Thesis (MSc (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This investigation comprises the synthesis and characterisation of new macrocyclic ligands with pendant arms appended to the nitrogen donor atoms of 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (12aneN3) and their coordination to various transition metal ions. The five macrocyclic ligands, 1,5,9-tris[(2S)-2-hydroxypropyl]-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (THPTACD), 1,5,9- tris(2-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (THMPTACD), 1,5,9-tris[(2S)-2- hydroxy-2-phenylethyl]-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (THPETACD), 1,5,9-tris[(2S)-2- hydroxybutyl]-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (THBTACD) and 1,5,9-tris(2-mercaptopropyl)- 1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (TMPTACD) were prepared by addition of pendant arms that contain alcohol or thiol end groups to a preformed 12aneN3 macrocycle. The 12aneN3 was synthesised from simple starting materials using 1,3-propanediol and bis(3-aminopropyl)- amine. The macrocycles with oxygen donor atoms on the pendant arms were prepared from the corresponding epoxides whereas for the one that contained sulphur donor atoms, propylene sulphide was used. The reaction progress was followed by 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy and the final macrocyclic ligands were further analysed by mass spectrometry and in some instances, elemental analysis was also performed. Protonation constants of the free ligands were determined using potentiometric titrations at 25 oC and the ionic strength was kept constant at 0.1000 mol dm-3 using NaNO3. The log K1 values were 11.47, 10.96 and 10.47 for THPTACD, THBTACD and THMPTACD, respectively, whereas the corresponding values of 5.81, 6.02 and 5.94 were obtained for log K2. THPTACD is the most basic mainly due to less steric hindrance whereas THMPTACD is the least basic owing to high steric hindrance to both solvation and formation of strong hydrogen bonds of the protonated species to solvent molecules during the solvation step in a Born Haber-type cycle of the complete process. Protonated THBTACD is the most basic of the three mono-protonated ligands, a result that may be explained in terms of better correlation between inductive and steric effects. The second protonation constant is mostly influenced by inductive effects unlike the first protonation constant which is mostly determined by steric effects. The third protonation constant could not be established because of lack of sensitivity of the glass electrode in very high acidic medium. The complex stability constants of Co(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) cations were similarly determined using potentiometric titrations at 25 ¡ÆC in 0.1000 mol dm-3 NaNO3. Log K values with THPTACD are 15.45, 21.22, 14.03 and 16.11 for Co(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively. THBPTACD has corresponding values of 13.93, 20.02, 13.55 and 15.01, whereas for THMPTACD the values of 14.63, 18.08, 12.91 and 14.36 log units were obtained. The Zn(II) 1:1 complexes are the most stable and those of Cd(II) the least stable. A crystal structure determination of [Zn(THPTACD)]2+ shows that optimal interaction between the Zn(II) metal ion and the donor atoms with their short Zn(II)-N bond lengths occurs. The short Zn(II)-N distances indicate that the metal ion is situated very close to the macrocyclic hole. On the other hand, each half of the hydrogen-bonded dimeric molecular structure of [Cd2(THPTACD)2]4+ has long Cd(II)-N bond lengths. Although metal nitrates, perchlorates and acetates were used in attempted crystal structure determinations, only metal nitrates formed suitable crystals. THPTACD complexes with Co(II), Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) were subjected to such determinations. Each central metal ion in these complexes is six coordinate to the three N atoms of the parent macrocyclic ring on one plane and the three O atoms of the pendant hydroxypropyl arms forming another plane on the other face of the metal ion. The geometry of all six molecular structures is pseudo octahedral with the Cu(II) complexes being the most twisted towards a trigonal prismatic arrangement. The change towards trigonal prismatic can be attributed to packing forces overriding octahedral crystal field stabilisation effects. The overall chirality of the isomorphic complexes of Zn(II), Co(II), Mn(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with THPTACD is [¥Ë((2¥ë.)¥ä.¥ä)] whereas the overall chirality of each half of the dimeric [Cd2(THPTACD)2]4+ complex is [¥Ë(¥ë.(2¥ä.)¥ä)]. The Cu(II) complex with THPETACD has the same overall chirality as the Cu(II) complex with THPTACD but is less twisted towards trigonal prismatic geometry. Both Cu(II) complexes exhibited strong evidence of Jahn-Teller tetragonal distortion in the solid state with tetragonality parameter values of 0.87 and 0.81, respectively. The structure of a new di-¥ì-chloro bridged binuclear complex of Cd(II)-12aneN3 was also determined. The molecule contains an inversion centre coinciding with the crystallographic centre of symmetry. Finally, the molecular structure of the protonated 1,5-bis[(2S)-2- hydroxybutyl]-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane shows that the oxygen donor atoms of the two pendant arms are pre-organised for meridional coordination. The hydrogen bond network in this structure emphasises the important role that such weak interactions play in stabilising the proton even in solution during determination of protonation constants in triazamacrocycles with pendant arms carrying oxygen donor atoms.

Thesis (MSc (Chemistry and Polymer Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Wine quality is compromised by the presence of 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA) due to spontaneous conversion into acrolein under wine making conditions. Acrolein is highly toxic and is presence has been correlated with the development of bitterness in wine. Lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from South African red wine, Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus brevis, are implicated in accumulating 3- HPA during anaerobic glycerol fermentation. The environmental conditions leading to its accumulation are elucidated. In aqueous solution 3-HPA undergoes reversible dimerization and hydration, resulting in an equilibrium state between different derivatives. Interconversion between 3-HPA derivatives and acrolein is a complex and highly dynamic process driven by hydration and dehydration reactions. Acrolein is furthermore highly reactive and its steady-state concentration in complex systems very low. As a result analytical detection and quantification in solution is problematic. This study highlights the roles played by natural chemical derