte membranes for fuel cell

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gonggo, Siang Tandi, E-mail: standigonggo@yahoo.com

    2015-09-30

    The new type of electrolyte membrane materials has been prepared by blend sulfonated polystyrene (SPS), lignosulfonate (LS), and alumina (SPS-LS-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) by casting polymer solution. The resulting polymer electrolyte membranes were then characterized by functional groups analysis, mechanical properties, water uptake, ion exchange capacity, and proton conductivity. SPS-LS-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} membranes with alumina composition various have been proven qualitatively by analysis of functional groups. Increasing the Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} ratio resulted in higher ion exchange capacity (IEC), mechanical strength and proton conductivity, but water uptake decreased. The SPS-LS-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} blend showed higher proton conductivity than Nafion 117.

  3. Directed Self-Assembly on Photo-Crosslinked Polystyrene Sub-Layers: Nanopattern Uniformity and Orientation

    PubMed Central

    Koh, Haeng-Deog; Kim, Mi-Jeong

    2016-01-01

    A photo-crosslinked polystyrene (PS) thin film is investigated as a potential guiding sub-layer for polystyrene-block-poly (methyl methacrylate) block copolymer (BCP) cylindrical nanopattern formation via topographic directed self-assembly (DSA). When compared to a non-crosslinked PS brush sub-layer, the photo-crosslinked PS sub-layer provided longer correlation lengths of the BCP nanostructure, resulting in a highly uniform DSA nanopattern with a low number of BCP dislocation defects. Depending on the thickness of the sub-layer used, parallel or orthogonal orientations of DSA nanopattern arrays were obtained that covered the entire surface of patterned Si substrates, including both trench and mesa regions. The design of DSA sub-layers and guide patterns, such as hardening the sub-layer by photo-crosslinking, nano-structuring on mesas, the relation between trench/mesa width, and BCP equilibrium period, were explored with a view to developing defect-reduced DSA lithography technology. PMID:28773768

  4. Clustering Effects on Dynamics in Ionomer Solutions: A Neutron Spin Echo Insight

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Perahia, Dvora; Wijesinghe, Sidath; Senanayake, Manjula; Wickramasinghe, Anuradhi; Mohottalalage, Supun S.; Ohl, Michael

    Ionizable blocks in ionomers associate into aggregates serving as physical cross-links and concurrently form transport pathways. The dynamics of ionomers underline their functionality. Incorporating small numbers of ionic groups into polymers significantly constraint their dynamics. Recent computational studies demonstrated a direct correlation between ionic cluster morphology and polymer dynamics. Here using neutron spin echo, we probe the segmental dynamics of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) as the degree of sulfonation of the PSS and the solution dielectrics are varied. Specifically, 20Wt% PSS of 11,000 g/mol with polydispersity of 1.02 with 3% and 9% sulfonation were studies in toluene (dielectric constant ɛ = 2.8), a good solvent for polystyrene, and with 5Wt% of ethanol (ɛ = 24.3l) added. The dynamic structure factor S(q,t) was analyzed with a single exponential except for a limited q range where two time constants associated with constraint and mobile segments were detected. S(q,t) exhibits several distinctive time and length scales for the dynamics with a crossover appearing at the length scale of the ionic clusters. NSF DMR 1611136.

  5. The surface pressure dynamics and appearance of mixed monolayers of cholesterol and different sized polystyrenes at an air-water interface.

    PubMed

    Mudgil, Poonam; Dennis, Gary R; Millar, Thomas J

    2005-02-15

    Synthetic polymers are increasingly being used in situations where they are designed to interact with biological systems. As a result, it is important to investigate the interactions of the polymers with biochemicals. We have used cholesterol, as an example of an important biological surfactant component, to study its interactions with polystyrene. Mixed monolayers of cholesterol and one of two different molecular weight polystyrenes were formed at an air-water interface to investigate their interactions and to determine whether the size of the polystyrene affected the interaction. The pressure-area (pi-A) isocycles of mixed monolayers of cholesterol and polystyrene MW 2700 or polystyrene MW32700 showed that strongest attractive interactions occur at high surface pressures and in polystyrene rich films. The excess area and excess free energy of mixing were most negative at high surface pressures and at high mole fraction of polystyrene. The most stable mixed monolayers were formed with X(PS2700) = 0.9 and X(PS32700) = 0.09. Microscopic observation of the mixed monolayers of cholesterol and polystyrene showed the formation of stable islands in the cholesterol/polystyrene mixtures. These observations, the nature of the inflection points in the isocycles, and the anomalous changes in free energy lead us to conclude that there is a stable rearrangement of polystyrene into compact islands when it is mixed with cholesterol. Any excess cholesterol is excluded from these islands and remains as a separate film surrounding the islands.

  6. On the analysis of activation energy of PS 35000 in various solvents

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Padmanaban, R.; Venkatramanan, K.

    2015-08-01

    Polymer is a macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits. Polystyrene is a polymer of styrene. Polystyrene has very low impact strength. Polystyrene generally leads to lower tensile strength, crystal grades being stiff and brittle. It is used to construct clamshell packs, cookie trays, cups, forks, spoons, cushioning materials for packaging, disposable medical devices, egg cartons, fast food containers, lids, lunch boxes, meat trays and also used in civil construction (concrete form-work or weight reduction on foundations). In the present study an attempt has been made to compute the viscosity of Polystyrene (PS 35000) in toluene and benzene in different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% & 2.5%) at different temperatures (303 K, 308 K, 313 K & 318 K). From these experimental data the activation energy is calculated and the effect of solvent is analysed.

  7. Intracellular dynamics of cationic and anionic polystyrene nanoparticles without direct interaction with mitotic spindle and chromosomes.

    PubMed

    Liu, Yuexian; Li, Wei; Lao, Fang; Liu, Ying; Wang, Liming; Bai, Ru; Zhao, Yuliang; Chen, Chunying

    2011-11-01

    The fate of nanomaterials with different sizes and charges in mitotic cells is of great importance but seldom explored. Herein we investigate the intracellular fate of negatively charged carboxylated polystyrene (COOH-PS) and positively charged amino-modified polystyrene (NH(2)-PS) nanoparticles of three different diameters (50, 100 and 500 nm) on cancer HeLa cells and normal NIH 3T3 cells during the cell cycles. The results showed that all the fluorescent PS nanoparticles differing in size and/or charge did not interact with chromosome reorganization and cytoskeleton assembly during the mitotic process in live cells. They neither disturbed chromosome reorganization nor affected the cytoskeleton reassembly in both normal and cancer cells. However, NH(2)-PS at the size of 50 nm caused G1 phase delay and a decrease of cyclin (D, E) expression, respectively. Moreover, NH(2)-PS displayed higher cellular toxicity and NH(2)-PS of 50 nm disturbed the integrity of cell membranes. Both cationic and anionic PS nanoparticles had a more pronounced effect on normal NIH 3T3 cells than cancer HeLa cell. Our research provides insight into the dynamic fate, intracellular behavior, and the effects of nanoparticles on spindle and chromosomes during cell division, which will enable the optimization of design and selection of much safer nanoparticles for lower risk to human health and widely medical applications. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  8. (Quasi-) 2D aggregation of polystyrene-b-dextran at the air-water interface.

    PubMed

    Bosker, Wouter T E; Cohen Stuart, Martien A; Norde, Willem

    2013-02-26

    Polystyrene-b-dextran (PS-b-Dextran) copolymers can be used to prepare dextran brushes at solid surfaces, applying Langmuir-Blodgett deposition. When recording the interfacial pressure versus area isotherms of a PS-b-Dextran monolayer, time-dependent hysteresis was observed upon compression and expansion. We argue that this is due to (quasi-) 2D aggregation of the copolymer at the air-water surface, with three contributions. First, at large area per molecule, a zero surface pressure is measured; we ascribe this to self-assembly of block copolymers into surface micelles. At intermediate area we identify a second regime ("desorption regime") where aggregation into large patches occurs due to van der Waals attraction between PS blocks. At high surface pressure ("brush regime") we observe hysteretic behavior attributed to H-bonding between dextran chains. When compared to hysteresis of other amphiphilic diblock copolymers (also containing PS, e.g., polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide)) a general criterion can be formulated concerning the extent of hysteresis: when the hydrophobic (PS) block is of equal size as (or bigger than) the hydrophilic block, the hysteresis is maximal. The (quasi-) 2D aggregation of PS-b-Dextran has significant implications for the preparation of dextran brushes at solid surfaces using Langmuir-Blodgett deposition. For each grafting density the monolayer needs to relax, up to several hours, prior to transfer.

  9. The relationship between the Tg depression and the speeding up of physical aging in polystyrene/gold nanocomposites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Boucher, Virginie M.; Cangialosi, Daniele; Alegria, Angel; Colmenero, Juan

    2011-03-01

    The effect of gold nanoparticles on the segmental dynamics, glass transition (Tg) and physical aging of polystyrene (PS) was studied in PS/Gold nanocomposites samples containing 5 and 15 wt.% of 60 nm spherical gold nanoparticles, surface-treated with thiolated-PS. While the segmental dynamics of PS, as assessed by broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), was found to be unchanged in presence of gold nanoparticles, the calorimetric Tg of PS was shown to decrease with increasing the amount of nanoparticles in the samples. Furthermore, the physical aging of PS, monitored by measuring the enthalpy relaxation below Tg by means of DSC, was shown to speed up with increasing the nanoparticles weight fraction, i.e. the amount of PS/Gold interface in the hybrid material. Thus, the main conclusion of our work is that PS molecular mobility and out-of-equilibrium dynamics are decoupled in these nanocomposites. The significant effect of the amount of PS/Gold interface on both the physical aging rate of PS and the calorimetric Tg depression are quantitatively accounted for by a model based on the diffusion of free volume holes towards polymer interfaces, with a diffusion coefficient depending only on the molecular mobility.

  10. Toxicity of pyrolysis gases from synthetic polymers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hilado, C. J.; Soriano, J. A.; Kosola, K. L.; Kourtides, D. A.; Parker, J. A.

    1977-01-01

    The screening test method was used to investigate toxicity in polyethylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyaryl sulfone, polyether sulfone, polyphenyl sulfone, and polyphenylene sulfide. Changing from a rising temperature program to a fixed temperature program resulted on shorter times to animal responses. This effect was attributed in part to more rapid generation of toxicants. The toxicants from the sulfur containing polymers appeared to act more rapidly than the toxicants from the other polymers. It was not known whether this effect was due primarily to difference in concentration or in the nature of the toxicants. The carbon monoxide concentration found did not account for the results observed with the sulfur containing polymers. Polyphenyl sulfone appeared to exhibit the least toxicity among the sulfur containing polymers evaluated under these test conditions.

  11. Interaction between amphiphilic ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium octyl sulfate and anionic polymer of sodium polystyrene sulfonate in aqueous medium

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Barhoumi, Z.; Saini, M.; Amdouni, N.; Pal, A.

    2016-09-01

    The micellization of an aqueous solution of the surface active ionic liquid (SAIL), 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium octylsufate (C4mim)(C8OSO3) and its interaction with an anionic polymer sodium polystyrene sulfonate, (NaPSS) were studied using conductimetry, tensiometry and fluorimetry. Surface tension profile shows a more dramatic increase in the value of surface tension of aqueous (C4mim)(C8OSO3) before the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of IL. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) value of this surfactant was found out from conductance measurements. The thermodynamic parameters, i.e., Gibb's free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of micellization of the IL in aqueous solution have been calculated. Behavior of fluorescence probe confirms the binding interactions between SAIL and the polyelectrolyte.

  12. Nano-sized polystyrene affects feeding, behavior and physiology of brine shrimp Artemia franciscana larvae.

    PubMed

    Bergami, Elisa; Bocci, Elena; Vannuccini, Maria Luisa; Monopoli, Marco; Salvati, Anna; Dawson, Kenneth A; Corsi, Ilaria

    2016-01-01

    Nano-sized polymers as polystyrene (PS) constitute one of the main challenges for marine ecosystems, since they can distribute along the whole water column affecting planktonic species and consequently disrupting the energy flow of marine ecosystems. Nowadays very little knowledge is available on the impact of nano-sized plastics on marine organisms. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of 40nm anionic carboxylated (PS-COOH) and 50nm cationic amino (PS-NH2) polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) on brine shrimp Artemia franciscana larvae. No signs of mortality were observed at 48h of exposure for both PS NPs at naplius stage but several sub-lethal effects were evident. PS-COOH (5-100μg/ml) resulted massively sequestered inside the gut lumen of larvae (48h) probably limiting food intake. Some of them were lately excreted as fecal pellets but not a full release was observed. Likewise, PS-NH2 (5-100µg/ml) accumulated in larvae (48h) but also adsorbed at the surface of sensorial antennules and appendages probably hampering larvae motility. In addition, larvae exposed to PS-NH2 undergo multiple molting events during 48h of exposure compared to controls. The activation of a defense mechanism based on a physiological process able to release toxic cationic NPs (PS-NH2) from the body can be hypothesized. The general observed accumulation of PS NPs within the gut during the 48h of exposure indicates a continuous bioavailability of nano-sized PS for planktonic species as well as a potential transfer along the trophic web. Therefore, nano-sized PS might be able to impair food uptake (feeding), behavior (motility) and physiology (multiple molting) of brine shrimp larvae with consequences not only at organism and population level but on the overall ecosystem based on the key role of zooplankton on marine food webs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Strong coercivity reduction and high initial permeability in NiCoP coated BaFe12O19-polystyrene bilayer composite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hamad, Mahmoud A.; El-Sayed, Adly H.; Hemeda, O. M.; Tawfik, A.

    2016-03-01

    Soft-magnetic NiCoP coated hard-magnetic M-type ferrite BaFe12O19 (BaM)-polystyrene (PS) bilayer composite film was successfully synthesized. X-ray diffraction peaks exhibited no change in the structure of BaM after coating with PS. The NiCoP coated BaM-PS composite exhibited a wasp-waisted magnetic hysteretic loop with remarkable reduction in the coercivity, remanence and squareness with respect to BaM-PS, which is useful for the core of a magnetic switching device to control currents so large that they are unmanageable. Moreover, the initial permeability measurement exhibits initial permeability of around 100 000 and thermal stability up to 558 K, which is good for flux-amplifying components of smaller inductors.

  14. Nucleation, crystallization, and melting of atactic polystyrene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chai, Yu; Forrest, James

    Here we present the study of using low molecular weight atactic polystyrene (aPS) as the model system to understand the nucleation, crystallization, and meting behaviors of the stereo-regular polymer chains in aPS. The result is consistent with the theoretical calculation proposed by Semenov. In addition, both the crystallization and melting experiments indicate that all crystals are on or near the surface. Finally, the nucleation experiment below the glass transition temperature provides another piece of evidence of the enhanced surface dynamics in glassy polymers.

  15. Spontaneous Evolution of Nanostructure in Composite Films Consisting of Mixtures of Two Different Block Copolymer Micelles

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Sehee; Char, Kookheon; Sohn, Byeong-Hyeok

    2010-03-01

    Diblock copolymers consisting of two immiscible polymer blocks covalently bonded together form various self-assembled nanostructures such as spheres, cylinders, and lamellae in bulk phase. In a selective solvent, however, they assemble into micelles with soluble corona brushes and immiscible cores. Both polystyrene-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) and polystyrene-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymers form micelles with PS coronas and P4VP or P2VP cores in a PS selective solvent (toluene). By varying the mixture ratio between PS-b-P4VP and PS-b-P2VP, composite films based on the micellar mixtures of PS-b-P4VP and PS-b-P2VP were obtained by spin-coating, followed by the solvent annealing with tetrahydrofuran (THF) vapor. Since THF is a solvent for both PS and P2VP blocks and, at the same time, a non-solvent for the P4VP block, PS-P2VP micelles transformed to lamellar multilayers while PS-P4VP micelles remained intact during the THF annealing. The spontaneous evolution of nanostructure in composite films consisting of lamellae layers with BCP micelles were investigated in detail by cross-sectional TEM and AFM.

  16. Composite plasma polymerized sulfonated polystyrene membrane for PEMFC

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Nath, Bhabesh Kumar; Khan, Aziz; Chutia, Joyanti, E-mail: jchutiaiasst@gmail.com

    2015-10-15

    Highlights: • Methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) is used as the sulfonating agent. • The proton conductivity of the membrane is found to be 0.141 S cm{sup −1}. • Power density of fuel cell with styrene/MMS membrane is 0.5 W cm{sup −2}. • The membrane exhibits thermal stability up to 140 °C. - Abstract: This work presents the introduction of an organic compound methyl methane sulfonate (MMS) for the first time in fabrication of polystyrene based proton exchange membrane (PEM) by plasma polymerization process. The membrane is fabricated by co-polymerizing styrene and MMS in capacitively coupled continuous RF plasma. The chemicalmore » composition of the plasma polymerized polymer membrane is investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy which reveals the formation of composite structure of styrene and MMS. The surface morphology studied using AFM and SEM depicts the effect of higher partial pressure of MMS on surface topography of the membrane. The proton transport property of the membrane studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows the achievement of maximum proton conductivity of 0.141 S cm{sup −1} which is comparable to Nafion 117 membrane. Fuel cell performance test of the synthesized membrane shows a maximum power density of 500 mW cm{sup −2} and current density of 0.62 A cm{sup −2} at 0.6 V.« less

  17. Voltammetric studies of hemoglobin-coated polystyrene latex bead films on pyrolytic graphite electrodes.

    PubMed

    Sun, Hong; Hu, Naifei

    2004-08-01

    A novel hemoglobin (Hb)-coated polystyrene (PS) latex bead film was deposited on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrode surface. In the first step, positively charged Hb molecules in pH 5.0 buffers were adsorbed on the surface of negatively charged, 500 nm diameter PS latex beads bearing sulfate groups by electrostatic interaction. The aqueous dispersion of Hb-coated PS particles was then deposited on the surface of PG electrodes and, after evaporation of the solvent, Hb-PS films were formed. The Hb-PS film electrodes exhibited a pair of well-defined, quasi-reversible cyclic voltammetric (CV) peaks at about -0.36 V vs. SCE in pH 7.0 buffers, characteristic of Hb heme Fe(III)/Fe(II) redox couples. Positions of Soret absorption band of Hb-PS films suggest that Hb retains its near-native structure in the films in its dry form and in solution at medium pH. The Hb in PS films was also acted as a catalyst to catalyze electrochemical reduction of various substrates such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA), nitrite, oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.

  18. Morphological studies of sulfonated polystyrene and sulfonated EPDM ionomers

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jackson, D.A.

    1992-12-31

    Two ionomer systems have been investigated in this research. Sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) is a typical random ionomer and is a good material for studies into the nature of phase separation in ionomers. A series of narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD) zinc neutralized SPS samples of varying sulfonation levels were prepared and analyzed through small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS). Results indicated that the correlation distance varied with both molecular weight and sulfonation level. Increases in the position of the scattering maximum with sulfonation level is the result of a greater number of ionic groups. Increasing molecular weight led to the movementmore » of the scattering maximum to smaller scattering vectors, an indication of larger distances. It was also observed that ionomer peak occurred at smaller scattering vectors for the narrow MWD samples than in corresponding materials of greater dispersity. SAXS was also used to examine the morphology of zinc stearate (ZnSt) filled sulfonated EPDM (S-EPDM) ionomers and the nature of the interaction between the plasticizer and the ionomer. S-EPDM is a material that may find use as a thermoplastic elastomer, although its melt viscosity is too high to allow for convenient processing. The addition of of ZnSt as a plasticizer greatly reduces the melt viscosity of S-EPDM. ZnSt exists in this system as very small crystallites which are associated with ionic groups. As the temperature is increased, the crystallites anneal briefly into larger crystals before melting and diffusing into the S-EPDM matrix. Above the melting temperature of the ZnSt, it solvates the ionic groups of the ionomer, decreasing their self-association and the viscosity of the system. Increasing ZnSt loading is seen in the SAXS as an increase in scattering in the low angle region. However, this increase in intensity is not linear with concentration, showing that ZnSt exists in different environments at higher concentrations.« less

  19. Nanopatterned polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) surfaces to modulate cell-material interaction.

    PubMed

    Lizundia, Erlantz; Sáenz-Pérez, Míriam; Patrocinio, David; Aurrekoetxea, Iskander; dM Vivanco, Maria; Vilas, José Luis

    2017-06-01

    In this work we explore the effect of surface nanoarchitecture of polystyrene (PS) and polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) diblock copolymer films on cell viability. PS and PS-b-PAA have been nanopatterned at temperatures of 110, 120 and 140°C using nanoporous aluminium oxide membranes (AAO) as a template. Surface architecture strongly depends on the infiltration temperature and the nature of the infiltrated polymer. High patterning temperatures yield hollow fibre shape architecture at the nanoscale level, which substantially modifies the surface hydrophobicity of the resulting materials. Up to date very scarce reports could be found in the literature dealing with the interaction of microstructured/nanostructured polymeric surfaces with cancer cells. Therefore, MCF-7 breast cancer cells have been selected as a model to conduct cell viability assays. The findings reveal that the fine-tuning of the surface nanoarchitecture contributes to the modification of its biocompatibility. Overall, this study highlights the potential of AAO membranes to obtain well-defined tailored morphologies at nanoscale level and its importance to develop novel soft functional surfaces to be used in the biomedical field. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Design, synthesis, and characterization of lightly sulfonated multigraft acrylate-based copolymer superelastomers

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Misichronis, Konstantinos; Wang, Weiyu; Cheng, Shiwang

    2018-01-29

    Multigraft copolymer superelastomers consisting of a poly(n-butyl acrylate) backbone and polystyrene side chains were synthesized and the viscoelastic properties of the non-sulfonated and sulfonated final materials were investigated using extensional rheology (SER3). The non-linear viscoelastic experiments revealed significantly increased true stresses (up to 10 times higher) after sulfonating only 2–3% of the copolymer while the materials maintained high elongation (<700%). The linear viscoelastic experiments showed that the storage and loss modulus are increased by sulfonation and that the copolymers can be readily tuned and further improved by increasing the number of branching points and the molecular weight of the backbone.more » Here, in this way, we show that by tuning not only the molecular characteristics of the multigraft copolymers but also their architecture and chemical interaction, we can acquire thermoplastic superelastomer materials with desired viscoelastic properties.« less

  1. Aggregation, adsorption, and surface properties of multiply end-functionalized polystyrenes.

    PubMed

    Ansari, Imtiyaz A; Clarke, Nigel; Hutchings, Lian R; Pillay-Narrainen, Amilcar; Terry, Ann E; Thompson, Richard L; Webster, John R P

    2007-04-10

    The properties of polystyrene blends containing deuteriopolystyrene, multiply end-functionalized with C8F17 fluorocarbon groups, are strikingly analogous to those of surfactants in solution. These materials, denoted FxdPSy, where x is the number of fluorocarbon groups and y is the molecular weight of the dPS chain in kg/mol, were blended with unfunctionalized polystyrene, hPS. Nuclear reaction analysis experiments show that FxdPSy polymers adsorb spontaneously to solution and blend surfaces, resulting in a reduction in surface energy inferred from contact angle analysis. Aggregation of functionalized polymers in the bulk was found to be sensitive to FxdPSy structure and closely related to surface properties. At low concentrations, the functionalized polymers are freely dispersed in the hPS matrix, and in this range, the surface excess concentration grows sharply with increasing bulk concentration. At higher concentrations, surface excess concentrations and contact angles reach a plateau, small-angle neutron scattering data indicate small micellar aggregates of six to seven F2dPS10 polymer chains and much larger aggregates of F4dPS10. Whereas F2dPS10 aggregates are miscible with the hPS matrix, F4dPS10 forms a separate phase of multilamellar vesicles. Using neutron reflectometry (NR), we found that the extent of the adsorbed layer was approximately half the lamellar spacing of the multilamellar vesicles. NR data were fitted using an error function profile to describe the concentration profile of the adsorbed layer, and reasonable agreement was found with concentration profiles predicted by the SCFT model. The thermodynamic sticking energy of the fluorocarbon-functionalized polymer chains to the blend surface increases from 5.3kBT for x = 2 to 6.6kBT for x = 4 but appears to be somewhat dependent upon the blend concentration.

  2. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface modification impact on colloid lithography: Schottky-like defects, dislocation, and ideal distribution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Burtsev, Vasilii; Marchuk, Valentina; Kugaevskiy, Artem; Guselnikova, Olga; Elashnikov, Roman; Miliutina, Elena; Postnikov, Pavel; Svorcik, Vaclav; Lyutakov, Oleksiy

    2018-03-01

    Nano-spheres lithography is actually considered as a powerful tool to manufacture various periodic structures with a wide potential in the field of nano- and micro-fabrication. However, during self-assembling of colloid microspheres, various defects and mismatches can appear. In this work the size and quality of single-domains of closed-packed polystyrene (PS), grown up on thin Au layers modified by hydrophilic or hydrophobic functional groups via diazonium chemistry was studied. The effects of the surface modification on the quality and single-domain size of polystyrene (PS) microspheres array were investigated and discussed. Modified surfaces were characterized using the AFM and wettability tests. PS colloidal suspension was deposited using the drop evaporation method. Resulted PS microspheres array was characterized using the SEM, AFM and confocal microscopy technique.

  3. Interfacial activity of polymeric surfactants at the polystyrene-carbon dioxide interface

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Harrison, K.L.; Rocha, S.R.P. da; Yates, M.Z.

    1998-11-24

    The reduction of the interfacial tension at the polystyrene (PS, M{sub n} = 1850)-supercritical CO{sub 2} interface is reported for poly(1,1-dihydroperfluorooctyl acrylate)(PFOA) and the block copolymers PS-b-PFOA(3.7K/27K) and PS-b-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) (2K/16K, 500/10K) at 45 C. PS-b-PDMS (2K/16K) lowers the interfacial tension to 0.5 dyn/cm at 45 C and 238 bar, more than that of any of the other copolymers. On the basis of the dynamics of the lowering of the interfacial tension, the apparent diffusion coefficient of PS-b-PDMS (2K/16K) is 8 {times} 10{sup {minus}6} cm{sup 2}/s. The critical micelle concentration of PS-b-PFOA (3.7K/27K) is 9 {times} 10{sup {minus}4} wt %.more » Whereas both the PDMS- and PFOA-based copolymers studied adsorb on the PS surface, PS-b-PFOA is much more effective in stabilizing the PS emulsions. The difference in stabilization is discussed in terms of the surfactant adsorption and the interactions of the anchor and buoy blocks with CO{sub 2} and the PS surface.« less

  4. Controlling Au Nanorod Dispersion in Thin Film Polymer Blends

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hore, Michael J. A.; Composto, Russell J.

    2012-02-01

    Dispersion of Au nanorods (Au NRs) in polymer thin films is studied using a combination of experimental and theoretical techniques. Here, we incorporate small volume fractions of polystyrene-functionalized Au NRs (φrod 0.05) into polystyrene (PS) thin films. By controlling the ratio of the brush length (N) to that of the matrix polymers (P), we can selectively obtain dispersed or aggregated Au NR structures in the PS-Au(N):PS(P) films. A dispersion map of these structures allows one to choose N and P to obtain either uniformly dispersed Au NRs or aggregates of closely packed, side-by-side aligned Au NRs. Furthermore, by blending poly(2,6-dimethyl-p-phenylene oxide) (PPO) into the PS films, we demonstrate that the Au nanorod morphology can be further tuned by reducing depletion-attraction forces and promoting miscibility of the Au NRs. These predictable structures ultimately give rise to tunable optical absorption in the films resulting from surface plasmon resonance coupling between the Au NRs. Finally, self-consistent field theoretic (SCFT) calculations for both the PS-Au(N):PS(P) and PS-Au(N):PS(P):PPO systems provide insight into the PS brush structure, and allow us to interpret morphology and optical property results in terms of wet and dry PS brush states.

  5. Biodegradation and Mineralization of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Mealworms: Part 2. Role of Gut Microorganisms.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yu; Yang, Jun; Wu, Wei-Min; Zhao, Jiao; Song, Yiling; Gao, Longcheng; Yang, Ruifu; Jiang, Lei

    2015-10-20

    The role of gut bacteria of mealworms (the larvae of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus) in polystyrene (PS) degradation was investigated. Gentamicin was the most effective inhibitor of gut bacteria among six antibiotics tested. Gut bacterial activities were essentially suppressed by feeding gentamicin food (30 mg/g) for 10 days. Gentamicin-feeding mealworms lost the ability to depolymerize PS and mineralize PS into CO2, as determined by characterizing worm fecula and feeding with (13)C-labeled PS. A PS-degrading bacterial strain was isolated from the guts of the mealworms, Exiguobacterium sp. strain YT2, which could form biofilm on PS film over a 28 day incubation period and made obvious pits and cavities (0.2-0.3 mm in width) on PS film surfaces associated with decreases in hydrophobicity and the formation of C-O polar groups. A suspension culture of strain YT2 (10(8) cells/mL) was able to degrade 7.4 ± 0.4% of the PS pieces (2500 mg/L) over a 60 day incubation period. The molecular weight of the residual PS pieces was lower, and the release of water-soluble daughter products was detected. The results indicated the essential role of gut bacteria in PS biodegradation and mineralization, confirmed the presence of PS-degrading gut bacteria, and demonstrated the biodegradation of PS by mealworms.

  6. Circularly polarized luminescence of syndiotactic polystyrene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rizzo, Paola; Abbate, Sergio; Longhi, Giovanna; Guerra, Gaetano

    2017-11-01

    Syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS) films, when crystallized from the amorphous state by temporary sorption of non-racemic guest molecules (like carvone) not only exhibit unusually high optical activity, both in the UV-Visible and Infrared ranges, but also present circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) with high dissymmetry ratios (g = ΔI/I values in the range 0.02-0.03). Experimental evidences provide support, rather than to the usual molecular circular dichroism, to a supramolecular chiral optical response being extrinsic to the site of photon absorption and emission, possibly associated with a helical morphology of s-PS crystallites.

  7. Influences of layer thickness on the compatibility and physical properties of polycarbonate/polystyrene multilayered film via nanolayer coextrusion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cheng, Junfeng; Chen, Zhiru; Zhou, Jiaqi; Cao, Zheng; Wu, Dun; Liu, Chunlin; Pu, Hongting

    2018-05-01

    The effects of layer thickness on the compatibility between polycarbonate (PC) and polystyrene (PS) and physical properties of PC/PS multilayered film via nanolayer coextrusion are studied. The morphology of multilayered structure is observed using a scanning electron microscope. This multilayered structure may have a negative impact on the transparency, but it can improve the water resistance and heat resistance of film. To characterize the compatibility between PC and PS, differential scanning calorimetry is used to measure the glass transition temperature. The compatibility is found to be improved with the decrease of layer thickness. Therefore, the viscosity of multilayered film is also reduced with the decrease of layer thickness. In addition, the multilayered structure can improve the tensile strength with the increase of layer numbers. Because of the complete and continuous layer structure of PC, the PC/PS multilayered film can retain its mechanical strength at the temperature above Tg of PS.

  8. Accurate Size and Size-Distribution Determination of Polystyrene Latex Nanoparticles in Aqueous Medium Using Dynamic Light Scattering and Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation with Multi-Angle Light Scattering

    PubMed Central

    Kato, Haruhisa; Nakamura, Ayako; Takahashi, Kayori; Kinugasa, Shinichi

    2012-01-01

    Accurate determination of the intensity-average diameter of polystyrene latex (PS-latex) by dynamic light scattering (DLS) was carried out through extrapolation of both the concentration of PS-latex and the observed scattering angle. Intensity-average diameter and size distribution were reliably determined by asymmetric flow field flow fractionation (AFFFF) using multi-angle light scattering (MALS) with consideration of band broadening in AFFFF separation. The intensity-average diameter determined by DLS and AFFFF-MALS agreed well within the estimated uncertainties, although the size distribution of PS-latex determined by DLS was less reliable in comparison with that determined by AFFFF-MALS. PMID:28348293

  9. Polystyrene plastic: a source and sink for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the marine environment

    PubMed Central

    Rochman, Chelsea M.; Manzano, Carlos; Hentschel, Brian T.; Massey Simonich, Staci L.; Hoh, Eunha

    2014-01-01

    Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on virgin polystyrene (PS) and PS marine debris led us to examine PS as a source and sink for PAHs in the marine environment. At two locations in San Diego Bay, we measured sorption of PAHs to PS pellets, sampling at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. We detected 25 PAHs using a new analytical method with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Several congeners were detected on samples before deployment. After deployment, some concentrations decreased (1,3-dimethylnaphthalene and 2,6-methylnaphthalene) while most increased (2-methylanthracene and all parent PAHs (PPAHs) except fluorene and fluoranthene), suggesting PS debris is a source and sink for PAHs. When comparing sorbed concentrations of PPAHs on PS to the five most common polymers (polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP)), PS sorbed greater concentrations than PP, PET and PVC, similar to HDPE and LDPE. Most strikingly, at 0 months, PPAHs on PS ranged from 8-200 times greater than on PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, and PP. The combination of greater PAHs in virgin pellets and large sorption suggests that PS may pose a greater risk of exposure to PAHs upon ingestion. PMID:24341360

  10. Polystyrene plastic: a source and sink for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the marine environment.

    PubMed

    Rochman, Chelsea M; Manzano, Carlos; Hentschel, Brian T; Simonich, Staci L Massey; Hoh, Eunha

    2013-12-17

    Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on virgin polystyrene (PS) and PS marine debris led us to examine PS as a source and sink for PAHs in the marine environment. At two locations in San Diego Bay, we measured sorption of PAHs to PS pellets, sampling at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. We detected 25 PAHs using a new analytical method with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Several congeners were detected on samples before deployment. After deployment, some concentrations decreased (1,3-dimethylnaphthalene and 2,6-methylnaphthalene), while most increased [2-methylanthracene and all parent PAHs (PPAHs), except fluorene and fluoranthene], suggesting that PS debris is a source and sink for PAHs. When sorbed concentrations of PPAHs on PS are compared to the five most common polymers [polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP)], PS sorbed greater concentrations than PP, PET, and PVC, similar to HDPE and LDPE. Most strikingly, at 0 months, PPAHs on PS ranged from 8 to 200 times greater than on PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, and PP. The combination of greater PAHs in virgin pellets and large sorption suggests that PS may pose a greater risk of exposure to PAHs upon ingestion.

  11. Host polymer influence on dilute polystyrene segmental dynamics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lutz, T. R.

    2005-03-01

    We have utilized deuterium NMR to investigate the segmental dynamics of dilute (2%) d3-polystyrene (PS) chains in miscible polymer blends with polybutadiene, poly(vinyl ethylene), polyisoprene, poly(vinyl methylether) and poly(methyl methacrylate). In the dilute limit, we find qualitative differences depending upon whether the host polymer has dynamics that are faster or slower than that of pure PS. In blends where PS is the fast (low Tg) component, segmental dynamics are slowed upon blending and can be fit by the Lodge-McLeish model. When PS is the slow (high Tg) component, PS segmental dynamics speed up upon blending, but cannot be fit by the Lodge-McLeish model unless a temperature dependent self-concentration is employed. These results are qualitatively consistent with a recent suggestion by Kant, Kumar and Colby (Macromolecules, 2003, 10087), based upon data at higher concentrations. Furthermore, as the slow component, we find the segmental dynamics of PS has a temperature dependence similar to that of its host. This suggests viewing the high Tg component dynamics in a miscible blend as similar to a polymer in a low molecular weight solvent.

  12. Specific effects of surface carboxyl groups on anionic polystyrene particles in their interactions with mesenchymal stem cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jiang, Xiue; Musyanovych, Anna; Röcker, Carlheinz; Landfester, Katharina; Mailänder, Volker; Nienhaus, G. Ulrich

    2011-05-01

    Nanoparticle uptake by living cells is governed by chemical interactions between functional groups on the nanoparticle as well as the receptors on cell surfaces. Here we have investigated the uptake of anionic polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles of ~100 nm diameter by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using spinning-disk confocal optical microscopy combined with a quantitative analysis of the fluorescence images. Two types of anionic PS nanoparticles with essentially identical sizes and ζ-potentials were employed in this study, carboxyl-functionalized nanoparticles (CPS) and plain PS nanoparticles, both coated with anionic detergent for stabilization. CPS nanoparticles were observed to internalize more rapidly and accumulate to a much higher level than plain PS nanoparticles. The relative importance of different uptake mechanisms for the two types of nanoparticles was investigated by using specific inhibitors. CPS nanoparticles were internalized mainly via the clathrin-mediated mechanism, whereas plain PS nanoparticles mainly utilized the macropinocytosis pathway. The pronounced difference in the internalization behavior of CPS and plain PS nanoparticles points to a specific interaction of the carboxyl group with receptors on the cell surface.

  13. Surface phase separation, dewetting feature size, and crystal morphology in thin films of polystyrene/poly(ε-caprolactone) blend.

    PubMed

    Ma, Meng; He, Zhoukun; Li, Yuhan; Chen, Feng; Wang, Ke; Zhang, Qing; Deng, Hua; Fu, Qiang

    2012-12-01

    Thin films of polystyrene (PS)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends were prepared by spin-coating and characterized by tapping mode force microscopy (AFM). Effects of the relative concentration of PS in polymer solution on the surface phase separation and dewetting feature size of the blend films were systematically studied. Due to the coupling of phase separation, dewetting, and crystallization of the blend films with the evaporation of solvent during spin-coating, different size of PS islands decorated with various PCL crystal structures including spherulite-like, flat-on individual lamellae, and flat-on dendritic crystal were obtained in the blend films by changing the film composition. The average distance of PS islands was shown to increase with the relative concentration of PS in casting solution. For a given ratio of PS/PCL, the feature size of PS appeared to increase linearly with the square of PS concentration while the PCL concentration only determined the crystal morphology of the blend films with no influence on the upper PS domain features. This is explained in terms of vertical phase separation and spinodal dewetting of the PS rich layer from the underlying PCL rich layer, leading to the upper PS dewetting process and the underlying PCL crystalline process to be mutually independent. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Enhanced adhesion of osteoblastic cells on polystyrene films by independent control of surface topography and wettability.

    PubMed

    Yang, Seung Yun; Kim, Eung-Sam; Jeon, Gumhye; Choi, Kwan Yong; Kim, Jin Kon

    2013-04-01

    We independently controlled surface topography and wettability of polystyrene (PS) films by CF4 and oxygen plasma treatments, respectively, to evaluate the adhesion and proliferation of human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB) cells on the films. Among the CF4 plasma-treated PS films with the average surface roughness ranging from 0.9 to 70 nm, the highest adhesion of hFOB cells was observed on a PS film with roughness of ~11 nm. When this film was additionally treated by oxygen plasma to provide a hydrophilic surface with a contact angle less than 10°, the proliferation of bone-forming cell was further enhanced. Thus, the plasma-based independent modification of PS film into an optimum nanotexture for human osteoblast cells could be appplied to materials used in bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Tailoring the morphology of raspberry-like carbon black/polystyrene composite microspheres for fabricating superhydrophobic surface

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bao, Yubin; Li, Qiuying, E-mail: liqy@ecust.edu.cn; Shanghai Key Laboratory Polymeric Materials

    In our previous report, raspberry-like carbon black/polystyrene (CB/PS) composite microsphere was prepared through heterocoagulation process. Based on the previous study, in the present work, the morphology of raspberry-like CB/PS particle is tailored through adjusting the polarity and the concentration ratio of CB/PS colloidal suspension with the purpose to prepare particulate film for the fabrication of superhydrophobic surface. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirms the morphology of raspberry-like particle and the coverage of CB. Rough surfaces fabricated by raspberry-like particles with proper morphology are observed by SEM and clear evidence of superhydrophobic surface is shown. The structure of raspberry-like particle is analyzedmore » by atom force microscope. The proposed relationship between the hydrophobicity and the structure of CB aggregates on the surface of PS microsphere is discussed in details.« less

  16. Effect of tacticity on the structure and glass transition temperature of polystyrene adsorbed onto solid surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Negash, Solomon; Tatek, Yergou B.; Tsige, Mesfin

    2018-04-01

    We have carried out atomistic (all-atom) molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of tacticity on the structure and glass transition temperature (Tg) of polystyrene (PS) thin films adsorbed on two distinct types of solid substrates. The systems consist of thin films made of atactic, isotactic, and syndiotactic PS chains supported by graphite or hydroxylated α-quartz substrates, which are known to be atomically flat but chemically and structurally different. We have observed a marked dependence of the film structure on substrate type as well as on tacticity. For instance, rings' orientation near substrate surfaces depends on substrate type for atactic PS and isotactic PS films, while no such dependence is observed for syndiotactic PS films whose interfacial structure seems to result from their propensity to adopt the trans conformation rather than their specific interaction with the substrates. Moreover, our results indicate that glass transition temperatures of substrate supported polystyrene films are higher compared to those of the corresponding free-standing films. More specifically, PS films on graphite exhibit larger Tg values than those on α-quartz, and we have noticed that syndiotactic PS has the largest Tg irrespective of the substrate type. Furthermore, the local Tg in the region of the film in contact with the substrates shows a strong tacticity and substrate dependence, whereas no dependencies were found for the local Tg in the middle of the film. Substrate-film interaction energy and chains' dynamics near substrate-film interfaces were subsequently investigated in order to substantiate the obtained Tgs, and it was found that films with higher Tgs are strongly adsorbed on the substrates and/or exhibit smaller interfacial chains' dynamics essentially due to steric hindrance.

  17. Computational study on the interactions and orientation of monoclonal human immunoglobulin G on a polystyrene surface

    PubMed Central

    Javkhlantugs, Namsrai; Bayar, Hexig; Ganzorig, Chimed; Ueda, Kazuyoshi

    2013-01-01

    Having a theoretical understanding of the orientation of immunoglobulin on an immobilized solid surface is important in biomedical pathogen-detecting systems and cellular analysis. Despite the stable adsorption of immunoglobulin on a polystyrene (PS) surface that has been applied in many kinds of immunoassays, there are many uncertainties in antibody-based clinical and biological experimental methods. To understand the binding mechanism and physicochemical interactions between immunoglobulin and the PS surface at the atomic level, we investigated the binding behavior and interactions of the monoclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) on the PS surface using the computational method. In our docking simulation with the different arrangement of translational and rotational orientation of IgG onto the PS surface, three typical orientation patterns of the immunoglobulin G on the PS surface were found. We precisely analyzed these orientation patterns and clarified how the immunoglobulin G interacts with the PS surface at atomic scale in the beginning of the adsorption process. Major driving forces for the adsorption of IgG onto the PS surface come from serine (Ser), aspartic acid (Asp), and glutamic acid (Glu) residues. PMID:23874096

  18. Synthesis of polystyrene coated SiC nanowires as fillers in a polyurethane matrix for electromechanical conversion.

    PubMed

    Rybak, Andrzej; Warde, Micheline; Beyou, Emmanuel; Chaumont, Philippe; Bechelany, Mikhael; Brioude, Arnaud; Toury, Bérangère; Cornu, David; Miele, Philippe; Guiffard, Benoit; Seveyrat, Laurence; Guyomar, Daniel

    2010-04-09

    Grafting of polystyrene (PS) from silica coating of silicon carbide nanowires (SiCNWs) has been performed by a two-step nitroxide mediated free radical polymerization (NMP) of styrene. First, an alkoxyamine based on N-tert-butyl-N-(1-diethylphosphono-2,2-dimethylpropyl) nitroxide (DEPN) was covalently attached onto NWs through free surface silanol groups. To immobilize the alkoxyamine initiator on the silica surface, alkoxylamine was formed in situ by the simultaneous reaction of polymerizable acryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (APTMS), azobis isobutyronitrile (AIBN), and DEPN, which was used as a radical trap. Polystyrene chains with controlled molecular weights and narrow polydispersity were then grown from the alkoxyamine-functionalized NWs surface in the presence of a 'free' sacrificial styrylDEPN alkoxyamine. Both the initiator and polystyrene chains were characterized by FTIR and (13)C solid-state NMR and quantified by TGA. Ensuing nanocomposites were characterized by FEG-SEM, TEM and Raman spectroscopy. EDX analysis performed on functionalized nanowires during FEG-SEM analysis also gave evidence of grafting by a strong increase in the average C/Si atomic ratio. Incorporation of 2 wt% NWs into the polyurethane (PU) matrix has been carried out to prepare homogeneous nanocomposite films. The electric field induced thickness strain response has been investigated for the polystyrene-grafted silica coated SiC NWs (PU-SiC@SiO(2)@PS) nanocomposites and compared to pure polyurethane film and PU-SiC@SiO(2) nanocomposite without polystyrene grafting. At a moderate electric field of 10 V microm(-1), SiC@SiO(2)@PS loading increased the strain level of pure PU by a factor of 2.2. This improvement came partially due to polystyrene grafting since PU-SiC@SiO(2) films showed only a 1.7 times increase. The observed higher strain response of these nanocomposites makes them very attractive for micro-electromechanical applications.

  19. A generalized method for alignment of block copolymer films: solvent vapor annealing with soft shear.

    PubMed

    Qiang, Zhe; Zhang, Yuanzhong; Groff, Jesse A; Cavicchi, Kevin A; Vogt, Bryan D

    2014-08-28

    One of the key issues associated with the utilization of block copolymer (BCP) thin films in nanoscience and nanotechnology is control of their alignment and orientation over macroscopic dimensions. We have recently reported a method, solvent vapor annealing with soft shear (SVA-SS), for fabricating unidirectional alignment of cylindrical nanostructures. This method is a simple extension of the common SVA process by adhering a flat, crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) pad to the BCP thin film. The impact of processing parameters, including annealing time, solvent removal rate and the physical properties of the PDMS pad, on the quality of alignment quantified by the Herman's orientational factor (S) is systematically examined for a model system of polystyrene-block-polyisoprene-block-polystyrene (SIS). As annealing time increases, the SIS morphology transitions from isotropic rods to highly aligned cylinders. Decreasing the rate of solvent removal, which impacts the shear rate imposed by the contraction of the PDMS, improves the orientation factor of the cylindrical domains; this suggests the nanostructure alignment is primarily induced by contraction of PDMS during solvent removal. Moreover, the physical properties of the PDMS controlled by the crosslink density impact the orientation factor by tuning its swelling extent during SVA-SS and elastic modulus. Decreasing the PDMS crosslink density increases S; this effect appears to be primarily driven by the changes in the solubility of the SVA-SS solvent in the PDMS. With this understanding of the critical processing parameters, SVA-SS has been successfully applied to align a wide variety of BCPs including polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene (SBS), polystyrene-block-poly(N,N-dimethyl-n-octadecylammonium p-styrenesulfonate) (PS-b-PSS-DMODA), polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) and polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinlypyridine) (PS-b-P2VP). These results suggest that SVA-SS is a generalizable method for the alignment of BCP thin films.

  20. Optical properties of ordered ZnO/Ag thin films on polystyrene spheres

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Xiu; Chen, Xiuyan; Xin, Zhiqing; Li, Luhai; Xu, Yanfang

    2017-08-01

    A thorough research of the optical properties of ZnO/Ag structures sputtered by RF on PS colloidal crystal molds with different diameters is reported. The influences of the period of the substrates on the performance of ZnO thin films were studied. The results of scanning electron microscopic, X-ray diffraction patterns and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy indicated that the ZnO/Ag thin films were well-covering on PS colloidal crystal molds. The diameter of the polystyrene particles significantly influenced the PL spectrum intensity of ZnO/Ag by affecting the interferences of light. After adding PS colloidal crystal molds with different diameters, all the samples show two luminescent regions, namely a strong, narrow UV emission peak and a wide, weak visible emission band. However, the signal of UV emission increases more significantly. In particular, the maximum enhancement occurs when the diameter is 300 nm. This work proposes an effective way to improve ZnO light emission based on a simple, rapid and cost effective method to fabricate ordered periodic substrates by preparing single layer polystyrene microspheres masks.

  1. Highly Tunable Complementary Micro/Submicro-Nanopatterned Surfaces Combining Block Copolymer Self-Assembly and Colloidal Lithography.

    PubMed

    Chang, Tongxin; Du, Binyang; Huang, Haiying; He, Tianbai

    2016-08-31

    Two kinds of large-area ordered and highly tunable micro/submicro-nanopatterned surfaces in a complementary manner were successfully fabricated by elaborately combining block copolymer self-assembly and colloidal lithography. Employing a monolayer of polystyrene (PS) colloidal spheres assembled on top as etching mask, polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) or polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) micelle films were patterned into micro/submicro patches by plasma etching, which could be further transferred into micropatterned metal nanoarrays by subsequent metal precursor loading and a second plasma etching. On the other hand, micro/submicro-nanopatterns in a complementary manner were generated via preloading a metal precursor in initial micelle films before the assembly of PS colloidal spheres on top. Both kinds of micro/submicro-nanopatterns showed good fidelity at the micro/submicroscale and nanoscale; meanwhile, they could be flexibly tuned by the sample and processing parameters. Significantly, when the PS colloidal sphere size was reduced to 250 nm, a high-resolution submicro-nanostructured surface with 3-5 metal nanoparticles in each patch or a single-nanoparticle interconnected honeycomb network was achieved. Moreover, by applying gold (Au) nanoparticles as anchoring points, micronanopatterned Au arrays can serve as a flexible template to pattern bovine serum albumin (BSA) molecules. This facile and cost-effective approach may provide a novel platform for fabrication of micropatterned nanoarrays with high tunability and controllability, which are promising in the applications of biological and microelectronic fields.

  2. Bending and Force Recovery in Polymer Films and Microgel Formation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Elder, Theresa Marie

    To determine correlation between geometry and material three different model films: polymethylsiloxane (PDMS), polystyrene (PS), and polycarbonate (PC), were singly bent and doubly bent (forming D-cones). Bends were chosen as they are fundamental in larger complex geometries such as origami and crumples. Bending was carried out between two plates taking force and displacement measurements. Processing of data using moment equations yielded values for bending moduli for studied films that were close to accepted values. Force recovery showed logarithmic trends for PDMS and stretched exponential trends for PS and PC. In a separate experiment a triblock copolymer of polystyrene-polyacrylic acid-polystyrene was subjected to different good and bad solvent mixing with any resulting particle morphology examined. Particles formed more uniformly with high water concentration, particles formed with high toluene concentration and agitation yielded three separate morphologies.

  3. Polymer supported gold nanoparticles: Synthesis and characterization of functionalized polystyrene-supported gold nanoparticles and their application in catalytic oxidation of alcohols in water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kaboudin, Babak; Khanmohammadi, Hamid; Kazemi, Foad

    2017-12-01

    Sulfonated polystyrene microsphere were functionalized using ethylene diamine to introduce amine groups to the polymer chains. The amine functionalized polymers were used as a support for gold nanoparticles. A thorough structural characterization has been carried out by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, EDS, CHN and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The polymer supported gold nanoparticles was found to be an efficient catalyst for the oxidation of alcohols in water.

  4. Repair of calvarial bone defects in mice using electrospun polystyrene scaffolds combined with β-TCP or gold nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Terranova, Lisa; Dragusin, Diana Maria; Mallet, Romain; Vasile, Eugeniu; Stancu, Izabela-Cristina; Behets, Catherine; Chappard, Daniel

    2017-02-01

    Non-biodegradable porous polystyrene (PS) scaffolds, composed of microfibers, have been prepared by electrospinning for the reconstruction of large bone defects. PS microfibers were prepared by incorporating β-TCP grains inside the polymer or grafting gold nanoparticles surface functionalized with mercaptosuccinic acid. Cytocompatibility of the three types of scaffolds (PS, β-TCP-PS and Au-PS) was studied by seeding human mesenchymal stem cells. Biocompatibility was evaluated by implanting β-TCP-PS and Au-PS scaffolds into a critical size (4mm) calvarial defect in mice. Calvaria were taken 6, 9, and 12 weeks after implantation; newly formed bone and cellular response was analyzed by microcomputed tomography (microCT) and histology. β-TCP-PS scaffolds showed a significantly higher cell proliferation in vitro than on PS or Au-PS alone; clearly, the presence of β-TCP grains improved cytocompatibility. Biocompatibility study in the mouse calvaria model showed that β-TCP-PS scaffolds were significantly associated with more newly-formed bone than Au-PS. Bone developed by osteoconduction from the defect margins to the center. A dense fibrous connective tissue containing blood vessels was identified histologically in both types of scaffolds. There was no inflammatory foci nor giant cell in these areas. AuNPs aggregates were identified histologically in the fibrosis and also incorporated in the newly-formed bone matrix. Although the different types of PS microfibers appeared cytocompatible during the in vitro experiment, they appeared biotolerated in vivo since they induced a fibrotic reaction associated with newly formed bone. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. Preparation and characterization of polystyrene/neodymium hydroxide (PS/Nd(OH)3) nano-composites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alsewailem, Fares D.; Bagabas, Abdulaziz A.; Binkhodor, Yazeed A.

    2018-03-01

    Composites of polystyrene and Neodymium hydroxide nanrods (PS/Nd(OH)3) were formulated and characterized in this study. Cetyl (1-hexadccyl) trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as dispersion agent for the Nd(OH)3 rods in the PS matrix. PS/Nd(OH)3 composites were prepared by solution and melt compounding. Morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the prepared composites were investigated. CTAB was found to be more effective as dispersion agent in composites prepared by solution compounding in comparison with those prepared by melt compounding, and that was due to the mild conditions used in solution compounding. Nonetheless, impact strength of the composite at 0.5 wt% Nd(OH)3 was drastically reduced in the absence of CTAB. Both tensile and impact strengths were found to greatly decreased at higher loading of Nd(OH)3, e.g. 5 wt%, even with the use of CTAB. Thermal stability of the PS/Nd(OH)3 composites was noticeably increased at relatively low loading of Nd(OH)3, e.g. 0.5 wt%.

  6. Hydrophilic group formation and cell culturing on polystyrene Petri-dish modified by ion-assisted reaction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Ki-Hwan; Cho, Jun-Sik; Choi, Doo-Jin; Koh, Seok-Keun

    2001-04-01

    Polystyrene (PS) Petri-dishes were modified by an ion-assisted reaction (IAR) to improve wettability and to supply a suitable surface for cell culturing. Low energy Ar + ions with 1000 eV were irradiated on the surface of PS in oxygen gas environment. Water contact angles of PS were not reduced much by ion irradiation without oxygen gas and had a value of 40°. In the case of ion irradiation with flowing oxygen gas, however, the water contact angles were dropped significantly from 73° to 19°. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed that the hydrophilic groups were formed on the surface of PS by a chemical reaction between unstable chains induced by ion irradiation and the oxygen gas. Newly formed hydrophilic groups were identified as -(C-O)-, -(CO)- and -(CO)-O- bonds. The influence of the surface modification on growth of the rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells was investigated. The IAR-treated PS surfaces showed enhanced attachment and growth in PC12 cell culture test.

  7. A study on the morphology of polystyrene-grafted poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films prepared using a simultaneous radiation grafting method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Ju-Myung; Ko, Beom-Seok; Sohn, Joon-Yong; Nho, Young Chang; Shin, Junhwa

    2014-04-01

    The morphology of polystyrene-grafted poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films prepared using a simultaneous radiation grafting method was investigated using DMA, DSC, XRD, and SAXS instruments. The DMA study indicates that the ETFE amorphous phase and PS amorphous phase are mixed well in the PS-grafted ETFE films while the ETFE crystalline phase and the PS amorphous phase are separated, suggesting that the PS chains are grafted mainly on the ETFE amorphous regions. The DSC and XRD data showed that the natural crystalline structures of ETFE in the grafted ETFE films are not affected by the degree of grafting. The SAXS profiles displayed that the inter-crystalline distance of the ETFE films increases with an increasing degree of grafting, which further implies that the PS graft chains formed by the simultaneous irradiation has a significant impact on the amorphous morphology of the resulting grafted ETFE film. Thus, these results indicate that the styrene monomers are mainly grafted on the ETFE amorphous regions during the simultaneous radiation grafting process.

  8. Spectroscopic and antimicrobial studies of polystyrene films under air plasma and He-Ne laser treatment

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pawde, S. M.; Parab, Sanmesh S.

    2008-05-01

    Polystyrene (PS) films are used in packaging and biomedical applications because of their transparency and good environmental properties. The present investigation is centered on the antifungal and antibacterial activities involved in the film surface. Subsequently, microbial formations were immobilized on the modified PS films. Living microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast were used. Untreated PS films show very fast rate of growth of bacteria within few hours. The study involves developments of polymer surfaces with bacterial growth and further studies after giving antibacterial treatment such as plasma treatment. Major emphasis has been given to study the effect of various parameters which can affect the performance of the improved material. Films were prepared by two methods: plasma treatment under vacuum and under ongoing He-Ne laser source. The parameters such as (1) surface area by contact angle measurements, (2) quality of material before and after treatment by SEM and FTIR spectra and (3) material characterization by UV-vis spectra were studied. It was observed that plasma treatment of the PS material for different processing time improved the surface properties of PS films.

  9. Diblock copolymers of polystyrene- b-poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) exhibiting unique three-phase microdomain morphologies

    DOE PAGES

    Misichronis, Konstantinos; Chen, Jihua; Kahk, Jong K.; ...

    2016-03-29

    Here, the synthesis and molecular characterization of a series of conformationally asymmetric polystyrene-block-poly(1,3-cyclohexadiene) (PS- b-PCHD) diblock copolymers (PCHD: ~90% 1,4 and ~10% 1,2), by sequential anionic copolymerization high vacuum techniques, is reported. A wide range of volume fractions (0.27 ≤ Φ PS ≤ 0.91) was studied by transmission electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering in order to explore in detail the microphase separation behavior of these flexible/semiflexible diblock copolymers. Unusual morphologies, consisting of PCHD core(PCHD-1,4)–shell(PCHD-1,2) cylinders in PS matrix and three-phase (PS, PCHD-1,4, PCHD-1,2) four-layer lamellae, were observed suggesting that the chain stiffness of the PCHD block and the strongmore » dependence of the interaction parameter χ on the PCHD microstructures are important factors for the formation of this unusual microphase separation behavior in PS- b-PCHD diblock copolymers. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1564–1572« less

  10. Synthesis and characterization of grafting polystyrene from guar gum using atom transfer radical addition.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yang; Chen, Fu; Chen, Qi; He, Jie; Bu, Tao; He, Xuemei

    2017-11-15

    To broaden the application fields for guar gum, this natural polymer is often grafted to/from the surface to modify its properties. Polystyrene-guar gum (PS-guar gum) is successfully synthesized using atom transfer radical addition based n-BuBr(C 4 H 9 Br), Cu(I)Cl and N,N,N',N″,N‴-penthamethyldiethylenetriamine (C 9 H 23 N 3 ,PMDETA) as initiator, electronating agent and ligand respectively in an inert atmosphere. The graft copolymer is characterized by FT-IR, 1 H NMR, XRD and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that styrene is successfully introduced onto guar gum and particles of PS-guar gum adopt a disordered morphology with diameters of 100nm, and PS-guar gum are largely amorphous with poor crystallinity. Besides, add on shows an increasing trend on increasing the concentration of PS. Swelling behavior, hydrophobicity and thermal stability of PS-guar gum indicate that PS-guar gum has great thickening capacity and thermal stability. Nevertheless, modification of guar gum via ATRA truly is convenient to industrial production since facilitating the manufacturing process. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  11. Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes with Phosphorus- and Nitrogen-Containing Agents: Effective Reinforcer for Thermal, Mechanical, and Flame-Retardant Properties of Polystyrene Nanocomposites.

    PubMed

    Xing, Weiyi; Yang, Wei; Yang, Wenjie; Hu, Qihang; Si, Jingyu; Lu, Hongdian; Yang, Benhong; Song, Lei; Hu, Yuan; Yuen, Richard K K

    2016-10-05

    Aminated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (A-MWCNT) were reacted with diphenylphosphinic chloride (DPP-Cl) to prepare the functionalized MWCNT (DPPA-MWCNT). A-MWCNT and DPPA-MWCNT were respectively mixed with polystyrene (PS) to obtain composites through the melt compounding method. SEM observations demonstrated that the DPPA-MWCNT nanofillers were more uniformly distributed within the PS matrix than A-MWCNT. PS/DPPA-MWCNT showed improved thermal stability, glass transition temperature, and tensile strength in comparison with PS/A-MWCNT, resulting from good dispersion and interfacial interactions between DPPA-MWCNT and PS matrix. The incorporation of DPPA-MWCNT to PS significantly reduced peak heat release rate, smoke production rate, and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide release in cone calorimeter tests. The enhanced fire-retardant properties should be ascribed to the barrier effect of carbon nanotubes, which could provide enough time for DPPA-MWCNT and its functionalized groups to trap the degrading polymer radicals to catalyze char formation. The char layer served as an efficient insulating barrier to reduce the exposure of polymer matrix to an external heat source as well as retarding the flammable gases from feeding the flame.

  12. Coarse-grained simulations of polyelectrolyte complexes: MARTINI models for poly(styrene sulfonate) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium)

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vögele, Martin; Department of Theoretical Biophysics, Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt a. M.; Holm, Christian

    2015-12-28

    We present simulations of aqueous polyelectrolyte complexes with new MARTINI models for the charged polymers poly(styrene sulfonate) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium). Our coarse-grained polyelectrolyte models allow us to study large length and long time scales with regard to chemical details and thermodynamic properties. The results are compared to the outcomes of previous atomistic molecular dynamics simulations and verify that electrostatic properties are reproduced by our MARTINI coarse-grained approach with reasonable accuracy. Structural similarity between the atomistic and the coarse-grained results is indicated by a comparison between the pair radial distribution functions and the cumulative number of surrounding particles. Our coarse-grained models aremore » able to quantitatively reproduce previous findings like the correct charge compensation mechanism and a reduced dielectric constant of water. These results can be interpreted as the underlying reason for the stability of polyelectrolyte multilayers and complexes and validate the robustness of the proposed models.« less

  13. Recovery of acetic acid from dilute aqueous solutions using catalytic dehydrative esterification with ethanol.

    PubMed

    Yagyu, Daisuke; Ohishi, Tetsuo; Igarashi, Takeshi; Okumura, Yoshikuni; Nakajo, Tetsuo; Mori, Yuichiro; Kobayashi, Shū

    2013-03-01

    We have developed a direct esterification of aqueous acetic acid with ethanol (molar ratio=1:1) catalyzed by polystyrene-supported or homogeneous sulfonic acids toward the recovery of acetic acid from wastewater in chemical plants. The equilibrium yield was significantly increased by the addition of toluene, which had a high ability to extract ethyl acetate from the aqueous phase. It was shown that low-loading and alkylated polystyrene-supported sulfonic acid efficiently accelerated the reaction. These results suggest that the construction of hydrophobic reaction environments in water was critical in improving the chemical yield. Addition of inorganic salts was also effective for the reaction under not only biphasic conditions (toluene-water) but also toluene-free conditions, because the mutual solubility of ethyl acetate and water was suppressed by the salting-out effect. Among the tested salts, CaCl(2) was found to be the most suitable for this reaction system. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Effects of water soaking and/or sodium polystyrene sulfonate addition on potassium content of foods.

    PubMed

    Picq, Christian; Asplanato, Marion; Bernillon, Noémie; Fabre, Claudie; Roubeix, Mathilde; Ricort, Jean-Marc

    2014-09-01

    In this study, we determined, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the potassium amount leached by soaking or boiling foods identified by children suffering from chronic renal failure as "pleasure food" and that they cannot eat because of their low-potassium diet, and evaluated whether addition of sodium polystyrene sulfonate resin (i.e. Kayexalate®) during soaking or boiling modulated potassium loss. A significant amount of potassium content was removed by soaking (16% for chocolate and potato, 26% for apple, 37% for tomato and 41% for banana) or boiling in a large amount of water (73% for potato). Although Kayexalate® efficiently dose-dependently removed potassium from drinks (by 48% to 73%), resin addition during soaking or boiling did not eliminate more potassium from solid foods. Our results therefore provide useful information for dietitians who elaborate menus for people on potassium-restricted diets and would give an interesting alternative to the systematic elimination of all potassium-rich foods from their diet.

  15. Cluster Morphology-Polymer Dynamics Correlations in Sulfonated Polystyrene Melts: Computational Study

    DOE PAGES

    Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora; Grest, Gary S.

    2016-04-11

    Reaching exceptionally long times up to 500 ns in equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations studies, we have attained a fundamental molecular understanding of the correlation of ionomer clusters structure and multiscale dynamics, providing new insight into one critical, long-standing challenge in ionic polymer physics. The cluster structure in melts of sulfonated polystyrene with Na + and Mg 2+ counterions are resolved and correlated with the dynamics on multiple length and time scales extracted from measurements of the dynamic structure factor and shear rheology. We find that as the morphology of the ionic clusters changes from ladderlike for Na +more » to disordered structures for Mg 2+, the dynamic structure factor is affected on the length scale corresponding to the ionic clusters. Lastly, rheology studies show that the viscosity for Mg 2+ melts is higher than for Na + ones for all shear rates, which is well correlated with the larger ionic clusters’ size for the Mg 2+ melts.« less

  16. Directed Self-Assembly of Polystyrene- b -poly(propylene carbonate) on Chemical Patterns via Thermal Annealing for Next Generation Lithography

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Yang, Guan-Wen; Wu, Guang-Peng; Chen, Xuanxuan

    2017-01-23

    Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCPs) combines advantages of conventional photolithography and polymeric materials and shows competence in semiconductors and data storage applications. Driven by the more integrated, much smaller and higher performance of the electronics, however, the industry standard polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMM.A) in DSA strategy cannot meet the rapid development of lithography technology because its intrinsic limited Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (chi). Despite hundreds of block copolymers have been developed, these BCPs systems are usually subject to a trade-off between high chi and thermal treatment, resulting in incompatibility with the current nanomanufacturing fab processes. Here we discover that polystyrene-b-poly(propylenemore » carbonate) (PS-b-PPC) is well qualified to fill key positions on DSA strategy for the next-generation lithography. The estimated chi-value for PS-b-PPC is 0.079, that is, two times greater than PS-b-PMMA (chi = 0.029 at 150 degrees C), while processing the ability to form perpendicular sub-10 nm morphologies (cylinder and lamellae) via the industry preferred thermal-treatment. DSA of lamellae forming PS-b-PPC on chemoepitaxial density multiplication demonstrates successful sub-10 nm long-range order features on large-area patterning for nanofabrication. Pattern transfer to the silicon substrate through industrial sequential infiltration synthesis is also implemented successfully. Compared with the previously reported methods to orientation control BCPs with high chi-value (including solvent annealing, neutral top-coats, and chemical modification), the easy preparation, high chi value, and etch selectivity while enduring thermal treatment demonstrates PS-b-PPC as a rare and valuable candidate for advancing the field of nanolithography.« less

  17. Polystyrene/Fe3O4 magnetic emulsion and nanocomposite prepared by ultrasonically initiated miniemulsion polymerization.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Guihua; Wang, Qi; Wang, Chao; Lau, Willie; Guo, Yili

    2007-01-01

    Ultrasonically initiated miniemulsion polymerization of styrene in the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles was successfully employed to prepare polystyrene (PS)/Fe3O4 magnetic emulsion and nanocomposite. The effects of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on miniemulsion polymerization process, the structure, morphology and properties of PS/Fe3O4 nanocomposite were investigated. The increase in the amount of Fe3O4 nanoparticles drastically increases the polymerization rate due to that Fe3O4 nanoparticles increase the number of radicals and the cavitation bubbles. Polymerization kinetics of ultrasonically initiated miniemulsion polymerization is similar to that of conventional miniemulsion polymerization. PS/Fe3O4 magnetic emulsion consists of two types of particles: latex particles with Fe3O4 nanoparticles and latex particles with no encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Fe3O4 nanoparticles lower the molecular weight of PS and broaden the molecular weight and particle size distribution. Thermal stability of PS/Fe3O4 nanocomposite increases with the increase in Fe3O4 content. PS/Fe3O4 emulsion and nanocomposite exhibit magnetic properties. PS/Fe3O4 magnetic particles can be separated from the magnetic emulsion by an external magnetic field and redispersed into the emulsion with agitation.

  18. Qualitative assessment to determine internal and external factors influencing the origin of styrene oligomers pollution by polystyrene plastic in coastal marine environments.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Bum Gun; Chung, Seon-Yong; Park, Seung-Shik; Saido, Katsuhiko

    2018-03-01

    The objective of this study is to investigate the qualitative contribution of internal and external factors of the area contaminated by polystyrene (PS) in coastal marine environments. This study is based on the extensive results of monitoring the styrene oligomers (SOs) present in sand and seawater samples along various coastlines of the Pacific Ocean. Here, anthropogenic SOs is derived from PS during manufacture and use, and can provide clues about the origin of SOs by PS pollution. The monitoring results showed that, if the concentration of SOs in water is higher than those concentrations in beach sand, this area could be affected by PS plastic caused by an external factor. On the other hand, if the concentration of SOs is higher in the beach sand, the region can be mainly influenced by PS plastic derived from its own area. Unlike the case of an external factor, in this case (internal influence), it is possible to take policy measures of the area itself for the PS plastic problem. Thus, this study is motivated by the need of policy measures to establish a specific alternative to the problems of PS plastic pollution in ocean environments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Roles of Segmental and Oligomeric Diffusion on the Gel Effect in Free Radical Polymerization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wisnudel, M. B.; Torkelson, J. M.

    1996-03-01

    Termination between radicals has been simulated by phosphorescence quenching, showing strong roles for segmental and oligomeric radical self-diffusion in the origin of the gel effect. Quenching rate constants (k_q) were measured between benzil-terminated polymer as a function of anthracene-terminated polymer in polymer solutions. In dilute solution, interactions between 10k or 73k MW benzil-terminated polystyrene (PS- B) and anthracence-terminated polystyrene (PS-A) of varying MW, the MW effect is weaker than the Smoluchowski eq. prediction (kq MW^- 0.5). At higher concentration, interactions of PS-B and PS-A of like MW show only weak dependence of kq on MW and a concentration dependence similar to that of segmental mobility, indicating that segmental diffusion is important in termination. Finally, with interactions between 73k MW PS-B and PS-A of varying MW at 35 wt% PS, kq decreases by a factor of 10 in going from MW's of 100 to 1000 g/mol; beyond 1000 g/mol, kq is MW independent. Such effects cannot be explained by polymer-radical self-diffusion. However, they support the notion that the gel effect onset is associated with the concentration dependence of oligomeric radical self-diffusion and polymer radical chain-end segmental mobility.

  20. Polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers as templates for stacked, spherical large-mesopore silica coatings: dependence of silica pore size on the PS/PEO ratio

    PubMed Central

    Magnacca, Giuliana; Jadhav, Sushilkumar A; Scalarone, Dominique

    2016-01-01

    Summary Large-mesopore silica films with a narrow pore size distribution and high porosity have been obtained by a sol–gel reaction of a silicon oxide precursor (TEOS) and using polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) copolymers as templates in an acidic environment. PS-b-PEO copolymers with different molecular weight and composition have been studied in order to assess the effects of the block length on the pore size of the templated silica films. The changes in the morphology of the porous systems have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy and a systematic analysis has been carried out, evidencing the dependence between the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio of the two polymer blocks and the size of the final silica pores. The obtained results prove that by tuning the PS/PEO ratio, the pore size of the templated silica films can be easily and finely predicted. PMID:27826520

  1. Au-coated 3-D nanoporous titania layer prepared using polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) block copolymer nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Shin, Won-Jeong; Basarir, Fevzihan; Yoon, Tae-Ho; Lee, Jae-Suk

    2009-04-09

    New nanoporous structures of Au-coated titania layers were prepared by using amphiphilic block copolymer nanoparticles as a template. A 3-D template composed of self-assembled quaternized polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (Q-PS-b-P2VP) block copolymer nanoparticles below 100 nm was prepared. The core-shell-type nanoparticles were well ordered three-dimensionally using the vertical immersion method on the substrate. The polar solvents were added to the polymer solution to prevent particle merging at 40 degrees C when considering the interaction between polymer nanoparticles and solvents. Furthermore, Au-coated PS-b-P2VP nanoparticles were prepared using thiol-capped Au nanoparticles (3 nm). The 3-D arrays with Au-coated PS-b-P2VP nanoparticles as a template contributed to the preparation of the nanoporous Au-coated titania layer. Therefore, the nanoporous Au-coated titania layer was fabricated by removing PS-b-P2VP block copolymer nanoparticles by oxygen plasma etching.

  2. Size-Dependent Regulation of Intracellular Trafficking of Polystyrene Nanoparticle-Based Drug-Delivery Systems.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ting; Wang, Lu; Li, Xiaoming; Hu, Xingjie; Han, Yuping; Luo, Yao; Wang, Zejun; Li, Qian; Aldalbahi, Ali; Wang, Lihua; Song, Shiping; Fan, Chunhai; Zhao, Yun; Wang, Maolin; Chen, Nan

    2017-06-07

    Nanoparticles (NPs) have shown great promise as intracellular imaging probes or nanocarriers and are increasingly being used in biomedical applications. A detailed understanding of how NPs get "in and out" of cells is important for developing new nanomaterials with improved selectivity and less cytotoxicity. Both physical and chemical characteristics have been proven to regulate the cellular uptake of NPs. However, the exocytosis process and its regulation are less explored. Herein, we investigated the size-regulated endocytosis and exocytosis of carboxylated polystyrene (PS) NPs. PS NPs with a smaller size were endocytosed mainly through the clathrin-dependent pathway, whereas PS NPs with a larger size preferred caveolae-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, our results revealed exocytosis of larger PS NPs and tracked the dynamic process at the single-particle level. These results indicate that particle size is a key factor for the regulation of intracellular trafficking of NPs and provide new insight into the development of more effective cellular nanocarriers.

  3. Synthesis of selenium nano-composite (t-Se@PS) by surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization.

    PubMed

    Wang, Michael C P; Gates, Byron D

    2012-09-04

    Selenium nanostructures, which are otherwise susceptible to oxidative damage, were encapsulated with a thin layer of polystyrene. The thin layer of polystyrene was grafted onto the surfaces of selenium by a surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization reaction. These encapsulated nanostructures demonstrate an enhanced resistance towards corrosion.

  4. Using the sessile drop geometry to measure fluid and elastic block copolymer interfaces.

    PubMed

    Rozairo, Damith P; Croll, Andrew B

    2015-02-03

    There is considerable interest in the fabrication and mechanics of soft spheres and capsules because of their use in a large number of applications ranging from targeted drug delivery to cosmetically active agents. Many systems, such as lipid and block copolymer vesicles, are already finding considerable industrial use where the performance of soft spheres depends intimately on their mechanics. New advanced features such as fast cargo delivery can be realized only if they fit into the existing mechanical niche of the system in question. Here we present a model system to demonstrate how a capsule structure can be fundamentally changed while maintaining its overall mechanical response as well as a simple, universal method to measure the resulting capsule material properties. Specifically, we use confocal microscopy to adapt the sessile drop geometry to a measurement of the static properties of an ensemble of polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-PEO)-stabilized oil droplets. We then synthesize a polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid)-b-polystyrene (PS-PAA-PS) elastic-shell-coated emulsion drop that shows an identical deformation to the fluidlike PS-PEO droplets. Both systems, in sessile geometry, can be related to their basic material properties through appropriate modeling. We find that the elastic shell is dominated by its surface tension, easily enabling it to match the static response of a purely fluid drop.

  5. Methods for functionalization of microsized polystyrene beads with titania nanoparticles for cathodic electrophoretic deposition.

    PubMed

    Radice, S; Kern, P; Dietsch, H; Mischler, S; Michler, J

    2008-02-15

    Functionalization of colloidal particles based on the use of polyelectrolytes and heterocoagulation was combined with electrophoretic deposition (EPD), with the aim of depositing titania-polystyrene (TiO(2)-PS) composite particles on Ti6Al4V substrates. The composite particles were obtained by heterocoagulation of TiO(2) nanoparticles on the surface of monosized polystyrene beads of 4.6 microm in diameter. Two alternative methods were developed for the preparation of the TiO(2)-PS suspensions in organic fluids for cathodic electrodeposition. The first method was carried out in alkaline aqueous medium with the use of polyelectrolytes and intermediate control measurements of zeta potential, conductivity, and pH; the second one was carried out directly in the organic solvent used for EPD, typically isopropanol. Examples of deposits obtained by EPD in both suspensions and a comparative analysis between the two methods are presented.

  6. Direct measurement of optical trapping force gradient on polystyrene microspheres using a carbon nanotube mechanical resonator.

    PubMed

    Yasuda, Masaaki; Takei, Kuniharu; Arie, Takayuki; Akita, Seiji

    2017-06-06

    Optical tweezers based on optical radiation pressure are widely used to manipulate nanoscale to microscale particles. This study demonstrates direct measurement of the optical force gradient distribution acting on a polystyrene (PS) microsphere using a carbon nanotube (CNT) mechanical resonator, where a PS microsphere with 3 μm diameter is welded at the CNT tip using laser heating. With the CNT mechanical resonator with PS microsphere, we measured the distribution of optical force gradient with resolution near the thermal noise limit of 0.02 pN/μm in vacuum, in which condition enables us to high accuracy measurement using the CNT mechanical resonator because of reduced mechanical damping from surrounding fluid. The obtained force gradient and the force gradient distribution agree well with theoretical values calculated using Lorenz-Mie theory.

  7. Biocidal action of ozone-treated polystyrene surfaces on vegetative and sporulated bacteria

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mahfoudh, Ahlem; Barbeau, Jean; Moisan, Michel; Leduc, Annie; Séguin, Jacynthe

    2010-03-01

    Surfaces of materials can be modified to ensure specific interaction features with microorganisms. The current work discloses biocidal properties of polystyrene (PS) Petri-dish surfaces that have been exposed to a dry gaseous-ozone flow. Such treated PS surfaces are able to inactivate various species of vegetative and sporulated bacteria on a relatively short contact time. Denaturation of proteins seems likely based on a significant loss of enzymatic activity of the lysozyme protein. Characterization of these surfaces by atomic-force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals specific structural and chemical modifications as compared to untreated PS. Persistence of the biocidal properties of these treated surfaces is observed. This ozone-induced process is technically simple to achieve and does not require active precursors as in grafting.

  8. Acid-Base Interactions of Polystyrene Sulfonic Acid in Amorphous Solid Dispersions Using a Combined UV/FTIR/XPS/ssNMR Study.

    PubMed

    Song, Yang; Zemlyanov, Dmitry; Chen, Xin; Nie, Haichen; Su, Ziyang; Fang, Ke; Yang, Xinghao; Smith, Daniel; Byrn, Stephen; Lubach, Joseph W

    2016-02-01

    This study investigates the potential drug-excipient interactions of polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) and two weakly basic anticancer drugs, lapatinib (LB) and gefitinib (GB), in amorphous solid dispersions. Based on the strong acidity of the sulfonic acid functional group, PSSA was hypothesized to exhibit specific intermolecular acid-base interactions with both model basic drugs. Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy identified red shifts, which correlated well with the color change observed in lapatinib-PSSA solutions. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra suggest the protonation of the quinazoline nitrogen atom in both model compounds, which agrees well with data from the crystalline ditosylate salt of lapatinib. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) detected increases in binding energy of the basic nitrogen atoms in both lapatinib and gefitinib, strongly indicating protonation of these nitrogen atoms. (15)N solid-state NMR spectroscopy provided direct spectroscopic evidence for protonation of the quinazoline nitrogen atoms in both LB and GB, as well as the secondary amine nitrogen atom in LB and the tertiary amine nitrogen atom in GB. The observed chemical shifts in the LB-PSSA (15)N spectrum also agree very well with the lapatinib ditosylate salt where proton transfer is known. Additionally, the dissolution and physical stability behaviors of both amorphous solid dispersions were examined. PSSA was found to significantly improve the dissolution of LB and GB and effectively inhibit the crystallization of LB and GB under accelerated storage conditions due to the beneficial strong intermolecular acid-base interaction between the sulfonic acid groups and basic nitrogen centers.

  9. Some possible reference materials for fire toxicity tests

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hilado, C. J.; Solis, A. N.

    1977-01-01

    Suitable reference materials need to be selected in order to standardize any test method. The evaluation of cotton, polyethylene, polyether sulfone, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and polyurethane flexible and rigid foams as possible reference materials for the University of San Francisco/NASA toxicity screening test method is discussed.

  10. Distinct Thermophysical and Interfacial Properties Associated with Low Molecular Weight Cyclic Polystyrene in Bulk and Confined States: Tg and Fragility

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Lanhe; Elupula, Ravinder; Grayson, Scott; Torkelson, John

    Cyclic or ring polymers represent an exciting class of topologically distinctive polymers. The influence of ``end-to-end'' tethering and the unusual conformational properties associated with cyclic topologies have led to polymer dynamics significantly different from the linear counterpart. Bulk cyclic polystyrene (c-PS) exhibits very weak Tg- and fragility-molecular weight (MW) dependences compared to linear PS. In stark contrast to the substantial Tg-confinement effects in linear PS, a nearly completely suppressed confinement effect is discovered in low MW c-PS. The cyclic topology strongly restricts polymer-substrate interactions. Therefore, the near elimination of the Tg-confinement effect in c-PS originates mainly from a very weak perturbation to Tg near the free surface. Upon nanoscale confinement, linear PS films have been shown to have significantly reduced fragility compared to bulk. Despite having similar bulk fragility as high MW linear PS, low MW c-PS films show major suppression in fragility reduction with decreasing thickness. Due to a lack of chain ends, properties associated with the ring structure are not prone to be perturbed by either MW reduction or confinement. This result indicates a strong correlation between the susceptibility of fragility perturbation and the susceptibility of Tg perturbation, caused by chain topology and/or by confinement. This work was supported by The Dow Chemical Company, a McCormick School of Engineering Fellowship, and the NSF.

  11. Epidermal Growth Factor Enhances Cellular Uptake of Polystyrene Nanoparticles by Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis

    PubMed Central

    Phuc, Le Thi Minh; Taniguchi, Akiyoshi

    2017-01-01

    The interaction between nanoparticles and cells has been studied extensively, but most research has focused on the effect of various nanoparticle characteristics, such as size, morphology, and surface charge, on the cellular uptake of nanoparticles. In contrast, there have been very few studies to assess the influence of cellular factors, such as growth factor responses, on the cellular uptake efficiency of nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the uptake efficiency of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) by A431 cells, a human carcinoma epithelial cell line. The results showed that EGF enhanced the uptake efficiency of A431 cells for PS NPs. In addition, inhibition and localization studies of PS NPs and EGF receptors (EGFRs) indicated that cellular uptake of PS NPs is related to the binding of EGF–EGFR complex and PS NPs. Different pathways are used to enter the cells depending on the presence or absence of EGF. In the presence of EGF, cellular uptake of PS NPs is via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, whereas, in the absence of EGF, uptake of PS NPs does not involve clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our findings indicate that EGF enhances cellular uptake of PS NPs by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This result could be important for developing safe nanoparticles and their safe use in medical applications. PMID:28629179

  12. Ammonia modification for flotation separation of polycarbonate and polystyrene waste plastics.

    PubMed

    Wang, Chong-Qing; Wang, Hui; Gu, Guo-Hua; Lin, Qing-Quan; Zhang, Ling-Ling; Huang, Luo-Luo; Zhao, Jun-Yao

    2016-05-01

    A promising method, ammonia modification, was developed for flotation separation of polycarbonate (PC) and polystyrene (PS) waste plastics. Ammonia modification has little effect on flotation behavior of PS, while it changes significantly that of PC. The PC recovery in the floated product drops from 100% to 3.17% when modification time is 13min and then rises to 100% after longer modification. The mechanism of ammonia modification was studied by contact angle, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Contact angle of PC indicates the decline of PC recovery in the floated product is ascribed to an increase in surface wettability. FT-IR and XPS spectra suggest that ammonia modification causes chemical reactions occurred on PC surface. Flotation behavior of ammonia-modified PC and PS was investigated with respect to flotation time, frother concentration and particle sizes. Flotation separation of PC and PS waste plastics was conducted based on the flotation behavior of single plastic. PC and PS mixtures with different particle sizes are separated efficiently, implying that the technology possesses superior applicability to particle sizes of plastics. The purity of PS and PC is up to 99.53% and 98.21%, respectively, and the recovery of PS and PC is larger than 92.06%. A reliable, cheap and effective process is proposed for separation of PC and PS waste plastics. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Epidermal Growth Factor Enhances Cellular Uptake of Polystyrene Nanoparticles by Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis.

    PubMed

    Phuc, Le Thi Minh; Taniguchi, Akiyoshi

    2017-06-19

    The interaction between nanoparticles and cells has been studied extensively, but most research has focused on the effect of various nanoparticle characteristics, such as size, morphology, and surface charge, on the cellular uptake of nanoparticles. In contrast, there have been very few studies to assess the influence of cellular factors, such as growth factor responses, on the cellular uptake efficiency of nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the uptake efficiency of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) by A431 cells, a human carcinoma epithelial cell line. The results showed that EGF enhanced the uptake efficiency of A431 cells for PS NPs. In addition, inhibition and localization studies of PS NPs and EGF receptors (EGFRs) indicated that cellular uptake of PS NPs is related to the binding of EGF-EGFR complex and PS NPs. Different pathways are used to enter the cells depending on the presence or absence of EGF. In the presence of EGF, cellular uptake of PS NPs is via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, whereas, in the absence of EGF, uptake of PS NPs does not involve clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our findings indicate that EGF enhances cellular uptake of PS NPs by clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This result could be important for developing safe nanoparticles and their safe use in medical applications.

  14. Effect of field cooling heights on the levitation force of pure and starch/polystyrene/MWCNT added bulk MgB2 superconductors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tripathi, D.; Dey, T. K.

    2014-12-01

    A series of MgB2 pellets with and without addition of carbon from different sources (viz. starch, polystyrene and carbon nanotubes) have been synthesized by solid state reaction under argon atmosphere. XRD analysis indicates a decrease in lattice parameters of MgB2 with addition of starch, polystyrene (PS) and MWCNT and confirms substitution of carbon in boron sites. The presence of nanosized carbon inclusions between the grain boundaries in the present set of samples is evident in TEM photographs. Resistivity data confirms a decrease in superconducting transition temperature (Tc0) for MgB2 doped with starch/PS/MWCNT. The effect of different field cooling heights (HIFC) at 20 K on maximum levitation force (FMLF) and maximum attractive force (FMAF) of pure MgB2 and MgB2 doped with starch/PS/MWCNT have been investigated. Except for MWCNT, doping of starch and PS in MgB2 is found to improve FMLF and FMAF and the best result is obtained for MgB2 doped with 1 wt.% PS. Levitation force measured as a function of decreasing initial field cooling height indicates exponential dependence of both maximum levitation force (FMLF) and maximum attractive force (FMAF). However, the gap distance between PM and the sample (H0AF and HMAF) corresponding to maximum attractive force (FMAF) and zero attractive force (F0AF) varies linearly and their difference remains constant. This constancy in (HMAF - H0AF) is understood in terms of constant reduction rate of magnetic flux density between H0AF and HMAF.

  15. Directed Self-Assembly of Poly(2-vinylpyridine)-b-polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) Triblock Copolymer with Sub-15 nm Spacing Line Patterns Using a Nanoimprinted Photoresist Template.

    PubMed

    Sun, Zhiwei; Chen, Zhenbin; Zhang, Wenxu; Choi, Jaewon; Huang, Caili; Jeong, Gajin; Coughlin, E Bryan; Hsu, Yautzong; Yang, XiaoMin; Lee, Kim Y; Kuo, David S; Xiao, Shuaigang; Russell, Thomas P

    2015-08-05

    Low molecular weight P2VP-b-PS-b-P2VP triblock copolymer (poly(2-vinlypyridine)-block-polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine)] is doped with copper chloride and microphase separated into lamellar line patterns with ultrahigh area density. Salt-doped P2VP-b-PS-b-P2VP triblock copolymer is self-assembled on the top of the nanoimprinted photoresist template, and metallic nanowires with long-range ordering are prepared with platinum-salt infiltration and plasma etching. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  16. Fabrication of polystyrene/gold nanotubes and nanostructure-controlled growth of aluminate.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Haifeng; Ai, Sufen; He, Qiang; Cui, Yue; Li, Junbai

    2007-07-01

    Direct adsorption of gold nanoparticles in the inner of alumina template and following immersion of polystyrene (PS) dichloromethane solution in the template resulted in the fabrication of composite nanotubes of PS and gold nanoparticles. Several methods have been used to characterize the tubular structure. Nanostructured sodium aluminates were formed when the anodic alumina oxide membrane was dissolved by the sodium hydroxide. A "flower" shape was found after etching the template while the synthesis process was recorded as function of a time. The results demonstrate that the shape and size of the aluminates nanostructure can be controlled by etching time and the pore diameter of the alumina membrane.

  17. Loading and release mechanisms of a biocide in polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid) block copolymer micelles.

    PubMed

    Vyhnalkova, Renata; Eisenberg, Adi; van de Ven, Theo G M

    2008-07-24

    The kinetics of loading of polystyrene197-block-poly(acrylic acid)47 (PS197-b-PAA47) micelles, suspended in water, with thiocyanomethylthiobenzothiazole biocide and its subsequent release were investigated. Loading of the micelles was found to be a two-step process. First, the surface of the PS core of the micelles is saturated with biocide, with a rate determined by the transfer of solid biocide to micelles during transient micelle-biocide contacts. Next, the biocide penetrates as a front into the micelles, lowering the Tg in the process (non-Fickian case II diffusion). The slow rate of release is governed by the height of the energy barrier that a biocide molecule must overcome to pass from PS into water, resulting in a uniform biocide concentration within the micelle, until Tg is increased to the point that diffusion inside the micelles becomes very slow. Maximum loading of biocide into micelles is approximately 30% (w/w) and is achieved in 1 h. From partition experiments, it can be concluded that the biocide has a similar preference for polystyrene as for ethylbenzene over water, implying that the maximum loading is governed by thermodynamics.

  18. Tuning the dynamic range and sensitivity of optical oxygen-sensors by employing differently substituted polystyrene-derivatives

    PubMed Central

    Koren, Klaus; Hutter, Lukas; Enko, Barbara; Pein, Andreas; Borisov, Sergey M.; Klimant, Ingo

    2013-01-01

    Ten different polystyrene-derivatives were tested with respect to their potential use as matrix materials for optical oxygen sensors in combination with the platinum(II) meso-tetra(4-fluorophenyl)tetrabenzoporphyrin as indicator dye. Either halogen atoms or bulky residues were introduced as substituents on the phenyl ring. A fine-tuning of the sensor sensitivity was achieved, without compromising solubility of the indicator in the matrix by providing a chemical environment very similar to polystyrene (PS), a standard matrix in optical oxygen sensors. To put the results into perspective, the studied materials were compared to PS regarding sensitivity of the sensor, molecular weight and glass-transition temperature. The materials promise to be viable alternatives to PS with respect to the requirements posed in various sensor application fields. Some of the polymers (e.g. poly(2,6-dichlorostyrene)) promise to be of use in applications requiring measurements from 0 to 100% oxygen due to linearity across this range. Poly(4-tert-butylstyrene) and poly(2,6-fluorostyrene), on the other hand, yield sensors with increased sensitivity. Sensor stability was evaluated as a function of the matrix, a topic which has not received a lot of interest so far. PMID:23576846

  19. Immobilization of sericin molecules via amorphous carbon plasma modified-polystyrene dish for serum-free culture

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tunma, Somruthai; Song, Doo-Hoon; Kim, Si-Eun; Kim, Kyoung-Nam; Han, Jeon-Geon; Boonyawan, Dheerawan

    2013-10-01

    In this study, we focused on sericin hydrolysates, originating from silkworm used in serum-free human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs) culture. We reported the effect of a covalent linkage between a bioactive protein molecule and polystyrene dish surface via a carbon intermediate layer which can slow down the release rate of protein compounds into the phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution. Films of amorphous carbon (a-C) and functionalized-carbon were deposited on PS culture dish surfaces by using a DC magnetron sputtering system and RF PECVD system. We found that a-C based-films can increase the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of polystyrene (PS) dishes, especially a-C films and a-C:N2 films showed good attachment of hBM-MSCs at 24 h. However, in the case of silica surface (a-C:SiOx films), the cells showed a ragged and unattached boundary resulting from the presence of surface silanol groups. For the UV-vis absorbance, all carbon modified-PS dishes showed a lower release rate of sericin molecules into PBS solution than PS control. This revealed that the functionalized carbon could be enhanced by specific binding properties with given molecules. The carbon-coated PS dishes grafting with sericin protein were used in a serum-free condition. We also found that hBM-MSCs have higher percentage of proliferated cells at day 7 for the modified dishes with carbon films and coated with sericin than the PS control coated with sericin. The physical film properties were measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and contact angle measurement. The presence of sbnd NH2 groups of sericin compounds on the PS dish was revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stability of covalent bonds of sericin molecules after washing out ungrafted sericin was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

  20. Gas Barrier Behavior of Polystyrene-Clay Nanocomposites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nazarenko, Sergei; Meneghetti, Paulo; Photinon, Kanokorn; Qutubuddin, Syed

    2004-03-01

    Polystyrene (PS)/clay nanocomposites were synthesized via in-situ polymerization using montmorillonite functionalized with a zwitterionic surfactant, octadecyldimethyl betaine (C18DMB), or with a polymerizable cationic surfactant, vinylbenzyldimethyldodecylammonium chloride (VDAC). The co-polymerization of VDAC with the styrene monomer resulted in exfoliated nanocomposites for PS/VDAC as characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD) while intercalated structure was observed for PS/C18DMB. Oxygen barrier of PS/clay nanocomposites were studied and compared with conventional PS composite of untreated MMT. The improvement of oxygen barrier was more significant for intercalated than for exfoliated system. Nielsen model, which assumes that the filler particles are dispersed uniformly in the polymer, was applied to the data. The aspect ratio determined from the model was 43 for PS/C18DMB, nearly four times higher than for PS/VDAC. These results appear contradictory to the morphology characterized by XRD since for exfoliated nanocomposite the aspect ratio ideally would be around 100 or 200. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) was used to explain and correlate the actual nano-structural morphology to the barrier performance. In the case of PS/C18DMB, some of the clay layers form a staircase-like arrangement resulting in a high aspect ratio which creates a more tortuous path for the gas diffusing molecule to transverse the nanocomposite film. For PS/VDAC, the nano-layers were dispersed individually but arranged themselves in domains of low aspect ratio reducing the tortuosity effect.

  1. GREENER AND RAPID ACCESS TO BIO-ACTIVE HETEROCYCLES: ROOM TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS OF PYRAZOLES AND DIAZEPINES IN AQUEOUS MEDIUM

    EPA Science Inventory

    An expeditious room temperature synthesis of pyrazoles and diazepines by condensation of hydrazines/hydrazides and diamines with various 1,3-diketones is described. This greener protocol was catalyzed by polystyrene supported sulfonic acid (PSSA) and proceeded efficiently in wate...

  2. Effect of heating rate on toxicity of pyrolysis gases from some synthetic polymers

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Hilado, C. J.; Soriano, J. A.; Kosola, K. L.

    1977-01-01

    The effect of heating rate on the toxicity of the pyrolysis gases from some synthetic polymers was investigate, using a screening test method. The synthetic polymers were polyethylene, polystyrene, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate, ABS, polyaryl sulfone, polyether sulfone, and polyphenylene sulfide. The toxicants from the sulfur-containing polymers appeared to act more rapidly than the toxicants from the other polymers. It is not known whether this effect is due primarily to differences in concentration or in the nature of the toxicants. The carbon monoxide concentrations found do not account for the observed results.

  3. The effectiveness of the biodegradation of raw and processed polystyrene by mealworms

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leluk, Karol; Hanus-Lorenz, Beata; Rybak, Justyna; Bożek, Magdalena

    2017-11-01

    In our studies biodegradation of four variants of polystyrene was performed. We tested: raw material (PS), processed polystyrene (PSr), building insulation material (EPS) and food packaging boxes (PSp). Materials were characterized by means melt flow ratio (MFR), shore hardness and gloss. The biochemical assessment of macromolecules (proteins, lipids and sugars) in the mealworms organisms fed with tested forms of polystyrene allowed us to set how efficient and beneficial the biodegradation of types of polystyrene is. We also evaluated the variability of bacterial community in larval guts by the use of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) on the bacterial DNA of 16S rRNA genes amplified in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The results suggest that EPS and PSp polystyrene are the most digestible for T. molitor larvae. The metabolic degradation of polystyrene is probably strictly connected with the changes in biodiversity of gut bacteria.

  4. Coarse graining of atactic polystyrene and its derivatives

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora; Grest, Gary S.

    2014-03-01

    Capturing large length scales in polymers and soft matter while retaining atomistic properties is imperative to computational studies of dynamic systems. Here we present a new methodology developing coarse-grain model based on atomistic simulation of atactic polystyrene (PS). Similar to previous work by Fritz et al., each monomer is described by two coarse grained beads. In contrast to this earlier work where intramolecular potentials were based on Monte Carlo simulation of both isotactic and syndiotactic single PS molecule to capture stereochemistry, we obtained intramolecular interactions from a single molecular dynamics simulation of an all-atom atactic PS melts. The non-bonded interactions are obtained using the iterative Boltzmann inversion (IBI) scheme. This methodology has been extended to coarse graining of poly-(t-butyl-styrene) (PtBS). An additional coarse-grained bead is used to describe the t-butyl group. Similar to the process for PS, the intramolecular interactions are obtained from a single all atom atactic melt simulation. Starting from the non-bonded interactions for PS, we show that the IBI method for the non-bonded interactions of PtBS converges relatively fast. A generalized scheme for substituted PS is currently in development. We would like to acknowledge Prof. Kurt Kremer for helpful discussions during this work.

  5. Characterisation of blends of polyisoprene and polystyrene by on-line hyphenation of HPLC and (1) H-NMR: LC-CC-NMR at critical conditions of both homopolymers.

    PubMed

    Sinha, Pritish; Hiller, Wolf; Pasch, Harald

    2010-11-01

    Blends of polystyrene (PS) and polyisoprene (PI) were analysed by on-line hyphenation of LC at critical conditions and (1) H-NMR. Chromatography at critical conditions was established for both PS and PI. At both critical conditions, a perfect separation into the blend components was achieved. By operating at critical conditions of one blend component and size exclusion mode for the other it is possible to determine the molar mass using a suitable calibration. By using NMR as a detector, the microstructure of PI can be identified, quantified and the chemical composition of the blends can be calculated by monitoring the signal intensities of the olefinic protons of isoprene and the aromatic protons of PS. Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Opto-chemical response of CR-39 and polystyrene to swift heavy ion irradiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Singh, Lakhwant; Singh Samra, Kawaljeet; Singh, Ravinder

    2007-02-01

    The samples of CR-39 and polystyrene (PS) polymers have been irradiated with 64Cu 9+ (120 MeV) and 12C 5+ (70 MeV) ion beams having fluence ranging from 1 × 10 11 to 1 × 10 13 ions/cm -2. UV spectra of irradiated samples reveal that the optical band gap decreases from 5.50 to 2.75 eV in CR-39 and from 4.36 to 1.73 eV in PS. The correlation between optical band gap and the number of carbon atoms in a cluster with modified Tauc's equation has been discussed in case of CR-39. FTIR spectra reveal that there is the formation of hydroxyl, alkene, alkyne and carboxylic groups in the Cu-ion irradiated PS. In CR-39, changes in the intensity of the bands on irradiation relative to pristine samples without appearance of any new band have been observed and discussed.

  7. Fabrication of Super-Hydrophobic Microchannels via Strain-Recovery Deformations of Polystyrene and Oxygen Reactive Ion Etch.

    PubMed

    Chakraborty, Anirban; Xiang, Mingming; Luo, Cheng

    2013-08-19

    In this article, we report a simple approach to generate micropillars (whose top portions are covered by sub-micron wrinkles) on the inner surfaces of polystyrene (PS) microchannels, as well as on the top surface of the PS substrate, based on strain-recovery deformations of the PS and oxygen reactive ion etch (ORIE). Using this approach, two types of micropillar-covered microchannels are fabricated. Their widths range from 118 μm to 132 μm, depths vary from 40 μm to 44 μm, and the inclined angles of their sidewalls are from 53° to 64°. The micropillars enable these microchannels to have super-hydrophobic properties. The contact angles observed on the channel-structured surfaces are above 162°, and the tilt angles to make water drops roll off from these channel-structured substrates can be as small as 1°.

  8. Core-shell structured polystyrene/BaTiO3 hybrid nanodielectrics prepared by in situ RAFT polymerization: a route to high dielectric constant and low loss materials with weak frequency dependence.

    PubMed

    Yang, Ke; Huang, Xingyi; Xie, Liyuan; Wu, Chao; Jiang, Pingkai; Tanaka, Toshikatsu

    2012-11-23

    A novel route to prepare core-shell structured nanocomposites with excellent dielectric performance is reported. This approach involves the grafting of polystyrene (PS) from the surface of BaTiO(3) by an in situ RAFT polymerization. The core-shell structured PS/BaTiO(3) nanocomposites not only show significantly increased dielectric constant and very low dielectric loss, but also have a weak frequency dependence of dielectric properties over a wide range of frequencies. In addition, the dielectric constant of the nanocomposites can also be easily tuned by varying the thickness of the PS shell. Our method is very promising for preparing high-performance nanocomposites used in energy-storage devices. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. Progresses in Polystyrene Biodegradation and Prospects for Solutions to Plastic Waste Pollution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, S. S.; Brandon, A. M.; Xing, D. F.; Yang, J.; Pang, J. W.; Criddle, C. S.; Ren, N. Q.; Wu, W. M.

    2018-05-01

    Petroleum-based plastic pollution has been a global environmental concern for decades. The obvious contrast between the remarkable durability of the plastics and their short service time leads to the increasing accumulation of plastic wastes in the environment. A cost-effective, sustainable strategy to solve the problem should focus on source control and clean up. Polystyrene (PS) wastes, a recalcitrant plastic polymer, are among the wide spread man-made plastic pollutants. Destruction of PS wastes can be achieved using various abiotic methods such as incineration but such methods release potential air pollution and generation of hazardous by-products. Biodegradation and bioremediation has been proposed for years. Since the 1970’s, the microbial biodegradation of plastics, including PS, has been evaluated with mixed and isolated cultures from different sources such as activated sludge, trash, soil, and manure. To date, PS biodegradation by these microbial cultures is still quite slow. Recently, the larvae of yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus) have demonstrated promising PS biodegradation performance. Mealworms have demonstrated the ability to chew and ingest PS foam as food and are capable of degrading and mineralizing PS into CO2 via microbe-dependent activities within the gut in less than the 12-15 hrs gut retention time. These research results have revealed a potential for microbial biodegradation and bioremediation of plastic pollutants.

  10. Reduction of Line Edge Roughness of Polystyrene-block-Poly(methyl methacrylate) Copolymer Nanopatterns By Introducing Hydrogen Bonding at the Junction Point of Two Block Chains.

    PubMed

    Lee, Kyu Seong; Lee, Jaeyong; Kwak, Jongheon; Moon, Hong Chul; Kim, Jin Kon

    2017-09-20

    To apply well-defined block copolymer nanopatterns to next-generation lithography or high-density storage devices, small line edge roughness (LER) of nanopatterns should be realized. Although polystyrene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer (PS-b-PMMA) has been widely used to fabricate nanopatterns because of easy perpendicular orientation of the block copolymer nanodomains and effective removal of PMMA block by dry etching, the fabricated nanopatterns show poorer line edge roughness (LER) due to relatively small Flory-Huggins interaction parameter (χ) between PS and PMMA chains. Here, we synthesized PS-b-PMMA with urea (U) and N-(4-aminomethyl-benzyl)-4-hydroxymethyl-benzamide (BA) moieties at junction of PS and PMMA chains (PS-U-BA-PMMA) to improve the LER. The U-BA moieties serves as favorable interaction (hydrogen bonding) sites. The LER of PS line patterns obtained from PS-U-BA-PMMA was reduced ∼25% compared with that obtained from neat PS-b-PMMA without BA and U moieties. This is attributed to narrower interfacial width induced by hydrogen bonding between two blocks, which is confirmed by small-angle X-ray scattering. This result implies that the introduction of hydrogen bonding into block copolymer interfaces offers an opportunity to fabricate well-defined nanopatterns with improved LER by block copolymer self-assembly, which could be a promising alternative to next-generation extreme ultraviolet lithography.

  11. The use of a proteinaceous "cushion" with a polystyrene-binding peptide tag to control the orientation and function of a target peptide adsorbed to a hydrophilic polystyrene surface.

    PubMed

    Imanaka, Hiroyuki; Yamadzumi, Daisuke; Yanagita, Keisuke; Ishida, Naoyuki; Nakanishi, Kazuhiro; Imamura, Koreyoshi

    2016-03-01

    In immobilizing target biomolecules on a solid surface, it is essential (i) to orient the target moiety in a preferred direction and (ii) to avoid unwanted interactions of the target moiety including with the solid surface. The preferred orientation of the target moiety can be achieved by genetic conjugation of an affinity peptide tag specific to the immobilization surface. Herein, we report on a strategy for reducing the extent of direct interaction between the target moiety and surface in the immobilization of hexahistidine peptide (6His) and green fluorescent protein (GFP) on a hydrophilic polystyrene (PS) surface: Ribonuclease HII from Thermococcus kodakaraensis (cHII) was genetically inserted as a "cushion" between the PS-affinity peptide tag and target moiety. The insertion of a cushion protein resulted in a considerably stronger immobilization of target biomolecules compared to conjugation with only a PS affinity peptide tag, resulting in a substantially enhanced accessibility of the detection antibody to the target 6His peptide. The fluorescent intensity of the GFP moiety was decreased by approximately 30% as the result of fusion with cHII and the PS-affinity peptide tag but was fully retained in the immobilization on the PS surface irrespective of the increased binding force. Furthermore, the fusion of cHII did not impair the stability of the target GFP moiety. Accordingly, the use of a proteinaceous cushion appears to be promising for the immobilization of functional biomolecules on a solid surface. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 32:527-534, 2016. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

  12. Antimicrobial 3D Porous Scaffolds Prepared by Additive Manufacturing and Breath Figures.

    PubMed

    Vargas-Alfredo, Nelson; Dorronsoro, Ane; Cortajarena, Aitziber L; Rodríguez-Hernández, Juan

    2017-10-25

    We describe herein a novel strategy for the fabrication of efficient 3D printed antibacterial scaffolds. For this purpose, both the surface topography as well as the chemical composition of 3D scaffolds fabricated by additive manufacturing were modified. The scaffolds were fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM) using high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) filaments. The surface of the objects was then topographically modified providing materials with porous surfaces by means of the Breath Figures approach. The strategy involves the immersion of the scaffold in a polymer solution during a precise period of time. This approach permitted the modification of the pore size varying the immersion time as well as the solution concentration. Moreover, by using polymer blend solutions of polystyrene and polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PS 23 -b-PAA 18 ) and a quaternized polystyrene-b-poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PS 42 -b-PDMAEMAQ 17 ), the scaffolds were simultaneously chemically modified. The surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Finally, the biological response toward bacteria was explored. Porous surfaces prepared using quaternized PDMAEMA as well as those prepared using PAA confer antimicrobial activity to the films, i.e., were able to kill on contact Staphylococcus aureus employed as model bacteria.

  13. Scaled up Fabrication of High-Throughout SWNT Nanoelectronics and Nanosensor Devices

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2007-04-20

    copolymer, polystyrene-block-ferrocenylethylmethylsilane (PS-b- PFEMS ) as the polymer-based catalyst for optimized SWNT growth. Spin coating a dilute...solution of 1 wt % PS-b- PFEMS in toluene provides uniform ~ 100nm thick films of the catalyst. In order to get well-separated individual SWNT or SWNT rope

  14. Phase behavior of diblock copolymer/star-shaped polymer thin film mixtures.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Junnan; Sakellariou, Georgios; Green, Peter F

    2016-05-07

    We investigated the phase behavior of thin film, thickness h≈ 100 nm, mixtures of a polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer with star-shaped polystyrene (SPS) molecules of varying functionalities f, where 4 ≤f≤ 64, and molecular weights per arm Marm. The miscibility of the system and the surface composition varied appreciably with Marm and f. For large values of Marm, regardless of f, the miscibility of the system was qualitatively similar to that of linear chain PS/PS-b-P2VP mixtures - the copolymer chains aggregate to form micelles, each composed of an inner P2VP core and PS corona, which preferentially segregate to the free surface. On the other hand, for large f and small Marm, SPS molecules preferentially resided at the free surface. Moreover, blends containing SPS molecules with the highest values of f and lowest values of Marm were phase separated. These observations are rationalized in terms of competing entropic interactions and the dependence of the surface tension of the star-shaped molecules on Marm and f.

  15. Conversion of "Waste Plastic" into Photocatalytic Nanofoams for Environmental Remediation.

    PubMed

    de Assis, Geovania C; Skovroinski, Euzébio; Leite, Valderi D; Rodrigues, Marcelo O; Galembeck, André; Alves, Mary C F; Eastoe, Julian; de Oliveira, Rodrigo J

    2018-03-07

    Plastic debris is a major environmental concern, and to find effective ways to reuse polystyrene (PS) presents major challenges. Here, it is demonstrated that polystyrene foams impregnated with SnO 2 are easily generated from plastic debris and can be applied to photocatalytic degradation of dyes. SnO 2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a polymeric precursor method, yielding specific surface areas of 15 m 2 /g after heat treatment to 700 °C. Crystallinity, size, and shape of the SnO 2 particles were assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), demonstrating the preparation of crystalline spherical nanoparticles with sizes around 20 nm. When incorporated into PS foams, which were generated using a thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process, the specific surface area increased to 48 m 2 /g. These PS/SnO 2 nanofoams showed very good efficiency for photodegradation of rhodamine B, under UV irradiation, achieving up to 98.2% removal. In addition the PS/SnO 2 nanofoams are shown to retain photocatalytic activity for up to five reuse cycles.

  16. New nanocomposites of polystyrene with polyaniline doped with lauryl sulfuric acid

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pud, A. A.; Nikolayeva, O. A.; Vretik, L. O.; Noskov, Yu. V.; Ogurtsov, N. A.; Kruglyak, O. S.; Fedorenko, E. A.

    2017-08-01

    This work is concentrated on synthesis and investigation of new core-shell nanocomposites of polystyrene (PS) with doped polyaniline (PANI). The latex containing PS nanoparticles with sizes of 15-30 nm was prepared by microemulsion polymerization of styrene in water media. The PS/PANI nanocomposites were synthesized by chemical oxidative polymerization of aniline in the PS latex media in a presence of lauryl sulfuric acid (LSA), which served as both dopant and plasticizer. The real content of PANI in the synthesized nanocomposites was determined by UV-Vis spectroscopy method. The composition of the nanocomposites and oxidation state of the doped polyaniline were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy. The core-shell morphology of the nanocomposite nanoparticles was proved by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that conductivity and thermal behavior in air of these nanocomposites not only nonlinearly depended on the doped polyaniline content but also were strongly effected both by plasticizing properties of the acid-dopant and presence of the polyaniline shell. A possibility of application of these nanocomposites as sensor materials has been demonstrated.

  17. Separation of Poly(styrene-block-t-butyl methacrylate) Copolymers by Various Liquid Chromatography Techniques

    PubMed Central

    Šmigovec Ljubič, Tina; Pahovnik, David; Žigon, Majda; Žagar, Ema

    2012-01-01

    The separation of a mixture of three poly(styrene-block-t-butyl methacrylate) copolymers (PS-b-PtBMA), consisting of polystyrene (PS) blocks of similar length and t-butyl methacrylate (PtBMA) blocks of different lengths, was performed using various chromatographic techniques, that is, a gradient liquid chromatography on reversed-phase (C18 and C8) and normal-phase columns, a liquid chromatography under critical conditions for polystyrene as well as a fully automated two-dimensional liquid chromatography that separates block copolymers by chemical composition in the first dimension and by molar mass in the second dimension. The results show that a partial separation of the mixture of PS-b-PtBMA copolymers can be achieved only by gradient liquid chromatography on reversed-phase columns. The coelution of the two block copolymers is ascribed to a much shorter PtBMA block length, compared to the PS block, as well as a small difference in the length of the PtBMA block in two of these copolymers, which was confirmed by SEC-MALS and NMR spectroscopy. PMID:22489207

  18. Antibody immobilization on to polystyrene substrate--on-chip immunoassay for horse IgG based on fluorescence.

    PubMed

    Darain, Farzana; Gan, Kai Ling; Tjin, Swee Chuan

    2009-06-01

    A simple microfluidic immunoassay card was developed based on polystyrene (PS) substrate for the detection of horse IgG, an inexpensive model analyte using fluorescence microscope. The primary antibody was captured onto the PS based on covalent bonding via a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of thiol to pattern the surface chemistry on a gold-coated PS. The immunosensor chip layers were fabricated from sheets by CO(2) laser ablation. The functionalized PS surfaces after each step were characterized by contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). After the antibody-antigen interaction as a sandwich immunoassay with a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated secondary antibody, the intensity of fluorescence was measured on-chip to determine the concentration of the target analyte. The present immunosensor chip showed a linear response range for horse IgG between 1 microg/ml and 80 microg/ml (r = 0.971, n = 3). The detection limit was found to be 0.71 microg/ml. The developed microfluidic system can be extended for various applications including medical diagnostics, microarray detection and observing protein-protein interactions.

  19. Formation of trans-2-[4-(Dimethylamino)Styryl]-3-Ethyl-1,3-Benzothiazolium Perchlorate Dimers in the Presence of Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lavysh, A. V.; Maskevich, A. A.; Lugovskii, A. A.; Voropai, E. S.; Sulatskaya, A. I.; Kuznetsova, I. M.; Turoverov, K. K.

    2017-01-01

    The spectral properties of a novel thioflavin T derivative, trans-2-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-3-ethyl-1,3-benzothiazolium perchlorate (DMASEBT), were studied in aqueous solutions in the presence of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS). It was shown that SPS either could interact with dye monomers or initiate the formation of non-fluorescent dye dimers depending on the concentration ratio of dye and polyelectrolyte. DMASEBT dimer formation in the presence of SPS produced a hypsochromic shift by 40 nm in the absorption spectrum and quenched fluorescence. A bathochromic shift of the absorption spectrum and an increase of the fluorescence intensity by an order of magnitude were observed if DMASEBT monomers interacted with SPS. Quantum-chemical analysis found that sandwich dimers (H-aggregates) were most stable. A comparison of DMASEBT spectra in the presence of SPS and amyloid fibrils showed that DMASEBT molecules were incorporated into amyloid fibrils as monomers. The spectral changes associated with this incorporation could not be explained by the formation of dye aggregates.

  20. Subpicomolar sensing of hydrogen peroxide with ovalbumin-embedded chitosan/polystyrene sulfonate multilayer membrane.

    PubMed

    Divyalakshmi, T V; Sreedhanya, S; Akhil, G; Aravindakumar, C T; Aravind, Usha K

    2013-09-01

    The use of ovalbumin (OVA)-immobilized layer-by-layer-assembled chitosan/polystyrene sulfonate membranes for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at subpicomolar levels is reported. The detection of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) and potassium iodide (KI) was also investigated. While the detection limits of HgCl2 and KI remained in the micromolar concentration range, H2O2 could be sensed to a remarkably lower range (subpicomolar). Analysis of fluorescence quenching data of OVA by H2O2 using Stern-Volmer plots revealed a static quenching mechanism with high Stern-Volmer quenching constant (9.10×10(12) L mol(-1)) and k (5.82×10(21) L mol(-1) s(-1)). The possibility of the conformational transition of OVA in the immobilized state is discussed using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. The resulting increased accessibility of tryptophan residues together with the reversibility of the bilayer for the sensing of H2O2 is also illustrated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene plastic under fluorescent light.

    PubMed

    Shang, Jing; Chai, Ming; Zhu, Yongfa

    2003-10-01

    Plastic is used widely all over the world, due to the fact that it is low cost, is easily processable, and has lightweight properties. However, the hazard of discarding waste plastic, so-called "white pollution", is becoming more and more severe. In this paper, solid-phase photocatalytic degradation of polystyrene (PS) plastic, one of the most common commercial plastics, over copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) sensitized TiO2 photocatalyst (TiO2/CuPc) has been investigated under fluorescent light irradiation in the air. UV-vis spectra show that TiO2/CuPc extends its photoresponse range to visible light, contrasting to only UV light absorption of pure TiO2. The PS photodegradation experiments exhibit that higher PS weight loss rate, lower PS average molecular weight, less amount of volatile organic compounds, and more CO2 can be obtained in the system of PS-(TiO2/CuPc), in comparison with the PS-TiO2 system. Therefore, PS photodegradation over TiO2 CuPc composite is more complete and efficient than over pure TiO2, suggesting the potential application of dye-sensitized TiO2 catalyst in the thorough photodegradation of PS plastic under fluorescent light. During the photodegradation of PS plastic, the reactive oxygen species generated on TiO2 or TiO2/CuPc particle surfaces play important roles in chain scission. The present study demonstrates that the combination of polymer plastic with dye-sensitized TiO2 catalyst in the form of thin film is a practical and useful way to photodegrade plastic contaminants in the sunlight.

  2. Nanoscale elastic modulus variation in loaded polymeric micelle reactors.

    PubMed

    Solmaz, Alim; Aytun, Taner; Deuschle, Julia K; Ow-Yang, Cleva W

    2012-07-17

    Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TM-AFM) enables mapping of chemical composition at the nanoscale by taking advantage of the variation in phase angle shift arising from an embedded second phase. We demonstrate that phase contrast can be attributed to the variation in elastic modulus during the imaging of zinc acetate (ZnAc)-loaded reverse polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock co-polymer micelles less than 100 nm in diameter. Three sample configurations were characterized: (i) a 31.6 μm thick polystyrene (PS) support film for eliminating the substrate contribution, (ii) an unfilled PS-b-P2VP micelle supported by the same PS film, and (iii) a ZnAc-loaded PS-b-P2VP micelle supported by the same PS film. Force-indentation (F-I) curves were measured over unloaded micelles on the PS film and over loaded micelles on the PS film, using standard tapping mode probes of three different spring constants, the same cantilevers used for imaging of the samples before and after loading. For calibration of the tip geometry, nanoindentation was performed on the bare PS film. The resulting elastic modulus values extracted by applying the Hertz model were 8.26 ± 3.43 GPa over the loaded micelles and 4.17 ± 1.65 GPa over the unloaded micelles, confirming that phase contrast images of a monolayer of loaded micelles represent maps of the nanoscale chemical and mechanical variation. By calibrating the tip geometry indirectly using a known soft material, we are able to use the same standard tapping mode cantilevers for both imaging and indentation.

  3. Tuning the dielectric properties of polystyrene/poly(vinylidene fluoride) blends by selectively localizing carbon black nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Xiaodong; Zhao, Jun; Cao, Jian-Ping; Wang, Xiaoyan; Chen, Min; Dang, Zhi-Min

    2013-02-28

    In this work, the dielectric properties of immiscible polystyrene (PS)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) blends are tuned by selectively localizing carbon black (CB) nanoparticles in different phases. The PS/PVDF blends have a wide window of cocontinuity (ca. 30-80 vol % in terms of the volume fraction of PS component (v(PS))). The selective localization of CB nanoparticles is achieved by using the masterbatch process during melt mixing. For the volume ratio PS/PVDF 1/1 and the volume fraction of CB nanoparticles (v(CB)) below but close to the percolation threshold (v(c)(CB)), the selective localization of CB nanoparticles in PVDF phase produces higher dielectric constant (ε) than that in PS phase, whereas the ε of the ternary mixtures without selective localization of fillers is in the middle. For the volume ratios PS/PVDF 1/2 and 2/1, the selective location of CB nanoparticles in different phases can be used to easily tune the system from conductive to insulating or inverse, which might have potential applications in industry. The fillers are found to be "fixed" in the masterbatch of PS or PVDF component and there is no migration of the fillers to another phase occurring during the further mixing process for the mixing time up to 30 min. Furthermore, the addition of CB nanoparticles to the polymer matrix is found to induce the brittle-ductile transition in the system and increase the compatibility between the immiscible PS and PVDF components, which should benefit the mechanical properties.

  4. The effect of polymer architecture on the interdiffusion in thin polymer films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Caglayan, Ayse; Yuan, Guangcui; Satija, Sushil K.; Uhrig, David; Hong, Kunlun; Akgun, Bulent

    Branched polymer chains have been traditionally used in industrial applications as additives. Recently they have found applications in electrochromic displays, lithography, biomedical coatings and targeting multidrug resistant bacteria. In some of these applications where they are confined in thin layers, it is important to understand the relation between the mobility and polymer chain architecture to optimize the processing conditions. Earlier interdiffusion measurements on linear and cyclic polymer chains demonstrated the key role of chain architecture on mobility. We have determined the vertical diffusion coefficients of the star polystyrene chains in thin films as a function of number of polymer arms, molecular weight per arm, and film thickness using neutron reflectivity (NR) and compare our results with linear chains of identical total molecular weight. Bilayer samples of 4-arm and 8-arm protonated polystyrenes (hPS) and deuterated polystyrenes (dPS) were used to elucidate the effect of polymer chain architecture on polymer diffusion. NR measurements indicate that the mobility of polymer chains in thin films get faster as the number of polymer arms increases and the arm molecular weight decreases. Both star polymers showed faster interdiffusion compared to their linear analog. Diffusion coefficient of branched PS chains has a weak dependence on the film thickness.

  5. Determining Number Concentrations and Diameters of Polystyrene Particles by Measuring the Effective Refractive Index of Colloids Using Surface Plasmon Resonance.

    PubMed

    Tuoriniemi, Jani; Moreira, Beatriz; Safina, Gulnara

    2016-10-04

    The capabilities of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for characterization of colloidal particles were evaluated for 100, 300, and 460 nm nominal diameter polystyrene (PS) latexes. First the accuracy of measuring the effective refractive index (n eff ) of turbid colloids using SPR was quantified. It was concluded that for submicrometer sized PS particles the accuracy is limited by the reproducibility between replicate injections of samples. An SPR method was developed for obtaining the particle mean diameter (d part ) and the particle number concentration (c p ) by fitting the measured n eff of polystyrene (PS) colloids diluted in series with theoretical values calculated using the coherent scattering theory (CST). The d part and c p determined using SPR agreed with reference values obtained from size distributions measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the mass concentrations stated by the manufacturer. The 100 nm particles adsorbed on the sensing surface, which hampered the analysis. Once the adsorption problem has been overcome, the developed SPR method has potential to become a versatile tool for characterization of colloidal particles. In particular, SPR could form the basis of rapid and accurate methods for measuring the c p of submicrometer particles in dispersion.

  6. Novel Fischer-Tropsch catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Vollhardt, Kurt P. C.; Perkins, Patrick

    1981-01-01

    Novel polymer-supported metal complexes of the formula PS -R Me(CO).sub.n H.sub.m where: PS represents a divinylbenzene crosslinked polystyrene in which the divinylbenzene crosslinking is greater than 1% and less than about 18%; R represents a cycloalkadienyl radical of 4 through 6 carbon atoms; Me represents a Group VIII metal; CO represents a carbonyl radical; H represents hydrogen; n represents an integer varying from 0 through 3; m represents an integer varying from 0 through 2 inclusively with the further provision that 2n+m must total 18 when added to the electrons in R and Me, or n+m must total 0; are prepared by: brominating PS -H by treating same with bromine in the presence of a thallium salt in a partially or fully halogenated solvent to form PS -Br; treating said PS -Br so produced with a lithium alkyl of 1 through 12 carbon atoms in an aromatic solvent to produce PS -Li; substituting said PS - Li so produced by reaction with a 2-cycloalkenone of 4 to 6 carbon atoms in the presence of an ether solvent and using a water work-up to form a cycloalkenylalcohol-substituted PS ; dehydrating said alcohol so produced by heating under a vacuum to produce a cycloalkadienyl-substituted PS ; reacting the cycloalkadienyl-substituted PS with metal carbonyl in the presence of a partially or fully halogenated hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon of 6 through 8 carbon atoms, ethers, or esters of 4 through 10 carbon atoms as a solvent to produce a polystyrene-supported cycloalkadienyl metal carbonyl. The novel compounds are used as improved Fischer-Tropsch catalysts particularly for the conversion of CO+H.sub.2 to gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons at milder conditions than with prior catalysts.

  7. Novel Fischer-Tropsch catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Vollhardt, Kurt P. C.; Perkins, Patrick

    1980-01-01

    Novel polymer-supported metal complexes of the formula: PS --R Me(CO).sub.n H.sub.m where: PS represents a divinylbenzene crosslinked polystyrene in which the divinylbenzene crosslinking is greater than 1% and less than about 18%; R represents a cycloalkadienyl radical of 4 through 6 carbon atoms; Me represents a Group VIII metal; CO represents a carbonyl radical; H represents hydrogen; n represents an integer varying from 0 through 3; m represents an integer varying from 0 through 2 inclusively with the further provision that 2n+m must total 18 when added to the electrons in R and Me, or n+m must total 0; are prepared by: brominating PS --H by treating same with bromine in the presence of a thallium salt in a partially or fully halogenated solvent to form PS --Br; treating said PS --Br so produced with a lithium alkyl of 1 through 12 carbon atoms in an aromatic solvent to produce PS --Li; substituting said PS-- Li so produced by reaction with a 2-cycloalkenone of 4 to 6 carbon atoms in the presence of an ether solvent and using a water work-up to form a cycloalkenylalcohol-substituted PS ; dehydrating said alcohol so produced by heating under a vacuum to produce a cycloalkadienyl-substituted PS ; reacting the cycloalkadienyl-substituted PS with metal carbonyl in the presence of a partially or fully halogenated hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon of 6 through 8 carbon atoms, ethers, or esters of 4 through 10 carbon atoms as a solvent to produce a polystyrene-supported cycloalkadienyl metal carbonyl. The novel compounds are used as improved Fischer-Tropsch catalysts particularly for the conversion of CO+H.sub.2 to gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons at milder conditions than with prior catalysts.

  8. Novel Fischer-Tropsch catalysts

    DOEpatents

    Vollhardt, Kurt P. C.; Perkins, Patrick

    1981-01-01

    Novel polymer-supported metal complexes of the formula: PS --R Me(CO).sub.n H.sub.m where: PS represents a divinylbenzene crosslinked polystyrene in which the divinylbenzene crosslinking is greater than 1% and less than about 18%; R represents a cycloalkadienyl radical of 4 through 6 carbon atoms; Me represents a Group VIII metal; CO represents a carbonyl radical; H represents hydrogen; n represents an integer varying from 0 through 3; m represents an integer varying from 0 through 2 inclusively with the further provision that 2n+m must total 18 when added to the electrons in R and Me, or n+m must total 0; are prepared by: brominating PS --H by treating same with bromine in the presence of a thallium salt in a partially or fully halogenated solvent to form PS --Br; treating said PS --Br so produced with a lithium alkyl of 1 through 12 carbon atoms in an aromatic solvent to produce PS --Li; substituting said PS-- Li so produced by reaction with a 2-cycloalkenone of 4 to 6 carbon atoms in the presence of an ether solvent and using a water work-up to form a cycloalkenylalcohol-substituted PS ; dehydrating said alcohol so produced by heating under a vacuum to produce a cycloalkadienyl-substituted PS ; reacting the cycloalkadienyl-substituted PS with metal carbonyl in the presence of a partially or fully halogenated hydrocarbon, aromatic hydrocarbon of 6 through 8 carbon atoms, ethers, or esters of 4 through 10 carbon atoms as a solvent to produce a polystyrene-supported cycloalkadienyl metal carbonyl. The novel compounds are used as improved Fischer-Tropsch catalysts particularly for the conversion of CO+H.sub.2 to gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons at milder conditions than with prior catalysts.

  9. Biodegradation and Mineralization of Polystyrene by Plastic-Eating Mealworms: Part 1. Chemical and Physical Characterization and Isotopic Tests.

    PubMed

    Yang, Yu; Yang, Jun; Wu, Wei-Min; Zhao, Jiao; Song, Yiling; Gao, Longcheng; Yang, Ruifu; Jiang, Lei

    2015-10-20

    Polystyrene (PS) is generally considered to be durable and resistant to biodegradation. Mealworms (the larvae of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus) from different sources chew and eat Styrofoam, a common PS product. The Styrofoam was efficiently degraded in the larval gut within a retention time of less than 24 h. Fed with Styrofoam as the sole diet, the larvae lived as well as those fed with a normal diet (bran) over a period of 1 month. The analysis of fecula egested from Styrofoam-feeding larvae, using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), solid-state (13)C cross-polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS NMR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric Fourier transform infrared (TG-FTIR) spectroscopy, substantiated that cleavage/depolymerization of long-chain PS molecules and the formation of depolymerized metabolites occurred in the larval gut. Within a 16 day test period, 47.7% of the ingested Styrofoam carbon was converted into CO2 and the residue (ca. 49.2%) was egested as fecula with a limited fraction incorporated into biomass (ca. 0.5%). Tests with α (13)C- or β (13)C-labeled PS confirmed that the (13)C-labeled PS was mineralized to (13)CO2 and incorporated into lipids. The discovery of the rapid biodegradation of PS in the larval gut reveals a new fate for plastic waste in the environment.

  10. Improving surface-enhanced Raman scattering effect using gold-coated hierarchical polystyrene bead substrates modified with postgrowth microwave treatment.

    PubMed

    Yuen, Clement; Zheng, Wei; Huang, Zhiwei

    2008-01-01

    We report a novel postgrowth microwave heating implementation by selectively modifying hierarchical polystyrene (PS) bead substrates coated with gold (Au) films to effectively improve the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect on the analytes. The SERS signal of probe molecule rhodamine 6G (Rh 6G) on the microwave-treated Au-PS substrates can be improved by 10-fold, while the detection limit of Rh 6G in concentration can be enhanced by two orders of magnitude compared to the as-growth substrates. The high-quality SERS spectrum of saliva can also be acquired using the modified substrates, demonstrating the potential for the realization of the high-performance SERS substrates for biomedical applications.

  11. Polystyrene-based Hollow Microsphere Synthesized by γ-ray Irradiation-assisted Polymerization and Self-Assembly and Its Application in Detection of Ionizing Radiation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fan, Wenhui; Li, Qing; Hu, Liang; Yan, Siqi; Wen, Wanxin; Chai, Zhifang; Liu, Hanzhou

    2017-01-01

    To simply and multitudinously synthesize hollow microspheres in a pure system is important for relevant research and application. Here, a simple and novel one-pot synthetic strategy to prepare polystyrene (PS) hollow microspheres via irradiation-assisted free-radical polymerizing and self-assembly (IFPS) approach under γ-ray irradiation with no additives introduced into the system is presented. And PS/2,5-Diphenyloxazole (PPO) fluorescent microspheres have been prepared successfully by IFPS reaction, which can be used as scintillators for the detection of ionizing radiation. A linear relationship between emitted luminescence and dose-activity in water is obtained, which suggests that composite microspheres could be used as liquid scintillation in specific environment.

  12. Radiation induced in-situ cationic polymerization of polystyrene organogel for selective absorption of cholorophenols from petrochemical wastewater.

    PubMed

    Ghobashy, Mohamed M; Younis, Sherif A; Elhady, Mohamed A; Serp, Philippe

    2018-03-15

    A new in-situ cationic polymerization was performed to synthesize a cross-linked (91%) polystyrene (PS) organogel through tetrachloroethylene radiolysis assisted by 60 Co gamma rays. Hoernschemeyer diagram and swelling capacity test show a better selectivity of PS organogel to chlorinated molecules compared to ester, hydrocarbons and alcohols organic molecules by 80-184 folds. Response surface modeling (RSM) of CPs (2,4,6-trichlorophenol) sorption from artificial wastewater confirm superiority of PS organogel to absorb 1746 μmol CPs/g (∼345 mg CPs/g) at broad pH (4-10) and temperature (25-45 °C). Based on ANOVA statistic, simulated CPs absorption model onto PS organogel was successfully developed, with accuracy of prediction of R 2 ≈ R Adj 2 of 0.991-0.995 and lower coefficient of variation of 2.73% with F model of 611.4 at p < .0001. Particularly, the usage of PS organogel for petroleum wastewater reclamation exhibited higher absorption affinities for all the organic contaminants especially for CPs (>99%) by non-covalent and/or dispersive interaction mechanisms with a well-term reusability and good stability up to 5 cycles. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. Interactions between polystyrene microplastics and marine phytoplankton lead to species-specific hetero-aggregation.

    PubMed

    Long, Marc; Paul-Pont, Ika; Hégaret, Hélène; Moriceau, Brivaela; Lambert, Christophe; Huvet, Arnaud; Soudant, Philippe

    2017-09-01

    To understand the fate and impacts of microplastics (MP) in the marine ecosystems, it is essential to investigate their interactions with phytoplankton as these may affect MP bioavailability to marine organisms as well as their fate in the water column. However, the behaviour of MP with marine phytoplanktonic cells remains little studied and thus unpredictable. The present study assessed the potential for phytoplankton cells to form hetero-aggregates with small micro-polystyrene (micro-PS) particles depending on microalgal species and physiological status. A prymnesiophycea, Tisochrysis lutea, a dinoflagellate, Heterocapsa triquetra, and a diatom, Chaetoceros neogracile, were exposed to micro-PS (2 μm diameter; 3.96 μg L -1 ) during their growth culture cycles. Micro-PS were quantified using an innovative flow-cytometry approach, which allowed the monitoring of the micro-PS repartition in microalgal cultures and the distinction between free suspended micro-PS and hetero-aggregates of micro-PS and microalgae. Hetero-aggregation was observed for C. neogracile during the stationary growth phase. The highest levels of micro-PS were "lost" from solution, sticking to flasks, with T. lutea and H. triquetra cultures. This loss of micro-PS sticking to the flask walls increased with the age of the culture for both species. No effects of micro-PS were observed on microalgal physiology in terms of growth and chlorophyll fluorescence. Overall, these results highlight the potential for single phytoplankton cells and residual organic matter to interact with microplastics, and thus potentially influence their distribution and bioavailability in experimental systems and the water column. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Influence of Enzyme Quantity and Distribution on the Self-Propulsion of Non-Janus Urease-Powered Micromotors.

    PubMed

    Patiño, Tania; Feiner-Gracia, Natalia; Arqué, Xavier; Miguel-López, Albert; Jannasch, Anita; Stumpp, Tom; Schäffer, Erik; Albertazzi, Lorenzo; Sánchez, Samuel

    2018-06-27

    The use of enzyme catalysis to power micro- and nanomachines offers unique features such as biocompatibility, versatility, and fuel bioavailability. Yet, the key parameters underlying the motion behavior of enzyme-powered motors are not completely understood. Here, we investigate the role of enzyme distribution and quantity on the generation of active motion. Two different micromotor architectures based on either polystyrene (PS) or polystyrene coated with a rough silicon dioxide shell (PS@SiO 2 ) were explored. A directional propulsion with higher speed was observed for PS@SiO 2 motors when compared to their PS counterparts. We made use of stochastically optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) to precisely detect single urease molecules conjugated to the micromotors surface with a high spatial resolution. An asymmetric distribution of enzymes around the micromotor surface was observed for both PS and PS@SiO 2 architectures, indicating that the enzyme distribution was not the only parameter affecting the motion behavior. We quantified the number of enzymes present on the micromotor surface and observed a 10-fold increase in the number of urease molecules for PS@SiO 2 motors compared to PS-based micromotors. To further investigate the number of enzymes required to generate a self-propulsion, PS@SiO 2 particles were functionalized with varying amounts of urease molecules and the resulting speed and propulsive force were measured by optical tracking and optical tweezers, respectively. Surprisingly, both speed and force depended in a nonlinear fashion on the enzyme coverage. To break symmetry for active propulsion, we found that a certain threshold number of enzymes molecules per micromotor was necessary, indicating that activity may be due to a critical phenomenon. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the design features of micro/nanomotors to ensure an efficient development.

  15. Fabrication of iron (III) oxide doped polystyrene shells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cai, Pei-Jun; Tang, Yong-Jian; Zhang, Lin; Du, Kai; Feng, Chang-Gen

    2004-03-01

    A type of iron (III) oxide doped plastic shell used for inertial confinement fusion experiments has been fabricated by emulsion techniques. Three different phases of solution (W1, O, and W2) are used for the fabrication process. The W1 phase is a 1 wt % of sodium lauryl sulfate in water. This W1 phase solution is mixed with a 3 wt % Fe2O3-polystyrene (PS) solution in benzene-dichloroethane (O phase) while stirring. The resulting emulsion (W1/O) is poured into a 3 wt % aqueous polyvinyl alcohol solution (W2 phase) while stirring. The resulting emulsion (W1/O/W2) is then heated to evaporate benzene and dichloroethane, and thus a solid Fe2O3-PS shell is formed. The diameter and wall thickness of the shells range from 150 to 500 μm and 5 to 15 μm, respectively. The average surface roughness of the shells is 40 nm, similar to that of the usual PS shells. .

  16. Single Polymer Chain Elongation by Atomic Force Microscopy.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1998-01-01

    are designated by PS for polystyrene and P2VP or PVP for poly-2-vinyl-pyridine. Molecular weights of the individual blocks are given after the...In the case of PS - P2VP the difference in interfacial tensions of the two blocks with water are too close to distinguish. Using block copolymers with...Stanford University, 1987. (20) Static light scattering reveals that the CMC of PS - P2VP solutions in toluene is approximately 65ug/ml,19 and as such

  17. Striped, Ellipsoidal Particles by Controlled Assembly of Diblock Copolymers

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-04-17

    morphology to a disordered bicontinuous morphology can be achieved.15,16,26−28 For poly(styrene- b -2-vinylpyridine) ( PS - b - P2VP ) materials, precise control of an...of SNPs, slow evaporation of chloroform from emulsion droplets containing PS - b - P2VP diblock copolymers resulted in solid particles with a spherical...lamellae of PS - b - P2VP and SNP necklaces decorating the outer surface could be obtained. The role of interfacially active SNPs in the morphology

  18. PMMA and polystyrene films modification under ion implantation studied by spectroscopic ellipsometry

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Leontyev, A. V.; Kovalev, V. I.; Khomich, A. V.; Komarov, Fadei F.; Grigoryev, V. V.; Kamishan, A. S.

    2004-05-01

    We have applied spectroscopic ellipsometry with binary polarization modulation to study the refractive index n(λ) and extinction coefficient k(λ) spectra of as-deposited and irradiated with nitrogen ions polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) films in 300-1030 nm range. The results of performed investigation confirmed the possibility and estimate restrictions of the ion implantation for local change the refractive index of polymeric materials.

  19. Immobilization and functional reconstitution of antibody Fab fragment by solid-phase refolding.

    PubMed

    Kumada, Yoichi; Hamasaki, Kyoto; Nakagawa, Aya; Sasaki, Eiju; Shirai, Tatsunori; Okumura, Masahiro; Inoue, Manami; Kishimoto, Michimasa

    2013-12-31

    In this study, we demonstrated the successful preparation of a Fab antibody-immobilized hydrophilic polystyrene (phi-PS) plate via one- and two-step solid-phase refolding methods. Both polystyrene-binding peptide (PS-tag)-fused Fd fragment of heavy chain (Fab H-PS) and full-length of light-chain (Fab L-PS) were individually produced in insoluble fractions of Escherichia coli cells, and they were highly purified in the presence of 8M of urea. Antigen-binding activities of Fab antibody immobilized were correctly recovered by the one-step solid-phase refolding method that a mixture of Fab H-PS and Fab L-PS was immobilized in the presence of 0.5-2M urea, followed by surface washing of the phi-PS plate with PBST. These results indicate that by genetic fusion of a PS-tag, a complex between Fab H and Fab L was efficiently immobilized on the surface of a phi-PS plate even in the presence of a low concentration of urea, and was then correctly refolded to retain its high antigen-binding activity via removal of the urea. A two-step solid-phase refolding method whereby Fab H-PS and Fab L-PS were successively refolded on the surface of a phi-PS plate also resulted in Fab antibody formation on the plate. Furthermore, both the binding affinity and the specificity of the Fab antibody produced by the two-step method were highly maintained, according to the results of sandwich ELISA and competitive ELISA using Fab antibody-immobilized plate via two-step solid-phase refolding. Thus, the solid-phase refolding method demonstrated in this study should be quite useful for the preparation of a Fab antibody-immobilized PS surface with high efficiency from individually produced Fab H-PS and Fab L-PS. This method will be applicable to the preparation of a large Fab antibody library on the surface of a PS plate for use in antibody screening. © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Global styrene oligomers monitoring as new chemical contamination from polystyrene plastic marine pollution.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Bum Gun; Koizumi, Koshiro; Chung, Seon-Yong; Kodera, Yoichi; Kim, Jong-Oh; Saido, Katsuhiko

    2015-12-30

    Polystyrene (PS) plastic marine pollution is an environmental concern. However, a reliable and objective assessment of the scope of this problem, which can lead to persistent organic contaminants, has yet to be performed. Here, we show that anthropogenic styrene oligomers (SOs), a possible indicator of PS pollution in the ocean, are found globally at concentrations that are higher than those expected based on the stability of PS. SOs appear to persist to varying degrees in the seawater and sand samples collected from beaches around the world. The most persistent forms are styrene monomer, styrene dimer, and styrene trimer. Sand samples from beaches, which are commonly recreation sites, are particularly polluted with these high SOs concentrations. This finding is of interest from both scientific and public perspectives because SOs may pose potential long-term risks to the environment in combination with other endocrine disrupting chemicals. From SOs monitoring results, this study proposes a flow diagram for SOs leaching from PS cycle. Using this flow diagram, we conclude that SOs are global contaminants in sandy beaches around the world due to their broad spatial distribution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Thermodynamics of coil-hyperbranched poly(styrene-b-acrylated epoxidized soybean oil) block copolymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lin, Fang-Yi; Hohmann, Austin; Hernández, Nacú; Cochran, Eric

    Here we present the phase behavior of a new type of coil-hyperbranched diblock copolymer: poly(styrene- b-acrylated epoxidized soybean oil), or PS-PAESO. PS-PAESO is an example of a biorenewable thermoplastic elastomer (bio-TPE). To date, we have shown that bio-TPEs can be economical commercial substitutes for their petrochemically derived analogues--such as poly(styrene- b-butadiene- b-styrene) (SBS)--in a range of applications including pressure sensitive adhesives and bitumen modification. From a polymer physics perspective, PS-PAESO is an interesting material in that it couples a linear coil-like block with a highly branched block. Thus in contrast to the past five decades of studies on linear AB diblock copolymers, coil-hyperbranched block copolymers are relatively unknown to the community and can be expected to deviate substantially from the standard ``universal'' phase behavior in the AB systems. To explore these new materials, we have constructed a library of PS-PAESO materials spanning a range of molecular weight and composition values. The phase transition behavior and the morphology information will be interpreted by isochronal temperature scanning in dynamic shear rheology, small angle X-ray scattering and the corresponding transmission electron microscopy.

  2. Particulate matter in cigarette smoke increases ciliary axoneme beating through mechanical stimulation.

    PubMed

    Navarrette, Chelsea R; Sisson, Joseph H; Nance, Elizabeth; Allen-Gipson, Diane; Hanes, Justin; Wyatt, Todd A

    2012-06-01

    The lung's ability to trap and clear foreign particles via the mucociliary elevator is an important mechanism for protecting the lung against respirable irritants and microorganisms. Although cigarette smoke (CS) exposure and particulate inhalation are known to alter mucociliary clearance, little is known about how CS and nanoparticles (NPs) modify cilia beating at the cytoskeletal infrastructure, or axonemal, level. We used a cell-free model to introduce cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and NPs with variant size and surface chemistry to isolated axonemes and measured changes in ciliary motility. We hypothesized that CSE would alter cilia beating and that alterations in ciliary beat frequency (CBF) due to particulate matter would be size- and surface chemistry-dependent. Demembranated axonemes were isolated from ciliated bovine tracheas and exposed to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to initiate motility. CBF was measured in response to 5% CSE, CSE filtrate, and carboxyl-modified (COOH), sulphate (SO(4))-modified (sulfonated), or PEG-coated polystyrene (PS) latex NPs ranging in size from 40 nm to 500 nm. CSE concentrations as low as 5% resulted in rapid, significant stimulation of CBF (p<0.05 vs. baseline control). Filtering CSE through a 0.2-μm filter attenuated this effect. Introduction of sulphate-modified PS beads ~300 nm in diameter resulted in a similar increase in CBF above baseline ATP levels. Uncharged, PEG-coated beads had no effect on CBF regardless of size. Similarly, COOH-coated particles less than 200 nm in diameter did not alter ciliary motility. However, COOH-coated PS particles larger than 300 nm increased CBF significantly and increased the number of motile points. These data show that NPs, including those found in CSE, mechanically stimulate axonemes in a size- and surface chemistry-dependent manner. Alterations in ciliary motility due to physicochemical properties of NPs may be important for inhalational lung injury and efficient drug delivery of respirable particles.

  3. High content analysis provides mechanistic insights on the pathways of toxicity induced by amine-modified polystyrene nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Anguissola, Sergio; Garry, David; Salvati, Anna; O'Brien, Peter J; Dawson, Kenneth A

    2014-01-01

    The fast-paced development of nanotechnology needs the support of effective safety testing. We have developed a screening platform measuring simultaneously several cellular parameters for exposure to various concentrations of nanoparticles (NPs). Cell lines representative of different organ cell types, including lung, endothelium, liver, kidney, macrophages, glia, and neuronal cells were exposed to 50 nm amine-modified polystyrene (PS-NH2) NPs previously reported to induce apoptosis and to 50 nm sulphonated and carboxyl-modified polystyrene NPs that were reported to be silent. All cell lines apart from Raw 264.7 executed apoptosis in response to PS-NH2 NPs, showing specific sequences of EC50 thresholds; lysosomal acidification was the most sensitive parameter. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and plasma membrane integrity measured by High Content Analysis resulted comparably sensitive to the equivalent OECD-recommended assays, allowing increased output. Analysis of the acidic compartments revealed good cerrelation between size/fluorescence intensity and dose of PS-NH2 NPs applied; moreover steatosis and phospholipidosis were observed, consistent with the lysosomal alterations revealed by Lysotracker green; similar responses were observed when comparing astrocytoma cells with primary astrocytes. We have established a platform providing mechanistic insights on the response to exposure to nanoparticles. Such platform holds great potential for in vitro screening of nanomaterials in highthroughput format.

  4. Electrodeposition of zinc hydroxysulfate nanosheets and reduction to zinc metal microdendrites on polypyrrole films.

    PubMed

    Andreoli, Enrico; Rooney, Denise A; Redington, Wynette; Gunning, Robert; Breslin, Carmel B

    2012-01-01

    Nanothin sheets made of zinc sulfate hydroxide hydrate, ZnSO4[Zn(OH)2]3 x 5H2O, are easily and quickly prepared using an innovative electrochemical route onto polypyrrole-polystyrene sulfonate (PPy-PSS) films. The sheets are characterized using a range of experimental techniques. The deposits are formed on the film surface with instantaneous nucleation to grow into a network of entangled nanosheets. The effect of the experimental conditions on the deposition is reported. Interestingly, the formation of the nanosheets is observed on PPy-PSS films only, and not on films doped with other sulfate/sulfonate dopants. The zinc nanosheets can be easily electrochemically reduced to metallic zinc microdentrites.

  5. Immobilization of Polyoxometalates on Tailored Polymeric Surfaces.

    PubMed

    Aguado-Ureta, Saioa; Rodríguez-Hernández, Juan; Del Campo, Adolfo; Perez-Álvarez, Leyre; Ruiz-Rubio, Leire; Vilas, José Luis; Artetxe, Beñat; Reinoso, Santiago; Gutiérrez-Zorrilla, Juan M

    2018-03-02

    Herein we describe the preparation of hybrid polymer-inorganic interfaces by the immobilization of polyoxometalate nanoclusters on functionalized polymer surfaces. The polymeric surfaces were made of polystyrene- b -poly(acrylic acid)/polystyrene (PS- b -PAA/PS) blends by spin coating on a silicon wafer. The functionalization of the polymer film was obtained by interfacial migration of the amphiphilic block copolymer toward the interface upon water vapor annealing. The carboxylic acid functional groups contained in the PAA block were then employed to anchor the [Ln III (α-SiW 11 O 39 )] 5- polyoxometalates (Ln: Ce, Er). This purpose was achieved by immersing the films in aqueous solutions of the in situ-formed inorganic nanoclusters. X-ray photoelectron and confocal Raman spectroscopies, together with atomic force microscopy, confirmed the immobilization of the inorganic species at the interface.

  6. Gold surface plasmon crystal structure based-on polystyrene template for biosensor application.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Min-Zhuo; Zhang, Jing; Bao, Dequan; Huang, Xiwei

    2018-05-21

    In this communication, we assembled ordered polystyrene (PS) microsphere array as a template with the drop-coating method, and the oxygen plasma was used to etch the template to adjust the spacing between the PS microspheres. Nano-triangular gold array and silver nano-pyramid array were obtained by ion beam sputtering to deposit precious metal gold and silver. We observed the surface morphology of Au and Au/Ag composite films by scanning electron microscope and characterized the films by X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet/visible light spectrophotometer. The results show that the etching time of oxygen plasma has an obvious effect in adjusting the spacing between PSs and has a significant effect on the morphology of Au structure. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. Synthesis and Characterization of Comb and Centipede Multigraft Copolymers P nBA- g-PS with High Molecular Weight Using Miniemulsion Polymerization

    DOE PAGES

    Wang, Wenwen; Wang, Weiyu; Lu, Xinyi; ...

    2014-10-23

    For this study, comb and centipede multigraft copolymers, poly(n-butyl acrylate)-g-polystyrene (PnBA-g-PS) with PnBA backbones and PS side chains, were synthesized via high-vacuum anionic polymerization and miniemulsion polymerization. Single-tailed and double-tailed PS macromonomers were synthesized by anionic polymerization and Steglich esterification. Subsequently, the copolymerization of each macromonomer and nBA was carried out in miniemulsion, and multigraft copolymers were obtained. The latex particles of multigraft copolymers were characterized using dynamic light scattering. The molecular weights of macromonomers and multigraft copolymers were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography. Moreover, the molecular weights and structures of macromonomers were investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight massmore » spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The weight contents of PS in comb and centipede multigraft copolymers were calculated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The thermal properties of multigraft copolymers were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The microphase separation of multigraft copolymers was observed by atomic force microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Rheological measurements showed that comb and centipede multigraft copolymers have elastic properties when the weight content of PS side chains is 26–32 wt %. Centipede multigraft copolymers possess better elastic properties than comb multigraft copolymers with the similar weight content of PS. In conclusion, these findings are similar to previous results on poly(isoprene-g-polystyrene) comb and centipede copolymers made by anionic polymerization.« less

  8. Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly of Plexcitonic Nanoparticles

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-08-12

    nitrate , trisodium citrate tribasic dihydrate, sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS, MW ~70,000), poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride ) (PDADMAC...Abstract: Colloidal suspensions of multilayer nanoparticles composed of a silver core, a polyelectrolyte spacer layer (inner shell), and a J-aggregate...multilayer architecture served as a framework for examining the coupling of the localized surface plasmon resonance exhibited by the silver core with

  9. Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium bacteraemia as a complication of Kayexalate (sodium polystyrene sulfonate, SPS) in sorbitol-induced ischaemic colitis.

    PubMed

    Cerrud-Rodriguez, Roberto Christian; Alcaraz-Alvarez, Diego; Chiong, Brian Bobby; Ahmed, Abdurhman

    2017-11-09

    We present the case report of an 80-year-old woman with chronic kidney disease stage G5 admitted to the hospital with fluid overload and hyperkalaemia. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS, Kayexalate) in sorbitol suspension was given orally to treat her hyperkalaemia, which precipitated an episode of SPS in sorbitol-induced ischaemic colitis with the subsequent complication of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) bacteraemia. SPS (Kayexalate) in sorbitol suspension has been implicated in the development of intestinal necrosis. Sorbitol, which is added as a cathartic agent to decrease the chance of faecal impaction, may be primarily responsible through several proposed mechanisms. The gold standard of diagnosis is the presence of SPS crystals in the colon biopsy. On a MEDLINE search, no previous reports of a VRE bacteraemia as a complication of biopsy-confirmed SPS in sorbitol ischaemic colitis were found. To the best of our knowledge, ours would be the first such case ever reported. © BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  10. Association of a multifunctional ionic block copolymer in a selective solvent

    DOE PAGES

    Etampawala, Thusitha N.; Aryal, Dipak; Osti, Naresh C.; ...

    2016-11-14

    The self-assembly of multiblock copolymers in solutions is controlled by a delicate balance between inherent phase segregation due to incompatibility of the blocks and the interaction of the individual blocks with the solvent. The current study elucidates the association of pentablock copolymers in a mixture of selective solvents which are good for the hydrophobic segments and poor for the hydrophilic blocks using small angle neutron scattering (SANS). The pentablock consists of a center block of randomly sulfonated polystyrene, designed for transport, tethered to poly-ethylene-r-propylene and end-capped by poly-t-butyl styrene, for mechanical stability. We find that the pentablock forms ellipsoidal core-shellmore » micelles with the sulfonated polystyrene in the core and Gaussian decaying chains of swollen poly-ethylene-r-propylene and poly-t-butyl styrene tertiary in the corona. With increasing solution concentration, the size of the micelle, the thickness of the corona, and the aggregation number increase, while the solvent fraction in the core decreases. As a result, in dilute solution the micelle increases in size as the temperature is increased, however, temperature effects dissipate with increasing solution concentration.« less

  11. Thermoelectric Properties of Highly Conductive Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Polystyrene Sulfonate Printed Thin Films.

    PubMed

    Beretta, Davide; Barker, Alex J; Maqueira-Albo, Isis; Calloni, Alberto; Bussetti, Gianlorenzo; Dell'Erba, Giorgio; Luzio, Alessandro; Duò, Lamberto; Petrozza, Annamaria; Lanzani, Guglielmo; Caironi, Mario

    2017-05-31

    Organic conductors are being evaluated for potential use in waste heat recovery through lightweight and flexible thermoelectric generators manufactured using cost-effective printing processes. Assessment of the potentiality of organic materials in real devices still requires a deeper understanding of the physics behind their thermoelectric properties, which can pave the way toward further development of the field. This article reports a detailed thermoelectric study of a set of highly conducting inkjet-printed films of commercially available poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate formulations characterized by in-plane electrical conductivity, spanning the interval 10-500 S/cm. The power factor is maximized for the formulation showing an intermediate electrical conductivity. The Seebeck coefficient is studied in the framework of Mott's relation, assuming a (semi-)classical definition of the transport function. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy at the Fermi level clearly indicates that the shape of the density of states alone is not sufficient to explain the observed Seebeck coefficient, suggesting that carrier mobility is important in determining both the electrical conductivity and thermopower. Finally, the cross-plane thermal conductivity is reliably extracted thanks to a scaling approach that can be easily performed using typical pump-probe spectroscopy.

  12. A strategy to modulate the electrophoretic behavior in plastic microchips using sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

    PubMed

    Guo, Jinxiu; Chen, Yu; Zhao, Lizhi; Sun, Ping; Li, Hongli; Zhou, Lei; Wang, Xiayan; Pu, Qiaosheng

    2016-12-16

    Plastic microchips have been broadly used as disposable microfluidic devices, but the poorly defined surface properties limit their application. Herein, we proved that an anionic polymer could be used as the background electrolyte (BGE) to provide a strong and stable cathodic electroosmotic flow (EOF) and modulate the electrophoretic behavior for efficient separation in relative thicker microchannels (∼75μm id). A cathodic EOF of ∼3.3×10 -4 cm 2 V -1 s -1 was maintained using sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSSNa) with a molecular weight of 5×10 5 as the BGE, which ensured fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled biogenic amines (BAs) appeared ahead of other components in the electropherograms obtained with microchips of cyclic olefin copolymer. Four selected BAs appeared within 50s and theoretical plate numbers of 8.0×10 5 /m were achieved. The role of PSSNa was evaluated with streaming potential, dynamic light scattering, contact angle and atomic force microscopy. Its functionalities as surface modifier, viscosity regulator and pseudostationary phase were also confirmed. The proposed electrophoretic method was applied in the fast determination of BAs in fish meat samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. The effect of multivalent counterions to the structure of highly dense polystyrene sulfonate brushes

    DOE PAGES

    Yu, Jing; Mao, Jun; Yuan, Guangcui; ...

    2016-02-23

    Surface tethered polyelectrolyte brushes are scientifically interesting and technologically relevant to many applications, ranging from colloidal stabilization to responsive and tunable materials to lubrication. Many applications operate in environments containing multi-valent ions, media in which our scientific understanding is not yet well-developed. In this paper, we synthesized high-density polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) brushes via surface initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization, and performed neutron reflectivity (NR) measurements to investigate and compare the effects of mono-valent Rb + and tri-valent Y 3+ counterions to the structure of the densely tethered PSS brushes. Our NR results show that in mono-valent RbNO 3 solution, the densemore » PSS brush retained its full thickness up to a salt concentration of 1 M, whereas it immediately collapsed upon adding 1.67 mM of tri-valent Y 3+. Increasing the concentration of Y 3+ beyond this level did not lead to any significant further structure change of the PSS brush. Finally, our findings demonstrate that the presence of multi-valent counterions can significantly alter the structure of polyelectrolyte brushes, in a manner different from mono-valent ions, which has implications for the functionality of the brushes.« less

  14. Functional electrospun polystyrene nanofibers incorporating α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins: comparison of molecular filter performance.

    PubMed

    Uyar, Tamer; Havelund, Rasmus; Hacaloglu, Jale; Besenbacher, Flemming; Kingshott, Peter

    2010-09-28

    Electrospinning has been used to successfully create polystyrene (PS) nanofibers containing either of three different types of cyclodextrin (CD); α-CD, β-CD, and γ-CD. These three CDs are chosen because they have different sized cavities that potentially allow for selective inclusion complex (IC) formation with molecules of different size or differences in affinity of IC formation with one type of molecule. The CD containing electrospun PS nanofibers (PS/CD) were initially characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the uniformity of the fibers and their fiber diameter distributions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to quantitatively determine the concentration of each CD on the different fiber surfaces. Static time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (static-ToF-SIMS) showed the presence of each type of CD on the PS nanofibers by the detection of both the CD sodium adduct molecular ions (M + Na+) and lower molecular weight oxygen containing fragment ions. The comparative efficiency of the PS/CD nanofibers/nanoweb for removing phenolphthalein, a model organic compound, from solution was determined by UV-vis spectrometry, and the kinetics of phenolphthalein capture was shown to follow the trend PS/α-CD > PS/β-CD > PS/γ-CD. Direct pyrolysis mass spectrometry (DP-MS) was also performed to ascertain the relative binding strengths of the phenolphthalein for the CD cavities, and the results showed the trend in the interaction strength was β-CD > γ-CD > α-CD. Our results demonstrate that nanofibers produced by electrospinning that incorporate cyclodextrins with different sized cavities can indeed filter organic molecules and can potentially be used for filtration, purification, and/or separation processes.

  15. Morphological evolution in dewetting polystyrene/polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane thin film bilayers.

    PubMed

    Paul, Rituparna; Karabiyik, Ufuk; Swift, Michael C; Hottle, John R; Esker, Alan R

    2008-05-06

    Morphological evolution in dewetting thin film bilayers of polystyrene (PS) and a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), trisilanolphenyl-POSS (TPP), was studied as a function of annealing temperature and annealing time. The results demonstrate unique dewetting morphologies in PS/TPP bilayers at elevated temperatures that are significantly different from those typically observed in dewetting polymer/polymer bilayers. During temperature ramp studies by optical microscopy (OM) in the reflection mode, PS/TPP bilayers form cracks with a weak optical contrast at approximately 130 degrees C. The crack formation is attributed to tensile stresses within the upper TPP layer. The weak optical contrast of the cracks observed in the bilayers for annealing temperatures below approximately 160 degrees C is consistent with the cracking and dewetting of only the upper TPP layer from the underlying PS layer. The optical contrast of the morphological features is significantly enhanced at annealing temperatures of >160 degrees C. This observation suggests dewetting of both the upper TPP and the lower PS layers that results in the exposure of the silicon substrate. Upon annealing the PS/TPP bilayers at 200 degrees C in a temperature jump experiment, the upper TPP layer undergoes instantaneous cracking as observed by OM. These cracks in the upper TPP layer serve as nucleation sites for rapid dewetting and aggregation of the TPP layer, as revealed by OM and atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated that dewetting of the lower PS layer ensued for annealing times >5 min and progressed up to 90 min. For annealing times >90 min, OM, AFM, and XPS results revealed complete dewetting of both the layers with the formation of TPP encapsulated PS droplets.

  16. Structure and luminescent property of complexes of aryl carboxylic acid-functionalized polystyrene with Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions.

    PubMed

    Gao, Baojiao; Shi, Nan; Qiao, Zongwen

    2015-11-05

    Via polymer reactions, naphthoic acid (NA) and benzoic acid (BA) were bonded onto the side chains of polystyrene (PS), respectively, and two aryl carboxylic acid-functionalized polystyrenes, PSNA and PSBA, were obtained. Using PSNA and PSBA as macromolecule ligands and Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) ions as central ions, various luminescent binary polymer-rare earth complexes were prepared. At the same time, with 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) and 4,4'-bipyridine (Bipy) as small-molecule co-ligands, various ternary polymer-rare earth complexes were also prepared. On the basis of characterizing PSNA, PSBA and complexes, the relationship between structure and luminescent property for these prepared complexes were mainly investigated. The study results show that the macromolecule ligands PSNA and PSBA, or the bonded NA and BA ligands, can strongly sensitize the fluorescence emissions of Eu(3+) ion or Tb(3+) ion, but the sensitization effect is strongly dependent on the structure of the ligands and the property of the central ions, namely it is strongly dependent on the matching degree of energy levels. The fluorescence emission of the binary complex PS-(NA)3-Eu(III) is stronger than that PS-(BA)3-Eu(III), indicating ligand NA has stronger sensitization action for Eu(3+) ion than ligand BA; the binary complex PS-(BA)3-Tb(III) emit strong characteristic fluorescence of Tb(3+) ion, displaying that ligand BA can strongly sensitize Tb(3+) ion, whereas the binary complex PS-(NA)3-Tb(III) nearly does not emit the characteristic fluorescence of Tb(3+) ion, showing that ligand NA does not sensitize Tb(3+) ion. The fluorescence intensity of the ternary complexes is much stronger than that of the binary complexes in the same series. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Amino-modified polystyrene nanoparticles affect signalling pathways of the sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) embryos.

    PubMed

    Pinsino, Annalisa; Bergami, Elisa; Della Torre, Camilla; Vannuccini, Maria Luisa; Addis, Piero; Secci, Marco; Dawson, Kenneth A; Matranga, Valeria; Corsi, Ilaria

    2017-03-01

    Polystyrene nanoparticles have been shown to pose serious risk to marine organisms including sea urchin embryos based on their surface properties and consequently behaviour in natural sea water. The aim of this study is to investigate the toxicity pathways of amino polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NH 2 , 50 nm) in Paracentrotus lividus embryos in terms of development and signalling at both protein and gene levels. Two sub-lethal concentrations of 3 and 4 μg/mL of PS-NH 2 were used to expose sea urchin embryos in natural sea water (PS-NH 2 as aggregates of 143 ± 5 nm). At 24 and 48 h post-fertilisation (hpf) embryonic development was monitored and variations in the levels of key proteins involved in stress response and development (Hsp70, Hsp60, MnSOD, Phospho-p38 Mapk) as well as the modulation of target genes (Pl-Hsp70, Pl-Hsp60, Pl-Cytochrome b, Pl-p38 Mapk, Pl-Caspase 8, Pl-Univin) were measured. At 48 hpf various striking teratogenic effects were observed such as the occurrence of cells/masses randomly distributed, severe skeletal defects and delayed development. At 24 hpf a significant up-regulation of Pl-Hsp70, Pl-p38 Mapk, Pl-Univin and Pl-Cas8 genes was found, while at 48 hpf only for Pl-Univin was observed. Protein profile showed different patterns as a significant increase of Hsp70 and Hsp60 only after 48 hpf compared to controls. Conversely, P-p38 Mapk protein significantly increased at 24 hpf and decreased at 48 hpf. Our findings highlight that PS-NH 2 are able to disrupt sea urchin embryos development by modulating protein and gene profile providing new understandings into the signalling pathways involved.

  18. Induced polymersome formation from a diblock PS-b-PAA polymer via encapsulation of positively charged proteins and peptides.

    PubMed

    Hvasanov, David; Wiedenmann, Jörg; Braet, Filip; Thordarson, Pall

    2011-06-14

    In contrast to simple salts or negatively charged macromolecules, positively charged proteins and peptides including cytochrome c (yeast) and poly-L-lysine are efficiently encapsulated while inducing the formation of polymersomes from polystyrene(140)-b-poly(acrylic acid)(48) (PS(140)-b-PAA(48)). This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

  19. Acid-functionalized nanoparticles for biomass hydrolysis

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pena Duque, Leidy Eugenia

    Cellulosic ethanol is a renewable source of energy. Lignocellulosic biomass is a complex material composed mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Biomass pretreatment is a required step to make sugar polymers liable to hydrolysis. Mineral acids are commonly used for biomass pretreatment. Using acid catalysts that can be recovered and reused could make the process economically more attractive. The overall goal of this dissertation is the development of a recyclable nanocatalyst for the hydrolysis of biomass sugars. Cobalt iron oxide nanoparticles (CoFe2O4) were synthesized to provide a magnetic core that could be separated from reaction using a magnetic field and modified to carry acid functional groups. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystal structure was that of cobalt spinel ferrite. CoFe2O4 were covered with silica which served as linker for the acid functions. Silica-coated nanoparticles were functionalized with three different acid functions: perfluoropropyl-sulfonic acid, carboxylic acid, and propyl-sulfonic acid. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images were analyzed to obtain particle size distributions of the nanoparticles. Total carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur were quantified using an elemental analyzer. Fourier transform infra-red spectra confirmed the presence of sulfonic and carboxylic acid functions and ion-exchange titrations accounted for the total amount of catalytic acid sites per nanoparticle mass. These nanoparticles were evaluated for their performance to hydrolyze the beta-1,4 glycosidic bond of the cellobiose molecule. Propyl-sulfonic (PS) and perfluoropropyl-sulfonic (PFS) acid functionalized nanoparticles catalyzed the hydrolysis of cellobiose significantly better than the control. PS and PFS were also evaluated for their capacity to solubilize wheat straw hemicelluloses and performed better than the control. Although PFS nanoparticles were stronger acid catalysts, the acid functions leached out of the nanoparticle during the catalytic reactions. PS nanoparticles were further evaluated for the pretreatment of corn stover in order to increase digestibility of the biomass. The pretreatment was carried out at three different catalyst load and temperature levels. At 180°C, the total glucose yield was linearly correlated to the catalyst load. A maximum glucose yield of 90% and 58% of the hemicellulose sugars were obtained at this temperature.

  20. Oriented Adhesion of Escherichia coli to Polystyrene Particles

    PubMed Central

    Jones, Joseph F.; Feick, Jason D.; Imoudu, Daniel; Chukwumah, Nkiru; Vigeant, Margot; Velegol, Darrell

    2003-01-01

    The adhesion of nonflagellated Escherichia coli strain K-12 to polystyrene (PS) latex spheres or glass capillaries has been observed by using several techniques. Attention was focused on the orientation of the rod-shaped bacteria as they adhered to the surfaces in 100 mM phosphate-buffered saline. Data show that PS particles adhered to the ends of the bacteria more than 90% of the time. Moreover, the PS particles adhered to one end only, never to both. Similarly, for experiments with bacteria adhering to glass, the bacteria adhered on their ends. In order to determine whether the end of a bacterium had a different charge density from that of the middle, rotational electrophoresis experiments were used. These experiments indicated no measurable charge nonuniformity. In order to examine how strongly adhered the bacteria were to the PS particles, differential electrophoresis was used. Almost always, bacteria were found to be irreversibly adhered to the PS spheres. The cause of the oriented adhesion is not likely due to surface lipopolysaccharides (LPS), since the three strains of K-12 that were used, each having a different length of LPS, showed similar behavior. The results are discussed in terms of bacterial cell polarity. The data indicate that nanodomains on the bacterial ends are important for adhesion and that the time scale for irreversible adhesion is short. PMID:14602608

  1. Sulfonated polystyrene magnetic nanobeads coupled with immunochromatographic strip for clenbuterol determination in pork muscle.

    PubMed

    Wu, Kesheng; Guo, Liang; Xu, Wei; Xu, Hengyi; Aguilar, Zoraida P; Xu, Guomao; Lai, Weihua; Xiong, Yonghua; Wan, Yiqun

    2014-11-01

    A magnetic solid-phase extraction method (MSPE) was developed to pre-concentrate and cleanup clenbuterol (CLE) from pork muscle. Novel sulfonated polystyrene magnetic nanobeads (spMNBs) were synthesized via a one-pot emulsion copolymerization method by using divinylbenzene, styrene, and sodium styrene sulfonate in the presence of oleic acid-modified and 10-undecylenic acid-modified magnetic ferrofluid. The resulting spMNBs exhibited high adsorption efficiency for CLE and for 10 other common beta-adrenergic agonists, namely, brombuterol, ractopamine, tulobuterol, bambuterol, cimbuterol, mabuterol, clorprenaline, penbutolol, salbutamol, and cimaterol. The adsorption behavior of the spMNBs for CLE was described by the Langmuir equation with a maximum adsorption capacity of 0.41 mg/g. Under the optimized parameters, the extraction of CLE from 0.5 g of pork muscle required 25mg of the spMNBs at a shortened adsorption time (0.5 min). The proposed MSPE was coupled with colloidal gold nanoparticle-based immunochromatographic assay (MSPE-AuNPIA) for the quantitative detection of CLE residue in pork muscle. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for the pork muscle were 0.10 and 0.24 ng/g, respectively. The intra-day and inter-day assay recoveries at three CLE spiked concentrations ranged from 92.5% to 98.1%, with relative standard deviations ranging from 3.2% to 13.0%. The results of MSPE-AuNPIA were confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The CLE values obtained with MSPE-AuNPIA agreed with those obtained with LC-MS/MS. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Tunable PhoXonic Band Gap Materials from Self-Assembly of Block Copoliymers and Colloidal Nanocrystals (NBIT Phase II)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2011-05-06

    electric fields. For that, we are going to use PS - b - P2VP block copolymers as a model system, utilizing the quite versatile chemistry of the P2VP ...displays. Our efforts at Hanyang have focused on tunable PBG materials self-assembled from polystyrene- b -poly(2-vinyl pyridine) ( PS - b - P2VP ) block...small angle x-ray scattering measurements during swelling of low molecular weight PS - P2VP polymers at the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source

  3. Polymer Thin Film Stabilization.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Costa, A. C.; Oslanec, R.; Composto, R. J.; Vlcek, P.

    1998-03-01

    We study the dewetting dynamics of thin polystyrene (PS) films deposited on silicon oxide surfaces using optical (OM) and atomic force (AFM) microscopes. Quantitative analysis of the hole diameter as a function of annealing time at 175^oC shows that blending poly(styrene-block-methyl-methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) with PS acts to dramatically slow down the dewetting rate and even stops holes growth before they impinge. AFM studies show that the hole floor is smooth for a pure PS film but contains residual polymer for the blend. At 5% vol., a PS-b-PMMA with high molar mass and low PMMA is a more effective stabilizing agent than a low molar mass/high PMMA additive. The optimum copolymer concentration is 3% vol. beyond which film stability doesn't improve. Although dewetting is slowed down relative to pure PS, PS/PS-b-PMMA bilayers dewet at a faster rate than blends having the same overall additive concentration.

  4. Polymerization of styrene with cyclopentadienyl nickel complex/methylaluminoxane

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yu, Dongping; Zhang, Danfeng

    2017-09-01

    Polystyrene was synthesized by Cp(CH2CH2OCH3)NiCl(PPh3) in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO). This complex displayed a very high activity for styrene polymerization up to 107 g.mol-1Nih-1. 76.6% styrene was converted to polystyrene (PS) with an average molecular (Mn) of 1.13×105 at 50 °C in 30 min. The structure of the obtained polymer was characterized by 1H NMR and FT-IR.

  5. One molecule of ionic liquid and tert-alcohol on a polystyrene-support as catalysts for efficient nucleophilic substitution including fluorination.

    PubMed

    Shinde, Sandip S; Patil, Sunil N

    2014-12-07

    The tert-alcohol and ionic liquid solvents in one molecule [mim-(t)OH][OMs] was immobilized on polystyrene and reported to be a highly efficient catalyst in aliphatic nucleophilic substitution using alkali metal salts. Herein, we investigated the catalytic activity of a new structurally modified polymer-supported tert-alcohol functionalized imidazolium salt catalyst in nucleophilic substitution of 2-(3-methanesulfonyloxypropyoxy)naphthalene as a model substrate with various metal nucleophiles. The tert-alcohol moiety of the ionic liquid with a hexyl chain distance from polystyrene had a better catalytic activity compared to the other resin which lacked an alkyl linker and tert-alcohol moiety. We found that the maximum [mim-(t)OH][OMs] loading had the best catalytic efficacy among the tested polystyrene-based ionic liquids (PSILs) in nucleophilic fluorination. The catalytic efficiency of the PS[him-(t)OH][OMs] as a phase transfer catalyst (PTC) was determined by carrying out various nucleophilic substitutions using the corresponding alkali metal salts from the third to sixth periodic in CH3CN or tert-BuOH media. The scope of this protocol with primary and secondary polar substrates containing many heteroatoms is also reported. This PS[him-(t)OH][OMs] catalyst not only enhances the reactivity of alkali metal salts and reduces the formation of by-products but also affords high yield with easy isolation.

  6. Soft nanoparticles: nano ionic networks of associated ionic polymers

    DOE PAGES

    Aryal, Dipak; Grest, Gary S.; Perahia, Dvora

    2017-01-01

    Directing the formation of nanostructures that serve as building blocks of membranes presents an immense step towards engineering controlled polymeric ion transport systems. Here, using the exquisite atomic detail captured by molecular dynamics simulations, we follow the assembly of a co-polymer that consists of polystyrene sulfonate tethered symmetrically to hydrophobic blocks, realizing a new type of long lived solvent-responsive soft nanoparticle.

  7. Nanocomposite of polystyrene foil grafted with metallaboranes for antimicrobial activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Benkocká, Monika; Kolářová, Kateřina; Matoušek, Jindřich; Semerádtová, Alena; Šícha, Václav; Kolská, Zdeňka

    2018-05-01

    The surface of polystyrene foil (PS) was chemically modified. Firstly, the surface was pre-treated with Piranha solution. The activated surface was grafted by selected amino-compounds (cysteamine, ethylenediamine or chitosan) and/or subsequently grafted with five members of inorganic metallaboranes. Selected surface properties were studied by using various methods in order to indicate significant changes before and after individual modification steps of polymer foil. Elemental composition of surface was conducted by using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, chemistry and polarity by infrared spectroscopy and by electrokinetic analysis, wettability by goniometry, surface morphology by atomic force microscopy. Antimicrobial tests were performed on individual samples in order to confirm antimicrobial impact. Our results show slight antibacterial activity of PS modified with SK5 for Escherichia coli in comparison with the rest of the tested borane. On the other hand molecules of all tested metallaboranes could easier pierce through bacterial cell of Staphylococcus epidermidis due to absence of outer membrane (phospholipid bilayer). Some borane grafted on PS surface embodies the strong activity for Staphylococcus epidermidis and also for Desmodesmus quadricauda growth inhibition.

  8. Large-scale protein/antibody patterning with limiting unspecific adsorption

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fedorenko, Viktoriia; Bechelany, Mikhael; Janot, Jean-Marc; Smyntyna, Valentyn; Balme, Sebastien

    2017-10-01

    A simple synthetic route based on nanosphere lithography has been developed in order to design a large-scale nanoarray for specific control of protein anchoring. This technique based on two-dimensional (2D) colloidal crystals composed of polystyrene spheres allows the easy and inexpensive fabrication of large arrays (up to several centimeters) by reducing the cost. A silicon wafer coated with a thin adhesion layer of chromium (15 nm) and a layer of gold (50 nm) is used as a substrate. PS spheres are deposited on the gold surface using the floating-transferring technique. The PS spheres were then functionalized with PEG-biotin and the defects by self-assembly monolayer (SAM) PEG to prevent unspecific adsorption. Using epifluorescence microscopy, we show that after immersion of sample on target protein (avidin and anti-avidin) solution, the latter are specifically located on polystyrene spheres. Thus, these results are meaningful for exploration of devices based on a large-scale nanoarray of PS spheres and can be used for detection of target proteins or simply to pattern a surface with specific proteins.

  9. High Aspect Ratio Sub-15 nm Silicon Trenches From Block Copolymer Templates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gu, Xiaodan; Liu, Zuwei; Gunkel, Ilja; Olynick, Deirdre; Russell, Thomas; University of Massachusetts Amherst Collaboration; Oxford Instrument Collaboration; Lawrence Berkeley National Lab Collaboration

    2013-03-01

    High-aspect-ratio sub-15 nm silicon trenches are fabricated directly from plasma etching of a block copolymer (BCP) mask. Polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) 40k-b-18k was spin coated and solvent annealed to form cylindrical structures parallel to the silicon substrate. The BCP thin film was reconstructed by immersion in ethanol and then subjected to an oxygen and argon reactive ion etching to fabricate the polymer mask. A low temperature ion coupled plasma with sulfur hexafluoride and oxygen was used to pattern transfer block copolymer structure to silicon with high selectivity (8:1) and fidelity. The silicon pattern was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and grazing incidence x-ray scattering. We also demonstrated fabrication of silicon nano-holes using polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide (PS-b-PEO) using same methodology described above for PS-b-P2VP. Finally, we show such silicon nano-strucutre serves as excellent nano-imprint master template to pattern various functional materials like poly 3-hexylthiophene (P3HT).

  10. Use of a polystyrene-divinylbenzene-based weakly acidic cation-exchange resin column and propionic acid as an eluent in ion-exclusion/adsorption chromatography of aliphatic carboxylic acids and ethanol in food samples.

    PubMed

    Mori, Masanobu; Hironaga, Takahiro; Kajiwara, Hiroe; Nakatani, Nobutake; Kozaki, Daisuke; Itabashi, Hideyuki; Tanaka, Kazuhiko

    2011-01-01

    We developed an ion-exclusion/adsorption chromatography (IEAC) method employing a polystyrene-divinylbenzene-based weakly acidic cation-exchange resin (PS-WCX) column with propionic acid as the eluent for the simultaneous determination of multivalent aliphatic carboxylic acids and ethanol in food samples. The PS-WCX column well resolved mono-, di-, and trivalent carboxylic acids in the acidic eluent. Propionic acid as the eluent gave a higher signal-to-noise ratio, and enabled sensitive conductimetric detection of analyte acids. We found the optimal separation condition to be the combination of a PS-WCX column and 20-mM propionic acid. Practical applicability of the developed method was confirmed by using a short precolumn with a strongly acidic cation-exchange resin in the H(+)-form connected before the separation column; this was to remove cations from food samples by converting them to hydrogen ions. Consequently, common carboxylic acids and ethanol in beer, wine, and soy sauce were successfully separated by the developed method.

  11. STUDY OF REUSABLE PHOTOSENSITIVE ELECTRON RECORDING MEDIA

    DTIC Science & Technology

    a low molecular weight polystyrene resin (Dow Ps-2) is most suitable. The first photodielectrically deformed picture of a course bar pattern is reported using CdSe:Cu powder dispersed in carnauba wax . (Author)

  12. A highly aromatic and sulfonated ionomer for high elastic modulus ionic polymer membrane micro-actuators

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hatipoglu, Gokhan; Liu, Yang; Zhao, Ran; Yoonessi, Mitra; Tigelaar, Dean M.; Tadigadapa, Srinivas; Zhang, Q. M.

    2012-05-01

    A high modulus, sulfonated ionomer synthesized from 4,6-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-N,N-diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-amine and 4,4‧-biphenol with bis(4-fluorophenyl)sulfone (DPA-PS:BP) is investigated for ionic polymer actuators. The uniqueness of DPA-PS:BP is that it can have a high ionic liquid (IL) uptake and consequently generates a high intrinsic strain response, which is >1.1% under 1.6 V while maintaining a high elastic modulus (i.e. 600 MPa for 65 vol% IL uptake). Moreover, such a high modulus of the active ionomer, originating from the highly aromatic backbone and side-chain-free structure, allows for the fabrication of free-standing thin film micro-actuators (down to 5 µm thickness) via the solution cast method and focused-ion-beam milling, which exhibits a much higher bending actuation, i.e. 43 µm tip displacement and 180 kPa blocking stress for a 200 µm long and 5 µm thick cantilever actuator, compared with the ionic actuators based on traditional ionomers such as Nafion, which has a much lower elastic modulus (50 MPa) and actuation strain.

  13. Immobilization of Polyoxometalates on Tailored Polymeric Surfaces

    PubMed Central

    Aguado-Ureta, Saioa; Rodríguez-Hernández, Juan; del Campo, Adolfo; Perez-Álvarez, Leyre

    2018-01-01

    Herein we describe the preparation of hybrid polymer–inorganic interfaces by the immobilization of polyoxometalate nanoclusters on functionalized polymer surfaces. The polymeric surfaces were made of polystyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid)/polystyrene (PS-b-PAA/PS) blends by spin coating on a silicon wafer. The functionalization of the polymer film was obtained by interfacial migration of the amphiphilic block copolymer toward the interface upon water vapor annealing. The carboxylic acid functional groups contained in the PAA block were then employed to anchor the [LnIII(α-SiW11O39)]5− polyoxometalates (Ln: Ce, Er). This purpose was achieved by immersing the films in aqueous solutions of the in situ-formed inorganic nanoclusters. X-ray photoelectron and confocal Raman spectroscopies, together with atomic force microscopy, confirmed the immobilization of the inorganic species at the interface. PMID:29498656

  14. Size Dependent Mechanical Properties of Monolayer Densely Arranged Polystyrene Nanospheres.

    PubMed

    Huang, Peng; Zhang, Lijing; Yan, Qingfeng; Guo, Dan; Xie, Guoxin

    2016-12-13

    In contrast to macroscopic materials, the mechanical properties of polymer nanospheres show fascinating scientific and application values. However, the experimental measurements of individual nanospheres and quantitative analysis of theoretical mechanisms remain less well performed and understood. We provide a highly efficient and accurate method with monolayer densely arranged honeycomb polystyrene (PS) nanospheres for the quantitatively mechanical characterization of individual nanospheres on the basis of atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation. The efficiency is improved by 1-2 orders, and the accuracy is also enhanced almost by half-order. The elastic modulus measured in the experiments increases with decreasing radius to the smallest nanospheres (25-35 nm in radius). A core-shell model is introduced to predict the size dependent elasticity of PS nanospheres, and the theoretical prediction agrees reasonably well with the experimental results and also shows a peak modulus value.

  15. Catalytic pyrolysis of black-liquor lignin by co-feeding with different plastics in a fluidized bed reactor.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Huiyan; Xiao, Rui; Nie, Jianlong; Jin, Baosheng; Shao, Shanshan; Xiao, Guomin

    2015-09-01

    Catalytic co-pyrolysis of black-liquor lignin and waste plastics (polyethylene, PE; polypropylene PP; polystyrene, PS) was conducted in a fluidized bed. The effects of temperature, plastic to lignin ratio, catalyst and plastic types on product distributions were studied. Both aromatic and olefin yields increased with increasing PE proportion. Petrochemical yield of co-pyrolysis of PE and lignin was LOSA-1 > spent FCC > Gamma-Al2O3 > sand. The petrochemical yield with LOSA-1 is 43.9% which is more than two times of that without catalyst. The feedstock for co-pyrolysis with lignin is polystyrene > polyethylene > polypropylene. Catalytic co-pyrolysis of black-liquor lignin with PS produced the maximum aromatic yield (55.3%), while co-pyrolysis with PE produced the maximum olefin yield (13%). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Immobilization of 5-aminopyridine-2-tetrazole on cross-linked polystyrene for the preparation of a new adsorbent to remove heavy metal ions from aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yu; Chen, Youning; Wang, Chaozhan; Wei, Yinmao

    2014-07-15

    Novel 5-aminopyridine-2-tetrazole-functionalized polystyrene resin (APTZ-PS) was prepared by anchoring 5-aminopyridine-2-carbonitrile onto chloromethylated polystyrene beads (CMPS) and subsequently using the cyano-tetrazole conversion reaction. The APTZ-PS resin was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and specific surface area and pore size analyses. The adsorption experiments of the prepared resin for heavy metal ions were conducted by batch methods. The effects of the experimental conditions, such as pH, contact time and initial metal ion concentration on the adsorption properties of Cu(II), Pb(II) and Hg(II) were investigated. The results showed that the resin possessed perfect adsorption capacities for Cu(II), Pb(II) and Hg(II), and the selectivity was different from the commonly used iminodiacetic acid-chelating resin. The sorption kinetics of the three metal ions followed the pseudo-second-order equation. The adsorption isotherms for Cu(II) and Pb(II) could be better fitted by the Langmuir model than the Freundlich model, whereas the Freundlich model was the best for the Hg(II) ion. Even after five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, no obvious change in the adsorption capacity of the resin was found, which implied that the APTZ-PS resin was suitable for the efficient removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Effect of Micellization on the Adsorption Kinetics of Polymeric Surfactants to the Solid/Water Interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Toomey, Ryan; Tirrell, Matthew

    2002-03-01

    We have studied the adsorption kinetics of two classes of hydrophobic/ionic diblock copolymer surfactants in aqueous environments to understand the role that micellization plays in the adsorption process. The two systems studied were poly(t-butyl styrene)-block-poly(styrene sulfonate) (PtBS-b-PSS) and polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA). It is found that by changing the hydrophobicity of the adsorbing surface, micelle adsorption can be turned on or off. When micelle adsorption occurs, the initial adsorption rate is always slower than the supply rate of micelles to the surface, indicating “reaction-limited” adsorption. Since these micelles have essentially frozen cores, the adsorption cannot be explained by the release of unimers from the micelles. Rather, micelles directly adsorb, and they have to overcome the potential barrier imposed by their corona. Due to micellization, the adsorption rate can also be a complex function of ionic strength. A regime was found where the initial adsorption rate decreased with increasing ionic strength. This anomaly can be explained by the onset of micellization. As the salt concentration is increased, more micelles are formed. However micelles adsorb roughly an order of magnitude slower than free chains. Therefore, if increasing the ionic strength produces more micelles, the adsorption rate will simultaneously decrease.

  18. Size dependent nonlinear optical properties of spin coated zinc oxide-polystyrene nanocomposite films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jeeju, Pullarkat P.; Jayalekshmi, S.; Chandrasekharan, K.; Sudheesh, P.

    2012-11-01

    Using simple wet chemical method at room temperature, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles embedded in polystyrene (PS) matrix were synthesized. The size of the ZnO nanoparticles could be varied by varying the precursor concentration, reaction time and stirring speed. Transparent films of ZnO/PS nanocomposites of thickness around 1 μm were coated on ultrasonically cleaned glass substrates by spin coating. The optical absorptive nonlinearity in ZnO/PS nanocomposite films was investigated using open aperture Z-scan technique with nanosecond laser pulses at 532 nm. The results indicate optical limiting type nonlinearity in the films due to two-photon absorption in ZnO. These films also show a self-defocusing type negative nonlinear refraction in closed aperture Z-scan experiment. The observed nonlinear absorption is strongly dependent on particle size and the normalized transmittance could be reduced to as low as 0.43 by the suitable choice of the ZnO nanoparticle size. These composite films can hence be used as efficient optical limiters for sensor protection. The much-pronounced nonlinear response of these composite films, compared to pure ZnO, combined with the improved stability of ZnO nanoparticles in the PS matrix offer prospects of application of these composite films in the fabrication of stable non-linear optical devices.

  19. Integrated hybrid polystyrene-polydimethylsiloxane device for monitoring cellular release with microchip electrophoresis and electrochemical detection

    PubMed Central

    Johnson, Alicia S.; Mehl, Benjamin T.; Martin, R. Scott

    2015-01-01

    In this work, a polystyrene (PS)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hybrid device was developed to enable the integration of cell culture with analysis by microchip electrophoresis and electrochemical detection. It is shown that this approach combines the fundamental advantages of PDMS devices (the ability to integrate pumps and valves) and PS devices (the ability to permanently embed fluidic tubing and electrodes). The embedded fused-silica capillary enables high temporal resolution measurements from off-chip cell culture dishes and the embedded electrodes provide close to real-time analysis of small molecule neurotransmitters. A novel surface treatment for improved (reversible) adhesion between PS and PDMS is described using a chlorotrimethylsilane stamping method. It is demonstrated that a Pd decoupler is efficient at handling the high current (and cathodic hydrogen production) resulting from use of high ionic strength buffers needed for cellular analysis; thus allowing an electrophoretic separation and in-channel detection. The separation of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in highly conductive biological buffers was optimized using a mixed surfactant system. This PS-PDMS hybrid device integrates multiple processes including continuous sampling from a cell culture dish, on-chip pump and valving technologies, microchip electrophoresis, and electrochemical detection to monitor neurotransmitter release from PC 12 cells. PMID:25663849

  20. Effect of film thickness on morphological evolution in dewetting and crystallization of polystyrene/poly(ε-caprolactone) blend films.

    PubMed

    Ma, Meng; He, Zhoukun; Yang, Jinghui; Chen, Feng; Wang, Ke; Zhang, Qin; Deng, Hua; Fu, Qiang

    2011-11-01

    In this Article, the morphological evolution in the blend thin film of polystyrene (PS)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) was investigated via mainly AFM. It was found that an enriched two-layer structure with PS at the upper layer and PCL at the bottom layer was formed during spinning coating. By changing the solution concentration, different kinds of crystal morphologies, such as finger-like, dendritic, and spherulitic-like, could be obtained at the bottom PCL layer. These different initial states led to the morphological evolution processes to be quite different from each other, so the phase separation, dewetting, and crystalline morphology of PS/PCL blend films as a function of time were studied. It was interesting to find that the morphological evolution of PS at the upper layer was largely dependent on the film thickness. For the ultrathin (15 nm) blend film, a liquid-solid/liquid-liquid dewetting-wetting process was observed, forming ribbons that rupture into discrete circular PS islands on voronoi finger-like PCL crystal. For the thick (30 nm) blend film, the liquid-liquid dewetting of the upper PS layer from the underlying adsorbed PCL layer was found, forming interconnected rim structures that rupture into discrete circular PS islands embedded in the single lamellar PCL dendritic crystal due to Rayleigh instability. For the thicker (60 nm) blend film, a two-step liquid-liquid dewetting process with regular holes decorated with dendritic PCL crystal at early annealing stage and small holes decorated with spherulite-like PCL crystal among the early dewetting holes at later annealing stage was observed. The mechanism of this unusual morphological evolution process was discussed on the basis of the entropy effect and annealing-induced phase separation.

  1. Facile modulation of cell adhesion to a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate film with incorporation of polystyrene nano-spheres.

    PubMed

    Yang, Wenguang; Yu, Haibo; Li, Gongxin; Wang, Yuechao; Liu, Lianqing

    2016-12-01

    Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) is a common hydrogel that has been actively investigated for various tissue engineering applications owing to its biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties. However, the native PEGDA films are known for their bio-inertness which can hinder cell adhesion, thereby limiting their applications in tissue engineering and biomedicine. Recently, nano composite technology has become a particularly hot topic, and has led to the development of new methods for delivering desired properties to nanomaterials. In this study, we added polystyrene nano-spheres (PS) into a PEGDA solution to synthesize a nano-composite film and evaluated its characteristics. The experimental results showed that addition of the nanospheres to the PEGDA film not only resulted in modification of the mechanical properties and surface morphology but further improved the adhesion of cells on the film. The tensile modulus showed clear dependence on the addition of PS, which enhanced the mechanical properties of the PEGDA-PS film. We attribute the high stiffness of the hybrid hydrogel to the formation of additional cross-links between polymeric chains and the nano-sphere surface in the network. The effect of PS on cell adhesion and proliferation was evaluated in L929 mouse fibroblast cells that were seeded on the surface of various PEGDA-PS films. Cells density increased with a larger PS concentration, and the cells displayed a spreading morphology on the hybrid films, which promoted cell proliferation. Impressively, cellular stiffness could also be modulated simply by tuning the concentration of nano-spheres. Our results indicate that the addition of PS can effectively tailor the physical and biological properties of PEGDA as well as the mechanical properties of cells, with benefits for biomedical and biotechnological applications.

  2. A paper-based microbial fuel cell: instant battery for disposable diagnostic devices.

    PubMed

    Fraiwan, Arwa; Mukherjee, Sayantika; Sundermier, Steven; Lee, Hyung-Sool; Choi, Seokheun

    2013-11-15

    We present a microfabricated paper-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) generating a maximum power of 5.5 μW/cm(2). The MFC features (1) a paper-based proton exchange membrane by infiltrating sulfonated sodium polystyrene sulfonate and (2) micro-fabricated paper chambers by patterning hydrophobic barriers of photoresist. Once inoculum and catholyte were added to the MFC, a current of 74 μA was generated immediately. This paper-based MFC has the advantages of ease of use, low production cost, and high portability. The voltage produced was increased by 1.9 × when two MFC devices were stacked in series, while operating lifetime was significantly enhanced in parallel. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Low-voltage bendable pentacene thin-film transistor with stainless steel substrate and polystyrene-coated hafnium silicate dielectric.

    PubMed

    Yun, Dong-Jin; Lee, Seunghyup; Yong, Kijung; Rhee, Shi-Woo

    2012-04-01

    The hafnium silicate and aluminum oxide high-k dielectrics were deposited on stainless steel substrate using atomic layer deposition process and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and polystyrene (PS) were treated improve crystallinity of pentacene grown on them. Besides, the effects of the pentacene deposition condition on the morphologies, crystallinities and electrical properties of pentacene were characterized. Therefore, the surface treatment condition on dielectric and pentacene deposition conditions were optimized. The pentacene grown on polystyrene coated high-k dielectric at low deposition rate and temperature (0.2-0.3 Å/s and R.T.) showed the largest grain size (0.8-1.0 μm) and highest crystallinity among pentacenes deposited various deposition conditions, and the pentacene TFT with polystyrene coated high-k dielectric showed excellent device-performance. To decrease threshold voltage of pentacene TFT, the polystyrene-thickness on high-k dielectric was controlled using different concentration of polystyrene solution. As the polystyrene-thickness on hafnium silicate decreases, the dielectric constant of polystyrene/hafnium silicate increases, while the crystallinity of pentacene grown on polystyrene/hafnium silicate did not change. Using low-thickness polystyrene coated hafnium silicate dielectric, the high-performance and low voltage operating (<5 V) pentacene thin film transistor (μ: ~2 cm(2)/(V s), on/off ratio, >1 × 10(4)) and complementary inverter (DC gains, ~20) could be fabricated.

  4. Effect of local chain deformability on the temperature-induced morphological transitions of polystyrene-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) micelles in aqueous solution.

    PubMed

    Ke, Xi-Xian; Wang, Lian; Xu, Jun-Ting; Du, Bin-Yang; Tu, Ying-Feng; Fan, Zhi-Qiang

    2014-07-28

    The effect of temperature on the micellar morphology of two polystyrene-b-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PS-b-PNIPAM) diblock copolymers in an aqueous solution was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At 25 °C, a mixture of vesicles and spheres are observed for the micelles of PS65-b-PNIPAM108, while PS65-b-PNIPAM360 exhibits mixed cylindrical and spherical micellar morphology. Upon increasing the temperature, the micellar morphology becomes spherical for PS65-b-PNIPAM108 at 60 °C and for PS65-b-PNIPAM360 at 40 °C. Such vesicle-to-sphere and cylinder-to-sphere transitions of micellar morphology are reversible when the micellar solutions are cooled back to 25 °C. However, these temperature-induced morphological transitions of the PS-b-PNIPAM micelles are contrary to the theoretical prediction. Qualitative analysis of the free energy shows that vesicular or cylindrical micelles tend to form at higher temperatures if only the overall volume change of the PNIPAM block is considered. The contradiction between the experimental results and theoretical prediction is interpreted in terms of the local deformability of the PNIPAM chains. At elevated temperatures, the collapsed PNIPAM globules are less deformable and must occupy larger areas at the micellar interface, although the overall volume is smaller at higher temperatures. This will lead to a larger repulsion between the PNIPAM globules and a remarkable increase in the free energy of the corona; thus, the formation of vesicles or cylinders at higher temperatures is prohibited.

  5. Ultrathin epidermal strain sensor based on an elastomer nanosheet with an inkjet-printed conductive polymer

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tetsu, Yuma; Yamagishi, Kento; Kato, Akira; Matsumoto, Yuya; Tsukune, Mariko; Kobayashi, Yo; Fujie, Masakatsu G.; Takeoka, Shinji; Fujie, Toshinori

    2017-08-01

    To minimize the interference that skin-contact strain sensors cause natural skin deformation, physical conformability to the epidermal structure is critical. Here, we developed an ultrathin strain sensor made from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) inkjet-printed on a polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene (SBS) nanosheet. The sensor, whose total thickness and gauge factor were ˜1 µm and 0.73 ± 0.10, respectively, deeply conformed to the epidermal structure and successfully detected the small skin strain (˜2%) while interfering minimally with the natural deformation of the skin. Such an epidermal strain sensor will open a new avenue for precisely detecting the motion of human skin and artificial soft-robotic skin.

  6. Kinetics of Phase Transition from Lamellar to Hexagonally Packed Cylinders for a Triblock Copolymer in a Selective Solvent

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Liu,Y.; Li, M.; Bansil, R.

    2007-01-01

    We examined the kinetics of the transformation from the lamellar (LAM) to the hexagonally packed cylinder (HEX) phase for the triblock copolymer, polystyrene-b-poly (ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS) in dibutyl phthalate (DBP), a selective solvent for polystyrene (PS), using time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We observe the HEX phase with the EB block in the cores at a lower temperature than that observed for the LAM phase due to the solvent selectivity of DBP for the PS block. Analysis of the SAXS data for a deep temperature quench well below the LAM-HEX transition shows that the transformation occurs in a one-step process. Wemore » calculate the scattering using a geometric model of rippled layers with adjacent layers totally out of phase during the transformation. The agreement of the calculations with the data further supports the continuous transformation mechanism from the LAM to HEX for a deep quench. In contrast, for a shallow quench close to the order-order transition, we find agreement with a two-step nucleation and growth mechanism.« less

  7. Microstructural study of a nitroxide-mediated poly(ethylene oxide)/polystyrene block copolymer (PEO-b-PS) by electrospray tandem mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Girod, Marion; Phan, Trang N T; Charles, Laurence

    2008-08-01

    Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry has been used to characterize the microstructure of a nitroxide-mediated poly(ethylene oxide)/polystyrene block copolymer, called SG1-capped PEO-b-PS. The main dissociation route of co-oligomers adducted with lithium or silver cation was observed to proceed via the homolytic cleavage of a C-ON bond, aimed at undergoing reversible homolysis during nitroxide mediated polymerization. This cleavage results in the elimination of the terminal SG1 end-group as a radical, inducing a complete depolymerization process of the PS block from the so-formed radical cation. These successive eliminations of styrene molecules allowed a straightforward determination of the PS block size. An alternative fragmentation pathway of the radical cation was shown to provide structural information on the junction group between the two blocks. Proposed dissociation mechanisms were supported by accurate mass measurements. Structural information on the SG1 end-group could be reached from weak abundance fragment ions detected in the low m/z range of the MS/MS spectrum. Amongst fragments typically expected from PS dissociation, only beta ions were produced. Moreover, specific dissociation of the PEO block was not observed to occur in MS/MS, suggesting that these rearrangement reactions do not compete effectively with dissociations of the odd-electron fragment ions. Information about the PEO block length and the initiated end-group were obtained in MS(3) experiments.

  8. Sequence control of phase separation and dewetting in PS/PVME blend thin films by changing molecular weight of PS.

    PubMed

    Xia, Tian; Qin, Yaping; Huang, Yajiang; Huang, Ting; Xu, Jianhui; Li, Youbing

    2016-11-28

    The morphology evolution mechanism of polystyrene (PS)/poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) blend thin films with different PS molecular weights (M w ) was studied. It was found that the morphology evolution was closely related to the molecular weight asymmetry between PS and PVME. In the film where M w (PS) ≈ M w (PVME), dewetting happened at the interface between the bottom layer and substrate after SD phase separation. While in the film where M w (PS) > M w (PVME), dewetting happened at the interface between the middle PS/PVME blend layer and bottom PVME layer near the substrate prior to phase separation. The different sequences of phase separation and dewetting and different interface for dewetting occurrence were studied by regarding the competitive effects of viscoelasticity contrast between polymer components and preferential wetting between PVME and the substrate. The viscoelastic nature of the PS component played a crucial role in the sequence of phase separation and dewetting.

  9. Autoclave Sterilization of PEDOT:PSS Electrophysiology Devices.

    PubMed

    Uguz, Ilke; Ganji, Mehran; Hama, Adel; Tanaka, Atsunori; Inal, Sahika; Youssef, Ahmed; Owens, Roisin M; Quilichini, Pascale P; Ghestem, Antoine; Bernard, Christophe; Dayeh, Shadi A; Malliaras, George G

    2016-12-01

    Autoclaving, the most widely available sterilization method, is applied to poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) electrophysiology devices. The process does not harm morphology or electrical properties, while it effectively kills E. coli intentionally cultured on the devices. This finding paves the way to widespread introduction of PEDOT:PSS electrophysiology devices to the clinic. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Small angle neutron scattering study of polyelectrolyte brushes grafted to well-defined gold nanoparticle interfaces.

    PubMed

    Jia, Haidong; Grillo, Isabelle; Titmuss, Simon

    2010-05-18

    Small angle neutron scattering (SANS) has been used to study the conformations, and response to added salt, of a polyelectrolyte layer grafted to the interfaces of well-defined gold nanoparticles. The polyelectrolyte layer is prepared at a constant coverage by grafting thiol-functionalized polystyrene (M(w) = 53k) to gold nanoparticles of well-defined interfacial curvature (R(c) = 26.5 nm) followed by a soft-sulfonation of 38% of the segments to sodium polystyrene sulfonate (NaPSS). The SANS profiles can be fit by Fermi-Dirac distributions that are consistent with a Gaussian distribution but are better described by a parabolic distribution plus an exponential tail, particularly in the high salt regime. These distributions are consistent with the predictions and measurements for osmotic and salted brushes at interfaces of low curvature. When the concentration of added salt exceeds the concentration of counterions inside the brush, there is a salt-induced deswelling, but even at the highest salt concentration the brush remains significantly swollen due to a short-ranged excluded volume interaction. This is responsible for the observed resistance to aggregation of these comparatively high concentration polyelectrolyte stabilized gold nanoparticle dispersions even in the presence of a high concentration of added salt.

  11. Transport behavior of hairless mouse skin during constant current DC iontophoresis, part 2: iontophoresis of nonionic molecules with cotransport of polystyrene sulfonate oligomers.

    PubMed

    Liddell, Mark R; Li, S Kevin; Higuchi, William I

    2011-07-01

    The purpose of this study was to characterize changes that occur in the iontophoretic transport of nonionic probe permeants in hairless mouse skin epidermal membrane from the anode to cathode when polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) oligomers are cotransported from the cathode to anode. The experiments were conducted with trace levels of the nonionic probe permeants: urea, mannitol, and raffinose. In order to systematically assess changes that occur as a result of having PSS in the cathodal chamber, the steady-state transport parameters of the membrane and the experimental permeability coefficients of the probe permeants were determined and compared with results obtained from earlier baseline experiments where both the cathodal and anodal chamber media were phosphate buffered saline. In addition, the physicochemical properties of the PSS solutions were determined including the solution viscosity and conductance as well as the mobilities of individual PSS oligomers. The effective pore radii of the transport pathways were calculated using a theoretical expression based on simultaneous diffusion and electroosmosis. Compared with the baseline results, the calculated radii were found to have increased up to around twofold and the iontophoretic fluxes of the probe permeants increased by as much sixfold. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

  12. Preparation of polystyrene/SiO2 microsphere via Pickering emulsion polymerization: Synergistic effect of SiO2 concentrations and initiator sorts

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Haiou; Shi, Tiejun; Zhou, Xun

    2013-02-01

    In this paper, polystyrene (PS)/SiO2 microspheres were successfully prepared via Pickering emulsion polymerization stabilized solely by ethacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) modified SiO2 nanoparticles. The formation mechanisms of PS/SiO2 microspheres with different morphology were investigated under various Pickering emulsion polymerization conditions. The results showed that SiO2 concentrations and initiator sorts would synergistically impact on the morphology of products corresponding to distinct formation mechanisms. When SiO2 concentrations was low and water-solute initiator potassium persulfate (KPS) was used, aqueous nucleation was dominant, which was deduced to the formation of dispersive microspheres sparsely anchored by SiO2 particles. When SiO2 concentrations was increased and oil-solute initiator azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was applied, nucleation in oil phase prevailed which lead to the formation of microspheres densely packed by SiO2 particles.

  13. Gold nanoparticles coated polystyrene/reduced graphite oxide microspheres with improved dispersibility and electrical conductivity for dopamine detection.

    PubMed

    Qian, Tao; Yu, Chenfei; Wu, Shishan; Shen, Jian

    2013-12-01

    Gold nanoparticles coated polystyrene/reduced graphite oxide (AuNPs@PS/RGO) microspheres have been successfully prepared via a facile process, and the decorative gold nanoparticles could prevent the aggregation of RGO by electrostatic repulsive interaction, and lead to high dispersibility of the composite. The prepared composite has a highly increased conductivity of 129Sm(-1) due to the unique electrical properties of citrate reduced gold nanoparticles. Being employed as an electrochemical sensor for detection of dopamine, the modified electrode exhibits remarkable sensitivity (3.44μA/μM) and lower detection limit (5nM), with linear response in a range of 0.05-20μM. Moreover, valid response to dopamine obtained in present work also indicates the prospective performances of AuNPs@PS/RGO microspheres to other biological molecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins and enzymes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Structural Evolution of Low-Molecular-Weight Poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polystyrene Diblock Copolymer Thin Film

    PubMed Central

    Huang, Xiaohua

    2013-01-01

    The structural evolution of low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene oxide)-block-polystyrene (PEO-b-PS) diblock copolymer thin film with various initial film thicknesses on silicon substrate under thermal annealing was investigated by atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy, and contact angle measurement. At film thickness below half of the interlamellar spacing of the diblock copolymer (6.2 nm), the entire silicon is covered by a polymer brush with PEO blocks anchored on the Si substrate due to the substrate-induced effect. When the film is thicker than 6.2 nm, a dense polymer brush which is equal to half of an interlamellar layer was formed on the silicon, while the excess material dewet this layer to form droplets. The droplet surface was rich with PS block and the PEO block crystallized inside the bigger droplet to form spherulite. PMID:24302862

  15. Topology assisted self-organization of colloidal nanoparticles: application to 2D large-scale nanomastering.

    PubMed

    Kadiri, Hind; Kostcheev, Serguei; Turover, Daniel; Salas-Montiel, Rafael; Nomenyo, Komla; Gokarna, Anisha; Lerondel, Gilles

    2014-01-01

    Our aim was to elaborate a novel method for fully controllable large-scale nanopatterning. We investigated the influence of the surface topology, i.e., a pre-pattern of hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) posts, on the self-organization of polystyrene beads (PS) dispersed over a large surface. Depending on the post size and spacing, long-range ordering of self-organized polystyrene beads is observed wherein guide posts were used leading to single crystal structure. Topology assisted self-organization has proved to be one of the solutions to obtain large-scale ordering. Besides post size and spacing, the colloidal concentration and the nature of solvent were found to have a significant effect on the self-organization of the PS beads. Scanning electron microscope and associated Fourier transform analysis were used to characterize the morphology of the ordered surfaces. Finally, the production of silicon molds is demonstrated by using the beads as a template for dry etching.

  16. Interfacial activity of acid functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) at the fluid-fluid interface

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feng, Tao; Russell, Thomas; Hoagland, David

    2013-03-01

    Interfacial assembly of acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes at the oil/water interface is achieved by the addition of low molecular weight (MW) amino-terminated polystyrene in the oil phase. The surface activity of carboxylated SWCNTs is strongly influenced by the end-group chemistry and molecular weight of the polystyrene component, the concentrations of this component and the SWCNTs, along with the degree of functionalization of the SWCNTs. The prerequisites for interfacial trapping are amino termini on chains with MW less than 5K and 6 hours or longer incubation of pristine SWCNTs to achieve their carboxylation. Plummets in interfacial tension resembling those for surfactants were observed at critical bulk concentrations of both SWCNTs and PS-NH2. In dried droplets, SWCNTs densely packed with associated PS-NH2 form a bird nest-like interfacial structure, with the SWCNTs preferentially oriented perpendicular to the original interface. Advisor

  17. Worst case prediction of additives migration from polystyrene for food safety purposes: a model update.

    PubMed

    Martínez-López, Brais; Gontard, Nathalie; Peyron, Stéphane

    2018-03-01

    A reliable prediction of migration levels of plastic additives into food requires a robust estimation of diffusivity. Predictive modelling of diffusivity as recommended by the EU commission is carried out using a semi-empirical equation that relies on two polymer-dependent parameters. These parameters were determined for the polymers most used by packaging industry (LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PET, PS, HIPS) from the diffusivity data available at that time. In the specific case of general purpose polystyrene, the diffusivity data published since then shows that the use of the equation with the original parameters results in systematic underestimation of diffusivity. The goal of this study was therefore, to propose an update of the aforementioned parameters for PS on the basis of up to date diffusivity data, so the equation can be used for a reasoned overestimation of diffusivity.

  18. Single step synthesis and organization of gold colloids assisted by copolymer templates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sarrazin, Aurélien; Gontier, Arthur; Plaud, Alexandre; Béal, Jérémie; Yockell-Lelièvre, Hélène; Bijeon, Jean-Louis; Plain, Jérôme; Adam, Pierre-Michel; Maurer, Thomas

    2014-06-01

    We report here an original single-step process for the synthesis and self-organization of gold colloids by simply incorporating gold salts into a solution prepared using polystyrene (PS)-polymethylmethacrylate copolymer and thiolated PS with propylene glycol methyl ether acetate as a solvent. The spin-coating and annealing of this solution then allows the formation of PS domains. Depending on the polymer concentration of the as-prepared solution, there can be either one or several gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) per PS domain. For high concentrations of Au NPs in PS domains, the coupling between plasmonic NPs leads to the observation of a second peak in the optical extinction spectrum. Such a collective effect could be relevant for the development of optical strain sensors in the near future.

  19. Interfacial and topological effects on the glass transition in free-standing polystyrene films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lyulin, Alexey V.; Balabaev, Nikolay K.; Baljon, Arlette R. C.; Mendoza, Gerardo; Frank, Curtis W.; Yoon, Do Y.

    2017-05-01

    United-atom molecular-dynamics computer simulations of atactic polystyrene (PS) were performed for the bulk and free-standing films of 2 nm-20 nm thickness, for both linear and cyclic polymers comprised of 80 monomers. Simulated volumetric glass-transition temperatures (Tg) show a strong dependence on the film thickness below 10 nm. The glass-transition temperature of linear PS is 13% lower than that of the bulk for 2.5 nm-thick films, as compared to less than 1% lower for 20 nm films. Our studies reveal that the fraction of the chain-end groups is larger in the interfacial layer with its outermost region approximately 1 nm below the surface than it is in the bulk. The enhanced population of the end groups is expected to result in a more mobile interfacial layer and the consequent dependence of Tg on the film thickness. In addition, the simulations show an enrichment of backbone aliphatic carbons and concomitant deficit of phenyl aromatic carbons in the interfacial film layer. This deficit would weaken the strong phenyl-phenyl aromatic (π -π ) interactions and, hence, lead to a lower film-averaged Tg in thin films, as compared to the bulk sample. To investigate the relative importance of the two possible mechanisms (increased chain ends at the surface or weakened π -π interactions in the interfacial region), the data for linear PS are compared with those for cyclic PS. For the cyclic PS, the reduction of the glass-transition temperature is also significant in thin films, albeit not as much as for linear PS. Moreover, the deficit of phenyl carbons in the film interface is comparable to that observed for linear PS. Therefore, chain-end effects alone cannot explain the observed pronounced Tg dependence on the thickness of thin PS films; the weakened phenyl-phenyl interactions in the interfacial region seems to be an important cause as well.

  20. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion increases the translocation of polystyrene nanoparticles in an in vitro intestinal co-culture model.

    PubMed

    Walczak, Agata P; Kramer, Evelien; Hendriksen, Peter J M; Helsdingen, Richard; van der Zande, Meike; Rietjens, Ivonne M C M; Bouwmeester, Hans

    2015-01-01

    The conditions of the gastrointestinal tract may change the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and therewith the bioavailability of orally taken NPs. Therefore, we assessed the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the protein corona of polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs) and their subsequent translocation across an in vitro intestinal barrier. A co-culture of intestinal Caco-2 and HT29-MTX cells was exposed to 50 nm PS-NPs of different charges (positive and negative) in two forms: pristine and digested in an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model. In vitro digestion significantly increased the translocation of all, except the "neutral", PS-NPs. Upon in vitro digestion, translocation was 4-fold higher for positively charged NPs and 80- and 1.7-fold higher for two types of negatively charged NPs. Digestion significantly reduced the amount of protein in the corona of three out of four types of NPs. This reduction of proteins was 4.8-fold for "neutral", 3.5-fold for positively charged and 1.8-fold for one type of negatively charged PS-NPs. In vitro digestion also affected the composition of the protein corona of PS-NPs by decreasing the presence of higher molecular weight proteins and shifting the protein content of the corona to low molecular weight proteins. These findings are the first to report that in vitro gastrointestinal digestion significantly affects the protein corona and significantly increases the in vitro translocation of differently charged PS-NPs. These findings stress the importance of including the in vitro digestion in future in vitro intestinal translocation screening studies for risk assessment of orally taken NPs.

  1. Detection of Alpha-Toxin and Other Virulence Factors in Biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus on Polystyrene and a Human Epidermal Model.

    PubMed

    den Reijer, P M; Haisma, E M; Lemmens-den Toom, N A; Willemse, J; Koning, R I; Koning, R A; Demmers, J A A; Dekkers, D H W; Rijkers, E; El Ghalbzouri, A; Nibbering, P H; van Wamel, W

    2016-01-01

    The ability of Staphylococcus aureus to successfully colonize (a)biotic surfaces may be explained by biofilm formation and the actions of virulence factors. The aim of the present study was to establish the presence of 52 proteins, including virulence factors such as alpha-toxin, during biofilm formation of five different (methicillin resistant) S. aureus strains on Leiden human epidermal models (LEMs) and polystyrene surfaces (PS) using a competitive Luminex-based assay. All five S. aureus strains formed biofilms on PS, whereas only three out of five strains formed biofilms on LEMs. Out of the 52 tested proteins, six functionally diverse proteins (ClfB, glucosaminidase, IsdA, IsaA, SACOL0688 and nuclease) were detected in biofilms of all strains on both PS and LEMs. At the same time, four toxins (alpha-toxin, gamma-hemolysin B and leukocidins D and E), two immune modulators (formyl peptide receptor-like inhibitory protein and Staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 1), and two other proteins (lipase and LytM) were detectable in biofilms by all five S. aureus strains on LEMs, but not on PS. In contrast, fibronectin-binding protein B (FnbpB) was detectable in biofilms by all S. aureus biofilms on PS, but not on LEMs. These data were largely confirmed by the results from proteomic and transcriptomic analyses and in case of alpha-toxin additionally by GFP-reporter technology. Functionally diverse virulence factors of (methicillin-resistant) S. aureus are present during biofilm formation on LEMs and PS. These results could aid in identifying novel targets for future treatment strategies against biofilm-associated infections.

  2. Chitosan-rectorite nanospheres immobilized on polystyrene fibrous mats via alternate electrospinning/electrospraying techniques for copper ions adsorption

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tu, Hu; Huang, Mengtian; Yi, Yang; Li, Zhenshun; Zhan, Yingfei; Chen, Jiajia; Wu, Yang; Shi, Xiaowen; Deng, Hongbing; Du, Yumin

    2017-12-01

    Chitosan (CS), as a kind of well characterized biopolymer, has been used for heavy metal adsorption due to its low cost and high efficacy. However, when used directly, chitosan particles had small surface area and weak mechanical strength which is unfavorable to metal adsorption and reused. Besides, it cannot be easily recycled that may cause a secondary pollution. In this paper, CS and layered silicate rectorite (REC) were fully mixed and the mixtures were subsequently electrosprayed nano-sized spheres, which were immobilized on the surface of electrospun polystyrene (PS) mats for metal adsorption. The morphology analysis taken from SEM confirmed that CS-REC nanospheres were loaded on the surface of PS fibrous mats. Small Angle X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the interlayer distance of REC in composite mats was enlarged by the intercalation of CS chains; such structure meant bigger surface area which was helpful for metal adsorption. The data of contact angle implied that PS mats coated with CS-REC nanospheres exhibited better hydrophilicity than PS mats, which was conductive to adsorption rate. Besides, the copper ions adsorption of composite mats was tested at different conditions including the adsorption time, the initial pH and the initial concentration of copper ion. The results demonstrated that PS mats coated with CS-REC nanospheres had the adsorption capacity up to 134 mg/g. In addition, the addition of REC containing Ca2+ could also improve the metal adsorption because of cation exchange. The desorption assay indicated that PS mats immobilized with CS and CS-REC still kept high adsorption ability which retained 74% and 78% after three adsorption-desorption cycles.

  3. Gallium-containing polymer brush film as efficient supported Lewis acid catalyst in a glass microreactor.

    PubMed

    Munirathinam, Rajesh; Ricciardi, Roberto; Egberink, Richard J M; Huskens, Jurriaan; Holtkamp, Michael; Wormeester, Herbert; Karst, Uwe; Verboom, Willem

    2013-01-01

    Polystyrene sulfonate polymer brushes, grown on the interior of the microchannels in a microreactor, have been used for the anchoring of gallium as a Lewis acid catalyst. Initially, gallium-containing polymer brushes were grown on a flat silicon oxide surface and were characterized by FTIR, ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS revealed the presence of one gallium per 2-3 styrene sulfonate groups of the polymer brushes. The catalytic activity of the Lewis acid-functionalized brushes in a microreactor was demonstrated for the dehydration of oximes, using cinnamaldehyde oxime as a model substrate, and for the formation of oxazoles by ring closure of ortho-hydroxy oximes. The catalytic activity of the microreactor could be maintained by periodic reactivation by treatment with GaCl3.

  4. Optimizing concentration of shifter additive for plastic scintillators of different size

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Adadurov, A. F.; Zhmurin, P. N.; Lebedev, V. N.; Titskaya, V. D.

    2009-02-01

    This paper concerns the influence of wavelength shifting (secondary) luminescent additive (LA 2) on the light yield of polystyrene-based plastic scintillator (PS) taking self-absorption into account. Calculations of light yield dependence on concentration of 1.4-bis(2-(5-phenyloxazolyl)-benzene (POPOP) as LA 2 were made for various path lengths of photons in PS. It is shown that there is an optimal POPOP concentration ( Copt), which provides a maximum light yield for a given path length. This optimal concentration is determined by the competition of luminescence and self-reflection processes. Copt values were calculated for PS of different dimensions. For small PS, Copt≈0.02%, which agree with a common (standard) value of POPOP concentration. For higher PS dimensions, the optimal POPOP concentration is decreased (to Copt≈0.006% for 320×30×2 cm sample), reducing the light yield from PS by almost 35%.

  5. Nano-imprint lithography using poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) polymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ting, Yung-Chiang; Shy, Shyi-Long

    2016-04-01

    Nano-imprinting lithography (NIL) technology, as one of the most promising fabrication technologies, has been demonstrated to be a powerful tool for large-area replication up to wafer-level, with features down to nanometer scale. The cost of resists used for NIL is important for wafer-level large-area replication. This study aims to develop capabilities in patterning larger area structure using thermal NIL. The commercial available Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) (PMMA) and Polystyrene (PS) polymers possess a variety of characteristics desirable for NIL, such as low material cost, low bulkvolumetric shrinkage, high spin coating thickness uniformity, high process stability, and acceptable dry-etch resistance. PMMA materials have been utilized for positive electron beam lithography for many years, offering high resolution capability and wide process latitude. In addition, it is preferable to have a negative resist like PMMA, which is a simple polymer with low cost and practically unlimited shelf life, and can be dissolved easily using commercial available Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate (PGMEA) safer solvent to give the preferred film thickness. PS is such a resist, as it undergoes crosslinking when exposed to deep UV light or an electron beam and can be used for NIL. The result is a cost effective patterning larger area structure using thermal nano-imprint lithography (NIL) by using commercial available PMMA and PS ploymers as NIL resists.

  6. Cellular responses of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) gametes exposed in vitro to polystyrene nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    González-Fernández, Carmen; Tallec, Kevin; Le Goïc, Nelly; Lambert, Christophe; Soudant, Philippe; Huvet, Arnaud; Suquet, Marc; Berchel, Mathieu; Paul-Pont, Ika

    2018-06-06

    While the detection and quantification of nano-sized plastic in the environment remains a challenge, the growing number of polymer applications mean that we can expect an increase in the release of nanoplastics into the environment by indirect outputs. Today, very little is known about the impact of nano-sized plastics on marine organisms. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the toxicity of polystyrene nanoplastics (NPs) on oyster (Crassostrea gigas) gametes. Spermatozoa and oocytes were exposed to four NPs concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 100 mg L -1 for 1, 3 and 5 h. NPs coated with carboxylic (PS-COOH) and amine groups (PS-NH 2 ) were used to determine how surface properties influence the effects of nanoplastics. Results demonstrated the adhesion of NPs to oyster spermatozoa and oocytes as suggested by the increase of relative cell size and complexity measured by flow-cytometry and confirmed by microscopy observations. A significant increase of ROS production was observed in sperm cells upon exposure to 100 mg L -1 PS-COOH, but was not observed with PS-NH 2 , suggesting a differential effect according to the NP-associated functional group. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the effects of NPs occur rapidly, are complex and are possibly associated with the cellular eco-corona, which could modify NPs behaviour and toxicity. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

  7. Graphene-coated polystyrene-divinylbenzene dispersive solid-phase extraction coupled with supercritical fluid chromatography for the rapid determination of 10 allergenic disperse dyes in industrial wastewater samples.

    PubMed

    Lou, Chaoyan; Wu, Can; Zhang, Kai; Guo, Dandan; Jiang, Lei; Lu, Yang; Zhu, Yan

    2018-05-18

    Allergenic disperse dyes are a group of environmental contaminants, which are toxic and mutagenic to human beings. In this work, a method of dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) using graphene-coated polystyrene-divinylbenzene (G@PS-DVB) microspheres coupled with supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was proposed for the rapid determination of 10 allergenic disperse dyes in industrial wastewater samples. G@PS-DVB microspheres were synthesized by coating graphene (G) sheets onto polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) polymers. Such novel sorbents were employed in d-SPE for the purification and concentration of allergenic disperse dyes in wastewater samples prior to the determination by SFC with UV detection. To achieve the maximum extraction efficiency for the target dyes, several parameters influencing d-SPE process such as sorbent dosage, extraction time, desorption conditions were investigated. SFC conditions including stationary phase, modifier composition and percentage, column temperature, backpressure and flow rate were optimized to well separate the allergenic disperse dyes. Under the optimum conditions, satisfactory linear relationship (R ≥ 0.9989) was observed with the concentration of dyes ranging from 0.02 to 10.0 μg/mL. The limits of detection (LOD, S/N = 3) for the ten dyes were in the range of 1.1-15.6 ng/mL. Recoveries for the spiked samples were between 89.1% and 99.7% with relative standard deviations (RSD) lower than 10.5% in all cases. The proposed method is time-saving, green, precise and repeatable for the analysis of the target dyes. Furthermore, the application of G@PS-DVB based d-SPE process can be potentially expanded to isolate and concentrate other aromatic compounds in various matrices and supercritical fluid chromatography methodology featuring rapidity, accuracy and green will be an ideal candidate for the analysis of these compounds. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Dewetting behavior of polystyrene film filled with (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xue, Longjian; Cheng, Ziyong; Fu, Jun; Han, Yanchun

    2008-08-01

    The dewetting behavior of thin (about 30 nm) polystyrene (PS) films filled with different amount of (C6H5C2H4NH3)2PbI4 (PhE-PbI4) on the silicon substrate with a native oxide layer was investigated. For different additive concentrations, PhE-PbI4 showed different spatial distributions in the PS films, which had a strong influence on the film wettability, dewetting dynamics, and mechanism. With 0.5 wt % additive, PhE-PbI4 formed a noncontinuous diffusion layer, which caused a continuous hole nucleation in the film. With about 1 wt % additive, a continuous gradient distribution layer of PhE-PbI4 formed in the film, which inhibited the dewetting. When the concentration is higher (2 wt %), large PhE-PbI4 aggregates, in addition to the PhE-PbI4 continuous layer, formed in the film. These large aggregates (larger than radius of gyration of PS) migrated to the interface, resulting in the hole nucleation and eventually the complete dewetting of the film.

  9. High efficiency and stability of quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized ZnO solar cells using graphene incorporated soluble polystyrene gel electrolytes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bi, Shi-Qing; Meng, Fan-Li; Zheng, Yan-Zhen; Han, Xue; Tao, Xia; Chen, Jian-Feng

    2014-12-01

    We report on the preparation of highly effective composite electrolytes by combining the two-dimensional graphene (Gra) and soluble polystyrene (PS) nanobeads on Pt counter electrode for the quasi-solid-state electrolytes of ZnO based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Under an optimized Gra/electrolyte ratio of 12 mg mL-1, the ionic conductivity (σ) of Gra-PS electrolyte was significantly improved from 32.8 mS cm-1 to 39.8 mS cm-1. And the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis proved that the ZnO-DSC with the optimized composite electrolyte possessed the lowest impedance value. As a result, the overall power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of quasi-solid-state ZnO-DSCs significantly enhanced to 5.08% from initial 4.09%. Moreover, the results of long-term stability assays showed that the gel-state Gra-PS ZnO-DSC could retain over 90% of its initial PCE after radiation of 1000 h under full sunlight outdoors. It is anticipated that this work may provide an effective way to increase the cell efficiency by the introduction of Gra into gel electrolyte as well as a great potential for practical application.

  10. Ultrasound-induced capping of polystyrene on TiO2 nanoparticles by precipitation with compressed CO2 as antisolvent.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Jianling; Liu, Zhimin; Han, Buxing; Li, Junchun; Li, Zhonghao; Yang, Guanying

    2005-06-01

    In this work, a route for the synthesis of inorganic/polymer core/shell composite nanoparticles was proposed, which can be called the antisolvent-ultrasound method. Compressed CO2 was used as antisolvent to precipitate the polymer from its solution dispersed with inorganic nanoparticles, during which ultrasonic irradiation was used to induce the coating of precipitated polymers on the surfaces of the inorganic nanoparticles. TiO2/polystyrene (PS) core/shell nanocomposites have been successfully prepared using this method. The transmission electronic micrographs (TEM) of the obtained nanocomposites show that the TiO2 nanoparticles are coated by the PS shells, of which the thickness can be tuned by the pressure of CO2. The phase structure, absorption properties, and thermal stability of the composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectra, and thermogravimetry, respectively. The results of X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) indicate the formation of a strong interaction between PS and TiO2 nanoparticles in the resultant products. This method has some potential advantages for applications and may be easily applied to the preparation of a range of inorganic/polymer core/shell composite nanoparticles.

  11. Effect of UV/ozone treatment on polystyrene dielectric and its application on organic field-effect transistors

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    The influence of UV/ozone treatment on the property of polystyrene (PS) dielectric surface was investigated, and pentacene organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) based on the treated dielectric was fabricated. The dielectric and pentacene active layers were characterized by atomic force microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that, at short UVO exposure time (<10 s), the chemical composition of PS dielectric surface remained the same. While at long UVO exposure time (>60 s), new chemical groups, including alcohol/ether, carbonyl, and carboxyl/ester groups, were formed. By adjusting the UVO exposure time to 5 s, the hole mobility of the OFETs increased to 0.52 cm2/Vs, and the threshold voltage was positively shifted to -12 V. While the time of UVO treatment exceeded 30 s, the mobility started to shrink, and the off-current was enlarged. These results indicate that, as a simple surface treatment method, UVO treatment could quantitatively modulate the property of PS dielectric surface by controlling the exposure time, and thus, pioneered a new way to modulate the characteristics of organic electronic devices. PMID:25258603

  12. Controlled thermal sintering of a metal-metal oxide-carbon ternary composite with a multi-scale hollow nanostructure for use as an anode material in Li-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Kim, Hwan Jin; Zhang, Kan; Choi, Jae-Man; Song, Min Sang; Park, Jong Hyeok

    2014-03-11

    We report a synthetic scheme for preparing a SnO2-Sn-carbon triad inverse opal porous material using the controlled sintering of Sn precursor-infiltrated polystyrene (PS) nanobead films. Because the uniform PS nanobead film, which can be converted into carbon via a sintering step, uptakes the precursor solution, the carbon can be uniformly distributed throughout the Sn-based anode material. Moreover, the partial carbonization of the PS nanobeads under a controlled Ar/oxygen environment not only produces a composite material with an inverse opal-like porous nanostructure but also converts the Sn precursor/PS into a SnO2-Sn-C triad electrode.

  13. Response Surface Methodology for Design of Porous Hollow Sphere Thermal Insulator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shohani, Nazanin; Pourmahdian, Saeed; Shirkavand Hadavand, Behzad

    2017-11-01

    In this study, response surface method is used for synthesizing polystyrene (PS) as sacrificial templates and optimizing the particle size. Three factors of initiator, stabilizer concentration and also stirring rate were selected as variable factors. Then, three different concentration of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) added to reaction media and core-shell structure with PS core and silica shell was developed. Finally, core-shell structure was changed to hollow silica sphere for using as thermal insulator. We observed that increased initiator concentration caused to larger PS particles, increase the stirring rate caused the smaller PS and also with increased the stabilizer concentration obtained that particle size decrease then after 2.5% began to increase. Also the optimum amount of TEOS was found.

  14. Preparation, Characterization and Utilization of Electrodes Coated with Polymeric Networks Formed by Gamma Radiation Crosslinking.

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1987-04-01

    polymers such as poly[ diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride] , poly [vinylbenzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride], poly[styrene sulfonic acid , sodium salt] and...poly[acrylic acid ], which would ordinarily dissolve from the electrode surface in aqueous solution unless crosslinked into a network, and several...Irradiation on a Water-Soluble Polymer: DDAC 8 E. Electrochemistry of DDAC Networks on Platinum and Graphite 10 F. Poly [acrylic acid ] Films on Graphite

  15. Particle-based Nano-Antennas at the Vis-NIR regime

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2013-11-01

    PSS (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) :poly(styrene sulfonate) is then spin coated and dried at 110oC to form a 50nm buffer layer partially covering...dominant effect is that during the spin coating of the 50nm PEDOT buffer a residual very thin layer coated also the top 50nm part of the Au disks...antennas, capacitive versus conductive coupling, on-demand design (termed ‘popcorn’ antennas), broadband plasmonic metamaterials, and light

  16. Block copolymer battery separator

    DOEpatents

    Wong, David; Balsara, Nitash Pervez

    2016-04-26

    The invention herein described is the use of a block copolymer/homopolymer blend for creating nanoporous materials for transport applications. Specifically, this is demonstrated by using the block copolymer poly(styrene-block-ethylene-block-styrene) (SES) and blending it with homopolymer polystyrene (PS). After blending the polymers, a film is cast, and the film is submerged in tetrahydrofuran, which removes the PS. This creates a nanoporous polymer film, whereby the holes are lined with PS. Control of morphology of the system is achieved by manipulating the amount of PS added and the relative size of the PS added. The porous nature of these films was demonstrated by measuring the ionic conductivity in a traditional battery electrolyte, 1M LiPF.sub.6 in EC/DEC (1:1 v/v) using AC impedance spectroscopy and comparing these results to commercially available battery separators.

  17. Monitoring of growth and physiological activities of biofilm during succession on polystyrene from activated sludge under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.

    PubMed

    Naz, Iffat; Batool, Syeda Ain-ul; Ali, Naeem; Khatoon, Nazia; Atiq, Niama; Hameed, Abdul; Ahmed, Safia

    2013-08-01

    The present research work monitored the successive biofilm development and its catabolic role in the degradation of polystyrene (PS). PS material was artificially colonized with biofilm by incubating it with activated sludge under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Biofilm formation was monitored by gravimetric weight analysis, spectrophotometric absorbance technique, heterotrophic plate count, and scanning electron microscopy under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The wet weight (1.59 and 1.17 g) and dry weight (0.41 and 0.08 g) of a biofilm showed a significant constant increase under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively, from first till 9 weeks of incubation. Plate count of the selected bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) considerably declined (90-99 %) in the biofilm after seventh and fifth weeks of incubation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively, indicating a positive shift from pathogenic to beneficial microbial community. While most probable number index of fecal coliforms and E. coli in the sludge showed more reduction (98 and 99 %) under aerobic as compare to anaerobic conditions (86 and 91 %) after 9 weeks of biofilm formation on PS cubes. Correspondingly, the decreasing levels of chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand (up to 73 %) showed signs of sludge digestion. Scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope revealed nature of PS media containing high carbon content. However, biofilm development proved to be involved in the biochemical transformation of the PS medium as indicated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

  18. Fluorescent Polystyrene Microbeads as Invisible Security Ink and Optical Vapor Sensor for 4-Nitrotoluene.

    PubMed

    Sonawane, Swapnil L; Asha, S K

    2016-04-27

    Color-tunable solid-state emitting polystyrene (PS) microbeads were developed by dispersion polymerization, which showed excellent fluorescent security ink characteristics along with sensitive detection of vapors of nitro aromatics like 4-nitro toluene (4-NT). The fluorophores pyrene and perylenebisimide were incorporated into the PS backbone as acrylate monomer and acrylate cross-linker, respectively. Solid state quantum yields of 94 and 20% were observed for the pyrene and perylenebisimide, respectively, in the PS/Py and PS/PBI polymers. The morphology and solid state fluorescence was measured by SEM, fluorescence microscopy, and absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. The ethanol dispersion of the polymer could be used directly as a fluorescent security "invisible" ink, which became visible only under ultraviolet light. The color of the ink could be tuned depending on the amounts of the pyrene and perylenebisimide incorporated with blue and orange-green for pyrene alone or perylenebisimide alone beads respectively and various shades in between including pure white for beads incorporating both the fluorophores. More than 80% quenching of pyrene emission was observed upon exposure of the polymer in the form of powder or as spin-coated films to the vapors of 4-NT while the emission of perylenebisimide was unaffected. The limit of detection was estimated at 10(-5) moles (2.7 ppm) of 4-NT vapors. The ease of synthesis of the material along with its invisible ink characteristics and nitro aromatic vapor detection opens up new opportunities for exploring the application of these PS-based materials as optical sensors and fluorescent ink for security purposes.

  19. Intregrating metallic wiring with three-dimensional polystyrene colloidal crystals using electron-beam lithography and three-dimensional laser lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tian, Yaolan; Isotalo, Tero J.; Konttinen, Mikko P.; Li, Jiawei; Heiskanen, Samuli; Geng, Zhuoran; Maasilta, Ilari J.

    2017-02-01

    We demonstrate a method to fabricate narrow, down to a few micron wide metallic leads on top of a three-dimensional (3D) colloidal crystal self-assembled from polystyrene (PS) nanospheres of diameter 260 nm, using electron-beam lithography. This fabrication is not straightforward due to the fact that PS nanospheres cannot usually survive the harsh chemical treatments required in the development and lift-off steps of electron-beam lithography. We solve this problem by increasing the chemical resistance of the PS nanospheres using an additional electron-beam irradiation step, which allows the spheres to retain their shape and their self-assembled structure, even after baking to a temperature of 160 °C, the exposure to the resist developer and the exposure to acetone, all of which are required for the electron-beam lithography step. Moreover, we show that by depositing an aluminum oxide capping layer on top of the colloidal crystal after the e-beam irradiation, the surface is smooth enough so that continuous metal wiring can be deposited by the electron-beam lithography. Finally, we also demonstrate a way to self-assemble PS colloidal crystals into a microscale container, which was fabricated using direct-write 3D laser-lithography. Metallic wiring was also successfully integrated with the combination of a container structure and a PS colloidal crystal. Our goal is to make a device for studies of thermal transport in 3D phononic crystals, but other phononic or photonic crystal applications could also be envisioned.

  20. Dielectric Performance of High Permitivity Nanocomposites: Impact of Polystyrene Grafting on BaTiO3 and TiO2

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2016-09-22

    group of polymer grafted, hairy nanopar- ticles (HNPs) that feature high εr and refractive index core plus a polymer corona with tunable structure.15–17...Supporting Information, Fig. S6. Discharge efficiency was comparable for 3% v/v PS@BaTiO3 + PS and 4% v/v PS + BaTiO3 and main- tain a value of >85% for...BaTiO3 traditional blend films displayed a marked reduction in break- down strength, decreasing from 139 V/μm at 3% v/v down to Figure 6 Energy discharge

  1. Temperature-triggered micellization of block copolymers on an ionic liquid surface.

    PubMed

    Lu, Haiyun; Akgun, Bulent; Wei, Xinyu; Li, Le; Satija, Sushil K; Russell, Thomas P

    2011-10-18

    In situ neutron reflectivity was used to study thermally induced structural changes of the lamellae-forming polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymer thin films floating on the surface of an ionic liquid (IL). The IL, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, is a nonsolvent for PS and a temperature-tunable solvent for P2VP, and, as such, micellization can be induced at the air-IL interface by changing the temperature. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning force microscopy were used to investigate the resultant morphologies of the micellar films. It was found that highly ordered nanostructures consisting of spherical micelles with a PS core surrounded by a P2VP corona were produced. In addition, bilayer films of PS homopolymer on top of a PS-b-P2VP layer also underwent micellization with increasing temperature but the micellization was strongly dependent on the thickness of the PS and PS-b-P2VP layers. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  2. Effect of Nanoparticle Core Size on Polymer-Coated Gold Nanoparticle Location in Block Copolymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petrie, J. D.; Fredrickson, G. H.; Kramer, E. J.

    2009-03-01

    Gold nanoparticles modified by short chain polymer thiols [Au-PS] can be designed to strongly localize either in the PS domains of a polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) [PS-PVP] block copolymer or at the interface. The P2VP block has a stronger attractive interaction with bare gold than the PS block. Thus, when the areal chain density σ of end-attached PS chains falls below a critical areal chain density σc the Au-PS nanoparticles adsorb to the PS-b-P2VP interface. The effect of the polymer ligand molecular weight on the σc has been shown to scale as σc˜ ((R + Rg)/(R*Rg))̂2, where R is the curvature of the Au nanoparticle core radius. To test this scaling relation for σc further we are synthesizing gold nanoparticles with different core radii and will present preliminary results on σc as a function of R.

  3. Stretchable, adhesive and ultra-conformable elastomer thin films.

    PubMed

    Sato, Nobutaka; Murata, Atsushi; Fujie, Toshinori; Takeoka, Shinji

    2016-11-16

    Thermoplastic elastomers are attractive materials because of the drastic changes in their physical properties above and below the glass transition temperature (T g ). In this paper, we report that free-standing polystyrene (PS, T g : 100 °C) and polystyrene-polybutadiene-polystyrene triblock copolymer (SBS, T g : -70 °C) thin films with a thickness of hundreds of nanometers were prepared by a gravure coating method. Among the mechanical properties of these thin films determined by bulge testing and tensile testing, the SBS thin films exhibited a much lower elastic modulus (ca. 0.045 GPa, 212 nm thickness) in comparison with the PS thin films (ca. 1.19 GPa, 217 nm thickness). The lower elastic modulus and lower thickness of the SBS thin films resulted in higher conformability and thus higher strength of adhesion to an uneven surface such as an artificial skin model with roughness (R a = 10.6 μm), even though they both have similar surface energies. By analyzing the mechanical properties of the SBS thin films, the elastic modulus and thickness of the thin films were strongly correlated with their conformability to a rough surface, which thus led to a high adhesive strength. Therefore, the SBS thin films will be useful as coating layers for a variety of materials.

  4. Fabrication of gold dot, ring, and corpuscle arrays from block copolymer templates via a simple modification of surface energy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Cho, Heesook; Choi, Sinho; Kim, Jin Young; Park, Soojin

    2011-12-01

    We demonstrate a simple method for tuning the morphologies of as-spun micellar thin films by modifying the surface energy of silicon substrates. When a polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) copolymer dissolved in o-xylene was spin-coated onto a PS-modified surface, a dimple-type structure consisting of a thick PS shell and P2VP core was obtained. Subsequently, when the films were immersed in metal precursor solutions at certain periods of time and followed by plasma treatment, metal individual dots in a ring-shaped structure, metal nanoring, and metal corpuscle arrays were fabricated, depending on the loading amount of metal precursors. In contrast, when PS-b-P2VP films cast onto silicon substrates with a native oxide were used as templates, only metal dotted arrays were obtained. The combination of micellar thin film and surface energy modification offers an effective way to fabricate various nanostructured metal or metal oxide films.We demonstrate a simple method for tuning the morphologies of as-spun micellar thin films by modifying the surface energy of silicon substrates. When a polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) copolymer dissolved in o-xylene was spin-coated onto a PS-modified surface, a dimple-type structure consisting of a thick PS shell and P2VP core was obtained. Subsequently, when the films were immersed in metal precursor solutions at certain periods of time and followed by plasma treatment, metal individual dots in a ring-shaped structure, metal nanoring, and metal corpuscle arrays were fabricated, depending on the loading amount of metal precursors. In contrast, when PS-b-P2VP films cast onto silicon substrates with a native oxide were used as templates, only metal dotted arrays were obtained. The combination of micellar thin film and surface energy modification offers an effective way to fabricate various nanostructured metal or metal oxide films. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: AFM images of Au nanorings prepared from a mixed solvent and characterization of PS-b-P2VP micellar films. See DOI: 10.1039/c1nr11075f

  5. Competition between dewetting and cross-linking in poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)/polystyrene bilayer films.

    PubMed

    Telford, Andrew M; Thickett, Stuart C; James, Michael; Neto, Chiara

    2011-12-06

    We investigated the dewetting of metastable poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP) thin films (45 nm) on top of polystyrene (PS) thin films (58 nm) as a function of annealing temperature and molecular weight of PS (96 and 6850 kg/mol). We focused on the competition between dewetting, occurring as a result of unfavorable intermolecular interactions at the PNVP/PS interface, and spontaneous cross-linking of PNVP, occurring during thermal annealing, as we recently reported (Telford, A. M.; James, M.; Meagher, L.; Neto, C. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2010, 2, 2399-2408). Using optical microscopy, we studied how the dewetting morphology and dynamics at different temperatures depended on the relative viscosity of the top PNVP film, which increased with cross-linking time, and of the bottom PS film. In the PNVP/PS96K system, cross-linking dominated over dewetting at temperatures below 180 °C, reducing drastically nucleated hole density and their maximum size, while above 180 °C the two processes reversed, with complete dewetting occurring at 200 °C. On the other hand, the PNVP/PS6850K system never achieved advanced dewetting stages as the dewetting was slower than cross-linking in the investigated temperature range. In both systems, dewetting of the PNVP films could be avoided altogether by thermally annealing the bilayers at temperatures where cross-linking dominated. The cross-linking was characterized quantitatively using neutron reflectometry, which indicated shrinkage and densification of the PNVP film, and qualitatively through selective removal of the bottom PS film. A simple model accounting for progressive cross-linking during the dewetting process predicted well the observed hole growth profiles and produced estimates of the PNVP cross-linking rate coefficients and of the activation energy of the process, in good agreement with literature values for similar systems. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  6. Chemical vapor deposition of mesoporous graphene nanoballs for supercapacitor.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jung-Soo; Kim, Sun-I; Yoon, Jong-Chul; Jang, Ji-Hyun

    2013-07-23

    A mass-producible mesoporous graphene nanoball (MGB) was fabricated via a precursor-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique for supercapacitor application. Polystyrene balls and reduced iron created under high temperature and a hydrogen gas environment provide a solid carbon source and a catalyst for graphene growth during the precursor-assisted CVD process, respectively. Carboxylic acid and sulfonic acid functionalization of the polystyrene ball facilitates homogeneous dispersion of the hydrophobic polymer template in the metal precursor solution, thus, resulting in a MGB with a uniform number of graphene layers. The MGB is shown to have a specific surface area of 508 m(2)/g and is mesoporous with a mean mesopore diameter of 4.27 nm. Mesopores are generated by the removal of agglomerated iron domains, permeating down through the soft polystyrene spheres and providing the surface for subsequent graphene growth during the heating process in a hydrogen environment. This technique requires only drop-casting of the precursor/polystyrene solution, allowing for mass-production of multilayer MGBs. The supercapacitor fabricated by the use of the MGB as an electrode demonstrates a specific capacitance of 206 F/g and more than 96% retention of capacitance after 10,000 cycles. The outstanding characteristics of the MGB as an electrode for supercapacitors verify the strong potential for use in energy-related areas.

  7. Monolayer Colloidal Crystals by Modified Air-Water Interface Self-Assembly Approach

    PubMed Central

    Ye, Xin; Huang, Jin; Zeng, Yong; Sun, Lai-Xi; Geng, Feng; Liu, Hong-Jie; Wang, Feng-Rui; Jiang, Xiao-Dong; Wu, Wei-Dong; Zheng, Wan-Guo

    2017-01-01

    Hexagonally ordered arrays of polystyrene (PS) microspheres were prepared by a modified air-water self-assembly method. A detailed analysis of the air-water interface self-assembly process was conducted. Several parameters affect the quality of the monolayer colloidal crystals, i.e., the colloidal microsphere concentration on the latex, the surfactant concentration, the polystyrene microsphere diameter, the microsphere polydispersity, and the degree of sphericity of polystyrene microspheres. An abrupt change in surface tension was used to improve the quality of the monolayer colloidal crystal. Three typical microstructures, i.e., a cone, a pillar, and a binary structure were prepared by reactive-ion etching using a high-quality colloidal crystal mask. This study provides insight into the production of microsphere templates with flexible structures for large-area patterned materials. PMID:28946664

  8. Alteration of the aPA ELISA by UV exposure of polystyrene microtiter plates.

    PubMed

    Goldberg, J S; Wagenknecht, D R; McIntyre, J A

    1996-01-01

    Interlaboratory inconsistencies in antiphospholipid antibody (aPA) solid phase assays have prompted controversy in clinical laboratory testing for aPA. We found that the aPA ELISA can be influenced by the type of microtiter plate utilized and by the conditions in which the plates are stored. By exposing 96-well, flat-bottom polystyrene microtiter plates to short wave UV light (254 nm), the aPA ELISA signal decreased in a UV dose-dependent manner. No effect was seen with long wave UV light (366 nm). These results were independent of the antibody isotype under study or the phospholipid (PL) antigen used: anionic phosphatidylserine (PS) and cardiolipin (CL), or zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). Purified human beta 2-glycoprotein I (beta 2 GPI), a known cofactor for anionic PL, and rabbit anti-beta 2 GPI antisera were used to demonstrate that beta 2 GPI bound equally to UV treated and untreated microtiter plates. In contrast, recognition of beta 2 GPI on an anionic PL surface was decreased on UV treated plates, suggesting that UV exposure alters the lipid binding properties of the microliter plate. To determine whether UV exposure inhibited PL binding directly or caused a change in the way the PL was bound, the amount of PL bound to UV treated and untreated plates was measured by using fluorescent labeled PS and a fluorimeter. PS binding was decreased by 53% in UV treated wells as compared to untreated wells. These data show that short wave UV exposure reduces PL binding to polystyrene microtiter plates, thereby reducing the amount of beta 2 GPI bound to PL coated ELISA plates. Thus by using UV exposed microtiter plates, decreased or false-negative a PA ELISA results may be obtained for aPA positive plasmas.

  9. Sensitive and Selective NH₃ Monitoring at Room Temperature Using ZnO Ceramic Nanofibers Decorated with Poly(styrene sulfonate).

    PubMed

    Andre, Rafaela S; Kwak, Dongwook; Dong, Qiuchen; Zhong, Wei; Correa, Daniel S; Mattoso, Luiz H C; Lei, Yu

    2018-04-01

    Ammonia (NH₃) gas is a prominent air pollutant that is frequently found in industrial and livestock production environments. Due to the importance in controlling pollution and protecting public health, the development of new platforms for sensing NH₃ at room temperature has attracted great attention. In this study, a sensitive NH₃ gas device with enhanced selectivity is developed based on zinc oxide nanofibers (ZnO NFs) decorated with poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and operated at room temperature. ZnO NFs were prepared by electrospinning followed by calcination at 500 °C for 3 h. The electrospun ZnO NFs are characterized to evaluate the properties of the as-prepared sensing materials. The loading of PSS to prepare ZnO NFs/PSS composite is also optimized based on the best sensing performance. Under the optimal composition, ZnO NFs/PSS displays rapid, reversible, and sensitive response upon NH₃ exposure at room temperature. The device shows a dynamic linear range up to 100 ppm and a limit of detection of 3.22 ppm and enhanced selectivity toward NH₃ in synthetic air, against NO₂ and CO, compared to pure ZnO NFs. Additionally, a sensing mechanism is proposed to illustrate the sensing performance using ZnO NFs/PSS composite. Therefore, this study provides a simple methodology to design a sensitive platform for NH₃ monitoring at room temperature.

  10. Multilayer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-dexamethasone and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-polystyrene sulfonate-carbon nanotubes coatings on glassy carbon microelectrode arrays for controlled drug release.

    PubMed

    Castagnola, Elisa; Carli, Stefano; Vomero, Maria; Scarpellini, Alice; Prato, Mirko; Goshi, Noah; Fadiga, Luciano; Kassegne, Sam; Ricci, Davide

    2017-07-13

    The authors present an electrochemically controlled, drug releasing neural interface composed of a glassy carbon (GC) microelectrode array combined with a multilayer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) coating. The system integrates the high stability of the GC electrode substrate, ideal for electrical stimulation and electrochemical detection of neurotransmitters, with the on-demand drug-releasing capabilities of PEDOT-dexamethasone compound, through a mechanically stable interlayer of PEDOT-polystyrene sulfonate (PSS)-carbon nanotubes (CNT). The authors demonstrate that such interlayer improves both the mechanical and electrochemical properties of the neural interface, when compared with a single PEDOT-dexamethasone coating. Moreover, the multilayer coating is able to withstand 10 × 10 6 biphasic pulses and delamination test with negligible change to the impedance spectra. Cross-section scanning electron microscopy images support that the PEDOT-PSS-CNT interlayer significantly improves the adhesion between the GC substrate and PEDOT-dexamethasone coating, showing no discontinuities between the three well-interconnected layers. Furthermore, the multilayer coating has superior electrochemical properties, in terms of impedance and charge transfer capabilities as compared to a single layer of either PEDOT coating or the GC substrate alone. The authors verified the drug releasing capabilities of the PEDOT-dexamethasone layer when integrated into the multilayer interface through repeated stimulation protocols in vitro, and found a pharmacologically relevant release of dexamethasone.

  11. Gallium-containing polymer brush film as efficient supported Lewis acid catalyst in a glass microreactor

    PubMed Central

    Munirathinam, Rajesh; Ricciardi, Roberto; Egberink, Richard J M; Huskens, Jurriaan; Holtkamp, Michael; Wormeester, Herbert; Karst, Uwe

    2013-01-01

    Summary Polystyrene sulfonate polymer brushes, grown on the interior of the microchannels in a microreactor, have been used for the anchoring of gallium as a Lewis acid catalyst. Initially, gallium-containing polymer brushes were grown on a flat silicon oxide surface and were characterized by FTIR, ellipsometry, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS revealed the presence of one gallium per 2–3 styrene sulfonate groups of the polymer brushes. The catalytic activity of the Lewis acid-functionalized brushes in a microreactor was demonstrated for the dehydration of oximes, using cinnamaldehyde oxime as a model substrate, and for the formation of oxazoles by ring closure of ortho-hydroxy oximes. The catalytic activity of the microreactor could be maintained by periodic reactivation by treatment with GaCl3. PMID:24062830

  12. Short-term toxicity of polystryrene microplastics on mysid shrimps Neomysis japonica

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Mingxin; Wang, Xiao; Luo, Xianxiang; Zheng, Hao

    2017-04-01

    Plastic debris especially microplastics (MPs) have become a global concern for the aggravating pollution in the oceans. In this study, the physico-chemical properties of fluorescently labeled polystyrene (PS) beads and the effects of PS-MPs on the survival of mysid shrimps (Neomysis japonica) were investigated. PS-MPs were identified to have spherical shape, uniform size and stable green fluorescence. The results showed that PS beads had little effects on the mortality of shrimps under a short-term (72 h) exposure with concentrations of 50 μg L-1 and 500 μg L-1. However, PS-MPs had severe short-term toxicity on the survival of mysid shrimps, resulting in 30% mortality especially in a 72 h exposure with the higher concentration of 1000 μg L-1. These findings provide new insights into the toxic effects of MPs on marine invertebrates.

  13. Synthesis of porous poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) microspheres through one-step soap-free emulsion polymerization: whys and wherefores.

    PubMed

    Yan, Rui; Zhang, Yaoyao; Wang, Xiaohui; Xu, Jianxiong; Wang, Da; Zhang, Wangqing

    2012-02-15

    Synthesis of porous poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) (PS-co-PAA) microspheres through one-step soap-free emulsion polymerization is reported. Various porous PS-co-PAA microspheres with the particle size ranging from 150 to 240 nm and with the pore size ranging from 4 to 25 nm are fabricated. The porous structure of the microspheres is confirmed by the transmission electron microscopy measurement and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The reason for synthesis of the porous PS-co-PAA microspheres is discussed, and the phase separation between the encapsulated hydrophilic poly(acrylic acid) segment and the hydrophobic polystyrene domain within the PS-co-PAA microspheres is ascribed to the pore formation. The present synthesis of the porous PS-co-PAA microspheres is anticipated to be a new and convenient way to fabricate porous polymeric particles. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Facile fabrication of high-quality Ag/PS coaxial nanocables based on the mixed mode of soft/hard templates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wan, Mimi; Zhao, Wenbo; Peng, Fang; Wang, Qi; Xu, Ping; Mao, Chun; Shen, Jian

    2016-08-01

    A new kind of high-quality Ag/PS coaxial nanocables can be facilely synthesized by using soft/hard templates method. In order to effectively introduce Ag sources into porous polystyrene (PS) nanotubes which were trapped in porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) hard template, Pluronic F127 (F127) was used as guiding agent, soft template and reductant. Meanwhile, ethylene glycol solution was also used as solvent and co-reducing agent to assist in the formation of silver nanowires. The influences of concentration of F127 and reducing reaction time on the formation of Ag/PS coaxial nanocables were discussed. Results indicated that the high-quality Ag/PS coaxial nanocables can be obtained by the mixed mode of soft/hard templates under optimized conditions. This strategy is expected to be extended to design more metal/polymer coaxial nanocables for the benefit of creation of complex and functional nanoarchitectures and components.

  15. Catalytic thermal cracking of post-consumer waste plastics to fuels: Part 1 - Kinetics and optimization

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate thermal and catalytic pyrolysis of waste plastics such as prescription bottles (polypropylene/PP), high density polyethylene, landfill liners (polyethylene/PE), packing materials (polystyrene/PS), and foams (polyurethane/PU) into crude plastic...

  16. Engineering Ceramic Nanophosphors for Optical Applications

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2009-06-11

    spacing) AMPR : multiphonon relaxation losses (surface defects, traps) AOH : losses from –OH quenching OHMPRETradnon rad lum radnonirad irad AAAA AA A...methacrylate ( PMMA ) and Polystyrene (PS) • Obtained transparent composites of rare-earth doped CeF3 nanoparticles with high solid loading MC Tan, SD Patil

  17. High permeable microporous structured carbon counter electrode assisted by polystyrene sphere for fully printable perovskite solar cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tao, Haijun; Li, Yongtao; Zhang, Chuanxiang; Wang, Kang; Wang, Jiayue; Tan, Bin; Han, Linxuan; Tao, Jie

    2018-03-01

    The permeability of the carbon counter electrode (CCE) is critical to the HTM-free fully printable perovskite solar cells. In this work, we report a CCE assisted by polystyrene spheres (PS-spheres) as pore-forming agent to gain microporous structure for a better permeability. Due to its decomposition temperature at 400 °C, the porous structure is obtained in the carbon layer easily. By optimization towards the contents of PS-spheres in CCE, the filling rate of perovskite solution and the photovoltaic performance of the device have been significantly improved. Using this method, an average efficiency enhancement of 22% has been obtained for HTM-free fully printable perovskite solar cells, resulting in a better fill rate of CH3NH3PbI3 and an efficiency of 4.49%. This kind of CCE with the advantages of simple, easy preparation process and well performance, show excellent potential application in perovskite solar cells.

  18. Temperature tunable micellization of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) at Si-ionic liquid interface.

    PubMed

    Lu, Haiyun; Lee, Dong Hyun; Russell, Thomas P

    2010-11-16

    Highly ordered and stable micelles formed from both symmetric and asymmetric block copolymers of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) at the Si-ionic liquid (IL) interface have been investigated by scanning force microscopy (SFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate IL, a selective and temperature-tunable solvent for the P2VP block, was used and gave rise to block copolymer micelles having different morphologies that strongly depended on the annealing temperature. The effects of film thickness, molecular weight of block copolymers, and experimental conditions, such as preannealing, rinsing, and substrate properties, on the morphologies of block copolymer micelles were also studied. In addition, spherical micelles consisting of PS core and P2VP shell could also be obtained by core-corona inversion by annealing the as-coated micellar film in the IL at high temperatures. The possible mechanism for micelle formation is discussed.

  19. Minimum line width of ion beam-modified polystyrene by negative carbon ions for nerve-cell attachment and neurite extension

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sommani, P.; Tsuji, H.; Sato, H.; Kitamura, T.; Hattori, M.; Gotoh, Y.; Ishikawa, J.

    2007-04-01

    The minimum line width of the negative-ion-modified polystyrene (PS) for guidance and immobilizations of nerve-cell body and neurite extension have been investigated. Carbon negative ions were implanted into PS at fluence of 3 × 1015 ions/cm2 and energy of 5-20 keV through the various triangle apertures of the micro-pattern mask. After in vitro culture of the nerve-like cells of rat adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC12h), results showed that the minimum line widths for a single cell attachment and for neurite extension were 5-7 and 3-5 μm, respectively. While the minimum line width for attachment of cell group with long neurite was about 20 μm. The suitable widths for a large number of cells and for neurite extension were 20 and 5 μm, respectively. Therefore, the guidance for a clear separation of the attachment size of cell body and neurite extension could be achieved by the different modified line widths.

  20. Topology assisted self-organization of colloidal nanoparticles: application to 2D large-scale nanomastering

    PubMed Central

    Kostcheev, Serguei; Turover, Daniel; Salas-Montiel, Rafael; Nomenyo, Komla; Gokarna, Anisha; Lerondel, Gilles

    2014-01-01

    Summary Our aim was to elaborate a novel method for fully controllable large-scale nanopatterning. We investigated the influence of the surface topology, i.e., a pre-pattern of hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) posts, on the self-organization of polystyrene beads (PS) dispersed over a large surface. Depending on the post size and spacing, long-range ordering of self-organized polystyrene beads is observed wherein guide posts were used leading to single crystal structure. Topology assisted self-organization has proved to be one of the solutions to obtain large-scale ordering. Besides post size and spacing, the colloidal concentration and the nature of solvent were found to have a significant effect on the self-organization of the PS beads. Scanning electron microscope and associated Fourier transform analysis were used to characterize the morphology of the ordered surfaces. Finally, the production of silicon molds is demonstrated by using the beads as a template for dry etching. PMID:25161854

  1. Surface chemistry of photoluminescent F8BT conjugated polymer nanoparticles determines protein corona formation and internalization by phagocytic cells.

    PubMed

    Ahmad Khanbeigi, Raha; Abelha, Thais Fedatto; Woods, Arcadia; Rastoin, Olivia; Harvey, Richard D; Jones, Marie-Christine; Forbes, Ben; Green, Mark A; Collins, Helen; Dailey, Lea Ann

    2015-03-09

    Conjugated polymer nanoparticles are being developed for a variety of diagnostic and theranostic applications. The conjugated polymer, F8BT, a polyfluorene derivative, was used as a model system to examine the biological behavior of conjugated polymer nanoparticle formulations stabilized with ionic (sodium dodecyl sulfate; F8BT-SDS; ∼207 nm; -31 mV) and nonionic (pegylated 12-hydroxystearate; F8BT-PEG; ∼175 nm; -5 mV) surfactants, and compared with polystyrene nanoparticles of a similar size (PS200; ∼217 nm; -40 mV). F8BT nanoparticles were as hydrophobic as PS200 (hydrophobic interaction chromatography index value: 0.96) and showed evidence of protein corona formation after incubation with serum-containing medium; however, unlike polystyrene, F8BT nanoparticles did not enrich specific proteins onto the nanoparticle surface. J774A.1 macrophage cells internalized approximately ∼20% and ∼60% of the F8BT-SDS and PS200 delivered dose (calculated by the ISDD model) in serum-supplemented and serum-free conditions, respectively, while cell association of F8BT-PEG was minimal (<5% of the delivered dose). F8BT-PEG, however, was more cytotoxic (IC50 4.5 μg cm(-2)) than F8BT-SDS or PS200. The study results highlight that F8BT surface chemistry influences the composition of the protein corona, while the properties of the conjugated polymer nanoparticle surfactant stabilizer used determine particle internalization and biocompatibility profile.

  2. Wettability transition induced transformation and entrapment of polymer nanostructures in cylindrical nanopores.

    PubMed

    Feng, Xunda; Mei, Shilin; Jin, Zhaoxia

    2011-12-06

    We apply the concept of wettability transition to manipulate the morphology and entrapment of polymer nanostructures inside cylindrical nanopores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes. When AAO/polystyrene (PS) hybrids, i.e., AAO/PS nanorods or AAO/PS nanotubes, are immersed into a polyethylene glycol (PEG) reservoir above the glass transition temperature of PS, a wettability transition from wetting to nonwetting of PS can be triggered due to the invasion of the more wettable PEG melt. The wettability transition enables us to develop a nondestructive method to entrap hemispherically capped nanorods inside nanopores. Moreover, we can obtain single nanorods with the desired aspect ratio by further dissolving the AAO template, in contrast to the drawbacks of nonuniformity or destructiveness from the conventional ultrasonication method. In the case of AAO/PS nanotubes, the wettability transition induced dewetting of PS nanotube walls results in the disconnection and entrapment of nonwetting PS domains (i.e., nanospheres, nanocapsules, or capped nanorods). Moreover, PEG is then washed to recover the pristine wettability of PS on the alumina surface; further annealing of the PS nanospheres inside AAO nanopores under vacuum can generate some unique nanostructures, particularly semicylindrical nanorods. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  3. Low-cost silver capped polystyrene nanotube arrays as super-hydrophobic substrates for SERS applications.

    PubMed

    Lovera, Pierre; Creedon, Niamh; Alatawi, Hanan; Mitchell, Micki; Burke, Micheal; Quinn, Aidan J; O'Riordan, Alan

    2014-05-02

    In this paper, we describe the fabrication, simulation and characterization of dense arrays of freestanding silver capped polystyrene nanotubes, and demonstrate their suitability for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) applications. Substrates are fabricated in a rapid, low-cost and scalable way by melt wetting of polystyrene (PS) in an anodized alumina (AAO) template, followed by silver evaporation. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that substrates are composed of a dense array of freestanding polystyrene nanotubes topped by silver nanocaps. SERS characterization of the substrates, employing a monolayer of 4-aminothiophenol (4-ABT) as a model molecule, exhibits an enhancement factor of ∼1.6 × 10(6), in agreement with 3D finite difference time domain simulations. Contact angle measurements of the substrates revealed super-hydrophobic properties, allowing pre-concentration of target analyte into a small volume. These super-hydrophobic properties of the samples are taken advantage of for sensitive detection of the organic pollutant crystal violet, with detection down to ∼400 ppt in a 2 μl aliquot demonstrated.

  4. Microscale synthesis and characterization of polystyrene: NSF-POLYED scholars project

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Quaal, Karen S.; Wu, Chang-Ning

    1994-01-01

    Polystyrene is a familiar polymer with many commercial uses. Its applications range from the clear, high index of refraction, brittle plastic used to form audio cassette and CD cases to the foamed material used in insulated drink cups and packaging material. Polystyrene constitutes 11 percent of the plastics used in packaging with only High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) contributing a larger share: so much polystyrene is used today, it is one of six common plastics that manufacturers have assigned an identification code. The code helps recycling efforts. Polystyrene's code is (PS code 6). During the summer and fall of 1992 several new polymeric experiments were developed by the NSF POLYED Scholars for introduction into the chemistry core curriculum. In this presentation, one such project will be discussed. This laboratory project is recommended for a first or second year laboratory course allowing the introduction of polymeric science to undergraduates at the earliest opportunity. The reliability of the experiments which make up this project and the recognition factor of polystyrene, a material we come in contact with everyday, makes the synthesis and characterization of polystyrene a good choice for the introduction of polymerization to undergraduates. This laboratory project appeals to the varied interests of students enrolled in the typical first year chemistry course and becomes an ideal way to introduce polymers to a wide variety of science and engineering students.

  5. Controlling pore morphology and properties of nanoporous silica films using the different architecture PS-b-P2VP as a template.

    PubMed

    Yu, Yang-Yen; Chien, Wen-Chen; Chen, Shih-Ting

    2010-07-01

    Nanoporous silica films were prepared through the templating of amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(styrene-2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP), and monodispersed colloidal silica nanoparticles. The experimental and theoretical studies suggested that the intermolecular hydrogen bonding existes between the colloidal silica nanoparticles and PS-b-P2VP. The effects of the loading ratio and P2VP chain length on the morphology and properties of the prepared nanoporous silica films were investigated. TEM and AFM studies showed that the uniform pore size could be achieved and the pore size increased with increasing porogen loading. The refractive index and dielectric constant of the prepared nanoporous films decreased with an increase in PS-b-P2VP loading. On the other hand, the porosity increased with an increasing PS-b-P2VP loading. This study demonstrated a methodology to control pore morphology and properties of the nanoporous silica films through the templating of PS-b-P2VP.

  6. Structural transition with thickness in films of poly-(styrene-b-2vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer/homopolymer blends

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mishra, Vindhya; Kramer, Edward; Hur, Su-Mi; Fredrickson, Glenn; Sprung, Michael

    2009-03-01

    In multilayer thin films of spherical morphology block copolymers, the surface layers prefer hexagonal symmetry while the inner layers prefer BCC. Thin films with spherical morphology of PS-b-P2VP blends with short homopolymer polystyrene (hPS) chains have an HCP structure up to a thickness n* at which there is a transition to a face centered orthorhombic structure. Using grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy we show that that n* increases from 5 to 9 with increase in hPS from 0 to 12 vol%. For thicknesses just below n* the HCP and FCO structures coexist, but on long annealing HCP prevails. We hypothesize that the PS segregates to the interstices in the HCP structure reducing the stretching of the PS blocks and the free energy penalty of HCP versus BCC inner layers. Self consistent field theoretic simulations are being carried out to see if this idea is correct.

  7. Effect of Ligand Molecular Weight and Nanoparticle Core Size on Polymer-Coated Gold Nanoparticle Location in Block Copolymers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Petrie, Joshua; Kim, Bumjoon; Fredrickson, Glenn; Kramer, Ed

    2008-03-01

    Gold nanoparticles modified by short chain polymer thiols [Au-PS] can be designed to strongly localize in either domain of a polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) [PS-PVP] block copolymer or at the interface. The P2VP block has a stronger attractive interaction with bare gold than the PS block. Thus, when the areal chain density σ of end-attached PS chains falls below a critical areal chain density σc the Au-PS nanoparticles adsorb to the PS-b-P2VP interface. The effect of the polymer ligand molecular weight on the σchas been shown to scale as σc˜ ((R+Rg)/(R*Rg))̂2, where R is the curvature of the Au nanoparticle core radius. To test this scaling relation for σc further we are synthesizing gold nanoparticles with different core radii and will present preliminary results on σcas a function of R.

  8. Zeptomole Detection Scheme Based on Levitation Coordinate Measurements of a Single Microparticle in a Coupled Acoustic-Gravitational Field.

    PubMed

    Miyagawa, Akihisa; Harada, Makoto; Okada, Tetsuo

    2018-02-06

    We present a novel analytical principle in which an analyte (according to its concentration) induces a change in the density of a microparticle, which is measured as a vertical coordinate in a coupled acoustic-gravitational (CAG) field. The density change is caused by the binding of gold nanoparticles (AuNP's) on a polystyrene (PS) microparticle through avidin-biotin association. The density of a 10-μm PS particle increases by 2% when 500 100-nm AuNP's are bound to the PS. The CAG can detect this density change as a 5-10 μm shift of the levitation coordinate of the PS. This approach, which allows us to detect 700 AuNP's bound to a PS particle, is utilized to detect biotin in solution. Biotin is detectable at a picomolar level. The reaction kinetics plays a significant role in the entire process. The kinetic aspects are also quantitatively discussed based on the levitation behavior of the PS particles in the CAG field.

  9. Phytoplankton response to polystyrene microplastics: Perspective from an entire growth period.

    PubMed

    Mao, Yufeng; Ai, Hainan; Chen, Yi; Zhang, Zhenyu; Zeng, Peng; Kang, Li; Li, Wei; Gu, Weikang; He, Qiang; Li, Hong

    2018-05-29

    Microplastics are widely identified in aquatic environments, but their impacts on phytoplankton have not been extensively studied. Here, the responses of Chlorella pyrenoidosa under polystyrene (PS) microplastics exposure were studied across its whole growth period, with microplastic sizes of 0.1 and 1.0 μm and 3 concentration gradients each, which covered (10 and 50 mg/L) and exceeded (100 mg/L) its environmental concentrations, respectively. PS microplastics caused dose-dependent adverse effects on Chlorella pyrenoidosa growth from the lag to the earlier logarithmic phases, but exhibited slight difference in the maximal inhibition ratio (approximately 38%) with respect to the two microplastic sizes. In addition to the reduced photosynthetic activity of Chlorella pyrenoidosa, unclear pyrenoids, distorted thylakoids and damaged cell membrane were observed, attributing to the physical damage and oxidative stress caused by microplastics. However, from the end of the logarithmic to the stationary phase, Chlorella pyrenoidosa could reduce the adverse effects of microplastics jointly through cell wall thickening, algae homo-aggregation and algae-microplastics hetero-aggregation, hence triggering an increase of algal photosynthetic activity and its growth, and cell structures turned to normal. Our study confirmed that PS microplastics can impair but then enhance algae growth, which will be helpful in understanding the ecological risks of microplastics. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Enhancement of memory margins in the polymer composite of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester and polystyrene.

    PubMed

    Sun, Yanmei; Lu, Junguo; Ai, Chunpeng; Wen, Dianzhong; Bai, Xuduo

    2016-11-09

    Memory devices based on composites of polystyrene (PS) and [6,6]-phenyl-C 61 -butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) were investigated with bistable resistive switching behavior. Current-voltage (I-V) curves for indium-tin-oxide (ITO)/PS + PCBM/Al devices with 33 wt% PCBM showed non-volatile, rewritable, flash memory properties with a maximum ON/OFF current ratio of 1 × 10 4 , which was 100 times larger than the ON/OFF ratio of the device with 5 wt% PCBM. For ITO/PS + PCBM/Al devices with 33 wt% PCBM, the write-read-erase-read test cycles demonstrated the bistable devices with ON and OFF states at the same voltage. The programmable ON and OFF states endured up to 10 4 read pulses and possessed a retention time of over 10 5 s, indicative of the memory stability of the device. In the OFF state, the I-V curve at lower voltages up to 0.45 V was attributed to the thermionic emission mechanism, and the I-V characteristics in the applied voltage above 0.5 V dominantly followed the space-charge-limited-current behaviors. In the ON state, the curve in the applied voltage range was related to an Ohmic mechanism.

  11. A grafting from approach to graft polystyrene chains at the surface of graphene nanolayers by RAFT polymerization: Various graft densities from hydroxyl groups

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Roghani-Mamaqani, Hossein; Khezri, Khezrollah

    2016-01-01

    (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane was grafted at the surface of GO in low and high different graft densities to yield GOHAL and GOHAH, respectively. Subsequently, 2-(dodecylthiocarbonothioylthio)-2-methylpropionic acid (RA) was attached at the surface of GOHAL and GOHAH by an amidation reaction to yield GOHRL and GOHRH, respectively. Then, GOHRL and GOHRH were used in grafting from RAFT polymerization of styrene. Grafting of APTES and RA was approved by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Expansion of graphene interlayer by oxidation and functionalization processes was evaluated by X-ray diffraction. Conversion values of styrene were calculated using gas chromatography. Molecular weight and PDI values of attached polystyrene (PS) chains were studied by size exclusion chromatography. Thermogravimetric analysis was also used to investigate the degradation temperatures, char contents, and graft contents of modifiers and PS chains. GOHRH and GOHRL reach to char content of 55.3 and 45.2% at 600 °C, which shows that weight ratio of modifier (APTES and RA moieties) is 15.3 and 5.2%, respectively. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies show that graphite layers with flat and smooth surface wrinkled after oxidation and turned to opaque layers by grafting PS.

  12. Patterned assembly of colloidal particles by confined dewetting lithography.

    PubMed

    Celio, Hugo; Barton, Emily; Stevenson, Keith J

    2006-12-19

    We report the assembly of colloidal particles into confined arrangements and patterns on various cleaned and chemically modified solid substrates using a method which we term "confined dewetting lithography" or CDL for short. The experimental setup for CDL is a simple deposition cell where an aqueous suspension of colloidal particles (e.g., polystyrene spheres) is placed between a floating deposition template (i.e., metal microgrid) and the solid substrate. The voids of the deposition template serve as an array of micrometer-sized reservoirs where several hydrodynamic processes are confined. These processes include water evaporation, meniscus formation, convective flow, rupturing, dewetting, and capillary-bridge formation. We discuss the optimal conditions where the CDL has a high efficiency to deposit intricate patterns of colloidal particles using polystyrene spheres (PS; 4.5, 2.0, 1.7, 0.11, 0.064 microm diameter) and square and hexagonal deposition templates as model systems. We find that the optimization conditions of the CDL method, when using submicrometer, sulfate-functionalized PS particles, are primarily dependent on minimizing attractive particle-substrate interactions. The CDL methodology described herein presents a relatively simple and rapid method to assemble virtually any geometric pattern, including more complex patterns assembled using PS particles with different diameters, from aqueous suspensions by choosing suitable conditions and materials.

  13. Human Fetal Osteoblast Response on Poly(Methyl Methacrylate)/Polystyrene Demixed Thin Film Blends: Surface Chemistry Vs Topography Effects.

    PubMed

    D'Sa, Raechelle A; Raj, Jog; Dickinson, Peter J; McCabe, Fiona; Meenan, Brian J

    2016-06-22

    Recent advances in materials sciences have allowed for the development and fabrication of biomaterials that are capable of providing requisite cues to instigate cells to respond in a predictable fashion. We have developed a series of poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene (PMMA/PS) polymer demixed thin films with nanotopographies ranging from nanoislands to nanopits to study the response of human fetal osteoblast cells (hFOBs). When PMMA was in excess in the blend composition, a nanoisland topography dominated, whereas a nanopit topography dominated when PS was in excess. PMMA was found to segregate to the top of the nanoisland morphology with PS preferring the substrate interface. To further ascertain the effects of surface chemistry vs topography, we plasma treated the polymer demixed films using an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge reactor to alter the surface chemistry. Our results have shown that hFOBs did not have an increased short-term cellular response on pristine polymer demixed surfaces. However, increasing the hydrophilicty/wettability of the surfaces by oxygen functionalization causes an increase in the cellular response. These results indicate that topography alone is not sufficient to induce a positive cellular response, but the underlying surface chemistry is also important in regulating cell function.

  14. Simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements on cocrystals of syndiotactic polystyrene with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ethers.

    PubMed

    Kaneko, Fumitoshi; Seto, Naoki; Sato, Shuma; Radulescu, Aurel; Schiavone, Maria Maddalena; Allgaier, Jürgen; Ute, Koichi

    2016-10-01

    Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) is a crystalline polymer which has a unique property; it is able to form cocrystals with a wide range of chemical compounds, in which the guest molecules are confined in the vacancies of the host sPS crystalline region. Recently, it has been found that even polyethylene glycol oligomers with a molecular weight of more than several hundreds can be introduced into the sPS crystalline region. It is quite important to know how such a long-chain molecule is stored in the host sPS lattice. To tackle this issue, a new simultaneous measurement method combing small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SANS/FTIR), which has been recently developed by the authors, was applied to an sPS cocrystal with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether with a molecular weight of 500 (PEGDME500). The temperature-dependent changes of the SANS profile and FTIR spectrum were followed from room temperature up to 413 K for a one-dimensionally oriented SANS/PEGDME500 cocrystal sample. The intensity of the reflections due to the stacking of crystalline lamellae showed a significant temperature dependence. The two-dimensional pattern in the high Q region of SANS also changed depending on temperature. The combined information obtained by SANS and FTIR suggested that PEGDME500 molecules are distributed in both the crystalline and amorphous regions in the low-temperature region close to room temperature, but they are predominantly included in the amorphous region in the high-temperature region. It was also suggested by the two-dimensional SANS profile that PEGDME500 molecules in the crystalline region have an elongated structure along the thickness direction of the crystalline lamellae.

  15. Simultaneous small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements on cocrystals of syndiotactic polystyrene with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ethers1

    PubMed Central

    Kaneko, Fumitoshi; Seto, Naoki; Sato, Shuma; Radulescu, Aurel; Schiavone, Maria Maddalena; Allgaier, Jürgen; Ute, Koichi

    2016-01-01

    Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) is a crystalline polymer which has a unique property; it is able to form cocrystals with a wide range of chemical compounds, in which the guest molecules are confined in the vacancies of the host sPS crystalline region. Recently, it has been found that even polyethylene glycol oligomers with a molecular weight of more than several hundreds can be introduced into the sPS crystalline region. It is quite important to know how such a long-chain molecule is stored in the host sPS lattice. To tackle this issue, a new simultaneous measurement method combing small-angle neutron scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (SANS/FTIR), which has been recently developed by the authors, was applied to an sPS cocrystal with polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether with a molecular weight of 500 (PEGDME500). The temperature-dependent changes of the SANS profile and FTIR spectrum were followed from room temperature up to 413 K for a one-dimensionally oriented SANS/PEGDME500 cocrystal sample. The intensity of the reflections due to the stacking of crystalline lamellae showed a significant temperature dependence. The two-dimensional pattern in the high Q region of SANS also changed depending on temperature. The combined information obtained by SANS and FTIR suggested that PEGDME500 molecules are distributed in both the crystalline and amorphous regions in the low-temperature region close to room temperature, but they are predominantly included in the amorphous region in the high-temperature region. It was also suggested by the two-dimensional SANS profile that PEGDME500 molecules in the crystalline region have an elongated structure along the thickness direction of the crystalline lamellae. PMID:27738412

  16. Neurobehavioral assessment of rats exposed to pristine polystyrene nanoplastics upon oral exposure.

    PubMed

    Rafiee, Mohammad; Dargahi, Leila; Eslami, Akbar; Beirami, Elmira; Jahangiri-Rad, Mahsa; Sabour, Siamak; Amereh, Fatemeh

    2018-02-01

    The increasing use of plastics has raised concerns about pollution of freshwater by these polymeric materials. Knowledge about their potential effects on environmental and public health is limited. Recent publications have suggested that the degradation of plastics will result in the release of nano-sized plastic particles to the environment. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to gain knowledge about whether and how nanoplastics affect living organisms. The present study aimed to analyse potential neurobehavioral effects of polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) after long-term exposure on rat. Potential effects of PS-NPs were investigated using four test dosages (1, 3, 6, and 10 mg PS-NPs/kg of body weight/day) administrated orally with adult Wistar male rats for five weeks. Neurobehavioral tests were chosen to assess a variety of behavioral domains. Particle diameters in test suspensions were determined through dynamic light scattering and showed an average hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 38.92 nm. No statistically significant behavioral effects were observed in all tests performed (p > 0.05). In the elevated plus maze, PS-NPs-exposed rats showed greater number of entries into open arms compared to controls. Also, PS-NPs had no significant influence on body weight of animals. Taking into account the subtle and transient nature of neurobehavioral consequences, however, these results underline the possibility of even pristine plastic nanoparticles to induce behavioral alteration in the rest of the food web, including for marine biota and humans. Indeed even though studied neurobehavioral effects in our study was not statistically significant, the observed subtle effects may be clinically considerable. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Adsorption of transition metal ions from aqueous solutions onto a novel silica gel matrix inorganic-organic composite material.

    PubMed

    Yin, Ping; Xu, Qiang; Qu, Rongjun; Zhao, Guifang; Sun, Yanzhi

    2010-01-15

    A novel inorganic-organic composite material silica gel microspheres encapsulated by imidazole functionalized polystyrene (SG-PS-azo-IM) has been synthesized and characterized. This composite material was used to investigate the adsorption of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Pd(II), Pt(II), Ag(I), and Au(III) from aqueous solutions, and the research results displayed that SG-PS-azo-IM has the highest adsorption capacity for Au(III). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied to analyze the experimental data, the best interpretation for the experimental data was given by the Langmuir isotherm equation, and the maximum adsorption capacity for Au(III) is 1.700 mmol/g. The adsorption selectivity, the dynamic adsorption and desorption properties of SG-PS-azo-IM for Au(III) have also been studied. The results showed that SG-PS-azo-IM had excellent adsorption for Au(III) in four binary ions system, especially in the systems of Au(III)-Zn(II) and Au(III)-Cu(II), and almost Au(III) could be desorbed with the eluent solution of 0.5% thiourea in 1 mol/L HCl. Moreover, this novel composite material was used to preconcentrate Au(III) before its determination by flame atomic adsorption spectrometry. In the initial concentration range of 0.10-0.20 microg/mL, multiple of enrichment could reach 5.28. Thus, silica gel encapsulated by polystyrene coupling with imidazole (SG-PS-azo-IM) is favorable and useful for the removal of transition metal ions, and the high adsorption capacity makes it a good promising candidate material for Au(III) removal.

  18. PAHs in polystyrene food contact materials: An unintended consequence.

    PubMed

    Li, Si-Qi; Ni, Hong-Gang; Zeng, Hui

    2017-12-31

    Eight low-ring PAHs were detected in 21 polystyrene (PS) food contact materials (FCMs) samples while high-ring PAHs (>4 rings) were not found. This is because the reaction pathway for formation of high-ring PAHs consists of more steps than it does for low-high PAHs. The concentrations of Σ 8 PAH were from 18.9±5.16ng/g for product colorless fruit fork to 476±52.0ng/g for foam instant noodle container. These data were far beyond levels of PAHs in other plastics. Of the eight PAHs detected, Phe had the highest average concentration, followed by Nap. These two PAHs collectively accounted for over 80% of the Σ 8 PAH concentrations in all PS FCMs. Levels of Σ 8 PAH in expanded PS FCMs were higher than those in extruded ones due to utilization of foaming agent. The concentrations of Σ 8 PAH were lower in colorless PS FCMs than in colored ones. Auxochromes and chromophores contributed to the change of short-chain hydrocarbons to aromatic hydrocarbon. Simulated migration values of PAHs from PS FCMs to food varied widely. The migration value of Σ 8 PAH with maximum probability was below 10ng/g, which the maximum tolerated migration level for substance according to the European Union standards. However, higher migration values were possible and the potential health risk should still be concerned because the simulated migration displayed a log-normal distribution. Furthermore, water was used as food simulant would always lead to an underestimate of PAHs migration to real daily food, and then lead to an underestimate of risk. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Comparative ecotoxicity of polystyrene nanoparticles in natural seawater and reconstituted seawater using the rotifer Brachionus plicatilis.

    PubMed

    Manfra, L; Rotini, A; Bergami, E; Grassi, G; Faleri, C; Corsi, I

    2017-11-01

    The impact of nanoplastics using model polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs), anionic (PS-COOH) and cationic (PS-NH 2 ), has been investigated on the marine rotifer Brachionus plicatilis, a major component of marine zooplanktonic species. The role of different surface charges in affecting PS NP behaviour and toxicity has been considered in high ionic strength media. To this aim, the selected media were standardized reconstituted seawater (RSW) and natural sea water (NSW), the latter resembling more natural exposure scenarios. Hatched rotifer larvae were exposed for 24h and 48h to both PS NPs in the range of 0.5-50μg/ml using PS NP suspensions made in RSW and NSW. No effects on lethality upon exposure to anionic NPs were observed despite a clear gut retention was evident in all exposed rotifers. On the contrary, cationic NPs caused lethality to rotifer larvae but LC 50 values resulted lower in rotifers exposed in RSW (LC 50 =2.75±0.67µg/ml) compared to those exposed in NSW (LC 50 =6.62±0.87µg/ml). PS NPs showed similar pattern of aggregation in both high ionic strength media (RSW and NSW) but while anionic NPs resulted in large microscale aggregates (Z-average 1109 ± 128nm and 998±67nm respectively), cationic NP aggregates were still in nano-size forms (93.99 ± 11.22nm and 108.3 ± 12.79nm). Both PDI and Z-potential of PS NPs slightly differed in the two media suggesting a role of their different surface charges in affecting their behaviour and stability. Our findings confirm the role of surface charges in nanoplastic behaviour in salt water media and provide a first evidence of a different toxicity in rotifers using artificial media (RSW) compared to natural one (NSW). Such evidence poses the question on how to select the best medium in standardized ecotoxicity assays in order to properly assess their hazard to marine life in natural environmental scenarios. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Morphology, drug release, antibacterial, cell proliferation, and histology studies of chamomile-loaded wound dressing mats based on electrospun nanofibrous poly(ɛ-caprolactone)/polystyrene blends.

    PubMed

    Motealleh, Behrooz; Zahedi, Payam; Rezaeian, Iraj; Moghimi, Morvarid; Abdolghaffari, Amir Hossein; Zarandi, Mohammad Amin

    2014-07-01

    For the first time, it has been tried to achieve optimum conditions for electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)/polystyrene (PCL/PS) nanofibrous samples as active wound dressings containing chamomile via D-optimal design approach. In this work, systematic in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out by drug release rate, antibacterial and antifungal evaluations, cell culture, and rat wound model along with histology observation. The optimized samples were prepared under the following electrospinning conditions: PCL/PS ratio (65/35), PCL concentration 9%(w/v), PS concentration 14%(w/v), distance between the syringe needle tip and the collector 15.5 cm, applied voltage 18 kV, and solution flow rate 0.46 mL h(-1) . The FE-SEM micrographs showed electrospun PCL/PS (65/35) nanofibrous sample containing 15% chamomile had a minimum average diameter (∼175 nm) compared to the neat samples (∼268 nm). The drug released resulted in a gradual and high amount of chamomile from the optimized PCL/PS nanofibrous sample (∼70%) in respect to PCL and PS nanofibers after 48 h. This claim was also confirmed by antibacterial and antifungal evaluations in which an inhibitory zone with a diameter of about 7.6 mm was formed. The rat wound model results also indicated that the samples loaded with 15% chamomile extract were remarkably capable to heal the wounds up to 99 ± 0.5% after 14 days post-treatment periods. The adhesion of mesenchymal stem cells and their viability on the optimized samples were confirmed by MTT analysis. Also, the electrospun nanofibrous mats based on PCL/PS (65/35) showed a high efficiency in the wound closure and healing process compared to the reference sample, PCL/PS nanofibers without chamomile. Finally, the histology analysis revealed that the formation of epithelial tissues, the lack of necrosis and collagen fibers accumulation in the dermis tissues for the above optimized samples. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Structure-property correlations of ion-containing polymers for fuel cell applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sproll, Véronique; Nagy, Gergely; Gasser, Urs; Balog, Sandor; Gustavsson, Sanna; Schmidt, Thomas J.; Gubler, Lorenz

    2016-01-01

    In order to investigate the structure-property correlations of grafted proton conducting membranes, the model system consisting of an ETFE base film grafted with polystyrene and subsequent sulfonation (ETFE-g-PSSA) along with crosslinked derivatives ETFE-g-P(SSA-co-DiPB) were synthesized. The characteristics of the final membranes were characterized by PFG-NMR diffusometry, in-plane conductivity and by investigations of the dimensional changes of the grafted membranes. The collected data were correlated with the inherent anisotropy of the ETFE base film.

  2. CdS/C60 binary nanocomposite films prepared via phase transition of PS-b-P2VP block copolymer.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jung-Pil; Koh, Haeng-Deog; Shin, Won-Jeong; Kang, Nam-Goo; Park, Soojin; Lee, Jae-Suk

    2014-03-01

    We demonstrate the well-defined control of phase transition of a polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymer from spherical micelles to lamellar structures, in which CdS and C60 nanoparticles (NPs) are selectively positioned at the P2VP domains. The CdS NPs are in situ synthesized using PS-b-P2VP block copolymer templates that are self-assembled in PS-selective solvents. The CdS-PS-b-P2VP micellar structures are transformed to lamellar phase by adjusting a solvent selectivity for both blocks. In addition, a binary system of CdS/C60 embedded in PS-b-P2VP lamellar structures (CdS/C60-PS-b-P2VP) is fabricated by embedding C60 molecules into P2VP domain though charge-transfer complexation between pyridine units of PS-b-P2VP and C60 molecules. The CdS/C60-PS-b-P2VP nanostructured films are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV-Vis spectrometer. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Third-order nonlinear optical properties of phthalocyanines in solution and in polystyrene films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Reeves, Roger J.; Powell, Richard C.; Chang, Young H.; Ford, Warren T.; Zhu, Weiming

    1996-01-01

    Degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) measurements of third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) coefficients of metal-free, Cu, Pt, Pb and Bi octa(2-ethylhexyloxy) phthalocyanines (MPc's) were done with 20 ps duration laser pulses under resonant conditions at 532 nm in polystyrene films and under nonresonant conditions at 1064 nm in chloroform solutions. The NLO coefficients ξxxxx(3) show saturation with increasing incident intensity and no strong dependence on the central metal atom of the MPc below the saturation intensity. Optical delays of the probe-pulse up to 3 ns show an acoustic phonon response in both the polystyrene films and the chloroform solutions. An intensity-dependent absorption coefficient was measured by a pump/probe experiment and used in a simple model to qualitatively account for the saturation of ξ(3) measured by DFWM.

  4. Enzymes containing porous polymersomes as nano reaction vessels for cascade reactions.

    PubMed

    Kuiper, Suzanne M; Nallani, Madhavan; Vriezema, Dennis M; Cornelissen, Jeroen J L M; van Hest, Jan C M; Nolte, Roeland J M; Rowan, Alan E

    2008-12-07

    Polystyrene(40)-b-poly(isocyanoalanine(2-thiophen-3-yl-ethyl)amide)(50) (PS-PIAT) polymersomes have the unique property of being sufficiently porous to allow diffusion of small (organic) substrates while retaining large biomolecules such as enzymes inside. Herein we report on the encapsulation and protection of glucose oxidase (GOx) and horse radish peroxidase (HRP) in PS-PIAT polymersomes and the successful employment of these functionalised nanoreactors in a cascade reaction. The demonstrated concept allows for further application in other enzymatic cascade reactions, bio-organic hybrid systems and biosensing devices.

  5. Electroconductive Composites from Polystyrene Block Copolymers and Cu–Alumina Filler

    PubMed Central

    Nadeem, QuratulAin; Fatima, Tasneem; Prinsen, Pepijn; ur Rehman, Aziz; Gill, Rohama; Mahmood, Rashid; Luque, Rafael

    2016-01-01

    Technological advancements and development of new materials may lead to the manufacture of sustainable energy-conducting devices used in the energy sector. This research attempts to fabricate novel electroconductive and mechanically stable nanocomposites via an electroless deposition (ELD) technique using electrically insulating materials. Metallic Cu is coated onto Al2O3 by ELD, and the prepared filler is then integrated (2–14 wt %) into a matrix of polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-block-polystyrene-graft-maleic anhydride (PS-b-(PE-r-B)-b-PS-g-MA). Considerable variations in composite phases with filler inclusion exist. The Cu crystallite growth onto Al2O3 was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) depicts a uniform Cu coating on Al2O3, while homogeneous filler dispersion is exhibited in the case of composites. The electrical behavior of composites is enhanced drastically (7.7 × 10−5 S/cm) upon incorporation of Cu–Al2O3 into an insulating polymer matrix (4.4 × 10−16 S/cm). Moreover, mechanical (Young’s modulus, tensile strength and % elongation at break) and thermal (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)) properties of the nanocomposites also improve substantially. These composites are likely to meet the demands of modern high-strength electroconductive devices. PMID:28774110

  6. Nanoporous polymeric nanofibers based on selectively etched PS-b-PDMS block copolymers.

    PubMed

    Demirel, Gokcen B; Buyukserin, Fatih; Morris, Michael A; Demirel, Gokhan

    2012-01-01

    One-dimensional nanoporous polymeric nanofibers have been fabricated within an anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane by a facile approach based on selective etching of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) domains in polystyrene-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PS-b-PDMS) block copolymers that had been formed within the AAO template. It was observed that prior to etching, the well-ordered PS-b-PDMS nanofibers are solid and do not have any porosity. The postetched PS nanofibers, on the other hand, had a highly porous structure having about 20-50 nm pore size. The nanoporous polymeric fibers were also employed as a drug carrier for the native, continuous, and pulsatile drug release using Rhodamine B (RB) as a model drug. These studies showed that enhanced drug release and tunable drug dosage can be achieved by using ultrasound irradiation. © 2011 American Chemical Society

  7. Interplay between dewetting and layer inversion in poly(4-vinylpyridine)/polystyrene bilayers.

    PubMed

    Thickett, Stuart C; Harris, Andrew; Neto, Chiara

    2010-10-19

    We investigated the morphology and dynamics of the dewetting of metastable poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) thin films situated on top of polystyrene (PS) thin films as a function of the molecular weight and thickness of both films. We focused on the competition between the dewetting process, occurring as a result of unfavorable intermolecular interactions at the P4VP/PS interface, and layer inversion due to the lower surface energy of PS. By means of optical and atomic force microscopy (AFM), we observed how both the dynamics of the instability and the morphology of the emerging patterns depend on the ratio of the molecular weights of the polymer films. When the bottom PS layer was less viscous than the top P4VP layer (liquid-liquid dewetting), nucleated holes in the P4VP film typically stopped growing at long annealing times because of a combination of viscous dissipation in the bottom layer and partial layer inversion. Full layer inversion was achieved when the viscosity of the top P4VP layer was significantly greater (>10⁴) than the viscosity of the PS layer underneath, which is attributed to strongly different mobilities of the two layers. The density of holes produced by nucleation dewetting was observed for the first time to depend on the thickness of the top film as well as the polymer molecular weight. The final (completely dewetted) morphology of isolated droplets could be achieved only if the time frame of layer inversion was significantly slower than that of dewetting, which was characteristic of high-viscosity PS underlayers that allowed dewetting to fall into a liquid-solid regime. Assuming a simple reptation model for layer inversion occurring at the dewetting front, the observed surface morphologies could be predicted on the basis of the relative rates of dewetting and layer inversion.

  8. Comparative analysis of biofilm formation by Bacillus cereus reference strains and undomesticated food isolates and the effect of free iron.

    PubMed

    Hayrapetyan, Hasmik; Muller, Lisette; Tempelaars, Marcel; Abee, Tjakko; Nierop Groot, Masja

    2015-05-04

    Biofilm formation of Bacillus cereus reference strains ATCC 14579 and ATCC 10987 and 21 undomesticated food isolates was studied on polystyrene and stainless steel as contact surfaces. For all strains, the biofilm forming capacity was significantly enhanced when in contact with stainless steel (SS) as a surface as compared to polystyrene (PS). For a selection of strains, the total CFU and spore counts in biofilms were determined and showed a good correlation between CFU counts and total biomass of these biofilms. Sporulation was favoured in the biofilm over the planktonic state. To substantiate whether iron availability could affect B. cereus biofilm formation, the free iron availability was varied in BHI by either the addition of FeCl3 or by depletion of iron with the scavenger 2,2-Bipyridine. Addition of iron resulted in increased air-liquid interface biofilm on polystyrene but not on SS for strain ATCC 10987, while the presence of Bipyridine reduced biofilm formation for both materials. Biofilm formation was restored when excess FeCl3 was added in combination with the scavenger. Further validation of the iron effect for all 23 strains in microtiter plate showed that fourteen strains (including ATCC10987) formed a biofilm on PS. For eight of these strains biofilm formation was enhanced in the presence of added iron and for eleven strains it was reduced when free iron was scavenged. Our results show that stainless steel as a contact material provides more favourable conditions for B. cereus biofilm formation and maturation compared to polystyrene. This effect could possibly be linked to iron availability as we show that free iron availability affects B. cereus biofilm formation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Synthesis and Properties of a Precision Sulfonated Trimethylene-Styrene Polyelectrolyte

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kennemur, Justin; Neary, William; Bohlmann, Michele; Kendrick, Aaron

    We recently reported successful ring-opening metathesis polymerization of 4-phenylcyclopentene to afford a precision ethylene-styrene type copolymer with a phenyl branch at exactly every fifth carbon along the backbone following mild hydrogenation of the backbone olefins. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/marc.201600121) Compared to polystyrene, this material shows a markedly reduced glass transition temperature (Tg 17 °C) and remains amorphous. We have now extended the function of this polymer via sulfonation of the phenyl branches to produce a precision polyelectrolyte with an ionic charge spacing at every fifth carbon along the chain. The reduced yet precise charge density coupled with the low Tg of the native material translates into a variety of properties that are unique to this system and potentially useful as an addition to the limited set of available polyelectrolyte materials. Synthetic aspects in addition to thermal and mechanical properties will be discussed. Graduate Student.

  10. Oyster reproduction is affected by exposure to polystyrene microplastics

    PubMed Central

    Sussarellu, Rossana; Suquet, Marc; Thomas, Yoann; Lambert, Christophe; Fabioux, Caroline; Pernet, Marie Eve Julie; Le Goïc, Nelly; Quillien, Virgile; Mingant, Christian; Epelboin, Yanouk; Corporeau, Charlotte; Guyomarch, Julien; Robbens, Johan; Paul-Pont, Ika; Soudant, Philippe; Huvet, Arnaud

    2016-01-01

    Plastics are persistent synthetic polymers that accumulate as waste in the marine environment. Microplastic (MP) particles are derived from the breakdown of larger debris or can enter the environment as microscopic fragments. Because filter-feeder organisms ingest MP while feeding, they are likely to be impacted by MP pollution. To assess the impact of polystyrene microspheres (micro-PS) on the physiology of the Pacific oyster, adult oysters were experimentally exposed to virgin micro-PS (2 and 6 µm in diameter; 0.023 mg·L−1) for 2 mo during a reproductive cycle. Effects were investigated on ecophysiological parameters; cellular, transcriptomic, and proteomic responses; fecundity; and offspring development. Oysters preferentially ingested the 6-µm micro-PS over the 2-µm-diameter particles. Consumption of microalgae and absorption efficiency were significantly higher in exposed oysters, suggesting compensatory and physical effects on both digestive parameters. After 2 mo, exposed oysters had significant decreases in oocyte number (−38%), diameter (−5%), and sperm velocity (−23%). The D-larval yield and larval development of offspring derived from exposed parents decreased by 41% and 18%, respectively, compared with control offspring. Dynamic energy budget modeling, supported by transcriptomic profiles, suggested a significant shift of energy allocation from reproduction to structural growth, and elevated maintenance costs in exposed oysters, which is thought to be caused by interference with energy uptake. Molecular signatures of endocrine disruption were also revealed, but no endocrine disruptors were found in the biological samples. This study provides evidence that micro-PS cause feeding modifications and reproductive disruption in oysters, with significant impacts on offspring. PMID:26831072

  11. Nucleation and Growth of Insulin Fibrils in Bulk Solution and at Hydrophobic Polystyrene Surfaces

    PubMed Central

    Smith, M. I.; Sharp, J. S.; Roberts, C. J.

    2007-01-01

    A technique was developed for studying the nucleation and growth of fibrillar protein aggregates. Fourier transform infrared and attenuated total reflection spectroscopy were used to measure changes in the intermolecular β-sheet content of bovine pancreatic insulin in bulk solution and on model polystyrene (PS) surfaces at pH 1. The kinetics of β-sheet formation were shown to evolve in two stages. Combined Fourier transform infrared, dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy, and thioflavin-T fluorescence measurements confirmed that the first stage in the kinetics was related to the formation of nonfibrillar aggregates that have a radius of 13 ± 1 nm. The second stage was found to be associated with the growth of insulin fibrils. The β-sheet kinetics in this second stage were used to determine the nucleation and growth rates of fibrils over a range of temperatures between 60°C and 80°C. The nucleation and growth rates were shown to display Arrhenius kinetics, and the associated energy barriers were extracted for fibrils formed in bulk solution and at PS surfaces. These experiments showed that fibrils are nucleated more quickly in the presence of hydrophobic PS surfaces but that the corresponding fibril growth rates decrease. These observations are interpreted in terms of the differences in the attempt frequencies and energy barriers associated with the nucleation and growth of fibrils. They are also discussed in the context of differences in protein concentration, mobility, and conformational and colloidal stability that exist between insulin molecules in bulk solution and those that are localized at hydrophobic PS interfaces. PMID:17496011

  12. Energy independent uptake and release of polystyrene nanoparticles in primary mammalian cell cultures.

    PubMed

    Fiorentino, Ilaria; Gualtieri, Roberto; Barbato, Vincenza; Mollo, Valentina; Braun, Sabrina; Angrisani, Alberto; Turano, Mimmo; Furia, Maria; Netti, Paolo A; Guarnieri, Daniela; Fusco, Sabato; Talevi, Riccardo

    2015-01-15

    Nanoparticle (NPs) delivery systems in vivo promises to overcome many obstacles associated with the administration of drugs, vaccines, plasmid DNA and RNA materials, making the study of their cellular uptake a central issue in nanomedicine. The uptake of NPs may be influenced by the cell culture stage and the NPs physical-chemical properties. So far, controversial data on NPs uptake have been derived owing to the heterogeneity of NPs and the general use of immortalized cancer cell lines that often behave differently from each other and from primary mammalian cell cultures. Main aims of the present study were to investigate the uptake, endocytosis pathways, intracellular fate and release of well standardized model particles, i.e. fluorescent 44 nm polystyrene NPs (PS-NPs), on two primary mammalian cell cultures, i.e. bovine oviductal epithelial cells (BOEC) and human colon fibroblasts (HCF) by confocal microscopy and spectrofluorimetric analysis. Different drugs and conditions that inhibit specific internalization routes were used to understand the mechanisms that mediate PS-NP uptake. Our data showed that PS-NPs are rapidly internalized by both cell types 1) with similar saturation kinetics; 2) through ATP-independent processes, and 3) quickly released in the culture medium. Our results suggest that PS-NPs are able to rapidly cross the cell membrane through passive translocation during both uptake and release, and emphasize the need to carefully design NPs for drug delivery, to ensure their selective uptake and to optimize their retainment in the targeted cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Oyster reproduction is affected by exposure to polystyrene microplastics.

    PubMed

    Sussarellu, Rossana; Suquet, Marc; Thomas, Yoann; Lambert, Christophe; Fabioux, Caroline; Pernet, Marie Eve Julie; Le Goïc, Nelly; Quillien, Virgile; Mingant, Christian; Epelboin, Yanouk; Corporeau, Charlotte; Guyomarch, Julien; Robbens, Johan; Paul-Pont, Ika; Soudant, Philippe; Huvet, Arnaud

    2016-03-01

    Plastics are persistent synthetic polymers that accumulate as waste in the marine environment. Microplastic (MP) particles are derived from the breakdown of larger debris or can enter the environment as microscopic fragments. Because filter-feeder organisms ingest MP while feeding, they are likely to be impacted by MP pollution. To assess the impact of polystyrene microspheres (micro-PS) on the physiology of the Pacific oyster, adult oysters were experimentally exposed to virgin micro-PS (2 and 6 µm in diameter; 0.023 mg·L(-1)) for 2 mo during a reproductive cycle. Effects were investigated on ecophysiological parameters; cellular, transcriptomic, and proteomic responses; fecundity; and offspring development. Oysters preferentially ingested the 6-µm micro-PS over the 2-µm-diameter particles. Consumption of microalgae and absorption efficiency were significantly higher in exposed oysters, suggesting compensatory and physical effects on both digestive parameters. After 2 mo, exposed oysters had significant decreases in oocyte number (-38%), diameter (-5%), and sperm velocity (-23%). The D-larval yield and larval development of offspring derived from exposed parents decreased by 41% and 18%, respectively, compared with control offspring. Dynamic energy budget modeling, supported by transcriptomic profiles, suggested a significant shift of energy allocation from reproduction to structural growth, and elevated maintenance costs in exposed oysters, which is thought to be caused by interference with energy uptake. Molecular signatures of endocrine disruption were also revealed, but no endocrine disruptors were found in the biological samples. This study provides evidence that micro-PS cause feeding modifications and reproductive disruption in oysters, with significant impacts on offspring.

  14. Preparation of pH-Responsive Hollow Capsules via Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Exfoliated Layered Double Hydroxide Nanosheets and Polyelectrolytes.

    PubMed

    Katagiri, Kiyofumi; Shishijima, Yoshinori; Koumoto, Kunihito; Inumaru, Kei

    2018-01-01

    pH-Responsive smart capsules were developed by the layer-by-layer assembly with a colloidtemplating technique. Polystyrene (PS) particles were employed as core templates. Acid-soluble inorganic nanosheets were prepared from Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) by an exfoliation technique. LDH nanosheets and anionic polyelectrolytes were alternatively deposited on PS core particles by the layer-by-layer assembly using electrostatic interaction. Hollow capsules were obtained by the removal of the PS core particles. The hollow capsules obtained thus were collapsed at acidic conditions by dissolution of LDH nanosheets in the hollow shells. The dissolution rate, i.e., the responsiveness of capsule, is tunable according to the strength of acids.

  15. Potential of Wood-Rotting Fungi to Attack Polystyrene Sulfonate and Its Depolymerisation by Gloeophyllum trabeum via Hydroquinone-Driven Fenton Chemistry

    PubMed Central

    Krueger, Martin C.; Hofmann, Ulrike; Moeder, Monika; Schlosser, Dietmar

    2015-01-01

    Synthetic polymers often pose environmental hazards due to low biodegradation rates and resulting accumulation. In this study, a selection of wood-rotting fungi representing different lignocellulose decay types was screened for oxidative biodegradation of the polymer polystyrene sulfonate (PSS). Brown-rot basidiomycetes showed PSS depolymerisation of up to 50 % reduction in number-average molecular mass (Mn) within 20 days. In-depth investigations with the most efficient depolymeriser, a Gloeophyllum trabeum strain, pointed at extracellular hydroquinone-driven Fenton chemistry responsible for depolymerisation. Detection of hydroxyl radicals present in the culture supernatants showed good compliance with depolymerisation over the time course of PSS degradation. 2,5-Dimethoxy-1,4-hydroquinone (2,5-DMHQ), which was detected in supernatants of active cultures via liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, was demonstrated to drive the Fenton processes in G. trabeum cultures. Up to 80% reduction in Mn of PSS where observed when fungal cultures were additionally supplemented with 2,5-dimethoxy benzoquinone, the oxidized from of 2,5-DMHQ. Furthermore, 2,5-DMHQ could initiate the Fenton's reagent-mediated PSS depolymerisation in cell-free systems. In contrast, white-rot fungi were unable to cause substantial depolymerising effects despite the expression of lignin-modifying exo-enzymes. Detailed investigations with laccase from Trametes versicolor revealed that only in presence of certain redox mediators limited PSS depolymerisation occurred. Our results indicate that brown-rot fungi might be suitable organisms for the biodegradation of recalcitrant synthetic polymeric pollutants. PMID:26147966

  16. The effect of polystyrene sodium sulfonate grafting on polyethylene terephthalate artificial ligaments on in vitro mineralisation and in vivo bone tissue integration

    PubMed Central

    Vaquette, Cédryck; Viateau, Véronique; Guérard, Sandra; Anagnostou, Fani; Manassero, Mathieu; Castner, David G.; Migonney, Véronique

    2013-01-01

    This study investigates the impact of polystyrene sodium sulfonate (PolyNaSS) grafting onto the osseointegration of a polyethylene terephthalate artificial ligament (Ligament Advanced Reinforcement System, LARS™) used for Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). The performance of grafted and non-grafted ligaments was assessed in vitro by culturing human osteoblasts under osteogenic induction and this demonstrated that the surface modification was capable of up-regulating the secretion of ALP and induced higher level of mineralisation as measured 6 weeks post-seeding by Micro-Computed Tomography. Grafted and non-grafted LARS™ were subsequently implanted in an ovine model for ACL reconstruction and the ligament-to-bone interface was evaluated by histology and biomechanical testing 3 and 12 months post-implantation. The grafted ligaments exhibited more frequent direct ligament-to-bone contact and bone formation in the core of the ligament at the later time point than the nongrafted specimens, the grafting also significantly reduced the fibrous encapsulation of the ligament 12 months post-implantation. However, this improved osseo-integration was not translated into a significant increase in the biomechanical pull-out loads. These results provide evidences that PolyNaSS grafting improved the osseo-integration of the artificial ligament within the bone tunnels. This might positively influence the outcome of the surgical reconstructions, as higher ligament stability is believed to limit micro-movement and therefore permits earlier and enhanced healing. PMID:23790438

  17. Polymer-bound oxidovanadium(IV) and dioxidovanadium(V) complexes as catalysts for the oxidative desulfurization of model fuel diesel.

    PubMed

    Maurya, Mannar R; Arya, Aarti; Kumar, Amit; Kuznetsov, Maxim L; Avecilla, Fernando; Costa Pessoa, João

    2010-07-19

    The Schiff base (Hfsal-dmen) derived from 3-formylsalicylic acid and N,N-dimethyl ethylenediamine has been covalently bonded to chloromethylated polystyrene to give the polymer-bound ligand, PS-Hfsal-dmen (I). Treatment of PS-Hfsal-dmen with [V(IV)O(acac)(2)] in the presence of MeOH gave the oxidovanadium(IV) complex PS-[V(IV)O(fsal-dmen)(MeO)] (1). On aerial oxidation in methanol, complex 1 was oxidized to PS-[V(V)O(2)(fsal-dmen)] (2). The corresponding neat complexes, [V(IV)O(sal-dmen)(acac)] (3) and [V(V)O(2)(sal-dmen)] (4) were similarly prepared. All these complexes are characterized by various spectroscopic techniques (IR, electronic, NMR, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)) and thermal as well as field-emission scanning electron micrographs (FE-SEM) studies, and the molecular structures of 3 and 4 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The EPR spectrum of the polymer supported V(IV)O-complex 1 is characteristic of magnetically diluted V(IV)O-complexes, the resolved EPR pattern indicating that the V(IV)O-centers are well dispersed in the polymer matrix. A good (51)V NMR spectrum could also be measured with 4 suspended in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the chemical shift (-503 ppm) being compatible with a VO(2)(+)-center and a N,O binding set. The catalytic oxidative desulfurization of organosulfur compounds thiophene, dibenzothiophene, benzothiophene, and 2-methyl thiophene (model of fuel diesel) was carried out using complexes 1 and 2. The sulfur in model organosulfur compounds oxidizes to the corresponding sulfone in the presence of H(2)O(2). The systems 1 and 2 do not loose efficiency for sulfoxidation at least up to the third cycle of reaction, this indicating that they preserve their integrity under the conditions used. Plausible intermediates involved in these catalytic processes are established by UV-vis, EPR, (51)V NMR, and density functional theory (DFT) studies, and an outline of the mechanism is proposed. The (51)V NMR spectra recorded for solutions in methanol confirm that complex 4, on treatment with H(2)O(2), is able to generate peroxo-vanadium(V) complexes, including quite stable protonated peroxo-V(V)-complexes [V(V)O(O)(2)(sal-dmen-NH(+))]. The (51)V NMR and DFT data indicate that formation of the intermediate hydroxido-peroxo-V(V)-complex [V(V)(OH)(O(2))(sal-dmen)](+) does not occur, but instead protonated [V(V)O(O)(2)(sal-dmen-NH(+))] complexes form and are relevant for catalytic action.

  18. Graphene Oxide Monolayer as a Compatibilizer at the Polymer-Polymer Interface for Stabilizing Polymer Bilayer Films against Dewetting.

    PubMed

    Kim, Tae-Ho; Kim, Hyeri; Choi, Ki-In; Yoo, Jeseung; Seo, Young-Soo; Lee, Jeong-Soo; Koo, Jaseung

    2016-12-06

    We investigate the effect of adding graphene oxide (GO) sheets at the polymer-polymer interface on the dewetting dynamics and compatibility of immiscible polymer bilayer films. GO monolayers are deposited at the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-polystyrene (PS) interface by the Langmuir-Schaefer technique. GO monolayers are found to significantly inhibit the dewetting behavior of both PMMA films (on PS substrates) and PS films (on PMMA substrates). This can be interpreted in terms of an interfacial interaction between the GO sheets and these polymers, which is evidenced by the reduced contact angle of the dewet droplets. The favorable interaction of GO with both PS and PMMA facilitates compatibilization of the immiscible polymer bilayer films, thereby stabilizing their bilayer films against dewetting. This compatibilization effect is verified by neutron reflectivity measurements, which reveal that the addition of GO monolayers broadens the interface between PS and the deuterated PMMA films by 2.2 times over that of the bilayer in the absence of GO.

  19. Au coated PS nanopillars as a highly ordered and reproducible SERS substrate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Yong-Tae; Schilling, Joerg; Schweizer, Stefan L.; Sauer, Guido; Wehrspohn, Ralf B.

    2017-07-01

    Noble metal nanostructures with nanometer gap size provide strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) which can be used to detect trace amounts of chemical and biological molecules. Although several approaches were reported to obtain active SERS substrates, it still remains a challenge to fabricate SERS substrates with high sensitivity and reproducibility using low-cost techniques. In this article, we report on the fabrication of Au sputtered PS nanopillars based on a template synthetic method as highly ordered and reproducible SERS substrates. The SERS substrates are fabricated by anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template-assisted infiltration of polystyrene (PS) resulting in hemispherical structures, and a following Au sputtering process. The optimum gap size between adjacent PS nanopillars and thickness of the Au layers for high SERS sensitivity are investigated. Using the Au sputtered PS nanopillars as an active SERS substrate, the Raman signal of 4-methylbenzenethiol (4-MBT) with a concentration down to 10-9 M is identified with good signal reproducibility, showing great potential as promising tool for SERS-based detection.

  20. Facile fabrication of high-quality Ag/PS coaxial nanocables based on the mixed mode of soft/hard templates

    PubMed Central

    Wan, Mimi; Zhao, Wenbo; Peng, Fang; Wang, Qi; Xu, Ping; Mao, Chun; Shen, Jian

    2016-01-01

    A new kind of high-quality Ag/PS coaxial nanocables can be facilely synthesized by using soft/hard templates method. In order to effectively introduce Ag sources into porous polystyrene (PS) nanotubes which were trapped in porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) hard template, Pluronic F127 (F127) was used as guiding agent, soft template and reductant. Meanwhile, ethylene glycol solution was also used as solvent and co-reducing agent to assist in the formation of silver nanowires. The influences of concentration of F127 and reducing reaction time on the formation of Ag/PS coaxial nanocables were discussed. Results indicated that the high-quality Ag/PS coaxial nanocables can be obtained by the mixed mode of soft/hard templates under optimized conditions. This strategy is expected to be extended to design more metal/polymer coaxial nanocables for the benefit of creation of complex and functional nanoarchitectures and components. PMID:27477888

  1. Au/CdS Hybrid Nanoparticles in Block Copolymer Micellar Shells.

    PubMed

    Koh, Haeng-Deog; Changez, Mohammad; Lee, Jae-Suk

    2010-10-18

    A polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) micellar structure with a P2VP core containing 5 nm CdS nanoparticles (NPs) and a PS shell formed in toluene that is a good solvent for PS block undergoes the core-shell inversion by excess addition of methanol that is a good solvent for P2VP block. It leads to the formation of micellar shell-embedded CdS NPs in the methanol major phase. The spontaneous crystalline growth of Au NPs on the CdS surfaces positioned at micellar shells without a further reduction process is newly demonstrated. The nanostructure of Au/CdS/PS-b-P2VP hybrid NPs is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray, and UV-Vis absorption. Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Reconfigurable Polymer Shells on Shape-Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticle Cores.

    PubMed

    Kim, Juyeong; Song, Xiaohui; Kim, Ahyoung; Luo, Binbin; Smith, John W; Ou, Zihao; Wu, Zixuan; Chen, Qian

    2018-05-03

    Reconfigurable hybrid nanoparticles made by decorating flexible polymer shells on rigid inorganic nanoparticle cores can provide a unique means to build stimuli-responsive functional materials. The polymer shell reconfiguration has been expected to depend on the local core shape details, but limited systematic investigations have been undertaken. Here, two literature methods are adapted to coat either thiol-terminated polystyrene (PS) or polystyrene-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) shells onto a series of anisotropic gold nanoparticles of shapes not studied previously, including octahedron, concave cube, and bipyramid. These core shapes are complex, rendering shell contours with nanoscale details (e.g., local surface curvature, shell thickness) that are imaged and analyzed quantitatively using the authors' customized analysis codes. It is found that the hybrid nanoparticles based on the chosen core shapes, when coated with the above two polymer shells, exhibit distinct shell segregations upon a variation in solvent polarity or temperature. It is demonstrated for the PS-b-PAA-coated hybrid nanoparticles, the shell segregation is maintained even after a further decoration of the shell periphery with gold seeds; these seeds can potentially facilitate subsequent deposition of other nanostructures to enrich structural and functional diversity. These synthesis, imaging, and analysis methods for the hybrid nanoparticles of anisotropically shaped cores can potentially aid in their predictive design for materials reconfigurable from the bottom up. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Gd2O3:Eu3+/PPO/POPOP/PS composites for digital imaging radiation detectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Oliveira, J.; Martins, P. M.; Martins, P.; Correia, V.; Rocha, J. G.; Lanceros-Mendez, S.

    2015-11-01

    Polymer-based scintillator composites have been produced by combining polystyrene (PS) and Gd2O3:Eu3+ scintillator nanoparticles. Polystyrene has been used since it is a flexible and stable binder matrix, resistant to thermal and light deterioration and with suitable optical properties. Gd2O3:Eu3+ has been selected as scintillator material due to its wide band gap, high density and visible light yield. The optical, thermal and electrical characteristics of the composites were studied as a function of filler content, together with their performance as scintillator material. Additionally 1 wt.% of 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) and 0.01 wt.% of 1,4 di[2-(5phenyloxazolyl)]benzene (POPOP) were introduced in the polymer matrix in order to strongly improve light yield, i.e., the measured intensity of the output visible radiation, under X-ray irradiation. Increasing scintillator filler concentration (from 0.25 to 7.5 wt.%) increases scintillator light yield and decreases the optical transparency of the composite. The addition of PPO and POPOP strongly increased the overall transduction performance of the composite due to specific absorption and re-emission processes. It is thus shown that Gd2O3:Eu3+/PPO/POPOP/PS composites with 0.25 wt.% of scintillator content with fluorescence molecules are suitable for the development of innovative large-area X-ray radiation detectors with huge demand from the industries.

  4. Intracellular dynamics and fate of polystyrene nanoparticles in A549 Lung epithelial cells monitored by image (cross-) correlation spectroscopy and single particle tracking.

    PubMed

    Deville, Sarah; Penjweini, Rozhin; Smisdom, Nick; Notelaers, Kristof; Nelissen, Inge; Hooyberghs, Jef; Ameloot, Marcel

    2015-10-01

    Novel insights in nanoparticle (NP) uptake routes of cells, their intracellular trafficking and subcellular targeting can be obtained through the investigation of their temporal and spatial behavior. In this work, we present the application of image (cross-) correlation spectroscopy (IC(C)S) and single particle tracking (SPT) to monitor the intracellular dynamics of polystyrene (PS) NPs in the human lung carcinoma A549 cell line. The ensemble kinetic behavior of NPs inside the cell was characterized by temporal and spatiotemporal image correlation spectroscopy (TICS and STICS). Moreover, a more direct interpretation of the diffusion and flow detected in the NP motion was obtained by SPT by monitoring individual NPs. Both techniques demonstrate that the PS NP transport in A549 cells is mainly dependent on microtubule-assisted transport. By applying spatiotemporal image cross-correlation spectroscopy (STICCS), the correlated motions of NPs with the early endosomes, late endosomes and lysosomes are identified. PS NPs were equally distributed among the endolysosomal compartment during the time interval of the experiments. The cotransport of the NPs with the lysosomes is significantly larger compared to the other cell organelles. In the present study we show that the complementarity of ICS-based techniques and SPT enables a consistent elaborate model of the complex behavior of NPs inside biological systems. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Preparation and characterization of a thermoresponsive gigaporous medium for high-speed protein chromatography.

    PubMed

    Qu, Jian-Bo; Chen, Yan-Li; Huan, Guan-Sheng; Zhou, Wei-Qing; Liu, Jian-Guo; Zhu, Hu; Zhang, Xiao-Yun

    2015-01-01

    A high-speed thermoresponsive medium was developed by grafting poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butyl methacrylate) (P(NIPAM-co-BMA)) brushes onto gigaporous polystyrene (PS) microspheres via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique, which has strong mechanical strength, good chemical stability and high mass transfer rate for biomacromolecules. The gigaporous structure, surface chemical composition, static protein adsorption, and thermoresponsive chromatographic properties of prepared medium (PS-P(NIPAM-co-BMA)) were characterized in detail. Results showed that the PS microspheres were successfully grafted with P(NIPAM-co-BMA) brushes and that the gigaporous structure was robustly maintained. After grafting, the nonspecific adsorption of proteins on PS microspheres was greatly reduced. A column packed with PS-P(NIPAM-co-BMA) exhibited low backpressure and significant thermo-responsibility. By simply changing the column temperature, it was able to separate three model proteins at the mobile phase velocity up to 2167 cm h(-1). In conclusion, the thermoresponsive polymer brushes grafted gigaporous PS microspheres prepared by ATRP are very promising in 'green' high-speed preparative protein chromatography. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Gyroid Structures at Highly Asymmetric Volume Fractions by Blending of ABC Triblock Terpolymer and AB Diblock Copolymer

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ahn, Seonghyeon; Kwak, Jongheon; Choi, Chungryong

    Here, we investigated, via small angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy, the morphologies of binary blend of polyisoprene- b-polystyrene- b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (ISP) triblock terpolymer and polyisoprene-b-polystyrene (IS) diblock copolymer. An asymmetric ISP with volume fractions ( f) of 0.12, 0.75, and 0.13 for PI, PS, and P2VP blocks, respectively, showed a new morphology: Coexistence of spheres and cylinders with tetragonal packing. Asymmetric IS with f I = 0.11 and f S =0.89 showed conventional body-centered cubic spherical microdomains. Very interestingly, a binary blend of ISP and IS with overall volume fractions of f I = 0.12, f S = 0.79,more » and f P = 0.09 exhibited core-shell double gyroid (CSG: Q 230 space group), where PI consists of thin core and PS forms thick shell, while P2VP becomes thin matrix. It is very unusual to form highly asymmetric CSG with the matrix having very small volume fraction (0.09).« less

  7. Gyroid Structures at Highly Asymmetric Volume Fractions by Blending of ABC Triblock Terpolymer and AB Diblock Copolymer

    DOE PAGES

    Ahn, Seonghyeon; Kwak, Jongheon; Choi, Chungryong; ...

    2017-11-08

    Here, we investigated, via small angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy, the morphologies of binary blend of polyisoprene- b-polystyrene- b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (ISP) triblock terpolymer and polyisoprene-b-polystyrene (IS) diblock copolymer. An asymmetric ISP with volume fractions ( f) of 0.12, 0.75, and 0.13 for PI, PS, and P2VP blocks, respectively, showed a new morphology: Coexistence of spheres and cylinders with tetragonal packing. Asymmetric IS with f I = 0.11 and f S =0.89 showed conventional body-centered cubic spherical microdomains. Very interestingly, a binary blend of ISP and IS with overall volume fractions of f I = 0.12, f S = 0.79,more » and f P = 0.09 exhibited core-shell double gyroid (CSG: Q 230 space group), where PI consists of thin core and PS forms thick shell, while P2VP becomes thin matrix. It is very unusual to form highly asymmetric CSG with the matrix having very small volume fraction (0.09).« less

  8. Quantum dots encoded Au coated polystyrene bead arranged micro-channel for multiplex arrays.

    PubMed

    Cao, Yuan-Cheng; Wang, Zhan; Yang, Runyu; Zou, Linling; Zhou, Zhen; Mi, Tie; Shi, Hong

    2016-01-01

    This paper describes a promising micro-channel multiplex immunoassay method based on the quantum dots encoded beads which requires micro-volume sample. Briefly, Au nanoparticles coated polystyrene (PS) beads were prepared and Quantum dots (QDs) were employed to encode 4 types of the PS beads by different emission wavelength QDs and various intensities. Different coding types of the beads were immobilized with different antibodies on the surface and BSA was used to block the unsatisfied sites. The antibody linked beads were then arranged in the 150 µm diameter optical capillary where the specific reactions took place before the detections. Results showed that the antibody on the Au coated surface maintains the bioactivity for the immunoreactions. Using this system, the fluorescent intensity was linear with analyte concentration in the range of 1×10(-7)-1×10(-5) mg/mL (RSD<5%, 4 repeats) and the lower detection limit reached 5×10(-8) mg/mL. It was proved to be a promising approach for the future miniaturization analytical devices. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Preparation and encapsulation of white/yellow dual colored suspensions for electrophoretic displays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Han, Jingjing; Li, Xiaoxu; Feng, Yaqing; Zhang, Bao

    2014-11-01

    C.I. Pigment Yellow 181 (PY181) composite particles encapsulated by polyethylene (PE) were prepared by dispersion polymerization method, and C.I. Pigment Yellow 110 (PY110) composite particles encapsulated by polystyrene (PS) with mini-emulsion polymerization method were achieved, respectively. The modified pigments were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. Compared with the PE-coated PY 181 pigments, the PS-coated PY-110 particles had a narrow particle size distribution, regular spherical and average particle size of 450 nm. Suspension 1 and suspension 3 were prepared by the two composite particles dispersed in isopar M. A chromatic electrophoretic display cell consisting of yellow particles was successfully fabricated using dispersions of yellow ink particles in a mixed dielectric solvent with white particles as contrast. The response behavior and the contrast ratio to the electric voltage were also examined. The contrast ratio of pigments modified by polystyrene was 1.48, as well as the response time was 2 s, which were better than those of pigments modified by polyethylene.

  10. Superhydrophobic perfluoropolymer/polystyrene blend films induced by nonsolvent

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gengec, Nevin Atalay; Cengiz, Ugur; Erbil, H. Yildirim

    2016-10-01

    Statistical copolymers of perfluoroalkyl ethyl acrylate (Zonyl-TAN) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were synthesized in a CO2 polymerization system where a CO2-expanded monomer mixture was formed at 13 MPa, and 80 °C by using AIBN as initiator. Flat and superhydrophobic surfaces were subsequently prepared on glass slides by applying a phase separation process where the synthesized p(TAN-co-MMA) copolymer and polystyrene (PS) were dissolved in THF solvent. Ethanol was added as the non-solvent to introduce superhydrophobicity during film formation. Water contact angle on the flat p(TAN-co-MMA) copolymer was 118° and increased up to 170° with the formation of surface roughness. The ratio of the ethanol non-solvent in the blend solution has an important effect on the magnitude of surface roughness during the phase separation process. Both pits and protrusions of 1-10 μm in size were formed on the surface when non-solvent was used. Surface roughness increased with the increase in the ethanol ratio and the PS content of the blend solution.

  11. A facile synthesis of dynamic, shape-changing polymer particles.

    PubMed

    Klinger, Daniel; Wang, Cynthia X; Connal, Luke A; Audus, Debra J; Jang, Se Gyu; Kraemer, Stephan; Killops, Kato L; Fredrickson, Glenn H; Kramer, Edward J; Hawker, Craig J

    2014-07-01

    We herein report a new facile strategy to ellipsoidal block copolymer nanoparticles that exhibit a pH-triggered anistropic swelling profile. In a first step, elongated particles with an axially stacked lamellae structure are selectively prepared by utilizing functional surfactants to control the phase separation of symmetric polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) in dispersed droplets. In a second step, the dynamic shape change is realized by cross-linking the P2VP domains, thereby connecting glassy PS discs with pH-sensitive hydrogel actuators. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  12. Numerical analyses of planer plasmonic focusing lens

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chou, Yen-Yu; Lee, Yeeu-Chang

    2018-03-01

    The use of polystyrene (PS) sphere lithography has been widely applied in the fabrication of micron and nano structures, due to their low cost and ease of fabrication in large scale applications. This study evaluated the feasibility of plasmonic lens base on metal thin films with nanohole structures fabricated by using PS sphere lithography through three-dimensional (3D) finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. We calculated the intensity profile of lens with various wavelength of incident light, lens size, cutting positions, diameters of nanohole, and periods of nanohole to investigate the geometric parameters influence on the focusing properties of the plasmonic lens.

  13. Calculation of water equivalent ratio of several dosimetric materials in proton therapy using FLUKA code and SRIM program.

    PubMed

    Akbari, Mahmoud Reza; Yousefnia, Hassan; Mirrezaei, Ehsan

    2014-08-01

    Water equivalent ratio (WER) was calculated for different proton energies in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene (PS) and aluminum (Al) using FLUKA and SRIM codes. The results were compared with analytical, experimental and simulated SEICS code data obtained from the literature. The biggest difference between the codes was 3.19%, 1.9% and 0.67% for Al, PMMA and PS, respectively. FLUKA and SEICS had the greatest agreement (≤0.77% difference for PMMA and ≤1.08% difference for Al, respectively) with the experimental data. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Self-Assembly Template Driven 3D Inverse Opal Microspheres Functionalized with Catalyst Nanoparticles Enabling a Highly Efficient Chemical Sensing Platform.

    PubMed

    Wang, Tianshuang; Can, Inci; Zhang, Sufang; He, Junming; Sun, Peng; Liu, Fangmeng; Lu, Geyu

    2018-02-14

    The design of semiconductor metal oxides (SMOs) with well-ordered porous structure has attracted tremendous attention owing to their larger specific surface area. Herein, three-dimensional inverse opal In 2 O 3 microspheres (3D-IO In 2 O 3 MSs) were fabricated through one-step ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) which employed self-assembly sulfonated polystyrene (S-PS) spheres as a sacrificial template. The spherical pores observed in the 3D-IO In 2 O 3 MSs had diameters of about 4 and 80 nm. Subsequently, the catalytic palladium oxide nanoparticles (PdO NPs) were loaded on 3D-IO In 2 O 3 MSs via a simple impregnation method, and their gas sensing properties were investigated. In a comparison with pristine 3D-IO In 2 O 3 MSs, the 3D-IO PdO@In 2 O 3 MSs exhibited a 3.9 times higher response (R air /R gas = 50.9) to 100 ppm acetone at 250 °C and a good acetone selectivity. The detection limit for acetone could extend down to ppb level. Furthermore, the 3D-IO PdO@In 2 O 3 MSs-based sensor also possess good long-term stability. The extraordinary sensing performance can be attributed to the novel 3D periodic porous structure, highly three-dimensional interconnection, larger specific surface area, size-tunable (meso- and macroscale) bimodal pores, and PdO NP catalysts.

  15. Rational design of 3D inverse opal heterogeneous composite microspheres as excellent visible-light-induced NO2 sensors at room temperature.

    PubMed

    Wang, Tianshuang; Yu, Qi; Zhang, Sufang; Kou, Xueying; Sun, Peng; Lu, Geyu

    2018-03-08

    The lower gas sensitivity, humidity dependence of the gas sensing properties, and long recovery times of room-temperature gas sensors severely limit their applications. Herein, to address these issues, a series of 3D inverse opal (IO) In 2 O 3 -ZnO heterogeneous composite microspheres (HCMs) are fabricated by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) employing self-assembled sulfonated polystyrene (S-PS) spheres as a sacrificial template. The 3D IO In 2 O 3 -ZnO HCMs possess highly ordered 3D inverse opal structures and bimodal (meso-scale and macro-scale) pores, which can provide large accessible surface areas and rapid mass transfer, resulting in enhanced gas sensing characteristics. Furthermore, the 3D IO architecture and n-n heterojunctions can extend the photoabsorption range to the visible light area, effectively prolonging the lifetimes of photo-generated charge carriers, and can increase separation of visible light-generated charges. As a result, the as-prepared 3D IO In 2 O 3 -ZnO HCMs deliver excellent NO 2 sensing performance under visible light irradiation at room temperature, such as high sensitivity (R gas /R air = 54.3 to 5 ppm NO 2 ), low detection limit (250 ppb), fast recovery time (188 s), excellent selectivity and humidity independence. These enhanced photo-electronic gas sensing properties are attributed to the combination of highly ordered 3D IO microspheres and In 2 O 3 -ZnO heterogeneous composites.

  16. Electrospun polystyrene/oxidized carbon nanotubes film as both sorbent for thin film microextraction and matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    He, Xiao-Mei; Zhu, Gang-Tian; Yin, Jia; Zhao, Qin; Yuan, Bi-Feng; Feng, Yu-Qi

    2014-07-18

    In the current study, polystyrene/oxidized carbon nanotubes (PS/OCNTs) film was prepared and applied as both an adsorbent of thin film microextraction (TFME) and matrix for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) for the first time. The uniform size of PS/OCNTs film with OCNTs evenly and firmly immobilized in PS was obtained by electrospinning. And a novel TFME device was developed using the prepared PS/OCNTs film to enrich benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) from water, and also BaP and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) from urine sample. Then the extracted analytes on the PS/OCNTs film were directly applied to MALDI-MS analysis with PS/OCNTs film as the MALDI matrix. Our results show that PS/OCNTs film is a good TFME adsorbent toward the analytes and an excellent matrix for the sensitive determination of BaP and 1-OHP using MALDI-TOF-MS. The employment of PS/OCNTs as the matrix for MALDI can effectively avoid the large variation of signal intensity normally resulting from heterogeneous distribution of the adsorbed analyte on matrix layer, which therefore significantly improve spot-to-spot reproducibility. The introduction of PS in the film can prevent OCNTs from flying out of MALDI plate to damage the equipment. In addition, PS/OCNTs film also largely extended the duration of ion signal of target analyte compared to OCNTs matrix. The developed method was further successfully used to quantitatively determine BaP in environmental water and 1-OHP in urine samples. The results show that BaP and 1-OHP could be easily detected at concentrations of 50pgmL(-1) and 500pgmL(-1), respectively, indicating the high detection sensitivity of this method. For BaP analysis, the linear range was 0.1-20ngmL(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9970 and the recoveries were in the range of 81.3 to 123.4% with the RSD≤8.5% (n=3); for urinary 1-OHP analysis, the linear range was 0.5-20ngmL(-1) with a correlation coefficient of 0.9937 and the recoveries were in the range of 79.2 to 103.4% with the RSD≤7.6% (n=3). Taken together, the developed method provides a simple, rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput approach for the analysis of BaP in environmental water and endogenous 1-OHP in urine samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Counterion adsorption and desorption rate of a charged macromolecule

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shi, Yu; Yang, Jingfa; Zhao, Jiang

    The rate constant of counterion adsorption to and desorption from a synthetic polyelectrolyte, polystyrene sulfonate (PSS-), is measured in aqueous solution by single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show that both adsorption and desorption rate of counterions have strong dependence on polymer concentration, salt concentration as well as the molecular weight of polyelectrolytes. The results clearly demonstrate that the contribution of electrostatic interaction and the translational entropy to the distribution of counterions of a polyelectrolyte molecule. The information is helpful to the understanding of polyelectrolyte physics. National Natural Science Foundation of China.

  18. Space radiation-induced effects in polymer photodetectors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taylor, Edward W.; Le, Dang T.; Durstock, Michael F.; Taylor, Barney E.; Claus, Richard O.; Zeng, Tingying; Morath, Christian P.; Cardimona, David A.

    2002-09-01

    Self-assembled polymer photo-detectors (PPDs) composed of ruthenium complex N3 and PPDs based on thin films of poly(p-phenylene vinlyene) with sulfonated polystyrene are examined for their ability to function in a simulated space radiation environment. Examination of the PPD pre- and post- response data following gamma-ray irradiation ranging in total dose from 10 krad(Si) to 100 krad(Si) are examined. The output photovoltage was observed to decrease for all irradiated devices. The brief study was performed at room temperature and a discussion of the preliminary data and results are presented.

  19. Oxygen Plasma Effect on QCM Sensor Coated Polystyrene Film

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Khusnah, N. F.; Sakti, S. P.; Santjojo, D. J. D. H.

    2018-05-01

    Hydrophobicity property of polystyrene (PS) thin film is one of the essential factors to be considered in the development of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor using polystyrene as matrix layer. Many methods were developed to improve the immobilization rate of the biomolecule on the sensor surface without affecting the QCM essential works. Surface modification of the sensor surface aims to modify the physical and or chemical property of the surface. A straightforward method, the fast, environmentally-friendly, and low-cost solution to modify the sensor surface coated with polystyrene film is using oxygen plasma. In this experiment, the polystyrene film was spin-coated on both surface of QCM electrodes and then heated at 100 °C. The specimen is then placed for 5 min long in a chamber filled with oxygen plasma generated by 2 MHz RF-DC high-density plasma system. The relationship between DC-bias used and the changes in morphology properties of the coated film was characterized by Topography Measurement System (TMS) and Contact Angle Measurement. The electrical characteristic of QCM was also characterized using Impedance Analyzer. It was revealed that the contact angle of oxygen plasma treated film is changed and depicted the hydrophobic character. Also, there is an increasing resonance frequency of the sensor after oxygen plasma treatment indicates an etching mechanism occurs during plasma treatment.

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Leung, Bonnie; Hitchcock, Adam; Brash, John

    Spun-cast films of polystyrene (PS) blended with polylactide (PLA) were visualized and characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and synchrotron-based X-ray photoemission electron microscopy (X-PEEM). The composition of the two polymers in these systems was determined by quantitative chemical analysis of near-edge X-ray absorption signals recorded with X-PEEM. The surface morphology depends on the ratio of the two components, the total polymer concentration, and the temperature of vacuum annealing. For most of the blends examined, PS is the continuous phase with PLA existing in discrete domains or segregated to the air?polymer interface. Phase segregation was improved with further annealing. Amore » phase inversion occurred when films of a 40:60 PS:PLA blend (0.7 wt percent loading) were annealed above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PLA.« less

  1. Neutron Reflectivity Measurement for Polymer Dynamics near Graphene Oxide Monolayers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Koo, Jaseung

    We investigated the diffusion dynamics of polymer chains confined between graphene oxide layers using neutron reflectivity (NR). The bilayers of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA)/ deuterated PMMA (d-PMMA) films and polystyrene (PS)/d-PS films with various film thickness sandwiched between Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayers of graphene oxide (GO) were prepared. From the NR results, we found that PMMA diffusion dynamics was reduced near the GO surface while the PS diffusion was not significantly changed. This is due to the different strength of GO-polymer interaction. In this talk, these diffusion results will be compared with dewetting dynamics of polymer thin films on the GO monolayers. This has given us the basis for development of graphene-based nanoelectronics with high efficiency, such as heterojunction devices for polymer photovoltaic (OPV) applications.

  2. Effect of Areal Density of Polymer Chains on Gold Nanoparticles on Nanoparticle Location in a Block Copolymer Template

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, B. J.; Bang, J.; Hawker, C. J.; Kramer, E. J.

    2006-03-01

    It is well established that one block of a copolymer can interact preferentially with an inorganic substrate to produce wetting and domain orientation. We take advantage of this preferential interaction to control the location of 2.5 nm diameter Au nanoparticles coated with short thiol-terminated polystyrene (Mn=3.4 kg/mol) chains (PS-SH) in a symmetric poly(styrene-b-2 vinyl-pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer (Mn=196 kg/mol) by changing the areal density σ of the PS-SH on the Au. If σ >= 1.6 chains/nm^2, the preferential interaction between the P2VP of the PS-b-P2VP and the Au surface is screened and the Au localizes in the center of the PS domains. If σ <= 1.4 chains/nm^2 , the Au particles are localized at the PS-P2VP interface. Au nanoparticles coated with thiol terminated P2VP (Mn=3 kg/mol) localize in the center of the P2VP domain of the PS-P2VP over the entire range of σ, demonstrating the localization of the PS coated Au nanoparticles at the interface at low values of σ is due to the unscreened Au-P2VP interaction.

  3. Phosphorene-directed self-assembly of asymmetric PS-b-PMMA block copolymer for perpendicularly-oriented sub-10 nm PS nanopore arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Ziming; Zheng, Lu; Khurram, Muhammad; Yan, Qingfeng

    2017-10-01

    Few-layer black phosphorus, also known as phosphorene, is a new two-dimensional material which is of enormous interest for applications, mainly in electronics and optoelectronics. Herein, we for the first time employ phosphorene for directing the self-assembly of asymmetric polystyrene-block-polymethylmethacrylate (PS-b-PMMA) block copolymer (BCP) thin film to form the perpendicular orientation of sub-10 nm PS nanopore arrays in a hexagonal fashion normal to the interface. We experimentally demonstrate that none of the PS and PMMA blocks exhibit preferential affinity to the phosphorene-modified surface. Furthermore, the perpendicularly-oriented PS nanostructures almost stay unchanged with the variation of number of layers of few-layer phosphorene nanoflakes between 15-30 layers. Differing from the neutral polymer brushes which are widely used for chemical modification of the silicon substrate, phosphorene provides a novel physical way to control the interfacial interactions between the asymmetric PS-b-PMMA BCP thin film and the silicon substrate. Based on our results, it is possible to build a new scheme for producing sub-10 nm PS nanopore arrays oriented perpendicularly to the few-layer phosphorene nanoflakes. Furthermore, the nanostructural microdomains could serve as a promising nanolithography template for surface patterning of phosphorene nanoflakes.

  4. Attomolar detection of proteins via cascade strand-displacement amplification and polystyrene nanoparticle enhancement in fluorescence polarization aptasensors.

    PubMed

    Huang, Yong; Liu, Xiaoqian; Huang, Huakui; Qin, Jian; Zhang, Liangliang; Zhao, Shulin; Chen, Zhen-Feng; Liang, Hong

    2015-08-18

    Extremely sensitive and accurate measurements of protein markers for early detection and monitoring of diseases pose a formidable challenge. Herein, we develop a new type of amplified fluorescence polarization (FP) aptasensor based on allostery-triggered cascade strand-displacement amplification (CSDA) and polystyrene nanoparticle (PS NP) enhancement for ultrasensitive detection of proteins. The assay system consists of a fluorescent dye-labeled aptamer hairpin probe and a PS NP-modified DNA duplex (assistant DNA/trigger DNA duplex) probe with a single-stranded part and DNA polymerase. Two probes coexist stably in the absence of target, and the dye exhibits relatively low FP background. Upon recognition and binding with a target protein, the stem of the aptamer hairpin probe is opened, after which the opened hairpin probe hybridizes with the single-stranded part in the PS NP-modified DNA duplex probe and triggers the CSDA reaction through the polymerase-catalyzed recycling of both target protein and trigger DNA. Throughout this CSDA process, numerous massive dyes are assembled onto PS NPs, which results in a substantial FP increase that provides a readout signal for the amplified sensing process. Our newly proposed amplified FP aptasensor enables the quantitative measurement of proteins with the detection limit in attomolar range, which is about 6 orders of magnitude lower than that of traditional homogeneous aptasensors. Moreover, this sensing method also exhibits high specificity for target proteins and can be performed in homogeneous solutions. In addition, the suitability of this method for the quantification of target protein in biological samples has also been shown. Considering these distinct advantages, the proposed sensing method can be expected to provide an ultrasensitive platform for the analysis of various types of target molecules.

  5. Study of structural morphologies of thermoresponsive diblock AB and triblock BAB copolymers (A = poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), B = polystyrene)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rodríguez-Hidalgo, María del Rosario; Soto-Figueroa, César; Vicente, Luis

    2018-03-01

    Structural morphologies of diblock AB and triblock BAB copolymers (A = poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), B = polystyrene) in aqueous environment have been investigated by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). In triblock copolymers insoluble PS blocks contract while soluble pNIPAM blocks stay at the periphery forming looped chains as corona. As the temperature is increased there is a continuous morphological transition and micelles form ellipsoidal structures with segregated polymer zones. The phase transition of looped pNIPAM chains occurs at lower temperature than for linear chains and within broader temperature range. It is discussed how the chain topology of pNIPAM affects the phase transition.

  6. Polymer Nanocomposites with Prescribed Morphology: Going Beyond Nanoparticle-Filled Polymers (Preprint)

    DTIC Science & Technology

    2006-10-01

    evidence for these parallels through the depression of glass transition temperature in silica-filled polystyrene.31 For the final material performance...has been reported for molecular nanowires, tubes, ribbons, and rods (Li2Mo6- Se6, imogolite, Nb2PS10, V2O5 , boehmite (γ-AlOOH), aka- ganeite (â-FeOOH

  7. Long-term toxicity of surface-charged polystyrene nanoplastics to marine planktonic species Dunaliella tertiolecta and Artemia franciscana.

    PubMed

    Bergami, E; Pugnalini, S; Vannuccini, M L; Manfra, L; Faleri, C; Savorelli, F; Dawson, K A; Corsi, I

    2017-08-01

    Plastic pollution has been globally recognized as a critical issue for marine ecosystems and nanoplastics constitute one of the last unexplored areas to understand the magnitude of this threat. However, current difficulties in sampling and identifying nano-sized debris make hard to assess their occurrence in marine environment. Polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NPs) are largely used as nanoplastics in ecotoxicological studies and although acute exposures have been already investigated, long-term toxicity on marine organisms is unknown. Our study aims at evaluating the effects of 40nm PS anionic carboxylated (PS-COOH) and 50nm cationic amino-modified (PS-NH 2 ) NPs in two planktonic species, the green microalga Dunaliella tertiolecta and the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana, respectively prey and predator. PS NP behaviour in exposure media was determined through DLS, while their toxicity to microalgae and brine shrimps evaluated through 72h growth inhibition test and 14 d long-term toxicity test respectively. Moreover, the expression of target genes (i.e. clap and cstb), having a role in brine shrimp larval growth and molting, was measured in 48h brine shrimp larvae. A different behaviour of the two PS NPs in exposure media as well as diverse toxicity to the two planktonic species was observed. PS-COOH formed micro-scale aggregates (Z-Average>1μm) and did not affect the growth of microalgae up to 50μg/ml or that of brine shrimps up to 10μg/ml. However, these negatively charged NPs were adsorbed on microalgae and accumulated (and excreted) in brine shrimps, suggesting a potential trophic transfer from prey to predator. On the opposite, PS-NH 2 -formed nano-scale aggregates (Z-Average<200nm), caused inhibition of algal growth (EC 50 =12.97μg/ml) and mortality in brine shrimps at 14 d (LC 50 =0.83μg/ml). Moreover, 1μg/ml PS-NH 2 significantly induced clap and cstb genes, explaining the physiological alterations (e.g. increase in molting) previously observed in 48h larvae, but also suggesting an apoptotic pathway triggered by cathepsin L-like protease in brine shrimps upon PS-NH 2 exposure. These findings provide a first insight into long-term toxicity of nanoplastics to marine plankton, underlining the role of the surface chemistry in determining the behaviour and effects of PS NPs, in terms of adsorption, growth inhibition, accumulation, gene modulation and mortality. The use of long-term end-point has been identified as valuable tool for assessing the impact of nanoplastics on marine planktonic species, being more predictable of real exposure scenarios for risk assessment purposes. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Protective effects of a new phloretin derivative against UVB-induced damage in skin cell model and human volunteers.

    PubMed

    Shin, Seoungwoo; Kum, Hyunwoo; Ryu, Dehun; Kim, Minkyung; Jung, Eunsun; Park, Deokhoon

    2014-10-20

    The phenolic compound phloretin is a prominent member of the chemical class of dihydrochalcones. Phloretin is specifically found in apple and apple juice and known for its biological properties. We were particularly interested in its potential dermo-cosmetic applications. However, practical limitations of phloretin do exist due to its poor water-solubility. Phloretin was sulfonated with sulfuric acid (98%, wt) and mixed with saturated salt water to produce phloretin 3',3-disulfonate in order to increase its water-solubility. Here we reported the photoprotective effect of phloretin 3',3-disulfonate (PS), a new semi-synthetic derivative of phloretin. Results showed that PS attenuated cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPDs) formation, glutathione (GSH) depletion and apoptosis induced by ultraviolet B (UVB). The photoprotective effect of PS is tightly correlated to the enhancement of nucleotide excision repair (NER) gene expression. Furthemore, PS had inhibitory effects on UVB-induced release of the inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and prostaglandin-E2. We also confirmed the safety and clinical efficacy of PS on human skin. Overall, the results demonstrated significant benefits of PS on the protection of keratinocytes against UVB-induced injuries and suggested its potential use in skin photoprotection.

  9. Protective Effects of a New Phloretin Derivative against UVB-Induced Damage in Skin Cell Model and Human Volunteers

    PubMed Central

    Shin, Seoungwoo; Kum, Hyunwoo; Ryu, Dehun; Kim, Minkyung; Jung, Eunsun; Park, Deokhoon

    2014-01-01

    The phenolic compound phloretin is a prominent member of the chemical class of dihydrochalcones. Phloretin is specifically found in apple and apple juice and known for its biological properties. We were particularly interested in its potential dermo-cosmetic applications. However, practical limitations of phloretin do exist due to its poor water-solubility. Phloretin was sulfonated with sulfuric acid (98%, wt) and mixed with saturated salt water to produce phloretin 3',3-disulfonate in order to increase its water-solubility. Here we reported the photoprotective effect of phloretin 3',3-disulfonate (PS), a new semi-synthetic derivative of phloretin. Results showed that PS attenuated cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPDs) formation, glutathione (GSH) depletion and apoptosis induced by ultraviolet B (UVB). The photoprotective effect of PS is tightly correlated to the enhancement of nucleotide excision repair (NER) gene expression. Furthemore, PS had inhibitory effects on UVB-induced release of the inflammatory mediators, such as IL-6 and prostaglandin-E2. We also confirmed the safety and clinical efficacy of PS on human skin. Overall, the results demonstrated significant benefits of PS on the protection of keratinocytes against UVB-induced injuries and suggested its potential use in skin photoprotection. PMID:25334063

  10. Influence of Hydrophobicity on Polyelectrolyte Complexation

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Sadman, Kazi; Wang, Qifeng; Chen, Yaoyao

    Polyelectrolyte complexes are a fascinating class of soft materials that can span the full spectrum of mechanical properties from low viscosity fluids to glassy solids. This spectrum can be accessed by modulating the extent of electrostatic association in these complexes. However, to realize the full potential of polyelectrolyte complexes as functional materials their molecular level details need to be clearly correlated with their mechanical response. The present work demonstrates that by making simple amendments to the chain architecture it is possible to affect the salt responsiveness of polyelectrolyte complexes in a systematic manner. This is achieved by quaternizing poly(4-vinylpyridine) (QVP)more » with methyl, ethyl and propyl substituents– thereby increasing the hydrophobicity with increasing side chain length– and complexing them with a common anionic polyelectrolyte, poly(styrene sulfonate). The mechanical 1 ACS Paragon Plus Environment behavior of these complexes is compared to the more hydrophilic system of poly(styrene sulfonate) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium) by quantifying the swelling behavior in response to salt stimuli. More hydrophobic complexes are found to be more resistant to doping by salt, yet the mechanical properties of the complex remain contingent on the overall swelling ratio of the complex itself, following near universal swelling-modulus master curves that are quantified in this work. The rheological behavior of QVP complex coacervates are found to be approximately the same, only requiring higher salt concentrations to overcome strong hydrophobic interactions, demonstrating that hydrophobicity can be used as an important parameter for tuning the stability of polyelectrolyte complexes in general, while still preserving the ability to be processed “saloplastically”.« less

  11. Characterization of the cation-binding capacity of a potassium-adsorption filter used in red blood cell transfusion.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Takao; Muto, Shigeaki; Miyata, Yukio; Maeda, Takao; Odate, Takayuki; Shimanaka, Kimio; Kusano, Eiji

    2015-06-01

    A K(+) -adsorption filter was developed to exchange K(+) in the supernatant of stored irradiated red blood cells with Na(+) . To date, however, the filter's adsorption capacity for K(+) has not been fully evaluated. Therefore, we characterized the cation-binding capacity of this filter. Artificial solutions containing various cations were continuously passed through the filter in 30 mL of sodium polystyrene sulfonate at 10 mL/min using an infusion pump at room temperature. The cation concentrations were measured before and during filtration. When a single solution containing K(+) , Li(+) , H(+) , Mg(2+) , Ca(2+) , or Al(3+) was continuously passed through the filter, the filter adsorbed K(+) and the other cations in exchange for Na(+) in direct proportion to the valence number. The order of affinity for cation adsorption to the filter was Ca(2+) >Mg(2+) >K(+) >H(+) >Li(+) . In K(+) -saturated conditions, the filter also adsorbed Na(+) . After complete adsorption of these cations on the filter, their concentration in the effluent increased in a sigmoidal manner over time. Cations that were bound to the filter were released if a second cation was passed through the filter, despite the different affinities of the two cations. The ability of the filter to bind cations, especially K(+) , should be helpful when it is used for red blood cell transfusion at the bedside. The filter may also be useful to gain a better understanding of the pharmacological properties of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. © 2015 The Authors. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis © 2015 International Society for Apheresis.

  12. Treatment of pediatric hyperkalemia with sodium polystyrene sulfonate.

    PubMed

    Lee, Ji; Moffett, Brady S

    2016-11-01

    To describe the safety and efficacy of sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) in pediatric patients with acute hyperkalemia. A retrospective chart review of all patients less than 18 years of age administered SPS for acute hyperkalemia at Texas Children's Hospital between 2011 and 2014. Our cohort consisted of 156 patients (mean age 6.8 ± 6.1 years). The peak mean potassium concentration observed was 6.5 ± 0.77 mmol/l prior to administration of SPS. The mean SPS dose was 0.64 ± 0.32 g/kg. The majority (91 %) of the SPS doses were given orally. The nadir mean potassium concentration in the 48 h post-SPS was 4.7 ± 1.2 mEq/l, which occurred at 16.7 ± 14.7 h post-dose. In the 48 h following SPS administration, 68 (43 %) patients required at least one additional intervention after SPS dose. Patients who required an additional intervention after initial SPS dose differed significantly in weight, baseline serum potassium, and were more likely to have received SPS treatment via the rectal route. A gastrointestinal adverse event was documented in 24 (15 %) patients. SPS was used effectively and safely in the majority of patients in this report. However, it may not be appropriate as a first single-line agent in patients with severe acute hyperkalemia who require a greater than 25 % reduction in serum potassium levels or those at a high risk for cardiac arrhythmias.

  13. Direct AFM force measurements between air bubbles in aqueous polydisperse sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) solutions: effect of collision speed, polyelectrolyte concentration and molar mass.

    PubMed

    Browne, Christine; Tabor, Rico F; Grieser, Franz; Dagastine, Raymond R

    2015-07-01

    Interactions between colliding air bubbles in aqueous solutions of polydisperse sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (NaPSS) using direct force measurements were studied. The forces measured with deformable interfaces were shown to be more sensitive to the presence of the polyelectrolytes when compared to similar measurements using rigid interfaces. The experimental factors that were examined were NaPSS concentration, bubble collision velocity and polyelectrolyte molar mass. These measurements were then compared with an analytical model based on polyelectrolyte scaling theory in order to explain the effects of concentration and bubble deformation on the interaction between bubbles. Typically structural forces from the presence of monodisperse polyelectrolyte between interacting surfaces may be expected, however, it was found that the polydispersity in molar mass resulted in the structural forces to be smoothed and only a depletion interaction was able to be measured between interacting bubbles. It was found that an increase in number density of NaPSS molecules resulted in an increase in the magnitude of the depletion interaction. Conversely this interaction was overwhelmed by an increase in the fluid flow in the system at higher bubble collision velocities. Polymer molar mass dispersity plays a significant role in the interactions present between the bubbles and has implications that also affect the polyelectrolyte overlap concentration of the solution. Further understanding of these implications can be expected to play a role in the improvement in operations in such fields as water treatment and mineral processing where polyelectrolytes are used extensively. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Colon Necrosis Due to Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate with and without Sorbitol: An Experimental Study in Rats.

    PubMed

    Ayoub, Isabelle; Oh, Man S; Gupta, Raavi; McFarlane, Michael; Babinska, Anna; Salifu, Moro O

    2015-01-01

    Based on a single rat study by Lillemoe et al, the consensus has been formed to implicate sorbitol rather than sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) as the culprit for colon necrosis in humans treated with SPS and sorbitol. We tested the hypothesis that colon necrosis by sorbitol in the experiment was due to the high osmolality and volume of sorbitol rather than its chemical nature. 26 rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy. They were divided into 6 groups and given enema solutions under anesthesia (normal saline, 33% sorbitol, 33% mannitol, SPS in 33% sorbitol, SPS in normal saline, and SPS in distilled water). They were sacrificed after 48 hours of enema administration or earlier if they were very sick. The gross appearance of the colon was visually inspected, and then sliced colon tissues were examined under light microscopy. 1 rat from the sorbitol and 1 from the mannitol group had foci of ischemic colonic changes. The rats receiving SPS enema, in sorbitol, normal saline, distilled water, had crystal deposition with colonic necrosis and mucosal erosion. All the rats not given SPS survived until sacrificed at 48 h whereas 11 of 13 rats that received SPS in sorbitol, normal saline or distilled water died or were clearly dying and sacrificed sooner. There was no difference between sorbitol and mannitol when given without SPS. In a surgical uremic rat model, SPS enema given alone or with sorbitol or mannitol seemed to cause colon necrosis and high mortality rate, whereas 33% sorbitol without SPS did not.

  15. Colon Necrosis Due to Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate with and without Sorbitol: An Experimental Study in Rats

    PubMed Central

    Ayoub, Isabelle; Oh, Man S.; Gupta, Raavi; McFarlane, Michael; Babinska, Anna; Salifu, Moro O.

    2015-01-01

    Introduction Based on a single rat study by Lillemoe et al, the consensus has been formed to implicate sorbitol rather than sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS) as the culprit for colon necrosis in humans treated with SPS and sorbitol. We tested the hypothesis that colon necrosis by sorbitol in the experiment was due to the high osmolality and volume of sorbitol rather than its chemical nature. Methods 26 rats underwent 5/6 nephrectomy. They were divided into 6 groups and given enema solutions under anesthesia (normal saline, 33% sorbitol, 33% mannitol, SPS in 33% sorbitol, SPS in normal saline, and SPS in distilled water). They were sacrificed after 48 hours of enema administration or earlier if they were very sick. The gross appearance of the colon was visually inspected, and then sliced colon tissues were examined under light microscopy. Results 1 rat from the sorbitol and 1 from the mannitol group had foci of ischemic colonic changes. The rats receiving SPS enema, in sorbitol, normal saline, distilled water, had crystal deposition with colonic necrosis and mucosal erosion. All the rats not given SPS survived until sacrificed at 48 h whereas 11 of 13 rats that received SPS in sorbitol, normal saline or distilled water died or were clearly dying and sacrificed sooner. There was no difference between sorbitol and mannitol when given without SPS. Conclusions In a surgical uremic rat model, SPS enema given alone or with sorbitol or mannitol seemed to cause colon necrosis and high mortality rate, whereas 33% sorbitol without SPS did not. PMID:26413782

  16. The effect of ionic membrane properties on the performance of ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) actuator

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jho, Jae Y.; Han, Man J.; Park, Jong H.; Lee, Jang Y.; Wang, Hyuck S.

    2005-05-01

    On purpose to overcome the limit of conventional ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) using the commercial ionic membranes, novel IPMCs with radiation-grafted ion-exchange membranes were prepared. Poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-co-HFP) and poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) were radiation-grafted with styrene, and then sulfonated. The properties of the membranes were modulated by controlling the amount of polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA) groups in the membranes. The amount of PSSA groups were tuned by controlling the total absorbed dose of γ-ray. The membranes were characterized by measuring the water-uptake, the ion-exchange capacity, and the ion conductivity. The performance of the IPMCs using these membranes were analyzed with laser displacement meter. They exhibited much larger bending displacement in comparison with Nafion-based IPMC. With increasing the amount of PSSA groups, the maximum displacement and the bending speed were remarkably increased. The results made sure that the property of ion-exchange membrane was the key element affecting the actuation performance of IPMC.

  17. Phase Behavior of a Single Structured Ionomer Chain in Solution

    DOE PAGES

    Aryal, Dipak; Etampawala, Thusitha; Perahia, Dvora; ...

    2014-08-14

    Structured polymers offer a means to tailor transport pathways within mechanically stable manifolds. Here we examine the building block of such a membrane, namely a single large pentablock co-polymer that consist of a center block of a randomly sulfonated polystyrene, designed for transport, tethered to poly-ethylene-r-propylene and end-capped by poly-t-butyl styrene, for mechanical stability,using molecular dynamics simulations. The polymer structure in a cyclohexane-heptane mixture, a technologically viable solvent, and in water, a poor solvent for all segments and a ubiquitous substance is extracted. In all solvents the pentablock collapsed into nearly spherical aggregates where the ionic block is segregated. Inmore » hydrophobic solvents, the ionic block resides in the center, surrounded by swollen intermix of flexible and end blocks. In water all blocks are collapsed with the sulfonated block residing on the surface. Our results demonstrate that solvents drive different local nano-segregation, providing a gateway to assemble membranes with controlled topology.« less

  18. Biodegradation of Polyethylene and Plastic Mixtures in Mealworms (Larvae of Tenebrio molitor) and Effects on the Gut Microbiome.

    PubMed

    Brandon, Anja Malawi; Gao, Shu-Hong; Tian, Renmao; Ning, Daliang; Yang, Shan-Shan; Zhou, Jizhong; Wu, Wei-Min; Criddle, Craig S

    2018-06-05

    Recent studies have demonstrated the ability for polystyrene (PS) degradation within the gut of mealworms ( Tenebrio molitor). To determine whether plastics may be broadly susceptible to biodegradation within mealworms, we evaluated the fate of polyethylene (PE) and mixtures (PE + PS). We find that PE biodegrades at comparable rates to PS. Mass balances indicate conversion of up 49.0 ± 1.4% of the ingested PE into a putative gas fraction (CO 2 ). The molecular weights ( M n ) of egested polymer residues decreased by 40.1 ± 8.5% in PE-fed mealworms and by 12.8 ± 3.1% in PS-fed mealworms. NMR and FTIR analyses revealed chemical modifications consistent with degradation and partial oxidation of the polymer. Mixtures likewise degraded. Our results are consistent with a nonspecific degradation mechanism. Analysis of the gut microbiome by next-generation sequencing revealed two OTUs ( Citrobacter sp. and Kosakonia sp.) strongly associated with both PE and PS as well as OTUs unique to each plastic. Our results suggest that adaptability of the mealworm gut microbiome enables degradation of chemically dissimilar plastics.

  19. Diffusion behavior of lipid vesicles in entangled polymer solutions.

    PubMed Central

    Cao, X; Bansil, R; Gantz, D; Moore, E W; Niu, N; Afdhal, N H

    1997-01-01

    Dynamic light scattering was used to follow the tracer diffusion of phospholipid/cholesterol vesicles in aqueous polyacrylamide solutions and compared with the diffusive behavior of polystyrene (PS) latex spheres of comparable diameters. Over the range of the matrix concentration examined (Cp = 0.1-10 mg/ml), the diffusivities of the PS spheres and the large multilamellar vesicles exhibited the Stokes-Einstein (SE) relation, while the diffusivity of the unilamellar vesicles did not follow the increase of the solution's viscosity caused by the presence of the matrix molecules. The difference between the diffusion behaviors of unilamellar vesicles and hard PS spheres of similar size is possibly due to the flexibility of the lipid bilayer of the vesicles. The unilamellar vesicles are capable of changing their shape to move through the entangled polymer solution so that the hindrance to their diffusion due to the presence of the polymer chains is reduced, while the rigid PS spheres have little flexibility and they encounter greater resistance. The multilamellar vesicles are less flexible, thus their diffusion is similar to the hard PS spheres of similar diameter. Images FIGURE 2 PMID:9336189

  20. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bryson, Kyle C.; Lobling, Tina I.; Muller, Axel H. E.

    Using ternary blends of polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and Janus particles (JPs) with symmetric PS and PMMA hemispheres, we demonstrate the stabilization of dispersed and bicontinuous phase-separated morphologies by the interfacial adsorption of Janus particles during demixing upon solvent removal. The resulting blend morphology could be varied by changing the blend composition and JP loading. Increasing particle loading decreased the size of phase-separated domains, while altering the mixing ratio of the PS/PMMA homopolymers produced morphologies ranging from PMMA droplets in a PS matrix to PS droplets in a PMMA matrix. Notably, bicontinuous morphologies were obtained at intermediate blend compositions,more » marking the first report of highly continuous domains obtained through demixing in a polymer blend compatibilized by Janus particles. The JPs were found to assemble in a densely packed monolayer at the interface, allowing for the stabilization of bicontinuous morphologies in films above the glass transition temperature by inhibiting coarsening and coalescence of the phase-separated domains. In conclusion, the rate of solvent evaporation from the drop-cast films and the molecular weights of the homopolymers were found to greatly affect blend morphology.« less

  1. Leaching of styrene and other aromatic compounds in drinking water from PS bottles.

    PubMed

    Ahmad, Maqbool; Bajahlan, Ahmad S

    2007-01-01

    Bottled water may not be safer, or healthier, than tap water. The present studies have proved that styrene and some other aromatic compounds leach continuously from polystyrene (PS) bottles used locally for packaging. Water sapmles in contact with PS were extracted by a preconcentration technique called as "purge and trap" and analysed by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC/MS). Eleven aromatic compounds were identified in these studies. Maximum concentration of styrene in PS bottles was 29.5 microg/L. Apart from styrene, ethyl benzene, toluene and benzene were also quantified but their concentrations were much less than WHO guide line values. All other compounds were in traces. Quality of plastic and storage time were the major factor in leaching of styrene. Concentration of styrene was increased to 69.53 microg/L after one-year storage. In Styrofoam and PS cups studies, hot water was found to be contaminated with styrene and other aromatic compounds. It was observed that temperature played a major role in the leaching of styrene monomer from Styrofoam cups. Paper cups were found to be safe for hot drinks.

  2. Intriguing Morphology Evolution from Noncrosslinked Poly(tert-butyl acrylate) Seeds with Polar Functional Groups in Soap-Free Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene.

    PubMed

    Wang, Lu; Pan, Mingwang; Song, Shaofeng; Zhu, Lei; Yuan, Jinfeng; Liu, Gang

    2016-08-09

    Herein, we demonstrate a facile approach to prepare anisotropic poly(tert-butyl acrylate)/polystyrene (PtBA/PS) composite particles with controllable morphologies by soap-free seeded emulsion polymerization (SSEP). In the first step, noncrosslinked PtBA seeds with self-stabilizing polar functional groups (e.g., ester groups and radicals) are synthesized by soap-free emulsion polymerization. During the subsequent SSEP of styrene (St), PS bulges are nucleated on the PtBA seeds due to the microphase separation confined in the latex particles. The morphology evolution of PtBA/PS composite particles is tailored by varying the monomer/seed feed ratio, polymerization time, and polymerization temperature. Many intriguing morphologies, including hamburger-like, litchi-like, mushroom-like, strawberry-like, bowl-like, and snowman-like, have been acquired for PtBA/PS composite particles. The polar groups on the PtBA seed surface greatly influence the formation and further merging of PS/St bulges during the polymerization. A possible formation mechanism is proposed on the basis of experimental results. These complex composite particles are promising for applications in superhydrophobic coatings.

  3. WO3 Nanofiber-Based Biomarker Detectors Enabled by Protein-Encapsulated Catalyst Self-Assembled on Polystyrene Colloid Templates.

    PubMed

    Choi, Seon-Jin; Kim, Sang-Joon; Cho, Hee-Jin; Jang, Ji-Soo; Lin, Yi-Min; Tuller, Harry L; Rutledge, Gregory C; Kim, Il-Doo

    2016-02-17

    A novel catalyst functionalization method, based on protein-encapsulated metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and their self-assembly on polystyrene (PS) colloid templates, is used to form catalyst-loaded porous WO3 nanofibers (NFs). The metallic NPs, composed of Au, Pd, or Pt, are encapsulated within a protein cage, i.e., apoferritin, to form unagglomerated monodispersed particles with diameters of less than 5 nm. The catalytic NPs maintain their nanoscale size, even following high-temperature heat-treatment during synthesis, which is attributed to the discrete self-assembly of NPs on PS colloid templates. In addition, the PS templates generate open pores on the electrospun WO3 NFs, facilitating gas molecule transport into the sensing layers and promoting active surface reactions. As a result, the Au and Pd NP-loaded porous WO3 NFs show superior sensitivity toward hydrogen sulfide, as evidenced by responses (R(air)/R(gas)) of 11.1 and 43.5 at 350 °C, respectively. These responses represent 1.8- and 7.1-fold improvements compared to that of dense WO3 NFs (R(air)/R(gas) = 6.1). Moreover, Pt NP-loaded porous WO3 NFs exhibit high acetone sensitivity with response of 28.9. These results demonstrate a novel catalyst loading method, in which small NPs are well-dispersed within the pores of WO3 NFs, that is applicable to high sensitivity breath sensors. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Development of a novel polystyrene/metal-organic framework-199 electrospun nanofiber adsorbent for thin film microextraction of aldehydes in human urine.

    PubMed

    Liu, Feilong; Xu, Hui

    2017-01-01

    In this work, electrospun polystyrene/metal-organic frameworks-199 (PS/MOF-199) nanofiber film was synthesized and investigated as a novel adsorbent for thin film microextraction (TFME) of aldehydes in human urine. Some properties of the prepared PS/MOF-199 nanofiber film, including morphology, structure, wettability, solvent stability and extraction performance were studied systematically. Porous fibrous structure, large surface area, good stability, strong hydrophobicity and excellent extraction efficiency were obtained for the film. Based on the PS/MOF-199 film, a thin film microextraction-high performance liquid chromatography (TFME-HPLC) method was developed, and the experimental parameters that affected the extraction and desorption were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 4.2-17.3nmolL -1 for the analysis of six aldehydes. Good linearity was achieved with correlation coefficients (R 2 ) being lager than 0.9943. Satisfactory recovery (82-112%) and acceptable reproducibility (relative standard deviation: 2.1-13.3%) were also obtained for the method. The developed TFME-HPLC method has been successfully applied to the analysis of aldehyde metabolites in the urine samples of lung cancer patients and healthy people. The method possesses the advantages of simplicity, rapidity, cost-effective, sensitivity and non-invasion, it provides an alternative tool for the determination of aldehydes in complex sample matrices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Electrospun polystyrene/graphene nanofiber film as a novel adsorbent of thin film microextraction for extraction of aldehydes in human exhaled breath condensates.

    PubMed

    Huang, Jing; Deng, Hongtao; Song, Dandan; Xu, Hui

    2015-06-09

    In the current study, we introduced a novel polystyrene/graphene (PS/G) composite nanofiber film for thin film microextraction (TFME) for the first time. The PS/G nanofiber film was fabricated on the surface of filter paper by a facile electrospinning method. The morphology and extraction performance of the resultant composite film were investigated systematically. The PS/G nanofiber film exhibited porous fibrous structure, large surface area and strong hydrophobicity. A new thin film microextraction-high performance liquid chromatography (TFME-HPLC) method was developed for the determination of six aldehydes in human exhaled breath condensates. The method showed high enrichment efficiency and fast analysis speed. Under the optimal conditions, the linear ranges of the analytes were in the range of 0.02-30 μmol L(-1) with correlation coefficients above 0.9938, and the recoveries were between 79.8% and 105.6% with the relative standard deviation values lower than 16.3% (n=5). The limits of quantification of six aldehydes ranged from 13.8 to 64.6 nmol L(-1). The established method was successfully applied for the quantification of aldehyde metabolites in exhaled breath condensates of lung cancer patients and healthy people. Taken together, the TFME-HPLC method provides a simple, rapid, sensitive, cost-effective, non-invasion approach for the analysis of linear aliphatic aldehydes in human exhaled breath condensates. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Tuning the Morphology and Activity of Electrospun Polystyrene/UiO-66-NH2 Metal-Organic Framework Composites to Enhance Chemical Warfare Agent Removal.

    PubMed

    Peterson, Gregory W; Lu, Annie X; Epps, Thomas H

    2017-09-20

    This work investigates the processing-structure-activity relationships that ultimately facilitate the enhanced performance of UiO-66-NH 2 metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in electrospun polystyrene (PS) fibers for chemical warfare agent detoxification. Key electrospinning processing parameters including solvent type (dimethylformamide [DMF]) vs DMF/tetrahydrofuran [THF]), PS weight fraction in solution, and MOF weight fraction relative to PS were varied to optimize MOF incorporation into the fibers and ultimately improve composite performance. It was found that composites spun from pure DMF generally resulted in MOF crystal deposition on the surface of the fibers, while composites spun from DMF/THF typically led to MOF crystal deposition within the fibers. For cases in which the MOF was incorporated on the periphery of the fibers, the composites generally demonstrated better gas uptake (e.g., nitrogen, chlorine) because of enhanced access to the MOF pores. Additionally, increasing both the polymer and MOF weight percentages in the electrospun solutions resulted in larger diameter fibers, with polymer concentration having a more pronounced effect on fiber size; however, these larger fibers were generally less efficient at gas separations. Overall, exploring the electrospinning parameter space resulted in composites that outperformed previously reported materials for the detoxification of the chemical warfare agent, soman. The data and strategies herein thus provide guiding principles applicable to the design of future systems for protection and separations as well as a wide range of environmental remediation applications.

  7. Styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer compatibilized carbon black/polypropylene/polystyrene composites with tunable morphology, electrical conduction and rheological stabilities.

    PubMed

    Song, Yihu; Xu, Chunfeng; Zheng, Qiang

    2014-04-21

    We report a facile kinetic strategy in combination with styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymer compatibilizers for preparing carbon black (CB) filled immiscible polypropylene (PP)/polystyrene (PS) (1/1) blends with finely tuned morphologies and show the important role of location and migration of CB nanoparticles in determining the electrical conductivity and rheological behaviour of the composites. A novel method of mixing a SBS/CB (5/3) masterbatch with the polymers allowed producing composites with CB aggregates dispersed partially in the unfavorable PP phase and partially in the PP side of the interface to exhibit diverse phase connectivity and electrical conductivity depending on the compounding sequences. A cocontinuous morphology with CB enrichment along the interface was formed in the composite prepared by mixing the SBS/CB masterbatch with the premixed PP/PS blend, giving rise to a highest electrical conductivity and dynamic moduli at low frequencies. On the other hand, mixing the masterbatch with one and then with another polymer yielded droplet (PS)-in-matrix (filled PP) composites. The composites underwent phase coalescence and CB redistribution accompanied by marked dynamic electrical conduction and modulus percolations as a function of time during thermal annealing at 180 °C. The composites with the initial droplet-in-matrix morphology progressed anomalously into the cocontinuous morphology, reflecting a common mechanism being fairly nonspecific for understanding the processing of filled multicomponent composites with tailored performances of general concern.

  8. Initial deposition of calcium phosphate ceramic on polystyrene and polytetrafluoroethylene by rf magnetron sputtering deposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Feddes, B.; Wolke, J. G. C.; Jansen, J. A.; Vredenberg, A. M.

    2003-03-01

    Calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings can be applied to improve the biological performance of polymeric medical implants. A strong interfacial bond between ceramic and polymer is required for clinical applications. Because the chemical structure of an interface plays an important role in the adhesion of a coating, we studied the formation of the interface between CaP and polystyrene (PS) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The coating was deposited in a radio frequency (rf) magnetron sputtering deposition system. Prior to the deposition, some samples received an oxygen plasma pretreatment. We found that the two substrates show a strongly different reactivity towards CaP. On PS a phosphorus and oxygen enrichment is present at the interface. This is understood from POx complexes that are able to bind to the PS. The effects of the plasma pretreatment are overruled by the deposition process itself. On PTFE, a calcium enrichment and an absence of phosphorus is found at the interface. The former is the result of CaF2-like material being formed at the interface. The latter may be the result of phosphorus reacting with escaping fluorine to a PF3 molecule, which than escapes from the material as a gas molecule. We found that the final structure of the interface is mostly controlled by the bombardment of energetic particles escaping either from the plasma or from the sputtering target. The work described here can be used to understand and improve the adhesion of CaP coatings deposited on medical substrates.

  9. Explicit role of ionic strength in retention behavior of polystyrene latex particles in sedimentation field-flow fractionation: Slip boundary model.

    PubMed

    Rah, Kyunil; Han, Sujeong; Choi, Jaeyeong; Eum, Chul Hun; Lee, Seungho

    2017-12-15

    We investigate an explicit role of the ionic strength in the retention behaviors of polystyrene (PS) latex particles in sedimentation field-flow fractionation (SdFFF) by hinging upon the retention theory recently developed [1] asR=(R o +v b * )/(1+v b * ). Here R is an experimental retention ratio, and R o is the analytical expression of the standard retention theory based on the parabolic flow velocity. The reduced boundary velocityv b * is expressed in terms of the ionic strength I of the carrier liquid as v b * =v b,o * /(1+εI), where v b,o * =0.070and ε=60 mM -1 for all the PS latex systems under investigation. We then apply this to study the explicit ionic strength effect on the retention behaviors of PS beads of 200, 300, 400, and 500nm, respectively. As a primary result, the strong dependence of the retention ratio on the ionic strength can be quantitatively accounted for in an excellent accuracy: The slip effect at the channel surface is significant, particularly when I≲0.5mM, without showing any distinguishable dependence on the specific additives to control I, such as FL-70, SDS, NaNO 3 , and NaN 3 . Based on the present study, we put forward an experimental means to estimate the ionic strength of an aqueous solution using an FFF technique. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Supramolecular Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles in PS-b-P2VP Diblock Copolymers via Hydrogen Bonding

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jang, Se Gyu; Hawker, Craig J.; Kramer, Edward J.

    2011-03-01

    We report a simple route to control the spatial distribution of Au nanoparticles (Au-NPs) in PS- b -P2VP diblock copolymers using hydrogen bonding between P2VP and the hydroxyl-containing (PI-OH) units in PS- b -PIOH thiol-terminated ligands on Au-NP. End-functional thiol ligands of poly(styrene- b -1,2&3,4-isoprene-SH) are synthesized by anionic polymerization. After synthesis of Au-NPs, the inner PI block is hydroxylated by hydroboration and the resulting micelle-like Au-NPs consist of a hydrophobic PS outer brush and a hydrophilic inner PI-OH block. The influence of the hydroxyl groups is significant with strong segregation being observed to the PS/P2VP interface and then to the P2VP domain of lamellar-forming PS-b-P2VP diblock copolymers as the length of the PI-OH block is increased. The strong hydrogen bonding between nanoparticle block copolymer ligands and the P2VP block allows the Au-NPs to be incorporated within the P2VP domain to high Au--NP volume fractions ϕp without macrophase separation, driving transitions from lamellar to bicontinuous morphologies as ϕp increases.

  11. Microplastics effects in Scrobicularia plana.

    PubMed

    Ribeiro, Francisca; Garcia, Ana R; Pereira, Beatriz P; Fonseca, Maria; Mestre, Nélia C; Fonseca, Tainá G; Ilharco, Laura M; Bebianno, Maria João

    2017-09-15

    One of the most common plastics in the marine environment is polystyrene (PS) that can be broken down to micro sized particles. Marine organisms are vulnerable to the exposure to microplastics. This study assesses the effects of PS microplastics in tissues of the clam Scrobicularia plana. Clams were exposed to 1mgL -1 (20μm) for 14days, followed by 7days of depuration. A qualitative analysis by infrared spectroscopy in diffuse reflectance mode period detected the presence of microplastics in clam tissues upon exposure, which were not eliminated after depuration. The effects of microplastics were assessed by a battery of biomarkers and results revealed that microplastics induce effects on antioxidant capacity, DNA damage, neurotoxicity and oxidative damage. S. plana is a significant target to assess the environmental risk of PS microplastics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Patterned Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Assisted with Polystyrene Monolayer by Oxygen Plasma Treatment.

    PubMed

    Choi, Hyun Ji; Lee, Yong-Min; Yu, Jung-Hoon; Hwang, Ki-Hwan; Boo, Jin-Hyo

    2016-08-05

    Zinc oxide is known as a promising material for sensing devices due to its piezoelectric properties. In particular, the alignment of ZnO nanostructures into ordered nanoarrays is expected to improve the device sensitivity due to the large surface area which can be utilized to capture significant quantities of gas particles. However, ZnO nanorods are difficult to grow on the quartz substrate with well-ordered shape. So, we investigated nanostructures by adjusting the interval distance of the arranged ZnO nanorods using polystyrene (PS) spheres of various sizes (800 nm, 1300 nm and 1600 nm). In addition, oxygen plasma treatment was used to specify the nucleation site of round, patterned ZnO nanorod growth. Therefore, ZnO nanorods were grown on a quartz substrate with a patterned polystyrene monolayer by the hydrothermal method after oxygen plasma treatment. The obtained ZnO nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM).

  13. Fabrication of Two-Dimensional Arrays of Diameter-Tunable PS-b-P2VP Nanowires at the Air/Water Interface.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Xingjuan; Yu, Xiaoli; Lee, Yong-Ill; Liu, Hong-Guo

    2016-11-15

    Composite thin films with well-defined and parallel nanowires were fabricated from the binary blends of a diblock copolymer polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) and several homopolystyrenes (h-PSs) at the air/liquid interface through a facile technique, which involves solution self-assembly, interface adsorption, and further self-organization processes. It was confirmed that the nanowires that appeared at the air/water interface came from the cylindrical micelles formed in solution. Interestingly, the diameters of the nanowires are uniform and can be tuned precisely from 45 to 247 nm by incorporating the h-PS molecules into the micellar core. This parallel alignment of the nanowires has potential applications in optical devices and enables the nanowires to be used as templates to prepare functional nanostructures. The extent to which h-PS molecules with different molecular weights are able to influence the diameter control of the nanowires was also systematically investigated.

  14. Network structure control of binary mixed langmuir monolayers of homo-PS and PS-b-P2VP.

    PubMed

    Wen, Gangyao

    2010-03-25

    Our recent work showed there existed a composition window for mixed Langmuir monolayers of homopolystyrene (h-PS) and a symmetric diblock copolymer polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) to form necklace-network structures at the air/water interface. In order to study further the possible mechanism and control the network structure (i.e., surface coverage and nanoaggregate diameter), effects of spreading solution concentration and volume, subphase temperature, and transfer pressure on the network structure were studied by the Langmuir monolayer technique and tapping mode atomic force microscopy. With the increase of transfer pressure, there existed a novel nonlinear behavior for the nanoaggregate diameter first to increase, then to decrease, and finally to increase again, while the surface coverage tended to increase step by step. Moreover, with the elevation of temperature, chain motion between the adjoining nanoaggregates tended to be improved and thus the nanoaggregate diameter tended to be more uniform.

  15. Zero percolation threshold in electric conductivity of aluminum nanowire network fabricated by chemical etching using an electrospun nanofiber mask

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Azuma, Keisuke; Sakajiri, Koichi; Okabe, Takashi; Matsumoto, Hidetoshi; Kang, Sungmin; Watanabe, Junji; Tokita, Masatoshi

    2017-09-01

    We investigated the sheet resistance (R s) and transmittance (T) of seamless two-dimensional networks of 50-nm-thick aluminum (Al) nanowires (NWs) with widths (W) ranging from 380 to 1410 nm. The Al NWs were fabricated by wet-etching of Al metalized polyester films with using polystyrene (PS) nanofibers as the mask. The PS nanofibers were deposited by the electrospinning of a PS solution and adhered to the film by annealing. W and the area coverage (φ) were increased with increasing PS solution concentration and deposition time, respectively. With increasing φ from 3 to 34%, T and R s decreased from 99 to 75% and from 800 to 10 Ω/sq, respectively, and the network with W = 878 nm at φ = 0.21 attained values of T = 91% and R s = 31 Ω/sq. The conductivity increases with φ with an exponent of 2, demonstrating that seamless NW networks are characterized by the zero percolation threshold.

  16. PMMA/PS coaxial electrospinning: core-shell fiber morphology as a function of material parameters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Rahmani, Shahrzad; Arefazar, Ahmad; Latifi, Masoud

    2017-03-01

    Core-shell fibers of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) have been successfully electrospun by coaxial electrospinning. To evaluate the influence of the solvent on the final fiber morphology, four types of organic solvents were used in the shell solution while the core solvent was preserved. Morphological observations with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy revealed that both core and shell solvent properties were involved in the final fiber morphology. To explain this involvement, alongside a discussion of the Bagley solubility graph of PS and PMMA, a novel criterion based on solvent physical properties was introduced. A theoretical model based on the momentum conservation principle was developed and applied for describing the dependence of the core and shell diameters to their solvent combinations. Different concentrations of core and shell were also investigated in the coaxial electrospinning of PMMA/PS. The core-shell fiber morphologies with different core and shell concentrations were compared with their single electrospun fibers.

  17. Modifying Surface Fluctuations of Polymer Melt Films with Substrate Modification

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Zhou, Yang; He, Qiming; Zhang, Fan

    Deposition of a plasma polymerized film on a silicon substrate substantially changes the fluctuations on the surface of a sufficiently thin, melt polystyrene (PS) film atop the substrate. Surface fluctuation relaxation times measured with X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) for ca. 4R g thick melt films of 131 kg/mol linear PS on silicon and on a plasma polymer modified silicon wafer can both be described using a hydrodynamic continuum theory (HCT) that assumes the film is characterized throughout its depth by the bulk viscosity. However, when the film thickness is reduced to ~3R g, confinement effects are evident. The surfacemore » fluctuations are slower than predicted using the HCT, and the confinement effect for the PS on silicon is larger than that for the PS on the plasma polymerized film. This deviation is thus due to a difference in the thicknesses of the strongly adsorbed layers at the substrate which are impacted by the substrate surface energy.« less

  18. Facile preparation of gold nanocages and hollow gold nanospheres via solvent thermal treatment and their surface plasmon resonance and photothermal properties.

    PubMed

    Wang, Haifei; Han, Jing; Lu, Wensheng; Zhang, Jianping; Li, Jinru; Jiang, Long

    2015-02-15

    Although template etching method is one of the most common ways of preparation of hollow gold nanostructures, this approach still requires further improvements to avoid the collapse of gold shells after the cores were removed. In this work, an improved template etching method, with which hollow gold nanostructure is fabricated by etching Polystyrene (PS) cores from PS@Au core-shell nanospheres with solvent thermal treatment in N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF), is demonstrated. When PS cores were removed by a thermal treatment process, gold nanoshells reconstruct and the collapse of the nanoshells is avoided. Gold nanocages and hollow gold nanospheres are easily obtained from the various structures of PS@Au core-shell nanospheres. These hollow nanostructures represent special near infrared (NIR) optical property and photothermal property. Compared with hollow gold nanospheres, the gold nanocages show higher temperature increase at the same particle concentration. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Modifying Surface Fluctuations of Polymer Melt Films with Substrate Modification

    DOE PAGES

    Zhou, Yang; He, Qiming; Zhang, Fan; ...

    2017-08-14

    Deposition of a plasma polymerized film on a silicon substrate substantially changes the fluctuations on the surface of a sufficiently thin, melt polystyrene (PS) film atop the substrate. Surface fluctuation relaxation times measured with X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) for ca. 4R g thick melt films of 131 kg/mol linear PS on silicon and on a plasma polymer modified silicon wafer can both be described using a hydrodynamic continuum theory (HCT) that assumes the film is characterized throughout its depth by the bulk viscosity. However, when the film thickness is reduced to ~3R g, confinement effects are evident. The surfacemore » fluctuations are slower than predicted using the HCT, and the confinement effect for the PS on silicon is larger than that for the PS on the plasma polymerized film. This deviation is thus due to a difference in the thicknesses of the strongly adsorbed layers at the substrate which are impacted by the substrate surface energy.« less

  20. Band-edge enhancement of magneto-optical rotation in a 1-d polymer lattice

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Crescimanno, Michael; Andrews, James; Mao, Guilin; Bishop, Aaron; Comeau, Kyle; Livingston, Ryan; Shakya, Bijayandra

    2010-04-01

    Faraday rotation, the rotation of the polarization of light propagating along an applied magnetic field, can be enhanced by modifying the dispersion relationship. We develop the theory and computational tools necessary to understand the enhancement measured in recent experiments conducted at YSU using a multilayer of polystyrene and PMMA prepared by the CLiPS NSF Center at CWRU.

  1. Ethylene sensing by silver(I) salt-impregnated luminescent films

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Luminescent oligomer /polymer films impregnated with Ag(I) salts are effective sensors for small gas molecules such as ethylene. Films composed of various Ag(I) salts (i.e. AgBF4, AgSbF6, AgB(C6F5)4, AgClO4 and AgOTf) and polymers (i.e. poly(vinylphenylketone) (PVPK), polystyrene (PS) or oligomers (...

  2. Modifying Effects of Plasticizer, Chain Connectivity, and Chain Adsorption on the Physical Aging and Interfacial Gradient in Dynamics in Thin Polystyrene Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Thees, Michael; Roth, Connie

    How the glass transition and physical aging in thin films change with confinement is nontrival, with studies in the literature showing that these effects can be modified by various factors including chain adsorption to substrate interfaces and addition of diluents. Some studies indicate that addition of plasticizer appears to eliminate confinement effects such as Tg gradients and possibly impacts chain adsorption to substrates. In contrast, how plasticizer affects physical aging in glassy polymers has been largely unexplored experimentally, despite various theoretical and simulation efforts. Previously we have shown that for neat polystyrene (PS) films, with molecular weights MW < 3000 kg/mol, physical aging rates in thin films decrease with decreasing film thickness consistent with expectations from local Tg gradients. However, we have recently found that for very high molecular weights, MW > 7000 kg/mol, the physical aging rate in thin films was more bulk like, suggesting a diminished gradient in dynamics related to chain connectivity and possibly chain adsorption to the substrate interface. Here, we explore how the addition of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) plasticizer to PS can alter the physical aging rate of thin films and possibly modify the adsorbed layer.

  3. Immobilization of glucose oxidase to nanostructured films of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine).

    PubMed

    Bhakta, Samir A; Benavidez, Tomas E; Garcia, Carlos D

    2014-09-15

    A critical step for the development of biosensors is the immobilization of the biorecognition element to the surface of a substrate. Among other materials that can be used as substrates, block copolymers have the untapped potential to provide significant advantages for the immobilization of proteins. To explore such possibility, this manuscript describes the fabrication and characterization of thin-films of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP). These films were then used to investigate the immobilization of glucose oxidase, a model enzyme for the development of biosensors. According to the results presented, the nanoporous films can provide significant increases in surface area of the substrate and the immobilization of larger amounts of active enzyme. The characterization of the substrate-enzyme interface discussed in the manuscript aims to provide critical information about relationship between the surface (material, geometry, and density of pores), the protein structure, and the immobilization conditions (pH, and protein concentration) required to improve the catalytic activity and stability of the enzymes. A maximum normalized activity of 3300±700 U m(-2) was achieved for the nanoporous film of PS-b-P2VP. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Immobilization of Glucose Oxidase to Nanostructured Films of Polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine)

    PubMed Central

    Bhakta, Samir A; Benavidez, Tomas E; Garcia, Carlos D

    2014-01-01

    A critical step for the development of biosensors is the immobilization of the biorecognition element to the surface of a substrate. Among other materials that can be used as substrates, block copolymers have the untapped potential to provide significant advantages for the immobilization of proteins. To explore such possibility, this manuscript describes the fabrication and characterization of thin-films of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP). These films were then used to investigate the immobilization of glucose oxidase, a model enzyme for the development of biosensors. According to the results presented, the nanoporous films can provide significant increases in surface area of the substrate and the immobilization of larger amounts of active enzyme. The characterization of the substrate-enzyme interface discussed in the manuscript aims to provide critical information about relationship between the surface (material, geometry, and density of pores), the protein structure, and the immobilization conditions (pH, ionic strength, and protein concentration) required to improve the catalytic activity and stability of the enzymes. A maximum normalized activity of 3300 ± 700 U m−2 was achieved for the nanoporous film of PS-b-P2VP. PMID:24980481

  5. Self-assembly Columnar Structure in Active Layer of Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pan, Cheng; Segui, Jennifer; Yu, Yingjie; Li, Hongfei; Akgun, Bulent; Satijia, Sushil. K.; Gersappe, Dilip; Nam, Chang-Yong; Rafailovich, Miriam

    2012-02-01

    Bulk Heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells are an area of intense interest due to their flexibility and relatively low cost. However, due to the disordered inner structure in active layer, the power conversion efficiency of BHJ solar cell is relatively low. Our research provides the method to produce ordered self-assembly columnar structure within active layer of bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cell by introducing polystyrene (PS) into the active layer. The blend thin film of polystyrene, poly (3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) at different ratio are spin coated on substrate and annealed in vacuum oven for certain time. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show uniform phase segregation on the surface of polymer blend thin film and highly ordered columnar structure is then proven by etching the film with ion sputtering. TEM cross-section technology is also used to investigate the column structure. Neutron reflectometry was taken to establish the confinement of PCBM at the interface of PS and P3HT. The different morphological structures formed via phase segregation will be correlated with the performance of the PEV cells to be fabricated at the BNL-CFN.

  6. Effect of equation of state on laser imprinting by comparing diamond and polystyrene foils

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kato, H.; Shigemori, K.; Nagatomo, H.; Nakai, M.; Sakaiya, T.; Ueda, T.; Terasaki, H.; Hironaka, Y.; Shimizu, K.; Azechi, H.

    2018-03-01

    We present herein a comprehensive study of how the equation of state affects laser imprinting by nonuniform laser irradiation of an inertial fusion target. It has been suggested that a stiffer and denser material would reduce laser imprinting based on the equation of motion with pressure perturbation. We examine the detailed temporal evolution of the imprint amplitude by using the two-dimensional radiation hydrodynamic simulation PINOCO-2D for diamond, which is a candidate stiff-ablator material for inertial fusion targets. The simulated laser imprinting amplitude is compared with experimental measurements of areal-density perturbations obtained by using face-on x-ray backlighting for diamond and polystyrene (PS) (the latter as a reference). The experimental results are well reproduced by the results of the PINOCO-2D simulation, which indicates that the imprinting amplitude due to nonuniform irradiation (average intensity, 4.0 × 1012 to 5.0 × 1013) differs by a factor of two to three between diamond and PS. The difference in laser imprinting is mainly related to the material density and compressibility. These parameters are key factors that determine the laser imprinting amplitude.

  7. “Uncontrolled” Preparation of Disperse Poly(lactide)- block -poly(styrene)- block -poly(lactide) for Nanopatterning Applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Vanderlaan, Marie E.; Hillmyer, Marc A.

    We report the facile synthesis of well-defined ABA poly(lactide)-block-poly(styrene)-block-poly(lactide) (LSL) triblock copolymers having a disperse poly(styrene) midblock (Ð = 1.27–2.24). The direct synthesis of telechelic α,ω-hydroxypoly(styrene) (HO-PS-OH) midblocks was achieved using a commercially available difunctional free radical diazo initiator 2,2'-azobis[2-methyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)propionamide]. Poly(lactide) (PLA) end blocks were subsequently grown from HO-PS-OH macroinitiators via ring-opening transesterification polymerization of (±)-lactide using the most common and prevalent catalyst system available, tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate. Fourteen LSL triblock copolymers with total molar masses Mn,total = 24–181 kg/mol and PLA volume fractions fPLA = 0.15–0.68 were synthesized and thoroughly characterized. The self-assembly of symmetric triblocks was analyzed in themore » bulk using small-angle X-ray scattering and in thin films using grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. We demonstrate both the bulk and thin film self-assembly of LSL disperse triblocks gave well-organized nanostructures with uniform domain sizes suitable for nanopatterning applications.« less

  8. Eu3+ functionalized Sc-MOFs: Turn-on fluorescent switch for ppb-level biomarker of plastic pollutant polystyrene in serum and urine and on-site detection by smartphone.

    PubMed

    Lian, Xiao; Miao, Tifang; Xu, Xiaoyu; Zhang, Chi; Yan, Bing

    2017-11-15

    The harm of plastic pollutants for human and environment is being paid more and more attention. Polystyrene (PS) and styrene are toxic compounds used in large quantities in the production of fiberglass reinforced polyesters. In this work, a simple method was designed for independent detecting polystyrene and styrene biomarker (phenylglyoxylic acid, PGA) in serum and urine. We prepared Eu3+ functionalized Sc-based metal-organic frameworks as turn-on fluorescent switch for PGA. The distinct enhanced luminescence is observed from the Eu@MOFs with addition of PGA. The fabricated fluorescent switch has several appealing features including high sensitivity (LOD = 4.16 ppb), quick response time (less than 5s) and broad linear range (0.02mg/mL to 0.5mg/mL). Furthermore, Eu@MOFs exhibits excellent selectivity that it is not affected by congeneric biomarkers. More interestingly, a paper-based probe has been devised. The paper-based fluorescence probe would perform an obvious fluorescence change from navy to red with the variety of PGA content. The practicability of the on-site detection platform for quantitative analysis using a colour scanning APP in smartphone has been also demonstrated by coupled with our proposed paper based fluorescence probe. This work first provides a fast, accurate and sensitive method for independent monitoring PS biomarker PGA, and the paper-based probe exhibit a new idea for design portable and easy to operate sensing devices combine with smartphone. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Controlled supramolecular assembly of micelle-like gold nanoparticles in PS-b-P2VP diblock copolymers via hydrogen bonding.

    PubMed

    Jang, Se Gyu; Kramer, Edward J; Hawker, Craig J

    2011-10-26

    We report a facile strategy to synthesize amphiphilic gold (Au) nanoparticles functionalized with a multilayer, micelle-like structure consisting of a Au core, an inner hydroxylated polyisoprene (PIOH) layer, and an outer polystyrene shell (PS). Careful control of enthalpic interactions via a systematic variation of structural parameters, such as number of hydroxyl groups per ligand (N(OH)) and styrene repeating units (N(PS)) as well as areal chain density of ligands on the Au-core surface (Σ), enables precise control of the spatial distribution of these nanoparticles. This control was demonstrated in a lamellae-forming poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) diblock copolymer matrix, where the favorable hydrogen-bonding interaction between hydroxyl groups in the PIOH inner shell and P2VP chains in the PS-b-P2VP diblock copolymer matrix, driving the nanoparticles to be segregated in P2VP domains, could be counter balanced by the enthalphic penalty of mixing of the PS outer brush with the P2VP domains. By varying N(OH), N(PS), and Σ, the nanoparticles could be positioned in the PS or P2VP domains or at the PS/P2VP interface. In addition, the effect of additives interfering with the hydrogen-bond formation between hydroxyl groups on Au nanoparticles and P2VP chains in a diblock copolymer matrix was investigated, and an interesting pea-pod-like segregation of Au nanoparticles in PS domains was observed.

  10. SEPARATING HAFNIUM FROM ZIRCONIUM

    DOEpatents

    Lister, B.A.J.; Duncan, J.F.; Hutcheon, J.M.

    1956-08-21

    Substantially complete separation of zirconium from hafnium may be obtained by elution of ion exchange material, on which compounds of the elements are adsorbed, with an approximately normal solution of sulfuric acid. Preferably the acid concentration is between 0.8 N amd 1.2 N, amd should not exceed 1.5 N;. Increasing the concentration of sulfate ion in the eluting solution by addition of a soluble sulfate, such as sodium sulfate, has been found to be advantageous. The preferred ion exchange materials are sulfonated polystyrene resins such as Dowex 50,'' and are preferably arranged in a column through which the solutions are passed.

  11. Electrophoretic separation of proteins in space

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Brown, R. K.

    1976-01-01

    Commercially available and synthetic wide range and short range ampholytes used in the isoelectric focusing of proteins was analyzed by ion exchange chromatography. A pH gradient over the pH range 3.8 to 11.0 was used to elute the ampholytes from a column of a sulfonated polystyrene resin. The wide range ampholytes were resolved into some 60 to 70 ninhydrin positive components. The recovery obtained with the method was quantitative. Acid short range ampholytes have approximately 35 components which elute readily from the ion exchange resin. Basic short range ampholytes gave about 50 components, most of which eluted at alkaline pH.

  12. High-throughput preparation of complex multi-scale patterns from block copolymer/homopolymer blend films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Park, Hyungmin; Kim, Jae-Up; Park, Soojin

    2012-02-01

    A simple, straightforward process for fabricating multi-scale micro- and nanostructured patterns from polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) homopolymer in a preferential solvent for PS and PMMA is demonstrated. When the PS-b-P2VP/PMMA blend films were spin-coated onto a silicon wafer, PS-b-P2VP micellar arrays consisting of a PS corona and a P2VP core were formed, while the PMMA macrodomains were isolated, due to the macrophase separation caused by the incompatibility between block copolymer micelles and PMMA homopolymer during the spin-coating process. With an increase of PMMA composition, the size of PMMA macrodomains increased. Moreover, the P2VP blocks have a strong interaction with a native oxide of the surface of the silicon wafer, so that the P2VP wetting layer was first formed during spin-coating, and PS nanoclusters were observed on the PMMA macrodomains beneath. Whereas when a silicon surface was modified with a PS brush layer, the PS nanoclusters underlying PMMA domains were not formed. The multi-scale patterns prepared from copolymer micelle/homopolymer blend films are used as templates for the fabrication of gold nanoparticle arrays by incorporating the gold precursor into the P2VP chains. The combination of nanostructures prepared from block copolymer micellar arrays and macrostructures induced by incompatibility between the copolymer and the homopolymer leads to the formation of complex, multi-scale surface patterns by a simple casting process.A simple, straightforward process for fabricating multi-scale micro- and nanostructured patterns from polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) homopolymer in a preferential solvent for PS and PMMA is demonstrated. When the PS-b-P2VP/PMMA blend films were spin-coated onto a silicon wafer, PS-b-P2VP micellar arrays consisting of a PS corona and a P2VP core were formed, while the PMMA macrodomains were isolated, due to the macrophase separation caused by the incompatibility between block copolymer micelles and PMMA homopolymer during the spin-coating process. With an increase of PMMA composition, the size of PMMA macrodomains increased. Moreover, the P2VP blocks have a strong interaction with a native oxide of the surface of the silicon wafer, so that the P2VP wetting layer was first formed during spin-coating, and PS nanoclusters were observed on the PMMA macrodomains beneath. Whereas when a silicon surface was modified with a PS brush layer, the PS nanoclusters underlying PMMA domains were not formed. The multi-scale patterns prepared from copolymer micelle/homopolymer blend films are used as templates for the fabrication of gold nanoparticle arrays by incorporating the gold precursor into the P2VP chains. The combination of nanostructures prepared from block copolymer micellar arrays and macrostructures induced by incompatibility between the copolymer and the homopolymer leads to the formation of complex, multi-scale surface patterns by a simple casting process. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: AFM images of PS-b-P2VP/PMMA blend films and cross-sectional line scans. See DOI: 10.1039/c2nr11792d

  13. High Stability Pentacene Transistors Using Polymeric Dielectric Surface Modifier.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xiaohong; Lin, Guangqing; Li, Peng; Lv, Guoqiang; Qiu, Longzhen; Ding, Yunsheng

    2015-08-01

    1,6-bis(trichlorosilyl)hexane (C6Cl), polystyrene (PS), and cross-linked polystyrene (CPS) were investigated as gate dielectric modified layers for high performance organic transistors. The influence of the surface energy, roughness and morphology on the charge transport of the organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) was investigated. The surface energy and roughness both affect the grain size of the pentacene films which will control the charge carrier mobility of the devices. Pentacene thin-film transistors fabricated on the CPS modified dielectric layers exhibited charge carrier mobility as high as 1.11 cm2 V-1 s-1. The bias stress stability for the CPS devices shows that the drain current only decays 1% after 1530 s and the mobility never decreases until 13530 s.

  14. Preparation of an amphiphilic resin-supported BINAP ligand and its use for rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of phenylboronic acid in water.

    PubMed

    Otomaru, Yusuke; Senda, Taichi; Hayashi, Tamio

    2004-09-16

    [reaction: see text] The axially chiral bisphosphine ligand, 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl (binap), was supported on a polystyrene-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer (PS-PEG) resin and was used successfully for the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of phenylboronic acid to alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones in water.

  15. Carboxylated Fullerene at the Oil/Water Interface.

    PubMed

    Li, Rongqiang; Chai, Yu; Jiang, Yufeng; Ashby, Paul D; Toor, Anju; Russell, Thomas P

    2017-10-04

    The self-assembly of carboxylated fullerene with poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) with different molecular weights, poly-2-vinylpyridine, and amine-terminated polystyrene, at the interface between toluene and water was investigated. For all values of the pH, the functionalized fullerene interacted with the polymers at the water/toluene interface, forming a nanoparticle network, reducing the interfacial tension. At pH values of 4.84 and 7.8, robust, elastic films were formed at the interface, such that hollow tubules could be formed in situ when an aqueous solution of the functionalized fullerene was jetted into a toluene solution of PS-b-P2VP at a pH of 4.84. With variation of the pH, the mechanical properties of the fullerene/polymer assemblies can be varied by tuning the strength of the interactions between the functionalized fullerenes and the PS-b-P2VP.

  16. Mesoscale Polymer Dissolution Probed by Raman Spectroscopy and Molecular Simulations

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chang, Tsun-Mei; Xantheas, Sotiris S.; Vasdekis, Andreas E.

    2016-10-13

    The diffusion of various solvents into a polystyrene (PS) matrix was probed experimentally by monitoring the temporal profiles of the Raman spectra and theoretically from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the binary system. The simulation results assist in providing a fundamental, molecular level connection between the mixing/dissolution processes and the difference = solvent – PS in the values of the Hildebrand parameter () between the two components of the binary systems: solvents having similar values of with PS (small ) exhibit fast diffusion into the polymer matrix, whereas the diffusion slows down considerably when the ’s are different (large ).more » To this end, the Hildebrand parameter was identified as a useful descriptor that governs the process of mixing in polymer – solvent binary systems. The experiments also provide insight into further refinements of the models specific to non-Fickian diffusion phenomena that need to be used in the simulations.« less

  17. Direct Synthesis of Polymer Nanotubes by Aqueous Dispersion Polymerization of a Cyclodextrin/Styrene Complex.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xi; Liu, Lei; Huo, Meng; Zeng, Min; Peng, Liao; Feng, Anchao; Wang, Xiaosong; Yuan, Jinying

    2017-12-22

    A one-step synthesis of nanotubes by RAFT dispersion polymerization of cyclodextrin/styrene (CD/St) complexes directly in water is presented. The resulted amphiphilic PEG-b-PS diblock copolymers self-assemble in situ into nanoparticles with various morphologies. Spheres, worms, lamellae, and nanotubes were controllably obtained. Because of the complexation, the swelling degree of polystyrene (PS) blocks by free St is limited, resulting in limited mobility of PS chains. Consequently, kinetically trapped lamellae and nanotubes were obtained instead of spherical vesicles. During the formation of nanotubes, small vesicles first formed at the ends of the tape-like lamellae, then grew and fused into nanotubes with a limited chain rearrangement. The introduction of a host-guest interaction based on CDs enables the aqueous dispersion polymerization of water-immiscible monomers, and produces kinetically trapped nanostructures, which could be a powerful technique for nanomaterials synthesis. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Probing alpha-helical and beta-sheet structures of peptides at solid/liquid interfaces with SFG.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiaoyun; Wang, Jie; Sniadecki, Jason J; Even, Mark A; Chen, Zhan

    2005-03-29

    We demonstrated that sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy can distinguish different secondary structures of proteins or peptides adsorbed at solid/liquid interfaces. The SFG spectrum for tachyplesin I at the polystyrene (PS)/solution interface has a fingerprint peak corresponding to the B1/B3 mode of the antiparallel beta-sheet. This peak disappeared upon the addition of dithiothreitol, which can disrupt the beta-sheet structure. The SFG spectrum indicative of the MSI594 alpha-helical structure was observed at the PS/MSI594 solution interface. This research validates SFG as a powerful technique for revealing detailed secondary structures of interfacial proteins and peptides.

  19. Fluorescence lifetime, dipole orientation and bilayer polymer films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ho, Xuan Long; Chen, Po-Jui; Woon, Wei-Yen; White, Jonathon David

    2017-10-01

    Bilayer films consisting of the optically transparent polymers, polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were spin-cast on glass substrates. The upper 13.5 nm layer (PS) was lightly doped with Rhodamine-6 G (RH6G) or MEH-PPV. While the fluorescence of MEH-PPV was independent of PMMA thickness, the lifetime of RH6G increased 3-fold as the underlying PMMA thickness increased from 0 to 500 nm while the collected flux decreased suggesting a reorientation of the smaller molecule's dipole with respect to the air-polymer interface with PMMA thickness. This suggests lifetime may find application for nondestructive thickness measurements of transparent films with sub-micron lateral resolution and large range.

  20. Flow induced streamer formation in particle laden complex flows

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Debnath, Nandini; Hassanpourfard, Mahtab; Ghosh, Ranajay; Trivedi, Japan; Thundat, Thomas; Kumar, Aloke

    2016-11-01

    We study the combined flow of a polyacrylamide (PAM)solution with polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles, through a microfluidic device containing an array of micropillars. The flow is characterized by a very low Reynolds number (Re<<1). We find that for exceeding a critical Weissenberg number (Wi >= 20), PS nanoparticles localize near pillar walls to form thin slender string-like structures, which we call 'streamers' due to their morphology. Post-formation, these streamers show significant viscous behavior for short observational time-scales, and at longer observational time scales elastic response dominates. Our abiotic streamers could provide a framework for understanding similar structures that often form in biological systems. PhD student, Department of Mechanical Engineering.

  1. Photonic bandgap of inverse opals prepared from core-shell spheres

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    In this study, we synthesized monodispersed polystyrene (PS)-silica core-shell spheres with various shell thicknesses for the fabrication of photonic crystals. The shell thickness of the spheres was controlled by various additions of tetraethyl orthosilicate during the shell growth process. The shrinkage ratio of the inverse opal photonic crystals prepared from the core-shell spheres was significantly reduced from 14.7% to within 3%. We suspected that the improvement resulted from the confinement of silica shell to the contraction of PS space during calcination. Due to the shell effect, the inverse opals prepared from the core-shell spheres have higher filling fraction and larger wavelength of stop band maximum. PMID:22894600

  2. Force Induced Globule-to-Coil Transition of Single Polymer Chains.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gunari, Nikhil; Walker, Gilbert

    2008-03-01

    Force induced structural transitions of individual homopolymer chains have been studied in different solvent conditions using single molecule force spectroscopy. Single molecule mechanics in the ``fly-fishing'' mode showed a first-order like transition for polystyrene (PS) in water exhibiting a characteristic three regime force extension curve. In contrast, poly methylmethacrylate (PMMA) showed a characteristic saw-tooth pattern reminiscent of multidomain disassembly behavior similar to that seen in modular protein mechanics. The plateau force for PS and the saw-tooth pattern for PMMA disappear when measured in aqueous guanidine hydrochloride solution and in other non-solvents showing that the characteristic deformational behavior observed for the two polymers in water may be due to hydrophobic interactions .

  3. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate for the treatment of acute hyperkalemia: a retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Hagan, Amanda E; Farrington, Crystal A; Wall, Geoffrey C; Belz, Mark M

    2016-01-01

    Hyperkalemia is a common problem in hospitalized patients, especially those with underlying chronic kidney disease, but evidence-based guidelines for its treatment are lacking. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), a cation exchange resin first approved by the FDA for the treatment of hyperkalemia in 1958, is frequently used alone or in conjunction with other medical therapies to lower serum potassium. Recently, the safety and efficacy of SPS have come into question based on multiple reported cases of bowel necrosis associated with SPS administration. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the use of SPS for the treatment of hyperkalemia, at a large tertiary community teaching hospital, to determine its effectiveness and the incidence of related adverse side effects. A retrospective chart review was performed on all adult inpatients receiving single-dose SPS at a 466-bed tertiary community teaching hospital over a 3-year period. 501 patients received SPS for the treatment of hyperkalemia during their index hospital stay. Serum potassium levels decreased by 0.93 mEq/L on average at first recheck after SPS administration, with or without additional medical treatments. Our study identified 10 cases of hypernatremia (greater than 145 mEq/L), 31 cases of hypokalemia (less than 3.5 mEq/L), and 2 cases of bowel necrosis related to the administration of SPS. Our results suggest a serum potassium reduction of less than 1 mEq/L after administration of SPS for the treatment of acute hyperkalemia. Additionally, this study offers some evidence that the use of SPS may be associated with harm. We further note the need for standardized guidelines for the treatment of hyperkalemia at our institution.

  4. Pretreatment of enteral nutrition with sodium polystyrene sulfonate: effective, but beware the high prevalence of electrolyte derangements in clinical practice.

    PubMed

    Le Palma, Krisha; Pavlick, Elisha Rampolla; Copelovitch, Lawrence

    2018-04-01

    Current treatment options for chronic hyperkalemia in children with chronic kidney disease include dietary restrictions or enteral sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS); however, dietary restrictions may compromise adequate nutrition and enteral SPS may be limited by palatability, adverse effects and feeding tube obstruction. A potentially safer alternative is to pretreat enteral nutrition (EN) with SPS prior to consumption. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pretreating EN with SPS in pediatric patients with hyperkalemia. We performed a retrospective cohort study between September 2012 and May 2016 at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. In all, 14 patients (age range 0.5-53.2 months) who received 19 courses of SPS pretreatment of EN were evaluated. Serum electrolytes were evaluated at baseline and within 1 week of initiating therapy. The primary endpoint was mean change in potassium at 7 days. Secondary endpoints included the mean change in serum sodium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium, as well as the percentage of patients who developed electrolyte abnormalities within the first week of treatment. Serum potassium levels decreased from 6.0 to 4.4 mmol/L (P < 0.001) and serum sodium levels increased from 135.8 to 141.3 mmol/L (P = 0.008) 1 week after initiating SPS pretreatment. No significant differences in mean serum calcium or magnesium levels were noted. Nevertheless, more than half of the courses resulted in at least one electrolyte abnormality, with hypokalemia (31.6%), hypernatremia (26.3%) and hypocalcemia (21.1%) occurring most frequently. Pretreatment of EN with SPS is an effective method for treating chronic hyperkalemia in pediatric patients; however, close monitoring of electrolytes is warranted.

  5. Modifiable Risk Factors for Increased Arterial Stiffness in Outpatient Nephrology

    PubMed Central

    Elewa, Usama; Fernandez-Fernandez, Beatriz; Alegre, Raquel; Sanchez-Niño, Maria D.; Mahillo-Fernández, Ignacio; Perez-Gomez, Maria Vanessa; El-Fishawy, Hussein; Belal, Dawlat; Ortiz, Alberto

    2015-01-01

    Arterial stiffness, as measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV), is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events and mortality. Arterial stiffness increases with age. However, modifiable risk factors such as smoking, BP and salt intake also impact on PWV. The finding of modifiable risk factors may lead to the identification of treatable factors, and, thus, is of interest to practicing nephrologist. We have now studied the prevalence and correlates of arterial stiffness, assessed by PWV, in 191 patients from nephrology outpatient clinics in order to identify modifiable risk factors for arterial stiffness that may in the future guide therapeutic decision-making. PWV was above normal levels for age in 85/191 (44.5%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced age, systolic BP, diabetes mellitus, serum uric acid and calcium polystyrene sulfonate therapy or calcium-containing medication were independent predictors of PWV. A new parameter, Delta above upper limit of normal PWV (Delta PWV) was defined to decrease the weight of age on PWV values. Delta PWV was calculated as (measured PWV) - (upper limit of the age-adjusted PWV values for the general population). Mean±SD Delta PWV was 0.76±1.60 m/sec. In multivariate analysis, systolic blood pressure, active smoking and calcium polystyrene sulfonate therapy remained independent predictors of higher delta PWV, while age, urinary potassium and beta blocker therapy were independent predictors of lower delta PWV. In conclusion, arterial stiffness was frequent in nephrology outpatients. Systolic blood pressure, smoking, serum uric acid, calcium-containing medications, potassium metabolism and non-use of beta blockers are modifiable factors associated with increased arterial stiffness in Nephrology outpatients. PMID:25880081

  6. Sum frequency generation and solid-state NMR study of the structure, orientation, and dynamics of polystyrene-adsorbed peptides

    PubMed Central

    Weidner, Tobias; Breen, Nicholas F.; Li, Kun; Drobny, Gary P.; Castner, David G.

    2010-01-01

    The power of combining sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) spectroscopy to quantify, with site specificity and atomic resolution, the orientation and dynamics of side chains in synthetic model peptides adsorbed onto polystyrene (PS) surfaces is demonstrated in this study. Although isotopic labeling has long been used in ssNMR studies to site-specifically probe the structure and dynamics of biomolecules, the potential of SFG to probe side chain orientation in isotopically labeled surface-adsorbed peptides and proteins remains largely unexplored. The 14 amino acid leucine-lysine peptide studied in this work is known to form an α-helical secondary structure at liquid-solid interfaces. Selective, individual deuteration of the isopropyl group in each leucine residue was used to probe the orientation and dynamics of each individual leucine side chain of LKα14 adsorbed onto PS. The selective isotopic labeling methods allowed SFG analysis to determine the orientations of individual side chains in adsorbed peptides. Side chain dynamics were obtained by fitting the deuterium ssNMR line shape to specific motional models. Through the combined use of SFG and ssNMR, the dynamic trends observed for individual side chains by ssNMR have been correlated with side chain orientation relative to the PS surface as determined by SFG. This combination provides a more complete and quantitative picture of the structure, orientation, and dynamics of these surface-adsorbed peptides than could be obtained if either technique were used separately. PMID:20628016

  7. Modeling of block copolymer dry etching for directed self-assembly lithography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Belete, Zelalem; Baer, Eberhard; Erdmann, Andreas

    2018-03-01

    Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers (BCP) is a promising alternative technology to overcome the limits of patterning for the semiconductor industry. DSA exploits the self-assembling property of BCPs for nano-scale manufacturing and to repair defects in patterns created during photolithography. After self-assembly of BCPs, to transfer the created pattern to the underlying substrate, selective etching of PMMA (poly (methyl methacrylate)) to PS (polystyrene) is required. However, the etch process to transfer the self-assemble "fingerprint" DSA patterns to the underlying layer is still a challenge. Using combined experimental and modelling studies increases understanding of plasma interaction with BCP materials during the etch process and supports the development of selective process that form well-defined patterns. In this paper, a simple model based on a generic surface model has been developed and an investigation to understand the etch behavior of PS-b-PMMA for Ar, and Ar/O2 plasma chemistries has been conducted. The implemented model is calibrated for etch rates and etch profiles with literature data to extract parameters and conduct simulations. In order to understand the effect of the plasma on the block copolymers, first the etch model was calibrated for polystyrene (PS) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) homopolymers. After calibration of the model with the homopolymers etch rate, a full Monte-Carlo simulation was conducted and simulation results are compared with the critical-dimension (CD) and selectivity of etch profile measurement. In addition, etch simulations for lamellae pattern have been demonstrated, using the implemented model.

  8. Fabrication and characterization of cerium-doped barium titanate inverse opal by sol-gel method

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Jin Yi; Zhu Yihua; Yang Xiaoling

    Cerium-doped barium titanate inverted opal was synthesized from barium acetate contained cerous acetate and tetrabutyl titanate in the interstitial spaces of a polystyrene (PS) opal. This procedure involves infiltration of precursors into the interstices of the PS opal template followed by hydrolytic polycondensation of the precursors to amorphous barium titanate and removal of the PS opal by calcination. The morphologies of opal and inverse opal were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The pores were characterized by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) investigation showed the doping structure of cerium, barium and titanium. And powder X-ray diffraction allowsmore » one to observe the influence of doping degree on the grain size. The lattice parameters, crystal size and lattice strain were calculated by the Rietveld refinement method. The synthesis of cerium-doped barium titanate inverted opals provides an opportunity to electrically and optically engineer the photonic band structure and the possibility of developing tunable three-dimensional photonic crystal devices. - Graphical abstract: Cerium-doped barium titanate inverted opal was synthesized from barium acetate acid contained cerous acetate and tetrabutyl titanate in the interstitial spaces of a PS opal, which involves infiltration of precursors into the interstices of the PS opal template and removal of the PS opal by calcination.« less

  9. A Facile Method to Fabricate Double Gyroid as A Polymer Template for Nanohybrids

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Hsiao-Fang; Ho, Rong-Ming

    2015-03-01

    Here, we suggest a facile method to acquire double gyroid (DG) phase from the self-assembly of chiral block copolymers (BCPs*), polystyrene- b-poly(L-lactide) (PS-PLLA). A wide region for the formation of DG can be found in the phase diagram of the BCPs*, suggesting that helical phase (H*) from the self-assembly of BCPs* can serve as a stepping stone for the formation of the DG due to an easy path for order-order transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional (network) structure. Moreover, the order-order transition from metastable H* to stable DG can be expedited by blending the PS-PLLA with compatible entity. Moreover, PS-PLLA blends are prepared by using styrene oligomer (S) to fine-tune the morphologies of the blends at which the molecular weight ratio of the S and compatible PS block (r) is less than 0.1. Owing to the use of the low-molecular-weight oligomer, the increase of BCP chain mobility in the blends significantly reduces the transformation time for the order-order transition from H* to DG. Consequently, nanoporous gyroid SiO2 can be fabricated using hydrolyzed PS-PLLA blends as a template for sol-gel reaction followed by removal of the PS matrix.

  10. The color tuning of PS-b-P2VP lamellar films with changing the alkyl chain length of 1-iodoalkanes.

    PubMed

    Shin, Sung-Eui; Kim, Su-Young; Shin, Dong-Myung

    2011-05-01

    Photonic crystals with tunability in the visible or near-infrared region have drawn increasing attention for controlling and processing light for the active components of future display. We prepared polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) lamellar films which is hydrophobic block-hydrophilic polyelectrolyte block polymer of 57 kg/mol-b-57 kg/mol. The lamellar stacks, which is alternating layer of hydrophilic and hydrophobic moiety of PS-b-P2VP, are obtained by exposing the spin coated film under chloroform vapor. The band gaps of the lamellar films interestingly varied after immersion into the quaternizing solvents containing 5 wt% of iodomethane, iodoethane, 1-iodobutane, 1-iodopentane, 1-iodohexane and 1-iodooctane solubilized in n-hexane. The iodoalkanes reacted with pyridine groups in PS-b-P2VP and generated the alkyl pyridinium salts readily. The degree of quaternization, alkyl chain length of iodoalkane and the salt water concentration affects the spacing of layer structure of PS-b-P2VP. The iodomethane and iodohexane produced similar band gaps and salt concentration dependence. These results are very much dependent on the hydrophobic-hydrophilic characters of PS-b-P2VP lamellar surface.

  11. Persistent organic pollutants in plastic marine debris found on beaches in San Diego, California.

    PubMed

    Van, Almira; Rochman, Chelsea M; Flores, Elisa M; Hill, Kish L; Vargas, Erica; Vargas, Serena A; Hoh, Euhna

    2012-01-01

    Plastic debris were collected from eight beaches around San Diego County, California. Debris collected include: pre-production pellets and post-consumer plastics including fragments, polystyrene (PS) foam, and rubber. A total of n = 2453 pieces were collected ranging from <5 mm to 50 mm in size. The plastic pieces were separated by type, location, and appearance and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its breakdown products, and chlordanes. PAH concentrations ranged from 30 ng g(-1) to 1900 ng g(-1), PCBs from non-detect to 47 ng g(-1), chlordanes from 1.8 ng g(-1) to 60 ng g(-1), and DDTs from non-detect to 76 ng g(-1). Consistently higher PAH concentrations found in PS foam samples (300-1900 ng g(-1)) led us to examine unexposed PS foam packaging materials and PS virgin pellets. Unexposed PS foam contained higher concentrations of PAHs (240-1700 ng g(-1)) than PS virgin pellets (12-15 ng g(-1)), suggesting that PAHs may be produced during manufacturing. Temporal trends of debris were investigated at one site, Ocean Beach, where storm events and beach maintenance were found to be important variables influencing debris present at a given time. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. High-definition micropatterning method for hard, stiff and brittle polymers.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Yiping; Truckenmuller, Roman; Levers, Marloes; Hua, Wei-Shu; de Boer, Jan; Papenburg, Bernke

    2017-02-01

    Polystyrene (PS) is the most commonly used material in cell culture devices, such as Petri dishes, culture flasks and well plates. Micropatterning of cell culture substrates can significantly affect cell-material interactions leading to an increasing interest in the fabrication of topographically micro-structured PS surfaces. However, the high stiffness combined with brittleness of PS (elastic modulus 3-3.5GPa) makes high-quality patterning into PS difficult when standard hard molds, e.g. silicon and nickel, are used as templates. A new and robust scheme for easy processing of large-area high-density micro-patterning into PS film is established using nanoimprinting lithography and standard hot embossing techniques. Including an extra step through an intermediate PDMS mold alone does not result in faithful replication of the large area, high-density micropattern into PS. Here, we developed an approach using an additional intermediate mold out of OrmoStamp, which allows for high-quality and large-area micro-patterning into PS. OrmoStamp was originally developed for UV nanoimprint applications; this work demonstrates for the first time that OrmoStamp is a highly adequate material for micro-patterning of PS through hot embossing. Our proposed processing method achieves high-quality replication of micropatterns in PS, incorporating features with high aspect ratio (4:1, height:width), high density, and over a large pattern area. The proposed scheme can easily be adapted for other large-area and high-density micropatterns of PS, as well as other stiff and brittle polymers. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. The Structures of Fibronectin Adsorbed on Polyelectrolyte Thin Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shin, Kwanwoo; Satija, Sushil; Fang, Xiao-Hua; Li, Bin-Quan; Nadine, Pernodet; Miriam, Rafailovich; Sokolov, Jonathan; Arach, Goldar; Roser, Steve

    2002-03-01

    We have shown that it is possible to form a fibrilar network of fibronectin on a polyelectrolyte polymer film whose dimensions are similar to those reported on the extra cellular matrix. The fibronectin network was observed to form only when the charge density of the polymer was in excess of the natural charge density of the cell wall. Furthermore, the self-organized fibronectin layer was much thicker than the polymer film, indicating that long ranged interaction may play a key role in the assembly process. It is therefore important to understand the structure of the polymer layer/protein interface. Here we report on a neutron reflectivity study where we explore the structure of the polyelectrolyte layer, in this case sulfonated polystyrene (PSS_x.), with varying degree of sulfonation (x<30%), as a function of sulfur content and counter ion concentration. These results are then correlated with systemic study of the adsorption and the multilayer formation of fibronectin as a function of incubation time for various sulfonation levels of PSS_x. Furthermore, the surface charge on the substrates can be strongly influenced by the presence of salt ions, it is important to understand changes due to electrostatic interactions occurring in the various salt conditions. Complementary X-ray reflection was used to determine the salt density profile associating with the internal ionic polymer matrix. This work was funded in part of the NSF-MRSEC program.

  14. How thermal stress alters the confinement of polymers vitrificated in nanopores

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Teng, Chao; Li, Linling; Wang, Yong; Wang, Rong; Chen, Wei; Wang, Xiaoliang; Xue, Gi

    2017-05-01

    Understanding and controlling the glass transition temperature (Tg) and dynamics of polymers in confined geometries are of significance in both academia and industry. Here, we investigate how the thermal stress induced by a mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion affects the Tg behavior of polystyrene (PS) nanorods located inside cylindrical alumina nanopores. The size effects and molecular weight dependence of the Tg are also studied. A multi-step relaxation process was employed to study the relationship between thermal stress and cooling rate. At fast cooling rates, the imparted thermal stress would overcome the yield stress of PS and peel chains off the pore walls, while at slow cooling rates, chains are kept in contact with the pore walls due to timely dissipation of the produced thermal stress during vitrification. In smaller nanopores, more PS chains closely contact with pore walls, then stronger internal thermal stress would be generated between core and shell of PS nanorod, which results in a larger deviation between two Tgs. The core part of PS shows lower Tg than bulk value, which can induce faster dynamics in the center region. A complex and important role stress plays is supposed in complex confinement condition, e.g., in nanopores, during vitrification.

  15. Selective Adsorption and Separation of Organic Dyes with Spherical Polyelectrolyte Brushes and Compressed Carbon Dioxide.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Rui; Yu, Zhenchuan; Wang, Lei; Shen, Qizhe; Hou, Xiaoyan; Guo, Xuhong; Wang, Junwei; Zhu, Xuedong; Yao, Yuan

    2017-10-04

    Dye-containing wastewater has caused serious environmental pollution. Herein, rationally designed spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) with cationic charges, polystyrene-poly(2-aminoethylmethacrylate hydrochloride) (PS-PAEMH) as the absorbent, and compressed carbon dioxide as the antisolvent are proposed for the separation of the anionic dye eosin Y (EY) from a solution of mixed dyes. The adsorption behavior of EY onto PS-PAEMH was highly dependent on CO 2 pressure, contact time, and initial concentration. The maximum adsorption capacity of PS-PAEMH was 335.20 mg g -1 . FTIR and UV/Vis measurements proved that the electrostatic interactions between EY and PS-PAEMH played an important role in the absorbance process. The adsorption process fitted the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm model very well. The combined dye and polymer brush could be easily separated through ion exchange by adding an aqueous solution of NaCl. Recovered PS-PAEMH retained a high adsorption capacity even after ten cycles of regeneration. This method provides a simple and effective way to separate ionic materials for environmental engineering. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  16. Giant surfactants of poly(ethylene oxide)- b-polystyrene-(molecular nanoparticle): nanoparticle-driven self-assembly with sub-10-nm nanostructures in thin films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hsu, Chih-Hao; Lin, Zhiwei; Dong, Xue-Hui; Hsieh, I.-Fan; Cheng, Stephen Z. D.

    2014-03-01

    Giant surfactants are built upon precisely attaching shape- and volume-persistent molecular nanoparticles (MNP) to polymeric flexible tails. The unique class of self-assembling materials, giant surfactants, has been demonstrated to form self-assembled ordered nanostructures, and their self-assembly behaviors are remarkably sensitive to primary chemical structures. In this work, two sets of giant surfactants with functionalized MNP attached to diblock copolymer tails were studied in thin films. Carboxylic acid-functionalized [60]fullerene (AC60) tethered with PEO- b-PS (PEO-PS-AC60) represents an ABA' (hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic) giant surfactant, and fluoro-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (FPOSS) tethered with PEO- b-PS (PEO-PS-FPOSS) represents an ABC (hydrophilic-hydrophobic-omniphobic) one. The dissimilar chemical natures of the MNPs result in different arrangement of MNPs in self-assembled structures, the dispersion of AC60 in PEO domain and the single domain of FPOSS. Moreover, the chemically bonded MNPs could induce the originally disordered small molecular PEO- b-PS to form ordered cylindrical and lamellar structure, as evidenced by TEM and GISAXS, leading to sub-10-nm nanostructures of copolymer in the thin film state.

  17. Free-volume characterization of nanostructurized substances by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Shpotyuk, O.; Ingram, A.; Shpotyuk, Ya.

    2018-02-01

    Methodological possibilities of positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) spectroscopy are examined to parameterize free-volume structural evolution processes in some nanostructurized substances obeying conversion from positronium (Ps) decaying to positron trapping. Unlike conventional x3-term fitting analysis based on admixed positron trapping and Ps decaying, the effect of nanostructurization is considered as occurring due to conversion from preferential Ps decaying in initial host matrix to positron trapping in modified (nanostructurized) host-guest matrix. The developed approach referred to as x3-x2-CDA (coupling decomposition algorithm) allows estimation defect-free bulk and defect-specific positron lifetimes of free-volume elements responsible for nanostructurization. The applicability of this approach is proved for some nanostructurized materials allowing free-volume changes through Ps-to-positron trapping conversion, such as (i) metallic Ag nanoparticles embedded in polymer matrix, (ii) structure-modification processes caused by swift heavy ions irradiation in polystyrene, and (iii) host-guest chemistry problems like water immersion in alumomagnesium spinel ceramics. This approach is considered to be used as test-indicator, separating processes of host-matrix nanostructurization due to embedded nanoparticles from uncorrelated changes in positron-trapping and Ps-decaying channels.

  18. Effects of prosthetic materials on the host immune response: evaluation of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS) particles.

    PubMed

    Frick, Chris; Dietz, Andrew C; Merritt, Katharine; Umbreit, Thomas H; Tomazic-Jezic, Vesna J

    2006-01-01

    The main causes for the long-term prosthetic implants' failure are the body's reaction to the implanted material or mechanical stress on the device resulting in the formation of wear particles. Particulate wear debris attracts macrophages, and depending on the chemical composition of the material and particle size, various levels of inflammatory response may occur. While transient inflammation is common, development of chronic inflammation may have serious consequences, leading to implant failure. Such a process may also cause systemic changes to immune functions and long-term effects on the host immune responses. In this study, we evaluated the effects of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) particles on macrophage function and the generation of T-cell responses. Particles of various diameters were injected intraperitoneally into Balb/c mice, and immune functions were examined at 3, 10, and 21 days after the injection. The intensity of phagocytosis by peritoneal exudate cells (PECs) and the proliferative response of spleen cells from treated mice were evaluated. Enumeration of PECs revealed an increase in the total number of cells. Mice injected with PS or PE particles had a higher percentage of cells containing particles than PMMA-injected mice. Macrophages with PS or PE particles tended to adhere to and/or infiltrate peritoneal fibro-fatty tissues surrounding the spleen and pancreas, while the PMMA-carrying macrophages infiltrated the spleen, resulting in an increase of spleen size and "weight. The spleen cell proliferation assay revealed only mild and transient effects on the mitogen response in both PE and PS particle-injected mice. However, in the PMMA-injected mice we observed a lasting increase of the Con A response and a decrease of the LPS response. In vitro exposure of PECs from untreated mice showed a dose-response pattern in nitric oxide (NO) and TNFalpha production. While exposure to either PMMA or PE induced comparable levels of NO, exposure to PMMA induced a markedly higher production of TNFalpha than exposure to PE. The results indicate that particulate biomaterials may, in addition to the initial activation of phagocytes, significantly affect immune functions and compromise the host response to other antigenic stimuli.

  19. Sub-10 nm Silicon Nanopillar Fabrication Using Fast and Brushless Thermal Assembly of PS-b-PDMS Diblock Copolymer.

    PubMed

    Garnier, Jérôme; Arias-Zapata, Javier; Marconot, Olivier; Arnaud, Sandrine; Böhme, Sophie; Girardot, Cécile; Buttard, Denis; Zelsmann, Marc

    2016-04-20

    A new approach to obtaining spherical nanodomains using polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) is proposed. To reduce drastically the process time, we blended a copolymer with cylindrical morphology with a PS homopolymer. Adding PS homopolymer into a low-molar-mass cylindrical morphology PS-b-PDMS system drives it toward a spherical morphology. Besides, by controlling the as-spun state, spherical PDMS nanodomains could be kept and thermally arranged. This PS-homopolymer addition allows not only an efficient, purely thermal arrangement process of spheres but also the ability to work directly on nontreated silicon substrates. Indeed, as shown by STEM measurements, no PS brush surface treatment was necessary in our study to avoid a PDMS wetting layer at the interface with the Si substrate. Our approach was compared to a sphere-forming diblock copolymer, which needs a longer thermal annealing. Furthermore, GISAXS measurements provided complete information on PDMS sphere features. Excellent long-range order spherical microdomains were therefore produced on flat surfaces and inside graphoepitaxy trenches with a period of 21 nm, as were in-plane spheres with a diameter of 8 nm with a 15 min thermal annealing. Finally, direct plasma-etching transfer into the silicon substrate was demonstrated, and 20 nm high silicon nanopillars were obtained, which are very promising results for various nanopatterning applications.

  20. Pyrolysis of polystyrene waste in the presence of activated carbon in conventional and microwave heating using modified thermocouple.

    PubMed

    Prathiba, R; Shruthi, M; Miranda, Lima Rose

    2018-06-01

    Pyrolysis process was experimented using two types of heating source, namely conventional and microwave. Polystyrene (PS) plastic waste was used as feedstock in a batch reactor for both the conventional (slow pyrolysis) and microwave pyrolysis. The effect of activated carbon to polystyrene ratio on (i) yield of oil, gas and residues (ii) reaction temperature (iii) reaction time were studied. Quality of oil from pyrolysis of polystyrene were assessed for the possible applicability in fuel production. Microwave power of 450 W and polymer to activated carbon ratio of 10:1, resulted in the highest oil yield of 93.04 wt.% with a higher heating value of 45 MJ kg -1 and a kinematic viscosity of 2.7 cSt. Microwave heating when compared to conventional heating method, exhibits a reaction temperature and time of 330 °C in 5.5 min, whereas in conventional heating system it was 418 °C in 60 min. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of liquid oil from microwave pyrolysis predominantly yields alkenes of 8.44 wt.%, α-methyl styrene 0.96 wt.%, condensed ring aromatics 23.21 wt.% and benzene derivatives 26.77 wt.% when the polystyrene to activated carbon ratio was 10:1. Significant factor of using microwave heating is the amount of energy converted (kWh) is lesser than conventional heating. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  1. Unique surface adsorption behaviors of serum proteins on chemically uniform and alternating surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Sheng

    With increasing interests of studying proteins adsorption on the surfaces with nanoscale features in biomedical field, it is crucial to have fundamental understandings on how the proteins are adsorbed on such a surface and what factors contribute to the driving forces of adsorption. Besides, exploring more available nanoscale templates would greatly offer more possibilities one could design surface bio-detection methods with favorable protein-surface interactions. Thus, to fulfill the purpose, the work in this dissertation has been made into three major sections. First, to probe the intermediate states which possibly exist between stable and unstable phases described in mean-field theory diagram, a solvent vapor annealing method is chosen to slowly induce the copolymer polystyrene-block-polyvinylpyridine (PS-b-PVP)'s both blocks undergoing micro-phase separations from initial spherical nanodomains into terminal cylindrical nanodomains. During this process, real time atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been conducted to capture other six intermediate states with different morphologies on the polymeric film surfaces. Secondly, upon recognizing each intermediate state, the solution of immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) proteins has been deposited on the surface and been rinsed off with buffer solution before the protein-bounded surface is imaged by AFM. It has been found IgG showing a strong adsorption preference on PS over P4VP block. Among all the six intermediate states, the proteins are almost exclusively adsorbed on PS nanodomains regardless the concentration and deposition time. Thirdly, a trinodular shape protein fibrinogen (Fg) is selected for investigating how geometry and surface charge of proteins would interplay with cylindrical nanodomains on a surface developed from Polystyrene -block-Poly-(methyl methacrylate) PS-b-PMMA. Also, Fg adsorptions on chemically homogeneous surfaces are included here to have a better contrast of showing how much difference it can make by using it on a nanoscale surface. Interestingly, higher concentration of protein solution promotes the occurrences of single phase packed Fg on the PS domain. The densely packed network has formed where each Fg keeps its main body in PS domain and leaves its two alpha C chains on nearby PMMA domain. We believe this conformation and orientation would maximize both the hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between Fg and the underlying surface.

  2. Detection of creatinine enriched on a surface imprinted polystyrene film using FT-ATR-IR.

    PubMed

    Sreenivasan, K

    2006-01-01

    The surface of polystyrene (PS) was chemically modified by coating a thin layer of polyaniline (PANI) by oxidizing aniline using ammonium persulfate. Affinity sites for creatinine, a clinically relevant molecule, were created in the coated layer by adding creatinine as print molecules during the oxidation. The imprinted layer adsorbed creatinine was compared to non-imprinted surface reflecting the creation of creatinine-specific sites on the surface. The equilibrium was attained rapidly, indicating that a material of this kind is suitable for sensing applications. The adsorbed creatinine on the surface was detected using the technique of Fourier transform attenuated total internal reflection infra red spectroscopy (FT-ATR-IR). The results show that molecularly imprinted surface can enrich molecules of interest and the enriched molecules can be detected using FT-IR.

  3. Pyrolysis of virgin and waste polypropylene and its mixtures with waste polyethylene and polystyrene.

    PubMed

    Kiran Ciliz, Nilgun; Ekinci, Ekrem; Snape, Colin E

    2004-01-01

    A comparison of waste and virgin polypropylene (PP) plastics under slow pyrolysis conditions is presented. Moreover, mixtures of waste PP with wastes of polyethylene (PE) and polystyrene (PS) were pyrolyzed under the same operating conditions. Not only the impact of waste on degradation products but also impacts of the variations in the mixing ratio were investigated. The thermogravimetric weight loss curves and their derivatives of virgin and waste PP showed differences due to the impurities which are dirt and food residues. The liquid yield distribution concerning the aliphatic, mono-aromatic and poly-aromatic compounds varies as the ratio of PP waste increases in the waste plastic mixtures. In addition to this, the alkene/alkane ratio of gas products shows variations depending on the mixing ratio of wastes.

  4. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) inhibits agglomeration and macrophage uptake of toxic amine modified nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    McKenzie, Zofi; Kendall, Michaela; Mackay, Rose-Marie; Whitwell, Harry; Elgy, Christine; Ding, Ping; Mahajan, Sumeet; Morgan, Cliff; Griffiths, Mark; Clark, Howard; Madsen, Jens

    2015-01-01

    The lung provides the main route for nanomaterial exposure. Surfactant protein A (SP-A) is an important respiratory innate immune molecule with the ability to bind or opsonise pathogens to enhance phagocytic removal from the airways. We hypothesised that SP-A, like surfactant protein D, may interact with inhaled nanoparticulates, and that this interaction will be affected by nanoparticle (NP) surface characteristics. In this study, we characterise the interaction of SP-A with unmodified (U-PS) and amine-modified (A-PS) polystyrene particles of varying size and zeta potential using dynamic light scatter analysis. SP-A associated with both 100 nm U-PS and A-PS in a calcium-independent manner. SP-A induced significant calcium-dependent agglomeration of 100 nm U-PS NPs but resulted in calcium-independent inhibition of A-PS self agglomeration. SP-A enhanced uptake of 100 nm U-PS into macrophage-like RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner but in contrast inhibited A-PS uptake. Reduced association of A-PS particles in RAW264.7 cells following pre-incubation of SP-A was also observed with coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy. Consistent with these findings, alveolar macrophages (AMs) from SP-A(-/-) mice were more efficient at uptake of 100 nm A-PS compared with wild type C57Bl/6 macrophages. No difference in uptake was observed with 500 nm U-PS or A-PS particles. Pre-incubation with SP-A resulted in a significant decrease in uptake of 100 nm A-PS in macrophages isolated from both groups of mice. In contrast, increased uptake by AMs of U-PS was observed after pre-incubation with SP-A. Thus we have demonstrated that SP-A promotes uptake of non-toxic U-PS particles but inhibits the clearance of potentially toxic A-PS particles by blocking uptake into macrophages.

  5. Interfaces of electrical contacts in organic semiconductor devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Demirkan, Korhan

    Progress in organic semiconductor devices relies on better understanding of interfaces as well as material development. The engineering of interfaces that exhibit low resistance, low operating voltage and long-term stability to minimize device degradation is one of the crucial requirements. Photoelectron spectroscopy is a powerful technique to study the metal-semiconductor interfaces, allowing: (i) elucidation of the energy levels of the semiconductor and the contacts that determine Schottky barrier height, (ii) inspection of electrical interactions (such as charge transfer, dipole formation, formation of induced density of states or formation of polaron/bi-polaron states) that effect the energy level alignment, (iii) determination of interfacial chemistry, and (iv) estimation of interface morphology. In this thesis, we have used photoelectron spectroscopy extensively for detailed analysis of the metal organic semiconductor interfaces. In this study, we demonstrate the use of photoelectron spectroscopy for construction of energy level diagrams and display some results related to chemical tailoring of materials for engineering interfaces with lowered Schottky barriers. Following our work on the energy level alignment of poly(p-phenyene vinylene) based organic semiconductors on various substrates [Au, indium tin oxide, Si (with native oxide) and Al (with native oxide)], we tested controlling the energy level alignment by using polar self assembled molecules (SAMs). Photoelectron spectroscopy showed that, by introducing SAMs on the Au surface, we successfully changed the effective work function of Au surface. We found that in this case, the change in the effective work function of the metal surface was not reflected as a shift in the energy levels of the organic semiconductor, as opposed to the results achieved with different substrate materials. To investigate the chemical interactions at the metal/organic interface, we studied the metallization of poly(2-methoxy-5,2'-ethyl-hexyloxy-phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV), polystyrene (PS) and ozone treated polystyrene (PS-O3) surfaces by thermal deposition of aluminum. Photoelectron spectroscopy showed the degree of chemical interaction between Al and each polymer, for MEH-PPV, the chemical interactions were mainly through the C-O present in the side chain of the polymer structure. The chemical interaction of Al with polystyrene was less significant, but it showed a dramatic increase after ozone treatment of the polystyrene surface (due to the formation of exposed oxygen sites). Formation of metal oxide and metal-organic compound is detected during the Al metallization of MEH-PPV and ozone-treated PS surfaces. Our results showed that the condensation of Al on polymer surfaces is highly dependent on surface reactivity. Enormous differences were observed for the condensation coefficient of Al on PS and PS-O3 surfaces. For the inert PS surface, results showed that Al atoms poorly wet the polymer surface and form distributed clusters at the surface. Results on reactive polymer surfaces suggest morphology reminiscent of a Stranski-Krastanov-type growth and high contact area. Many studies have shown that the insertion of a thin interlayer of the oxide or fluoride of alkali or alkaline metals between the low work function electrode and the organic semiconductor layers dramatically lowers the onset voltage and increases the efficiency compared to identical devices without the insulating layer. Various modes have been suggested for the mechanism of device performance enhancement. We have investigated the chemical and electrical interaction of (i) LiF with MEH-PPV, (ii) Al with MEH-PPV in the presence of a thin LiF layer at the interface, and finally (iii) the interaction of Al with LiF. AFM and XPS data showed that LiF forms island on the surface. Our data in agreement with various existing models suggested the (i) alteration in the electronic properties under applied bias, (ii) doping of the organic semiconductor, (iii) formation of metal alloy (Au-Li). In addition to the possible electrical modifications at the interface suggested previously, our data also suggest a change in the film growth on LiF modified surfaces.

  6. Immunological evaluation of polystyrene and poly(ether imide) cell culture inserts with different roughness.

    PubMed

    Roch, Toralf; Krüger, Anne; Kratz, Karl; Ma, Nan; Jung, Friedrich; Lendlein, Andreas

    2012-01-01

    For the successful clinical and biological application of polymers, their interaction with cells, tissues, and body fluids has to be well characterized. In order to investigate how the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of candidate biomaterials influence cell behaviours, the testing sample is usually placed in commercially available cell culture plates. Thus, not only the testing sample itself but also the culture dish material might influence the cell behaviour. Therefore, an insert system was created to exclude this influence and allow investigations of the testing material solely. In this study micropatterned inserts prepared from polystyrene (PS) as well as from poly(ether imide) (PEI) with three different roughness levels of i) Rq = 0.29 μm (PS) and 0.23 μm (PEI); ii) Rq = 3.47 μm (PS) and 3.92 μm (PEI); and iii) Rq = 22.16 μm [corrected] (PS) and 22.65 μm (PEI) were explored with regard of their immuno-compatibility including the determination of potential contaminations with endotoxins or other microbial products. The endotoxin levels of the inserts were determined to be less than 0.07 EU/mL, which is well below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limit of 0.5 EU/mL and the survival of murine macrophages cultured in the inserts was not impaired. Activation of early immune mechanisms such as complement activation and the generation of reactive oxygen species could not be observed. All tested materials had no influence on the cytokine secretion from cells of whole human blood. The investigated inserts were immuno-compatible and apparently free of contaminations with microbial products. The roughness of the inserts had no stimulatory or inhibitory effect on early immune mechanisms. Conclusively, the 24-well plate insert systems introduced in this study allow investigating the interactions of tailored surface properties such as roughness with many other cell types, without the disadvantage of the standard commercially available culture vessels influencing the biomaterial testing.

  7. Unexpected behavior of ultra-thin films of blends of polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) studied by specific heat spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Madkour, Sherif; Szymoniak, Paulina; Schick, Christoph; Schönhals, Andreas

    2017-05-01

    Specific heat spectroscopy (SHS) employing AC nanochip calorimetry was used to investigate the glassy dynamics of ultra-thin films (thicknesses: 10 nm-340 nm) of a polymer blend, which is miscible in the bulk. In detail, a Poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME)/Polystyrene (PS) blend with the composition of 25/75 wt. % was studied. The film thickness was controlled by ellipsometry while the film topography was checked by atomic force microscopy. The results are discussed in the framework of the balance between an adsorbed and a free surface layer on the glassy dynamics. By a self-assembling process, a layer with a reduced mobility is irreversibly adsorbed at the polymer/substrate interface. This layer is discussed employing two different scenarios. In the first approach, it is assumed that a PS-rich layer is adsorbed at the substrate. Whereas in the second approach, a PVME-rich layer is suggested to be formed at the SiO2 substrate. Further, due to the lower surface tension of PVME, with respect to air, a nanometer thick PVME-rich surface layer, with higher molecular mobility, is formed at the polymer/air interface. By measuring the glassy dynamics of the thin films of PVME/PS in dependence on the film thickness, it was shown that down to 30 nm thicknesses, the dynamic Tg of the whole film was strongly influenced by the adsorbed layer yielding a systematic increase in the dynamic Tg with decreasing the film thickness. However, at a thickness of ca. 30 nm, the influence of the mobile surface layer becomes more pronounced. This results in a systematic decrease in Tg with the further decrease of the film thickness, below 30 nm. These results were discussed with respect to thin films of PVME/PS blend with a composition of 50/50 wt. % as well as literature results.

  8. Suitability of polystyrene as a functional barrier layer in coloured food contact materials.

    PubMed

    Genualdi, Susan; Addo Ntim, Susana; Begley, Timothy

    2015-01-01

    Functional barriers in food contact materials (FCMs) are used to prevent or reduce migration from inner layers in multilayer structures to food. The effectiveness of functional barrier layers was investigated in coloured polystyrene (PS) bowls due to their intended condition of use with hot liquids such as soups or stew. Migration experiments were performed over a 10-day period using USFDA-recommended food simulants (10% ethanol, 50% ethanol, corn oil and Miglyol) along with several other food oils. At the end of the 10 days, solvent dyes had migrated from the PS bowls at 12, 1 and 31,000 ng cm(-)(2) into coconut oil, palm kernel oil and Miglyol respectively, and in coconut oil and Miglyol the colour change was visible to the human eye. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images revealed that the functional barrier was no longer intact for the bowls exposed to coconut oil, palm kernel oil, Miglyol, 10% ethanol, 50% ethanol and goat's milk. Additional tests showed that 1-dodecanol, a lauryl alcohol derived from palm kernel oil and coconut oil, was present in the PS bowls at an average concentration of 11 mg kg(-1). This compound is likely to have been used as a dispersing agent for the solvent dye and aided the migration of the solvent dye from the PS bowl into the food simulant. The solvent dye was not found in the 10% ethanol, 50% ethanol and goat's milk food simulants above their respective limits of detection, which is likely to be due to its insolubility in aqueous solutions. A disrupted barrier layer is of concern because if there are unregulated materials in the inner layers of the laminate, they may migrate to food, and therefore be considered unapproved food additives resulting in the food being deemed adulterated under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.

  9. Silica-Coated Core-Shell Structured Polystyrene Nanospheres and Their Size-Dependent Mechanical Properties.

    PubMed

    Cao, Xu; Pan, Guoshun; Huang, Peng; Guo, Dan; Xie, Guoxin

    2017-08-22

    The core-shell structured PS/SiO 2 composite nanospheres were synthesized on the basis of a modified Stöber method. The mechanical properties of monodisperse nanospheres were characterized with nanoindentation on the basis of the atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface morphologies of PS/SiO 2 composite nanospheres was scanned with the tapping mode of AFM, and the force-distance curves were measured with the contact mode of AFM. Different contact models were compared for the analyses of experimental data. The elastic moduli of PS/SiO 2 composite nanosphere (4-40 GPa) and PS nanosphere (∼3.4 GPa) were obtained with the Hertz and Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) models, respectively, and the JKR model was proven to be more appropriate for calculating the elastic modulus of PS/SiO 2 nanospheres. The elastic modulus of SiO 2 shell gradually approached a constant value (∼46 GPa) with the increase of SiO 2 shell thickness. A core-shell model was proposed for describing the relationship between PS/SiO 2 composite nanosphere's elastic modulus and shell thickness. The mechanical properties of the composite nanospheres were reasonably explained on the basis of the growth mechanism of PS/SiO 2 composite nanospheres, in particular the SiO 2 shell's formation process. Available research data of PS/SiO 2 composite nanospheres in this work can provide valuable guidance for their effective application in surface engineering, micro/nanomanufacturing, lubrication, and so on.

  10. Micro particle launcher/cleaner based on optical trapping technology.

    PubMed

    Liu, Zhihai; Liang, Peibo; Zhang, Yu; Zhang, Yaxun; Zhao, Enming; Yang, Jun; Yuan, Libo

    2015-04-06

    Efficient and controllable launching function of an optical tweezers is a challenging task. We present and demonstrate a novel single fiber optical tweezers which can trap and launch (clean) a target polystyrene (PS) microsphere (diameter~10μm) with independent control by using two wavelengths beams: 980nm and 1480nm. We employ 980nm laser beam to trap the target PS microsphere by molding the fiber tip into a special tapered-shape; and we employ 1480nm laser beam to launch the trapped PS microsphere with a certain velocity by using the thermophoresis force generated from the thermal effect due to the high absorption of the 1480nm laser beams in water. When the launching force is smaller than the trapping force, the PS microsphere will be trapped near the fiber tip, and the launching force will blow away other PS microspheres in the workspace realizing the cleaning function; When the launching force is larger than the trapping force, the trapped PS microsphere will be launched away from the fiber tip with a certain velocity and towards a certain direction, realizing the launching function. The launching velocity, acceleration and the distance can be measured by detecting the interference signals generated from the PS microsphere surface and the fiber tip end-face. This PS microsphere launching and cleaning functions expanded new features of single fiber optical tweezers, providing for the possibility of more practical applications in the micro manipulation research fields.

  11. Assembly of acid-functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes at oil/water interfaces.

    PubMed

    Feng, Tao; Hoagland, David A; Russell, Thomas P

    2014-02-04

    The efficient segregation of water-soluble, acid-functionalized, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) at the oil/water interface was induced by dissolving low-molecular-weight amine-terminated polystyrene (PS-NH2) in the oil phase. Salt-bridge interactions between carboxylic acid groups of SWCNTs and amine groups of PS drove the assembly of SWCNTs at the interface, monitored by pendant drop tensiometry and laser scanning confocal microscopy. The impact of PS end-group functionality, PS and SWCNT concentrations, and the degree of SWCNT acid modification on the interfacial activity was assessed, and a sharp drop in interfacial tension was observed above a critical SWCNT concentration. Interfacial tensions were low enough to support stable oil/water emulsions. Further experiments, including potentiometric titrations and the replacement of SWCNTs by other carboxyl-containing species, demonstrated that the interfacial tension drop reflects the loss of SWCNT charge as the pH falls near/below the intrinsic carboxyl dissociation constant; species lacking multivalent carboxylic acid groups are inactive. The trapped SWCNTs appear to be neither ordered nor oriented.

  12. Controllable Fabrication of Non-Close-Packed Colloidal Nanoparticle Arrays by Ion Beam Etching

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Jie; Zhang, Mingling; Lan, Xu; Weng, Xiaokang; Shu, Qijiang; Wang, Rongfei; Qiu, Feng; Wang, Chong; Yang, Yu

    2018-06-01

    Polystyrene (PS) nanoparticle films with non-close-packed arrays were prepared by using ion beam etching technology. The effects of etching time, beam current, and voltage on the size reduction of PS particles were well investigated. A slow etching rate, about 9.2 nm/min, is obtained for the nanospheres with the diameter of 100 nm. The rate does not maintain constant with increasing the etching time. This may result from the thermal energy accumulated gradually in a long-time bombardment of ion beam. The etching rate increases nonlinearly with the increase of beam current, while it increases firstly then reach its saturation with the increase of beam voltage. The diameter of PS nanoparticles can be controlled in the range from 34 to 88 nm. Based on the non-close-packed arrays of PS nanoparticles, the ordered silicon (Si) nanopillars with their average diameter of 54 nm are fabricated by employing metal-assisted chemical etching technique. Our results pave an effective way to fabricate the ordered nanostructures with the size less than 100 nm.

  13. Mechanics of an Asymmetric Hard-Soft Lamellar Nanomaterial

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Shi, Weichao; Fredrickson, Glenn H.; Kramer, Edward J.

    2016-03-24

    Nanolayered lamellae are common structures in nanoscience and nanotechnology, but most are nearly symmetric in layer thickness. Here, we report on the structure and mechanics of highly asymmetric and thermodynamically stable soft–hard lamellar structures self-assembled from optimally designed PS 1-(PI-b-PS 2) 3 miktoarm star block copolymers. The remarkable mechanical properties of these strong and ductile PS (polystyrene)-based nanomaterials can be tuned over a broad range by varying the hard layer thickness while maintaining the soft layer thickness constant at 13 nm. Upon deformation, thin PS lamellae (<100 nm) exhibited kinks and predamaged/damaged grains, as well as cavitation in the softmore » layers. In contrast, deformation of thick lamellae (>100 nm) manifests cavitation in both soft and hard nanolayers. In situ tensile-SAXS experiments revealed the evolution of cavities during deformation and confirmed that the damage in such systems reflects both plastic deformation by shear and residual cavities. The aspects of the mechanics should point to universal deformation behavior in broader classes of asymmetric hard–soft lamellar materials, whose properties are just being revealed for versatile applications.« less

  14. Thickness Dependence of Failure in Ultra-thin Glassy Polymer Films

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bay, Reed; Shimomura, Shinichiro; Liu, Yujie; Ilton, Mark; Crosby, Alfred

    The physical properties of polymer thin films change as the polymer chains become confined. Similar changes in mechanical properties have been observed, though these critical properties have only been explored a limited extent and with indirect methods. Here, we use a recently developed method to measure the complete uniaxial stress strain relationship of polymer thin films of polystyrene films (PS, Mw =130kg/mol, 490kg/mol, and 853kg/mol) as a function of thickness (20 nm-220nm). In this method, we hold a `dog-bone' shaped film on water between a flexible cantilever and a movable rigid boundary, measuring force-displacement from the cantilever deflection. From our measurements, we find that the modulus decreases as the PS chains become confined. The PS thin films exhibit ``ideal perfectly plastic'' behavior due to crazing, which differs from the typical brittle response of bulk PS. The draw stress due to crazing decreases with film thickness. These results provide new fundamental insight into how polymer behavior is altered due to structural changes in the entangled polymer network upon confinement. NSF DMR 1608614.

  15. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) formation from the pyrolysis of different municipal solid waste fractions.

    PubMed

    Zhou, Hui; Wu, Chunfei; Onwudili, Jude A; Meng, Aihong; Zhang, Yanguo; Williams, Paul T

    2015-02-01

    The formation of 2-4 ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from the pyrolysis of nine different municipal solid waste fractions (xylan, cellulose, lignin, pectin, starch, polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)) were investigated in a fixed bed furnace at 800 °C. The mass distribution of pyrolysis was also reported. The results showed that PS generated the most total PAH, followed by PVC, PET, and lignin. More PAH were detected from the pyrolysis of plastics than the pyrolysis of biomass. In the biomass group, lignin generated more PAH than others. Naphthalene was the most abundant PAH, and the amount of 1-methynaphthalene and 2-methynaphthalene was also notable. Phenanthrene and fluorene were the most abundant 3-ring PAH, while benzo[a]anthracene and chrysene were notable in the tar of PS, PVC, and PET. 2-ring PAH dominated all tar samples, and varied from 40 wt.% to 70 wt.%. For PS, PET and lignin, PAH may be generated directly from the aromatic structure of the feedstock. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. An SFG study of interfacial amino acids at the hydrophilic SiO2 and hydrophobic deuterated polystyrene surfaces.

    PubMed

    Holinga, George J; York, Roger L; Onorato, Robert M; Thompson, Christopher M; Webb, Nic E; Yoon, Alfred P; Somorjai, Gabor A

    2011-04-27

    Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy was employed to characterize the interfacial structure of eight individual amino acids--L-phenylalanine, L-leucine, glycine, L-lysine, L-arginine, L-cysteine, L-alanine, and L-proline--in aqueous solution adsorbed at model hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. Specifically, SFG vibrational spectra were obtained for the amino acids at the solid-liquid interface between both hydrophobic d(8)-polystyrene (d(8)-PS) and SiO(2) model surfaces and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4. At the hydrophobic d(8)-PS surface, seven of the amino acids solutions investigated showed clear and identifiable C-H vibrational modes, with the exception being l-alanine. In the SFG spectra obtained at the hydrophilic SiO(2) surface, no C-H vibrational modes were observed from any of the amino acids studied. However, it was confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance that amino acids do adsorb to the SiO(2) interface, and the amino acid solutions were found to have a detectable and widely varying influence on the magnitude of SFG signal from water at the SiO(2)/PBS interface. This study provides the first known SFG spectra of several individual amino acids in aqueous solution at the solid-liquid interface and under physiological conditions.

  17. Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of tumor cells based on multiple layer CdS quantum dots-functionalized polystyrene microspheres and graphene oxide - polyaniline composite.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jidong; Wang, Xiaoyu; Tang, Hengshan; Gao, Zehua; He, Shengquan; Li, Jian; Han, Shumin

    2018-02-15

    In this work, a novel ultrasensitive electrochemical biosensor was developed for the detection of K562 cell by a signal amplification strategy based on multiple layer CdS QDs functionalized polystyrene microspheres(PS) as bioprobe and graphene oxide(GO) -polyaniline(PANI) composite as modified materials of capture electrode. Due to electrostatic force of different charge, CdS QDs were decorated on the surface of PS by PDDA (poly(diallyldimethyl-ammonium chloride)) through a layer-by-layer(LBL) assemble technology, in which the structure of multiple layer CdS QDs increased the detection signal intensity. Moreover, GO-PANI composite not only enhanced the electron transfer rate, but also increased tumor cells load ratio. The resulting electrochemical biosensor was used to detect K562 cells with a lower detection limit of 3 cellsmL -1 (S/N = 3) and a wider linear range from 10 to 1.0 × 10 7 cellsmL -1 . This sensor was also used for mannosyl groups on HeLa cells and Hct116 cells, which showed high specificity and sensitivity. This signal amplification strategy would provide a novel approach for detection, diagnosis and treatment for tumor cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Understanding How the Presence of Uniform Electric Fields Can Shift the Miscibility of Polystyrene/Poly(vinyl methyl ether) Blends

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kriisa, Annika; Roth, Connie B.

    2015-03-01

    Techniques which can externally control and manipulate the phase behavior of polymeric systems, without altering chemistry on a molecular level, have great practical benefits. One such possible mechanism is the use of electric fields, shown to cause interfacial instabilities, orientation of morphologies, and phase transitions in polymer blends and block copolymers. We have recently demonstrated that the presence of uniform electric fields can also strongly enhance the miscibility of polystyrene (PS) / poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) blends [J. Chem. Phys. 2014, 141, 134908]. Using fluorescence to measure the phase separation temperature Ts of PS/PVME blends with and without electric fields, we show that Ts can be reproducibly and reversibly increased by 13.5 +/- 1.4 K for electric fields of 17 kV/mm for this lower critical solution temperature (LCST) blend. This increase in blend miscibility with electric fields represents some of the largest absolute shifts in Ts ever recorded, well outside of experimental error. The best theoretical prediction for the expected shift in Ts with electric field for this system is still two orders of magnitude smaller than that observed experimentally. We discuss the limitations of this theoretical prediction and consider possible factors affecting miscibility that may need to be also included.

  19. Monitoring of styrene oligomers as indicators of polystyrene plastic pollution in the North-West Pacific Ocean.

    PubMed

    Kwon, Bum Gun; Amamiya, Keiji; Sato, Hideto; Chung, Seon-Yong; Kodera, Yoichi; Kim, Seung-Kyu; Lee, Eung Jae; Saido, Katsuhiko

    2017-08-01

    Styrene oligomers (SOs) as global contaminants are an environmental concern. However, little is known on the distribution of SOs in the ocean. Here, we show the distribution of anthropogenic SOs generated from discarded polystyrene (PS) plastic monitored from the coastal ocean surface waters (horizontal distribution) and deep seawaters (vertical distribution) in the North-West Pacific Ocean. SOs concentrations in surface seawater and deep seawater ranged from 0.17 to 4.26 μg L -1 (total mean: 1.48 ± 1.23 μg L -1 ) and from 0.31 to 4.31 μg L -1 (total mean: 1.32 ± 0.87 μg L -1 ), respectively. Since there is no significant difference in the mean concentrations, SOs seems to be spread across marine environment selected in this study. Nevertheless, regional SOs appears to persist to varying degrees with their broad horizontal and vertical distribution in the ocean. Each horizontal and vertical distribution of SOs differs by approximately 1.95-2.57 times, probably depending on the events of weather and global ocean circulation. These results provide the distribution pattern of SOs for assessing environmental pollution arising from PS plastic. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  20. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate)/dopamine-coated electrodes for dopamine delivery.

    PubMed

    Sui, L; Song, X J; Ren, J; Cai, W J; Ju, L H; Wang, Y; Wang, L Y; Chen, M

    2014-06-01

    Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) has a variety of chemical and biomedical applications. The application of PEDOT/PSS polymers in drug delivery has attracted attention. However, whether conducting polymers of PEDOT/PSS could be used for dopamine delivery has not clear. In the present study, the PEDOT/PSS coatings incorporated with dopamine were fabricated on 0.5 mm diameter platinum electrodes, electrochemical properties, and dopamine delivery capacities of these electrodes were evaluated in vitro and in vivo through implanting these electrodes into brain striatum area. The findings demonstrated that the PEDOT/PSS/dopamine coatings on platinum electrodes could reduce electrodes impedances, increase charge storage capacities, and release significant levels of dopamine upon electrical stimulation of these electrodes. These results indicated that polymers of PEDOT/PSS/dopamine could be used for dopamine delivery, implicating potential application of PEDOT/PSS/dopamine-coated implantable electrodes in the treatment of some diseases associated with dopamine deficits, such as, electrodes for the treatment of Parkinson's disease during deep brain stimulation. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  1. Structure and Dynamics of Ionic Block Copolymer Melts: Computational Study

    DOE PAGES

    Aryal, Dipak; Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora; ...

    2017-09-06

    Structure and dynamics of melts of copolymers with an ABCBA topology, where C is an ionizable block, have been studied by fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Introducing an ionizable block for functionality adds a significant element to the coupled set of interactions that determine the structure and dynamics of the macromolecule. The polymer consists of a randomly sulfonated polystyrene C block tethered to a flexible poly(ethylene-r-propylene) bridge B and end-capped with poly(tert-butylstyrene) A. The chemical structure and topology of these polymers constitute a model for incorporation of ionic blocks within a framework that provides tactility and mechanical stability. Heremore » in this paper we resolve the structure and dynamics of a structured polymer on the nanoscale constrained by ionic clusters. We find that the melts form intertwined networks of the A and C blocks independent of the degree of sulfonation of the C block with no long-range order. The cluster cohesiveness and morphology affect both macroscopic translational motion and segmental dynamics of all the blocks.« less

  2. Structure and Dynamics of Ionic Block Copolymer Melts: Computational Study

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Aryal, Dipak; Agrawal, Anupriya; Perahia, Dvora

    Structure and dynamics of melts of copolymers with an ABCBA topology, where C is an ionizable block, have been studied by fully atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Introducing an ionizable block for functionality adds a significant element to the coupled set of interactions that determine the structure and dynamics of the macromolecule. The polymer consists of a randomly sulfonated polystyrene C block tethered to a flexible poly(ethylene-r-propylene) bridge B and end-capped with poly(tert-butylstyrene) A. The chemical structure and topology of these polymers constitute a model for incorporation of ionic blocks within a framework that provides tactility and mechanical stability. Heremore » in this paper we resolve the structure and dynamics of a structured polymer on the nanoscale constrained by ionic clusters. We find that the melts form intertwined networks of the A and C blocks independent of the degree of sulfonation of the C block with no long-range order. The cluster cohesiveness and morphology affect both macroscopic translational motion and segmental dynamics of all the blocks.« less

  3. Managing Hyperkalemia: Stepping Into a New Frontier.

    PubMed

    Pham, Antony Q; Sexton, Jessica; Wimer, Dexter; Rana, Isha; Nguyen, Timothy

    2017-10-01

    Maintaining potassium balance in the body is essential for cellular function. Even a slight increase in normal serum potassium levels (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) can interfere with metabolism, electrical action potentials, and cellular processes. Hyperkalemia is commonly seen in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in patients on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (SPS), diuretics, and hemodialysis are currently available methods for removing potassium from the body; however, these options have their limitations. Patiromer (Veltassa) and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate are 2 new therapeutic options that can potentially lead a new frontier in the management of hyperkalemia. This article will review these novel treatments.

  4. Photophysics of aggregated 9-methylthiacarbocyanine bound to polyanions

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chibisov, Alexander K.; Görner, Helmut

    2002-05-01

    The photophysical properties of 3,3 '-diethyl-9-methylthiacarbocyanine (DTC) were studied in the presence of polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polymethacrylic acid (PMA). The absorption spectra reflect a monomer/dimer equilibrium in neat aqueous solution and a shift towards bound H-aggregates, bound dimers and bound monomers on increasing the ratio of polyanion residue to dye concentrations ( r). These equilibria also determine the photodeactivation modes of DTC. The fluorescence intensity is reduced, when dimers and aggregates are present and strongly enhanced for low dye loading ( r=10 4). In contrast, the quantum yield of intersystem crossing is enhanced for bound dimers ( r=10 3).

  5. Electrostatic self-assembly of polyions on charged substrates

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Campbell, A.; Adams, W. W.; Bunning, T. J.; Visser, D.; Bliznyuk, V. N.; Tsukruk, V. V.

    1997-03-01

    The kinetics of formation of self-assembled monolayers is studied for polystyrene sulfonate(PSS) adsorbed on oppositely charged surfaces of amine terminated self-assembled monolayers(SAM) and polyallylamine(PAA). During the early stages of deposition in both cases, an inhomogeneous deposition is noted as measured by atomic force and friction force microscopy. Island formation of unperturbed PSS coils on defect sites is observed during the initial stage of deposition. Longer deposition times result in an equilibration of the polymer layers into highly flattened macromolecular chains. AFM and FFM measurements are combined with ellipsometer and X-ray reflectivity results to quantitate the layer thicknesses and roughness with time.

  6. Expansion and Differentiation of Germline-Derived Pluripotent Stem Cells on Biomaterials

    PubMed Central

    Šarić, Tomo; Denecke, Bernd; Peinkofer, Gabriel; Bovi, Manfred; Groll, Jürgen; Ko, Kinarm; Salber, Jochen; Halbach, Marcel; Schöler, Hans R.; Zenke, Martin; Neuss, Sabine

    2013-01-01

    Stem cells with broad differentiation potential, such as the recently described germline-derived pluripotent stem cells (gPS cells), are an appealing source for tissue engineering strategies. Biomaterials can inhibit, support, or induce proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Here we identified (1) polymers that maintain self-renewal and differentiation potential of gPS cells for feeder-free expansion and (2) polymers supporting the cardiomyogenic fate of gPS cells by analyzing a panel of polymers of an established biomaterial bank previously used to assess growth of diverse stem cell types. Identification of cytocompatible gPS cell/biomaterial combinations required analysis of several parameters, including morphology, viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation potential. Pluripotency of gPS cells was visualized by the endogenous Oct4-promoter-driven GFP and by Sox2 and Nanog immunofluorescence. Viability assay, proliferation assay, and flow cytometry showed that gPS cells efficiently adhere and are viable on synthetic polymers, such as Resomer® LR704 (poly(L-lactic-D,L-lactic acid), poly(tetrafluor ethylene) (PTFE), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and on gelatine-coated tissue culture polystyrene. Expansion experiments showed that Resomer LR704 is an alternative substrate for feeder-free gPS cell maintenance. Resomer LR704, PTFE, and PVDF were found to be suitable for gPS cell differentiation. Spontaneous beating in embryoid bodies cultured on Resomer LR704 occurred already on day 8 of differentiation, much earlier compared to the other surfaces. This indicates that Resomer LR704 supports spontaneous cardiomyogenic differentiation of gPS cells, which was also confirmed on molecular, protein and functional level. PMID:23234562

  7. Expansion and differentiation of germline-derived pluripotent stem cells on biomaterials.

    PubMed

    Hoss, Mareike; Šarić, Tomo; Denecke, Bernd; Peinkofer, Gabriel; Bovi, Manfred; Groll, Jürgen; Ko, Kinarm; Salber, Jochen; Halbach, Marcel; Schöler, Hans R; Zenke, Martin; Neuss, Sabine

    2013-05-01

    Stem cells with broad differentiation potential, such as the recently described germline-derived pluripotent stem cells (gPS cells), are an appealing source for tissue engineering strategies. Biomaterials can inhibit, support, or induce proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Here we identified (1) polymers that maintain self-renewal and differentiation potential of gPS cells for feeder-free expansion and (2) polymers supporting the cardiomyogenic fate of gPS cells by analyzing a panel of polymers of an established biomaterial bank previously used to assess growth of diverse stem cell types. Identification of cytocompatible gPS cell/biomaterial combinations required analysis of several parameters, including morphology, viability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation potential. Pluripotency of gPS cells was visualized by the endogenous Oct4-promoter-driven GFP and by Sox2 and Nanog immunofluorescence. Viability assay, proliferation assay, and flow cytometry showed that gPS cells efficiently adhere and are viable on synthetic polymers, such as Resomer(®) LR704 (poly(L-lactic-D,L-lactic acid), poly(tetrafluor ethylene) (PTFE), poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), and on gelatine-coated tissue culture polystyrene. Expansion experiments showed that Resomer LR704 is an alternative substrate for feeder-free gPS cell maintenance. Resomer LR704, PTFE, and PVDF were found to be suitable for gPS cell differentiation. Spontaneous beating in embryoid bodies cultured on Resomer LR704 occurred already on day 8 of differentiation, much earlier compared to the other surfaces. This indicates that Resomer LR704 supports spontaneous cardiomyogenic differentiation of gPS cells, which was also confirmed on molecular, protein and functional level.

  8. Rapid biodegradation of plastics by mealworms (larvae of Tenebrio molitor) brings hope to solve wasteplastic pollution

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, W.; Yang, S.; Brandon, A. M.; Yang, Y.; Flanagan, J. A.; Fan, H. Q.; Cai, S. Y.; Wang, Z. Y.; Din, L. Y.; Daliang, N.; Yang, J.; Ren, J.; Tao, H. C.; Phillips, D.; Ren, N. Q.; Zhou, J.; Waymouth, R.; Criddle, C. S.

    2016-12-01

    Pollution of waste plastics in soil, river, ocean, landfill and potentially groundwater has been a major environment concern for decades. They include polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE) and others. Plastic particles could penetrate into groundwater and become potential threats to our groundwater Our recent research demonstrated that mealworm (larvae of Tenebrio molitor ), which are commercially used as animal and bird food and insect protein, can biodegrade PS and convert it to CO2 up within 48% within 12-14 hrs in mealworm gut. PS degradation was performed initially via depolymerization and then degradation within the mealworm guts. Gut microbiota plays a major role in PS biodegradation because the degradation is nearly completely inhibited when mealworms were fed with antibiotics. Physical and chemical analysis as well 13C labeled tests confirmed the biodegradation and mineralization of PS. The generality of plastic eating behavior of mealworms and biodegradation has been observed by testing mealworms from 11 different sources in China and the USA. All of the mealworms tested consume PS although at different relative rates. At ambient temperature (20-24 oC), the average daily consumption rate of PS ranged from 0.01 to 0.3 mg per 100 mealworms when fed PS alone. The mealworms also consumed low density polyethylene (LDPE) foam as sole diet. When mealworms were fed PS alone, the consumption rate and total amount consumed increased slightly as a function of temperature from 20 to 30 oC. Supplementing the diet with normal food (bran) enhanced the PS consumption rate and the total PS mass consumed. Microbial community analysis indicated that the microbial structure changed significantly after the diet was switched from normal food bran to PS or PS plus bran. PS-degrading bacterial strains have isolated and characterized. Our discoveries brings hopes to prevent or solve potential microplastics threats to groundwater.

  9. Ordered CdSe nanoparticles within self-assembled block copolymer domains on surfaces.

    PubMed

    Zou, Shan; Hong, Rui; Emrick, Todd; Walker, Gilbert C

    2007-02-13

    Hierarchical, high-density, ordered patterns were fabricated on Si substrates by self-assembly of CdSe nanoparticles within approximately 20-nm-thick diblock copolymer films in a controlled manner. Surface-modified CdSe nanoparticles formed well-defined structures within microphase-separated polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) domains. Trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO)-coated CdSe nanoparticles were incorporated into PS domains and polyethylene glycol-coated CdSe nanoparticles were located primarily in the P2VP domains. Nearly close-packed CdSe nanoparticles were clearly identified within the highly ordered patterns on Si substrates by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Contact angle measurements together with SEM results indicate that TOPO-CdSe nanoparticles were partially placed at the air/copolymer interface.

  10. Responsive Block Copolymer and Gold Nanoparticle Hybrid Nanotubes.

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chang, Sehoon; Singamaneni, Srikanth; Young, Seth; Tsukruk, Vladimir

    2009-03-01

    We demonstrate the facile fabrication of responsive polymer and metal nanoparticle composite nanotube structures. The nanotubes are comprised of responsive block copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly (2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP), and gold nanoparticles. PS-b-P2VP nanotubes were fabricated using porous alumina template and in situ reduction of the gold nanoparticles in P2VP domains. Owing to the pH sensitive nature of P2VP (anionic polymer with a pKa of 3.8), the nanotubes exhibit a dramatic change in topology in response to the changes in the external pH. Furthermore, the gold nanoparticles in the responsive block exhibit a reversible aggregation, causing a reversible change in optical properties such as absorption.

  11. Conformation-related exciton localization and charge-pair formation in polythiophenes: ensemble and single-molecule study.

    PubMed

    Sugimoto, Toshikazu; Habuchi, Satoshi; Ogino, Kenji; Vacha, Martin

    2009-09-10

    We study conformation-dependent photophysical properties of polythiophene (PT) by molecular dynamics simulations and by ensemble and single-molecule optical experiments. We use a graft copolymer consisting of a polythiophene backbone and long polystyrene branches and compare its properties with those obtained on the same polythiophene derivative without the side chains. Coarse-grain molecular dynamics simulations show that in a poor solvent, the PT without the side chains (PT-R) forms a globulelike conformation in which distances between any two conjugated segments on the chain are within the Forster radius for efficient energy transfer. In the PT with the polystyrene branches (PT-PS), the polymer main PT chain retains an extended coillike conformation, even in a poor solvent, and the calculated distances between conjugated segments favor energy transfer only between a few neighboring chromophores. The theoretical predictions are confirmed by measurements of fluorescence anisotropy and fluorescence blinking of the polymers' single chains. High anisotropy ratios and two-state blinking in PT-R are due to localization of the exciton on a single conjugated segment. These signatures of exciton localization are absent in single chains of PT-PS. Electric-field-induced quenching measured as a function of concentration of PT dispersed in an inert matrix showed that in well-isolated chains of PT-PS, the exciton dissociation is an intrachain process and that aggregation of the PT-R chains causes an increase in quenching due to the onset of interchain interactions. Measurements of the field-induced quenching on single chains indicate that in PT-R, the exciton dissociation is a slower process that takes place only after the exciton is localized on one conjugated segment.

  12. Polymer Soft-Landing Isolation of Acetylene on Polystyrene and Poly(vinylpyridine): A Novel Approach to Probing Hydrogen Bonding in Polymers.

    PubMed

    Li, Yike; Samet, Cindy

    2015-09-17

    Hydrogen-bonded complexes of acetylene (Ac) with the polymers polystyrene (PS), poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP), and poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) have been characterized for the first time at 16 K in a "polymer soft-landing isolation" experiment which is being pioneered in our research laboratory. In particular, changes in vibrational modes of Ac provide ample evidence for hydrogen-bonded complexes between Ac and the phenyl groups of PS or the pyridyl groups of P4VP and P2VP. With PS, the proton on the top Ac molecule of the classic T-shaped Ac dimer interacts with the π cloud of the benzene (Bz) ring to form a C-H---π interaction, while the π cloud of the lower Ac forms a second C-H---π interaction with a proton on the Bz ring. An analogous (ring)1-(Ac)2 double interaction occurs between an Ac dimer and the pyridine (Pyr) rings on both P2VP and P4VP, yielding a C-H---N and C-H---π interaction. With P4VP and P2VP a second bridged (ring)2-(Ac)2 product is formed, with the Ac dimer forming nearly collinear C-H---N hydrogen bonds to adjacent Pyr rings. On P2VP this bridged product is the only one after extensive annealing. These complexes in which Ac acts as both proton donor and acceptor have not previously been observed in conventional matrix isolation experiments. This study is the second from our laboratory employing this method, which represents a slight modification of the traditional matrix isolation technique.

  13. Wafer Scale Fabrication of Dense and High Aspect Ratio Sub-50 nm Nanopillars from Phase Separation of Cross-Linkable Polysiloxane/Polystyrene Blend.

    PubMed

    Li, Yang; Hao, Yuli; Huang, Chunyu; Chen, Xingyao; Chen, Xinyu; Cui, Yushuang; Yuan, Changsheng; Qiu, Kai; Ge, Haixiong; Chen, Yanfeng

    2017-04-19

    We demonstrated a simple and effective approach to fabricate dense and high aspect ratio sub-50 nm pillars based on phase separation of a polymer blend composed of a cross-linkable polysiloxane and polystyrene (PS). In order to obtain the phase-separated domains with nanoscale size, a liquid prepolymer of cross-linkable polysiloxane was employed as one moiety for increasing the miscibility of the polymer blend. After phase separation via spin-coating, the dispersed domains of liquid polysiloxane with sub-50 nm size could be solidified by UV exposure. The solidified polysiloxane domains took the role of etching mask for formation of high aspect ratio nanopillars by O 2 reactive ion etching (RIE). The aspect ratio of the nanopillars could be further amplified by introduction of a polymer transfer layer underneath the polymer blend film. The effects of spin speeds, the weight ratio of the polysiloxane/PS blend, and the concentration of polysiloxane/PS blend in toluene on the characters of the nanopillars were investigated. The gold-coated nanopillar arrays exhibited a high Raman scattering enhancement factor in the range of 10 8 -10 9 with high uniformity across over the wafer scale sample. A superhydrophobic surface could be realized by coating a self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of fluoroalkyltrichlorosilane on the nanopillar arrays. Sub-50 nm silicon nanowires (SiNWs) with high aspect ratio of about 1000 were achieved by using the nanopillars as etching mask through a metal-assisted chemical etching process. They showed an ultralow reflectance of approximately 0.1% for wavelengths ranging from 200 to 800 nm.

  14. [Simultaneous determination of 33 primary aromatic amines in polystyrene and polyethylene masterbatches for foods by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

    PubMed

    Man, Zhengyin; Wang, Quanlin; Li, Hesheng; Zhang, Aizhi; Shen, Jian

    2015-03-01

    A comprehensive analytical method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 33 primary aromatic amines (PAAs) in polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene (PE) masterbatches for foods. The PS masterbatches were dissolved with dichloromethane, and methanol was added to precipitate after extraction by ultrasound extraction. Then the extract was purified by passing through a carbon graphite solid phase extraction column. The PE masterbatches were swelled and extracted with dichloromethane by ultrasound. The purified PS solution and PE extract were concentrated, and diluted to 2 mL with methanol-water (1:9, v/v), and filtered through the membranes of 0.22 µm before UPLC-MS/MS analysis. The analytes were separated on a BEH Phenyl column (100 mm x 2.1 mm, 1.7 µm), eluted by gradient with 0.07% (v/v) formic acid in methanol-water (1:9, v/v). The PAAs were detected by UPLC-MS/MS under multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode and quantified by the internal standard method. The separation conditions, fragment voltages and collision energies were optimized. The impacts of extraction times, extraction solvents and concentration methods on recoveries were studied. The limits of detection for the 33 primary aromatic amines were 6-10 µg/kg, and the limits of quantitation were 20-30 µg/kg. The mean recoveries of the two different masterbatch products at three spiked levels of 20, 100, 200 µg/kg were 61.3%-119.8%, and the relative standard deviations were 1.4%-14.8%. The experimental results indicated that the method is simple, rapid, sensitive, accurate, and can meet the related requirements for determination.

  15. Self-Cleaning Anticondensing Glass via Supersonic Spraying of Silver Nanowires, Silica, and Polystyrene Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Lee, Jong-Gun; An, Seongpil; Kim, Tae-Gun; Kim, Min-Woo; Jo, Hong-Seok; Swihart, Mark T; Yarin, Alexander L; Yoon, Sam S

    2017-10-11

    We have sequentially deposited layers of silver nanowires (AgNWs), silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) nanoparticles, and polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles on uncoated glass by a rapid low-cost supersonic spraying method to create antifrosting, anticondensation, and self-cleaning glass. The conductive silver nanowire network embedded in the coating allows electrical heating of the glass surface. Supersonic spraying is a single-step coating technique that does not require vacuum. The fabricated multifunctional glass was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal insulation and antifrosting performance were demonstrated using infrared thermal imaging. The reliability of the electrical heating function was tested through extensive cycling. This transparent multifunctional coating holds great promise for use in various smart window designs.

  16. Large scale ZnTe nanostructures on polymer micro patterns via capillary force photolithography

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Florence, S. Sasi, E-mail: sshanmugaraj@jazanu.edu.sa; Can, N.; Adam, H.

    2016-06-10

    A novel approach to prepare micro patterns ZnTe nanostructures on Si (100) substrate using thermal evaporation is proposed by capillary Force Lithography (CFL) technique on a self-assembled sacrificial Polystyrene mask. Polystyrene thin films on Si substrates are used to fabricate surface micro-relief patterns. ZnTe nanoparticles have been deposited by thermal evaporation method. The deposited ZnTe nanoparticles properties were assessed by Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). SEM studies indicated that the particles are uniform in size and shape, well dispersed and spherical in shape. This study reports the micro-arrays of ZnTe nanoparticles on a self-assembled sacrificial PS maskmore » using a capillary flow photolithography process which showed excellent, morphological properties which can be used in photovoltaic devices for anti-reflection applications.« less

  17. Colorimetric monitoring of solid-phase aldehydes using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine.

    PubMed

    Shannon, Simon K; Barany, George

    2004-01-01

    A simple and rapid method to achieve colorimetric monitoring of resin-bound aldehydes, based on ambient temperature reaction with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) in the presence of dilute acid, has been developed as an adjunct to solid-phase organic synthesis and combinatorial chemistry. By this test, the presence of aldehydes is indicated by a red to dark-orange appearance, within a minute. Alternatively, resins that are free of aldehydes or in which aldehyde functions have reacted completely retain their original color. The DNPH test was demonstrated for poly(ethylene glycol)-polystyrene (PEG-PS), aminomethyl polystyrene (AMP), cross-linked ethoxylate acrylate resin (CLEAR), and acryloylated O,O'-bis(2-aminopropyl)poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGA) supports and gave results visible to the naked eye at levels as low as 18 micromol of aldehyde per gram of resin.

  18. The One-Pot Directed Assembly of Cylinder-Forming Block Copolymer on Adjacent Chemical Patterns for Bimodal Patterning.

    PubMed

    Chang, Tzu-Hsuan; Xiong, Shisheng; Liu, Chi-Chun; Liu, Dong; Nealey, Paul F; Ma, Zhenqiang

    2017-09-01

    The direct self-assembly of cylinder-forming poly(styrene-block-methyl-methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) block copolymer is successfully assembled into two orientations, according to the underlying guiding pattern in different areas. Lying-down and perpendicular cylinders are formed, respectively, depending on the design of chemical pattern: sparse line/space pattern or hexagonal dot array. The first chemical pattern composed of prepatterned cross-linked polystyrene (XPS) line/space structure has a period (L S ) equal to twice the intercylinder period of the block copolymer (L 0 ). The PS-b-PMMA thin film on the prepared chemical template after thermal annealing forms a lying-down cylinder morphology when the width of the PS strips is less than the width of PS block in the PS-b-PMMA block copolymer. The morphology is only applicable at the discrete thickness of the PS-b-PMMA film. In addition to forming the lying-down cylinders directly on the XPS guiding pattern, the cylinder-forming block copolymer can also be assembled in a perpendicular way on the second guiding pattern (the hexagonal dot array). The block copolymer films are registered into two orientations in a single directed self-assembly process. The features of the assembled patterns are successfully transferred down to the silicon oxide substrate. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  19. Dewetting Kinetics in Polymer Grafted Nanoparticle Thin Films: Impact of Architecture and Viscosity on Thermal Stability

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Che, Justin; Jawaid, Ali; Grabowski, Christopher; Yi, Yoon-Jae; Vaia, Richard; AFRL Collaboration

    Rapid formation of ordered monolayers of polymer grafted nanoparticles (PGN) directly onto solid surfaces has spurred interest in using these materials for additive manufacturing of optical devices and energy storage. Herein, we discuss dewetting of polystyrene grafted Au nanoparticles (PS@Au) with an increased thermal (10-25oC) and energetic (5-15 mN/m) stability relative to linear polymer films of comparable thickness. Analogous to star macromolecules, the enhanced stability is related to the conformations of chains in the grafted canopy. Mechanistically, dewetting of PS@Au is similar to linear PS, however, the thickness transition from spinodal to heterogeneous nucleation is at least 5-6x larger. Time resolved optical microscopy during dewetting at 160oC revealed that the zero shear viscosity for linear PS scaled as η0 Mn3. 3 , consistent with reptation of entangled polymers. In contrast, PS@Au showed η0 Mn2. 2 where Mn reflects the molecular weight of the grafted chains. Overall, PS@Au exhibited significantly slower dewetting rates, consistent with a 100x increase in viscosity relative to the linear chain analogues. Quantification of the relationship between PGN architecture (e.g. nanoparticle size, graft density, polymer molecular weight) and dewetting processes is crucial to optimize the order of these assemblies via post-processing, as well as design the PGN canopy to maximize stability for devices.

  20. Simple and Sensitive Quantification of MicroRNAs via PS@Au Microspheres-Based DNA Probes and DSN-Assisted Signal Amplification Platform.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Qian; Piao, Jiafang; Peng, Weipan; Wang, Yang; Zhang, Bo; Gong, Xiaoqun; Chang, Jin

    2018-01-31

    Identifying the microRNA (miRNA) expression level can provide critical information for early diagnosis of cancers or monitoring the cancer therapeutic efficacy. This paper focused on a kind of gold-nanoparticle-coated polystyrene microbeads (PS@Au microspheres)-based DNA probe as miRNA capture and duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) signal amplification platform based on an RGB value readout for detection of miRNAs. In virtue of the outstanding selectivity and simple experimental operation, 5'-fluorochrome-labeled molecular beacons (MBs) were immobilized on PS@Au microspheres via their 3'-thiol, in the wake of the fluorescence quenching by nanoparticle surface energy transfer (NSET). Target miRNAs were captured by the PS@Au microspheres-based DNA probe through DNA/RNA hybridization. DSN enzyme subsequently selectively cleaved the DNA to recycle the target miRNA and release of fluorophores, thereby triggering the signal amplification with more free fluorophores. The RGB value measurement enabled a detection limit of 50 fM, almost 4 orders of magnitude lower than PS@Au microspheres-based DNA probe detection without DSN. Meanwhile, by different encoding of dyes, miRNA-21 and miRNA-10b were simultaneously detected in the same sample. Considering the ability for quantitation, high sensitivity, and convenient merits, the PS@Au microspheres-based DNA probe and DSN signal amplification platform supplied valuable information for early diagnosis of cancers.

  1. Strong sorption of PCBs to nanoplastics, microplastics, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes.

    PubMed

    Velzeboer, I; Kwadijk, C J A F; Koelmans, A A

    2014-05-06

    The presence of microplastic and carbon-based nanoparticles in the environment may have implications for the fate and effects of traditional hydrophobic chemicals. Here we present parameters for the sorption of 17 CB congeners to 10-180 μm sized polyethylene (micro-PE), 70 nm polystyrene (nano-PS), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), fullerene (C60), and a natural sediment in the environmentally relevant 10(-5)-10(-1) μg L(-1) concentration range. Effects of salinity and sediment organic matter fouling were assessed by measuring the isotherms in fresh- and seawater, with and without sediment present. Sorption to the "bulk" sorbents sediment organic matter (OM) and micro-PE occurred through linear hydrophobic partitioning with OM and micro-PE having similar sorption affinity. Sorption to MWCNT and nano-PS was nonlinear. PCB sorption to MWCNT and C60 was 3-4 orders of magnitude stronger than to OM and micro-PE. Sorption to nano-PS was 1-2 orders of magnitude stronger than to micro-PE, which was attributed to the higher aromaticity and surface-volume ratio of nano-PS. Organic matter effects varied among sorbents, with the largest OM fouling effect observed for the high surface sorbents MWCNT and nano-PS. Salinity decreased sorption for sediment and MWCNT but increased sorption for the polymers nano-PS and micro-PE. The exceptionally strong sorption of (planar) PCBs to C60, MWCNT, and nano-PS may imply increased hazards upon membrane transfer of these particles.

  2. High-throughput preparation of complex multi-scale patterns from block copolymer/homopolymer blend films.

    PubMed

    Park, Hyungmin; Kim, Jae-Up; Park, Soojin

    2012-02-21

    A simple, straightforward process for fabricating multi-scale micro- and nanostructured patterns from polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) homopolymer in a preferential solvent for PS and PMMA is demonstrated. When the PS-b-P2VP/PMMA blend films were spin-coated onto a silicon wafer, PS-b-P2VP micellar arrays consisting of a PS corona and a P2VP core were formed, while the PMMA macrodomains were isolated, due to the macrophase separation caused by the incompatibility between block copolymer micelles and PMMA homopolymer during the spin-coating process. With an increase of PMMA composition, the size of PMMA macrodomains increased. Moreover, the P2VP blocks have a strong interaction with a native oxide of the surface of the silicon wafer, so that the P2VP wetting layer was first formed during spin-coating, and PS nanoclusters were observed on the PMMA macrodomains beneath. Whereas when a silicon surface was modified with a PS brush layer, the PS nanoclusters underlying PMMA domains were not formed. The multi-scale patterns prepared from copolymer micelle/homopolymer blend films are used as templates for the fabrication of gold nanoparticle arrays by incorporating the gold precursor into the P2VP chains. The combination of nanostructures prepared from block copolymer micellar arrays and macrostructures induced by incompatibility between the copolymer and the homopolymer leads to the formation of complex, multi-scale surface patterns by a simple casting process. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012

  3. Unveiling the Molecular Structure of Pulmonary Surfactant Corona on Nanoparticles.

    PubMed

    Hu, Qinglin; Bai, Xuan; Hu, Guoqing; Zuo, Yi Y

    2017-07-25

    The growing risk of human exposure to airborne nanoparticles (NPs) causes a general concern on the biosafety of nanotechnology. Inhaled NPs can deposit in the deep lung at which they interact with the pulmonary surfactant (PS). Despite the increasing study of nano-bio interactions, detailed molecular mechanisms by which inhaled NPs interact with the natural PS system remain unclear. Using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation, we studied the interaction between NPs and the PS system in the alveolar fluid. It was found that regardless of different physicochemical properties, upon contacting the PS, both silver and polystyrene NPs are immediately coated with a biomolecular corona that consists of both lipids and proteins. Structure and molecular conformation of the PS corona depend on the hydrophobicity of the pristine NPs. Quantitative analysis revealed that lipid composition of the corona formed on different NPs is relatively conserved and is similar to that of the bulk phase PS. However, relative abundance of the surfactant-associated proteins, SP-A, SP-B, and SP-C, is notably affected by the hydrophobicity of the NP. The PS corona provides the NPs with a physicochemical barrier against the environment, equalizes the hydrophobicity of the pristine NPs, and may enhance biorecognition of the NPs. These modifications in physicochemical properties may play a crucial role in affecting the biological identity of the NPs and hence alter their subsequent interactions with cells and other biological entities. Our results suggest that all studies of inhalation nanotoxicology or NP-based pulmonary drug delivery should consider the influence of the PS corona.

  4. pH-modulated self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles in a dual-droplet inkjet printing process.

    PubMed

    Al-Milaji, Karam Nashwan; Radhakrishnan, Vinod; Kamerkar, Prajakta; Zhao, Hong

    2018-06-05

    Interfacial self-assembly has been demonstrated as a powerful driving mechanism for creating various nanostructured assemblies. In this work, we employed a dual-droplet printing process and interfacial self-assembly mechanism to produce deposits with controlled assembly structures of colloidal nanoparticles. We hypothesize that pH modulation of the droplet will influence the interfacial self-assembly through the multibody interactions, e.g. particle-particle, particle-interface, and particle-substrate interactions, correspondingly affecting the deposition morphology of the colloidal nanoparticles. During the dual-droplet printing, a wetting droplet, containing colloidal nanoparticles, was jetted over a supporting droplet that contains water only. pH modulation was carried out to the supporting droplet. The self-assembly of two kinds of functionalized polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (carboxyl-PS and sulfate-PS) was systematically investigated under various pH conditions. Depending on the pH level of the supporting droplet, deposits of carboxyl-PS particles ranging from clear ring-like patterns to nearly uniform monolayer depositions have been obtained. On the other hand, the sulfate-PS particles, even at extreme basic and acidic environments, successfully assemble into nearly monolayer depositions. The multibody interactions are discussed. Such findings can be harnessed in manufacturing high-performance optical and electronic devices. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  5. Application of scanning angle Raman spectroscopy for determining the location of buried polymer interfaces with tens of nanometer precision

    DOE PAGES

    Damin, Craig A.; Nguyen, Vy H. T.; Niyibizi, Auguste S.; ...

    2015-02-11

    In this study, near-infrared scanning angle (SA) Raman spectroscopy was utilized to determine the interface location in bilayer films (a stack of two polymer layers) of polystyrene (PS) and polycarbonate (PC). Finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) calculations of the sum square electric field (SSEF) for films with total bilayer thicknesses of 1200–3600 nm were used to construct models for simultaneously measuring the film thickness and the location of the buried interface between the PS and PC layers. Samples with total thicknesses of 1320, 1890, 2300, and 2750 nm and varying PS/PC interface locations were analyzed using SA Raman spectroscopy. Comparing SA Raman spectroscopymore » and optical profilometry measurements, the average percent difference in the total bilayer thickness was 2.0% for films less than ~2300 nm thick. The average percent difference in the thickness of the PS layer, which reflects the interface location, was 2.5% when the PS layer was less than ~1800 nm. SA Raman spectroscopy has been shown to be a viable, non-destructive method capable of determining the total bilayer thickness and buried interface location for bilayer samples consisting of thin polymer films with comparable indices of refraction.« less

  6. Synthesis of porous carbon nanofiber with bamboo-like carbon nanofiber branches by one-step carbonization process

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yoo, Seung Hwa; Joh, Han-Ik; Lee, Sungho

    2017-04-01

    Porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) with CNF branches (PCNF/bCNF) were synthesized by a simple heat treatment method. Conventional methods to synthesize this unique structure usually follow a typical route, which consists of CNF preparation, catalyst deposition, and secondary CNF growth. In contrast, our method utilized a one-step carbonization process of polymer nanofibers, which were electrospun from a one-pot solution consisted of polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene (PS), and iron acetylacetonate. Various structures of PCNF/CNF were synthesized by changing the solution composition and molecular weight of PS. It was verified that the content and molecular weight of PS were critical for the growth of catalyst particles and subsequent growth of CNF branches. The morphology, phase of catalyst, and carbon structure of PCNF/bCNF were analyzed at different temperature steps during carbonization. It was found that pores were generated by the evaporation of PS and the catalyst particles were formed on the surface of PCNF at 700 °C. The gases originated from the evaporation of PS acted as a carbon source for the growth of CNF branches that started at 900 °C. Finally, when the carbonization process was finished at 1200 °C, uniform and abundant CNF branches were formed on the surface of PCNF.

  7. Optimization of exchange bias in Co/CoO magnetic nanocaps by tuning deposition parameters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sharma, A.; Tripathi, J.; Ugochukwu, K. C.; Tripathi, S.

    2017-03-01

    In the present work, we report exchange bias tuning by varying thin film deposition parameters such as synthesis method and underlying layer patterning. The patterned substrates for this study were prepared by self-assembly of polystyrene (PS) latex spheres ( 530 nm) on Si (100) substrate. The desired magnetic nanocaps composed of CoO/Co bilayer film on these patterned substrates were prepared by molecular beam epitaxy technique under ultra-high vacuum conditions. For this, a Co layer of 10 nm thickness was deposited on the substrates and then oxidized in-situ to form CoO/Co/PS in-situ oxidized film or ex-situ in ambiance which also gives CoO/Co/PS naturally oxidized film. Simultaneously, reference thin films of Co ( 10 nm) were also prepared on plane Si substrate and similar oxidation treatments were performed on them respectively. The magnetic properties studied using SQUID technique revealed higher exchange bias ( 1736 Oe) in the in-situ oxidized Co/PS film as compared to that in naturally oxidized Co/PS film ( 1544 Oe) and also compared to the reference film. The observed variations in the magnetic properties are explained in terms of surface patterning induced structural changes of the deposited films and different oxidation methods.

  8. Comparison of Adsorption/Desorption of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) on Electrospun Nanofibers with Tenax TA for Potential Application in Sampling

    PubMed Central

    Chu, Lanling; Deng, Siwei; Zhao, Renshan; Deng, Jianjun; Kang, Xuejun

    2016-01-01

    The objective of this study was to compare the adsorption/desorption of target compounds on homemade electrospun nanofibers, polystyrene (PS) nanofibers, acrylic resin (AR) nanofibers and PS-AR composite nanofibers with Tenax TA. Ten volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed by preconcentration onto different sorbents followed by desorption (thermal and solvent orderly) and analysis by capillary gas chromatography. In comparison to Tenax TA, the electrospun nanofibers displayed a significant advantage in desorption efficiency and adsorption selectivity. Stability studies were conducted as a comparative experiment between PS-AR nanofibers and Tenax TA using toluene as the model compound. No stability problems were observed upon storage of toluene on both PS-AR nanofibers and Tenax TA over 60 hours period when maintained in an ultra-freezer (−80°C). The nanofibers provided slightly better stability for the adsorbed analytes than Tenax TA under other storage conditions. In addition, the nanofibers also provided slightly better precision than Tenax TA. The quantitative adsorption of PS-AR nanofibers exhibited a good linearity, as evidenced by the 0.988–0.999 range of regression coefficients (R). These results suggest that for VOCs sampling the electrospun nanofibers can be a potential ideal adsorbent. PMID:27776140

  9. Effects of microplastic on fitness and PCB bioaccumulation by the lugworm Arenicola marina (L.).

    PubMed

    Besseling, Ellen; Wegner, Anna; Foekema, Edwin M; van den Heuvel-Greve, Martine J; Koelmans, Albert A

    2013-01-02

    It has been speculated that marine microplastics may cause negative effects on benthic marine organisms and increase bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Here, we provide the first controlled study of plastic effects on benthic organisms including transfer of POPs. The effects of polystyrene (PS) microplastic on survival, activity, and bodyweight, as well as the transfer of 19 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were assessed in bioassays with Arenicola marina (L.). PS was pre-equilibrated in natively contaminated sediment. A positive relation was observed between microplastic concentration in the sediment and both uptake of plastic particles and weight loss by A. marina. Furthermore, a reduction in feeding activity was observed at a PS dose of 7.4% dry weight. A low PS dose of 0.074% increased bioaccumulation of PCBs by a factor of 1.1-3.6, an effect that was significant for ΣPCBs and several individual congeners. At higher doses, bioaccumulation decreased compared to the low dose, which however, was only significant for PCB105. PS had statistically significant effects on the organisms' fitness and bioaccumulation, but the magnitude of the effects was not high. This may be different for sites with different plastic concentrations, or plastics with a higher affinity for POPs.

  10. A Facile Method for Preparation of Polymer Particles Having a "Cylindrical" Shape.

    PubMed

    Li, Wei; Suzuki, Toyoko; Minami, Hideto

    2018-06-16

    A facile and novel approach to prepare monodisperse polystyrene (PS) particles having a "cylindrical" shape was discovered. The proposed synthetic method involved dispersion polymerization of the spherical PS particles stirred in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) aqueous solution for several hours using a magnetic stirrer at room temperature. In the presence of PVP, the spherical PS particles deformed into cylindrical shapes following stirring; however, the particles did not deform in the absence of PVP. The deformation rate of the particles was affected by the molecular weight of the dissolved PVP. This stirring method is not only highly efficient and provides high yield, but is also applicable to other materials such as polymethyl methacrylate. Moreover, the cylindrical particles were successfully applied as particulate surfactants in a Pickering emulsion system, which exhibited excellent stability as comparison with the system using spherical particles as a surfactant. In the latter case, the emulsion was left standing for more than 4 months. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Nanopatterned carbon films with engineered morphology by direct carbonization of UV-stabilized block copolymer films.

    PubMed

    Wang, Yong; Liu, Jinquan; Christiansen, Silke; Kim, Dong Ha; Gösele, Ulrich; Steinhart, Martin

    2008-11-01

    Nanopatterned thin carbon films were prepared by direct and expeditious carbonization of the block copolymer polystyrene- block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS- b-P2VP) without the necessity of slow heating to the process temperature and of addition of further carbon precursors. Carbonaceous films having an ordered "dots-on-film" surface topology were obtained from reverse micelle monolayers. The regular nanoporous morphology of PS- b-P2VP films obtained by subjecting reverse micelle monolayers to swelling-induced surface reconstruction could likewise be transferred to carbon films thus characterized by ordered nanopit arrays. Stabilization of PS- b-P2VP by UV irradiation and the concurrent carbonization of both blocks were key to the conservation of the film topography. The approach reported here may enable the realization of a broad range of nanoscaled architectures for carbonaceous materials using a block copolymer ideally suited as a template because of the pronounced repulsion between its blocks and its capability to form highly ordered microdomain structures.

  12. Directing self-assembly of gold nanoparticles in diblock copolymer scaffold

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Qifang; He, Jinbo; Glogowski, Elizabeth; Emrick, Todd; Russell, Thomas

    2007-03-01

    A versatile hierarchical approach for directing self -assembly of gold nanostructures with size 2-3nm in diblock copolymer scaffolds is found. Diblock copolymer polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) is used to form a regular scaffold of highly anisotropic, stripe-like domains, and controlled differential wetting by dichloromethane and thermal annealing guides gold nanoparticles with half hydrophilic ligand to aggregate selectively along the scaffold, producing highly organized metal nanostructures. In as-cast block-copolymer and gold nanoparticles thin films, micelle structure and gold nanoparticles random distribution on scaffold are typically observed. However, samples annealed in dichloromethane exhibit well-defined short-range ordered nanostructure with gold nanoparticles located at the interface of PS and P2VP nanoscale domain. After annealing at 170 C, the gold nanoparticles at interface migrated into the middle of P2VP phase and exhibited long-range ordered hierarchical structures. Synergistic interactions between the gold nanoparticles and the PS-b-P2VP caused an orientation of the microdomains normal to the film surface.

  13. Synthesis of Well-defined Amphiphilic Block Copolymers by Organotellurium-Mediated Living Radical Polymerization (TERP).

    PubMed

    Kumar, Santosh; Changez, Mohammad; Murthy, C N; Yamago, Shigeru; Lee, Jae-Suk

    2011-10-04

    Low-molecular weight amphiphilic diblock copolymers, polystyrene-block-poly (2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP), and (P2VP-b-PS) with different block ratios were synthesized for the first time via organotellurium-mediated living radical polymerization (TERP). For both the homo- and block copolymerizations, good agreement between the theoretical, and experimental molecular weights was found with nearly 100% yield in every case. The molecular weight distribution for all the samples ranged between 1.10 and 1.24, which is well below the theoretical lower limit of 1.50 for a conventional free radical polymerization. Furthermore, a very simple approach to producing highly dense arrays of titania nanoparticles (TiO2 ) is presented using a site-selective reaction of titanium tetraisopropoxide within the P2VP domains of micellar film of P2VP-b-PS in toluene through the sol-gel method. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  14. Responsive micellar films of amphiphilic block copolymer micelles: control on micelle opening and closing.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zhiquan; He, Changcheng; Li, Fengbin; Tong, Ling; Liao, Xingzhi; Wang, Yong

    2010-06-01

    We reported the deliberate control on the micelle opening and closing of amphiphilic polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) micellar films by exposing them to selective solvents. We first treated the micellar films with polar solvents including ethanol and water (pH = 4, 8, and 12) that have different affinities to P2VP. We observed opening of the micelles in all the cases. Both the size of opened pores and the opening rate are dependent on the solvency of different solvents for P2VP. We then explored the closing behavior of the opened micelles using solvents having different affinities to PS. We found that the opened micelles were recovered to their initial closed micelle forms. The recovery was accompanied by a slow micelle disassociation process which gradually reduced the micelle size. The rates of the micelle closing and disassociation are also dependent on the solvency of different solvents for PS.

  15. Biological studies and electrical conductivity of paper sheet based on PANI/PS/Ag-NPs nanocomposite.

    PubMed

    Youssef, A M; Mohamed, S A; Abdel-Aziz, M S; Abdel-Aziz, M E; Turky, G; Kamel, S

    2016-08-20

    Polyaniline (PANI) with/without polystyrene (PS), was successfully manufactured in the occurrence of dispersed pulp fibers via the oxidative polymerization reaction of aniline monomer to produce conductive paper sheets containing PANI, PANI/PS composites. Additionally, sliver nitrate (Ag-NO3) was added by varied loadings to the oxidative polymerization of aniline monomer to provide sliver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) emptied into the prepared paper sheets. The prepared paper sheets were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (IR), the mechanical properties of the prepared paper sheets were evaluated. Moreover, the electrical conductivity and biological studies such as cellulases assay, Microorganism & culture condition and detection of the released of Ag-NPs were evaluated. Furthermore, the prepared paper sheets were displayed good antibacterial properties contrary to gram positive and gram negative bacteria. Consequently, the prepared paper sheet may be used as novel materials for packaging applications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Direct Immersion Annealing of Thin Block Copolymer Films.

    PubMed

    Modi, Arvind; Bhaway, Sarang M; Vogt, Bryan D; Douglas, Jack F; Al-Enizi, Abdullah; Elzatahry, Ahmed; Sharma, Ashutosh; Karim, Alamgir

    2015-10-07

    We demonstrate ordering of thin block copolymer (BCP) films via direct immersion annealing (DIA) at enhanced rate leading to stable morphologies. The BCP films are immersed in carefully selected mixtures of good and marginal solvents that can impart enhanced polymer mobility, while inhibiting film dissolution. DIA is compatible with roll-to-roll assembly manufacturing and has distinct advantages over conventional thermal annealing and batch processing solvent-vapor annealing methods. We identify three solvent composition-dependent BCP film ordering regimes in DIA for the weakly interacting polystyrene-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS-PMMA) system: rapid short-range order, optimal long-range order, and a film instability regime. Kinetic studies in the "optimal long-range order" processing regime as a function of temperature indicate a significant reduction of activation energy for BCP grain growth compared to oven annealing at conventional temperatures. An attractive feature of DIA is its robustness to ordering other BCP (e.g. PS-P2VP) and PS-PMMA systems exhibiting spherical, lamellar and cylindrical ordering.

  17. Self-Assembly of Diblock Molecular Polymer Brushes in the Spherical Confinement of Nanoemulsion Droplets.

    PubMed

    Steinhaus, Andrea; Pelras, Théophile; Chakroun, Ramzi; Gröschel, André H; Müllner, Markus

    2018-05-02

    Understanding the self-assembly behavior of polymers of various topologies is key to a reliable design of functional polymer materials. Self-assembly under confinement conditions emerges as a versatile avenue to design polymer particles with complex internal morphologies while simultaneously facilitating scale-up. However, only linear block copolymers have been studied to date, despite the increasing control over macromolecule composition and architecture available. This study extends the investigation of polymer self-assembly in confinement from regular diblock copolymers to diblock molecular polymer brushes (MPBs). Block-type MPBs with polystyrene (PS) and polylactide (PLA) compartments of different sizes are incorporated into surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water (chloroform/water) emulsions. The increasing confinement in the nanoemulsion droplets during solvent evaporation directs the MPBs to form solid nano/microparticles. Microscopy studies reveal an intricate internal particle structure, including interpenetrating networks and axially stacked lamellae of PS and PLA, depending on the PS/PLA ratio of the brushes. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  18. Facile synthesis of porous graphene as binder-free electrode for supercapacitor application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Luo, Guangsheng; Huang, Haifu; Lei, Chenglong; Cheng, Zhenzhi; Wu, Xiaoshan; Tang, Shaolong; Du, Youwei

    2016-03-01

    Here, porous grapheme oxide (GO) gel deposited on nickel foam was prepared by using polystyrene (PS) colloidal particles as spacers for use as electrodes in high rate supercapacitors, then reduced by Vitamin C aqueous solution in ambient condition. The PS particles were surrounded by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets, forming crinkles and rough textures. When PS particles were selectively removed, rGO gel coated on the skeleton of Ni foam can formed an open porous structure, which prevents elf-aggregation and restacking of graphene sheets. The porous rGO-based supercapacitors exhibit excellent electrochemical performances such as a specific capacitance of 152 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, high rate capability of 53% capacitance retention upon a current increase to 100 A g-1 and good cycle stability, due to effective rapid and short pathways for ionic and electronic transport provided by the sub-micrometer structure of rGO gel and 3D interconnected network of Ni foam.

  19. In situ GISAXS study of a Si-containing block copolymer under solvent vapor annealing: Effects of molecular weight and solvent vapor composition

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bai, W.; Yager, K. G.; Ross, C. A.

    The room-temperature solvent vapor annealing of polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) block copolymer films was studied in situ by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. Films of cylinder-forming PS-b-PDMS with molecular weight 16 kg/mol and 12.2 kg/mol, annealed under vapors of toluene:heptane with varying composition, exhibited swelling-ratio-dependent evolution of microdomain spacing and orientation. In a vapor made from a toluene:heptane 5:1 volumetric ratio liquid mixture, or from pure toluene, cylindrical microdomains reoriented from majority out-of-plane to in-plane during annealing, while drying led to shrinkage along the film normal and a large distortion of the hexagonal lattice of in-plane cylinders. As a result, annealing undermore » vapor from a toluene:heptane 1:5 volumetric ratio liquid produced a non-bulk lamellar structure in the 16 kg/mol PS-b-PDMS.« less

  20. In situ GISAXS study of a Si-containing block copolymer under solvent vapor annealing: Effects of molecular weight and solvent vapor composition

    DOE PAGES

    Bai, W.; Yager, K. G.; Ross, C. A.

    2016-08-19

    The room-temperature solvent vapor annealing of polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) block copolymer films was studied in situ by grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. Films of cylinder-forming PS-b-PDMS with molecular weight 16 kg/mol and 12.2 kg/mol, annealed under vapors of toluene:heptane with varying composition, exhibited swelling-ratio-dependent evolution of microdomain spacing and orientation. In a vapor made from a toluene:heptane 5:1 volumetric ratio liquid mixture, or from pure toluene, cylindrical microdomains reoriented from majority out-of-plane to in-plane during annealing, while drying led to shrinkage along the film normal and a large distortion of the hexagonal lattice of in-plane cylinders. As a result, annealing undermore » vapor from a toluene:heptane 1:5 volumetric ratio liquid produced a non-bulk lamellar structure in the 16 kg/mol PS-b-PDMS.« less

  1. Structural, morphological and optical properties of PEDOT:PSS/QDs nano-composite films prepared by spin-casting

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Najeeb, Mansoor Ani; Abdullah, Shahino Mah; Aziz, Fakhra; Ahmad, Zubair; Rafique, Saqib; Wageh, S.; Al-Ghamdi, Ahmed A.; Sulaiman, Khaulah; Touati, Farid; Shakoor, R. A.; Al-Thani, N. J.

    2016-09-01

    This paper describes the structural, morphological and optical properties of the nano-composite of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and quantum dots (QDs). The ZnSe and CdSe QDs have been synthesized, with the aid of Mercaptoacetic acid (MAA), by a colloidal method with an average size of 5 to 7 nm. QDs have been embedded in PEDOT:PSS using a simple solution processing approach and has been deposited as thin films by spin coating technique. The QDs embedded PEDOT:PSS enhances the light absorption spectra of samples, prominently in terms of absorption intensity which may consequently improve sensitivity of the optoelectronic devices.

  2. Stretchable Dry Electrodes with Concentric Ring Geometry for Enhancing Spatial Resolution in Electrophysiology.

    PubMed

    Wang, Kaiping; Parekh, Udit; Pailla, Tejaswy; Garudadri, Harinath; Gilja, Vikash; Ng, Tse Nga

    2017-10-01

    The multichannel concentric-ring electrodes are stencil printed on stretchable elastomers modified to improve adhesion to skin and minimize motion artifacts for electrophysiological recordings of electroencephalography, electromyography, and electrocardiography. These dry electrodes with a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate interface layer are optimized to show lower noise level than that of commercial gel disc electrodes. The concentric ring geometry enables Laplacian filtering to pinpoint the bioelectric potential source with spatial resolution determined by the ring distance. This work shows a new fabrication approach to integrate and create designs that enhance spatial resolution for high-quality electrophysiology monitoring devices. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. Antiviral Activity of Polyacrylic and Polymethacrylic Acids

    PubMed Central

    De Somer, P.; De Clercq, E.; Billiau, A.; Schonne, E.; Claesen, M.

    1968-01-01

    Polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) were investigated for their antiviral properties in tissue culture. Compared to other related polyanions, as dextran sulfate, polystyrene sulfonate, polyvinyl sulfate, and polyphloroglucinol phosphate, PAA and PMAA were found to be significantly more antivirally active and less cytotoxic. PMAA added 24 hr prior to virus inoculation inhibited viral growth most efficiently but it was still effective when added 3 hr after infection. Neither a direct irreversible action on the virus nor inhibition of virus penetration into the cell could explain the antiviral activity of PMAA. PMAA inhibited the adsorption of the virus to the host cell and suppressed the one-cycle viral synthesis in tissue cultures inoculated with infectious RNA. PMID:4302187

  4. Novel neural interface for implant electrodes: improving electroactivity of polypyrrole through MWNT incorporation.

    PubMed

    Green, R A; Williams, C M; Lovell, N H; Poole-Warren, L A

    2008-04-01

    Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) can be incorporated into conductive polymers to produce superior materials for neural interfaces with high interfacial areas, conductivity and electrochemical stability. This paper explores the addition of MWNTs to polypyrrole (PPy) through two methods, layering and codeposition. Conductivity of PPy doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), a commonly used dopant, was improved by 50% when MWNTs were layered with PPy/PSS. The film electrochemical stability was improved from 38% activity to 66% activity after 400 cycles of oxidation and reduction. Growth inhibition assays indicated that MWNTs are not growth inhibitory. The electroactive polymer-MWNT composites produced demonstrate properties that suggest they are promising candidates for biomedical electrode coatings.

  5. Determination of caffeic acid in wine using PEDOT film modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Bianchini, C; Curulli, A; Pasquali, M; Zane, D

    2014-08-01

    A novel method using PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxy) thiophene) modified electrode was developed for the determination of caffeic acid (CA) in wine. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) with the additions standard method was used to quantify the analyte at PEDOT modified electrodes. PEDOT films were electrodeposited on Platinum electrode (Pt) in aqueous medium by galvanostatic method using sodium poly(styrene-4-sulfonate) (PSS) as electrolyte and surfactant. CV allows detecting the analyte over a wide concentration range (10.0nmoll(-1)-6.5mmoll(-1)). The electrochemical method proposed showed good statistical and analytical parameters as linearity range, LOD, LOQ and sensitivity. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Observing single protein binding by optical transmission through a double nanohole aperture in a metal film

    PubMed Central

    Al Balushi, Ahmed A.; Zehtabi-Oskuie, Ana; Gordon, Reuven

    2013-01-01

    We experimentally demonstrate protein binding at the single particle level. A double nanohole (DNH) optical trap was used to hold onto a 20 nm biotin-coated polystyrene (PS) particle which subsequently is bound to streptavidin. Biotin-streptavidin binding has been detected by an increase in the optical transmission through the DNH. Similar optical transmission behavior was not observed when streptavidin binding sites where blocked by mixing streptavidin with excess biotin. Furthermore, interaction of non-functionalized PS particles with streptavidin did not induce a change in the optical transmission through the DNH. These results are promising as the DNH trap can make an excellent single molecule resolution sensor which would enable studying biomolecular interactions and dynamics at a single particle/molecule level. PMID:24049672

  7. Fabrication of an open Au/nanoporous film by water-in-oil emulsion-induced block copolymer micelles.

    PubMed

    Koh, Haeng-Deog; Kang, Nam-Goo; Lee, Jae-Suk

    2007-12-18

    Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion-induced micelles with narrow size distributions of approximately 140 nm were prepared by sonicating the polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymer in the toluene/water (50:1 vol %). The ordered nanoporous block copolymer films with the hydrophilic P2VP interior and the PS matrix were distinctly fabricated by casting the resultant solution on substrates, followed by evaporating the organic solvent and water. The porous diameter was estimated to be about 70 nm. Here, we successfully prepared the open nanoporous nanocomposites, the P2VP domain decorated by Au (5+/-0.4 nm) nanoparticles based on the methodology mentioned. We anticipate that this novelty enhances the specific function of nanoporous films.

  8. Morphological and antibacterial properties of modified paper by PS nanocomposites for packaging applications.

    PubMed

    Youssef, Ahmed M; Kamel, S; El-Samahy, M A

    2013-10-15

    With the increasing sustainability trend with packaging materials, paper and polymer nanocomposites represent a novel class of packaging materials. This study evaluates the potential achievement of alternative sustainable materials as antibacterial packaging application. Paper sheet from rice straw coated with 5 or 10% polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites using titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) doped or undoped with sliver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were prepared. The morphology of the uncoated and coated paper sheets was studied by SEM. The treated paper sheets were analyzed for their elemental composition using EDAX. The Barrier, air permeability, cob test, as well as mechanical properties and tensile strength were also evaluated. The inhibitory effect of modified paper sheets against Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida, and Staphylococcus were investigated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. Templated Sub-100-nm-Thick Double-Gyroid Structure from Si-Containing Block Copolymer Thin Films.

    PubMed

    Aissou, Karim; Mumtaz, Muhammad; Portale, Giuseppe; Brochon, Cyril; Cloutet, Eric; Fleury, Guillaume; Hadziioannou, Georges

    2017-05-01

    The directed self-assembly of diblock copolymer chains (poly(1,1-dimethyl silacyclobutane)-block-polystyrene, PDMSB-b-PS) into a thin film double gyroid structure is described. A decrease of the kinetics of a typical double-wave pattern formation is reported within the 3D-nanostructure when the film thickness on mesas is lower than the gyroid unit cell. However, optimization of the solvent-vapor annealing process results in very large grains (over 10 µm²) with specific orientation (i.e., parallel to the air substrate) and direction (i.e., along the groove direction) of the characteristic (211) plane, demonstrated by templating sub-100-nm-thick PDMSB-b-PS films. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Using cuttlefish ink as an additive to produce -non-iridescent structural colors of high color visibility.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Yafeng; Dong, Biqin; Chen, Ang; Liu, Xiaohan; Shi, Lei; Zi, Jian

    2015-08-26

    Non-iridescent structural colors of high color visibility are produced by amorphous photonic structures, in which -natural cuttlefish ink is used as an additive to break down the long-range order of the structures. The color hue and its spectral purity can be tuned by adjusting the diameter of the polystyrene (PS) spheres and the proportion of ink particles. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Magnetic Resonance of Polymers at Surfaces

    DTIC Science & Technology

    1989-08-28

    are similar in their response to solvent Znd temperature in bulk poly(vinyl acetate) ( PVAc ). 2 5 This technique has been used for comparison with bulk...polymer for the PVAc -silica and polystyrene (PS)-silica systems. 2 6 As a function of temperature, comparison of the surface labelled polymer with the...the coverage was increased, the ESR spectra of the polymer also became more bulk-like. The mobility of the PVAc on silica was also shown to depend on

  12. Confinement and the Glass Transition Temperature in Supported Polymer Films: Molecular Weight, Repeat Unit Modification, and Cooperativity Length Scale Investigations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mundra, Manish K.

    2005-03-01

    It is well known that the glass transition temperatures, Tgs, of supported polystyrene (PS) films decrease dramatically with decreasing film thickness below 60-80 nm. However, a detailed understanding of the cause of this effect is lacking. We have investigated the impact of several parameters, including polymer molecular weight (MW), repeat unit structure, and the length scale of cooperatively rearranging regions in bulk. There is no significant effect of PS MW on the Tg-confinement effect over a range of 5,000 to 3,000,000 g/mol. In contrast, the strength of the Tg reduction and the onset of the confinement effect increase dramatically upon changing the polymer from PS to poly(4-tert-butylstyrene) (PTBS), with PTBS exhibiting a Tg reduction relative to bulk at a thickness of 300-400 nm. PTBS also shows a Tg reduction relative to bulk of 47 K in a 21-nm-thick film, more than twice that observed in a PS film of identical thickness. Characterization of the length scale of cooperatively rearranging regions has been done by differential scanning calorimetry but reveals at best a limited correlation with the confinement effect.

  13. Confinement in Melts of Chains with Junction Points, but No Ends

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Foster, Mark; He, Qiming; Zhou, Yang; Zhang, Fan; Huang, Chongwen; Narayanan, Suresh

    Measurements of surface fluctuations of 4-arm star and ''8-shaped'' analogs of the same polystyrene (PS) chain show that elimination of chain ends is much more important in dictating the fragility in a thin film than is the introduction of a branch point in the molecule. Both the viscosities derived from surface fluctuations and rheological measurements for the 8-shaped PS manifest a lower value than the 4-arm star PS analog, with the discrepancy increasing as the temperature approaches the glass transition temperature, Tg , bulk. Comparison among different chain topologies shows the effect of the number of chain ends and junction point on the viscosity. The viscosity behavior of the 8-shaped PS is quite different from that of the star analog, but similar to that of the simple cycle analog. The fragility of the 8-shaped molecule in the thin film is reduced relative to that in the bulk, manifesting a nanoconfinement effect. This research used resources of the Advanced Photon Source, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility operated for the DOE Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.

  14. The Packing and Jamming of Real Polymer Chains

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xue, Gi; Teng, Chao

    2010-03-01

    Jamming make a hope to unifying theme for granular materials, glasses and threshold behavior in materials. Here we experimentally prepared a real polymer (polystyrene, PS) with various packing density which was described by inter-segment distances (r) detected by NMR. We cold-pressed PS powder at 20 ^oC (with shearing) and then released the pressure. We found that a transparent pellet with high modulus was formed. PS is usually manufactured by a hot-melting process at 180 ^oC. The rigidity and transparency of our cold-pressed pellet and its accuracy of the form are testimony that the PS powder once flowed under cold compression to take the shape of its container. This shear-induced melting is exactly what is expected within the jamming picture. By measuring r and the applied pressure σ under which the polymer chain starts to flow, we drew a schematic jamming phase diagram. The σ-r curve for a real polymer is convex at r < 0.5 nm, while it becomes concave as r is larger than 1 nm. It is the van der Waals attraction that acts as a confining pressure on segments, and makes the σ-r curve convex on the very short scales.

  15. Direct Comparison of Surface and Bulk Relaxation of PS - A Temperature Dependent Study

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Wen-Li; Sambasivan, Sharadha; Wang, Chia-Ying; Genzer, Jan; Fischer, Daniel A.

    2005-03-01

    Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy was used to measure simultaneously the relaxation rates of polystyrene (PS) molecules at the free surface and in the bulk. The samples were uniaxially oriented at room temperature via a modified cold rolling process. The density of the oriented samples as determined by liquid immersion technique is identical to that of bulk PS. At temperatures below its bulk glass transition temperature the rate of surface and bulk chain relaxation was monitored by measuring the partial-electron yield (PEY) and the fluorescence NEXAFS yields (FS), respectively, both parallel and perpendicular to the stretching direction. The decay rate of the dichroic ratios from both PEY and FY at various temperatures was taken as a measure of the relaxation rate of surface and bulk molecules respectively. In addition, the decay rate of the optical birefringence was also measured to provide an independent measure of the bulk relaxation. Relaxation of PS chains was found to occur faster on the surface relative to the bulk. The magnitude of the surface glass transition temperature suppression over the bulk was estimated to be 18 C based on the measured temperature dependence of the relaxation rates.

  16. Core-Shell Double Gyroid Structure Formed by Linear ABC Terpolymer Thin Films.

    PubMed

    Antoine, Ségolène; Aissou, Karim; Mumtaz, Muhammad; Telitel, Siham; Pécastaings, Gilles; Wirotius, Anne-Laure; Brochon, Cyril; Cloutet, Eric; Fleury, Guillaume; Hadziioannou, Georges

    2018-05-01

    The synthesis and self-assembly in thin-film configuration of linear ABC triblock terpolymer chains consisting of polystyrene (PS), poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP), and polyisoprene (PI) are described. For that purpose, a hydroxyl-terminated PS-b-P2VP (45 kg mol -1 ) building block and a carboxyl-terminated PI (9 kg mol -1 ) are first separately prepared by anionic polymerization, and then are coupled via a Steglich esterification reaction. This quantitative and metal-free catalyst synthesis route reveals to be very interesting since functionalization and purification steps are straightforward, and well-defined terpolymers are produced. A solvent vapor annealing (SVA) process is used to promote the self-assembly of frustrated PS-b-P2VP-b-PI chains into a thin-film core-shell double gyroid (Q 230 , space group: Ia3¯d) structure. As terraces are formed within PS-b-P2VP-b-PI thin films during the SVA process under a CHCl 3 vapor, different plane orientations of the Q 230 structure ((211), (110), (111), and (100)) are observed at the polymer-air interface depending on the film thickness. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Water-in-oil Pickering emulsions stabilized by stearoylated microcrystalline cellulose.

    PubMed

    Pang, Bo; Liu, Huan; Liu, Peiwen; Peng, Xinwen; Zhang, Kai

    2018-03-01

    Hydrophobic particles with static water contact angles larger than 90° are more like to stabilize W/O Pickering emulsions. In particular, high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPEs) are of great interest for diverse applications. However, W/O HIPEs have rarely been realized using sustainable biopolymers. Herein, we used stearoylated microcrystalline cellulose (SMCC) to stabilize W/O Pickering emulsions and especially, W/O HIPEs. Moreover, these W/O HIPEs can be further used as platforms for the preparation of porous materials, such as porous foams. Stearoylated microcrystalline cellulose (SMCC) was prepared by modifying MCC with stearoyl chloride under heterogeneous conditions. Using SMCC as emulsifiers, W/O medium and high internal phase Pickering emulsions (MIPEs and HIPEs) with various organic solvents as continuous phases were prepared using one-step and two-step methods, respectively. Polystyrene (PS) foams were prepared after polymerization of oil phase using HIPEs as templates and their oil/water separation capacity were studied. SMCC could efficiently stabilize W/O Pickering emulsions and HIPEs could only be prepared via the two-step method. The internal phase volume fraction of the SMCC-stabilized HIPEs reached as high as 89%. Diverse internal phase volume fractions led to distinct inner structures of foams with closed or open cells. These macroporous polystyrene (PS) foams demonstrated great potential for the effective absorption of organic solvents from underwater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Honeycomb-like thin films of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) embedded with gold or silver nanoparticles formed at the planer liquid/liquid interface.

    PubMed

    Wang, Di; Ma, Huihui; Chu, Chunxiao; Hao, Jingcheng; Liu, Hong-Guo

    2013-07-15

    Composite thin films of polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) decorated with Au or Ag nanoclusters and nanoparticles were fabricated at the interfaces of chloroform solution of PS-b-P2VP and aqueous solutions of HAuCl4 or AgNO3. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations indicated that large area of a single-layer honeycomb structure was formed, which is composed of polygons (most of them are hexagons) whose walls look like spindles with the length of several hundreds of nanometers. Large amount of Au or Ag nanoparticles are embedded in the walls and the undersides of the honeycomb structures. The formation of these novel composite structures was attributed to the adsorption of block copolymer molecules and inorganic species of AuCl4(-) and Ag(+) ions at the liquid-liquid interface, the combination of the polymer molecules and the inorganic ions, and the self-assembly of the composite molecules. After UV-light irradiation and KBH4 aqueous solution treatment, the inorganic species were reduced completely, as confirmed by UV-vis spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectra. These composite films exhibited high catalytic activities for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) by KBH4 in aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. Increased adsorption of histidine-tagged proteins onto tissue culture polystyrene.

    PubMed

    Holmberg, Maria; Hansen, Thomas Steen; Lind, Johan Ulrik; Hjortø, Gertrud Malene

    2012-04-01

    In this study we compare histidine-tagged and native proteins with regards to adsorption properties. We observe significantly increased adsorption of proteins with an incorporated polyhistidine amino acid motif (HIS-tag) onto tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) compared to similar proteins without a HIS-tag. The effect is not observed on polystyrene (PS). Adsorption experiments have been performed at physiological pH (7.4) and the effect was only observed for the investigated proteins that have pI values below or around 7.4. Competitive adsorption experiments with imidazole and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), as well as adsorption performed at different pH and ionic strength indicates that the high adsorption is caused by electrostatic interaction between negatively charged carboxylate groups on the TCPS surface and positively charged histidine residues in the proteins. Pre-adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) does not decrease the adsorption of HIS-tagged proteins onto TCPS. Our findings identify a potential problem in using HIS-tagged signalling molecule in assays with cells cultured on TCPS, since the concentration of the molecule in solution might be affected and this could critically influence the assay outcome. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Hierarchically Ordered Nanopatterns for Spatial Control of Biomolecules

    PubMed Central

    2015-01-01

    The development and study of a benchtop, high-throughput, and inexpensive fabrication strategy to obtain hierarchical patterns of biomolecules with sub-50 nm resolution is presented. A diblock copolymer of polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide), PS-b-PEO, is synthesized with biotin capping the PEO block and 4-bromostyrene copolymerized within the polystyrene block at 5 wt %. These two handles allow thin films of the block copolymer to be postfunctionalized with biotinylated biomolecules of interest and to obtain micropatterns of nanoscale-ordered films via photolithography. The design of this single polymer further allows access to two distinct superficial nanopatterns (lines and dots), where the PEO cylinders are oriented parallel or perpendicular to the substrate. Moreover, we present a strategy to obtain hierarchical mixed morphologies: a thin-film coating of cylinders both parallel and perpendicular to the substrate can be obtained by tuning the solvent annealing and irradiation conditions. PMID:25363506

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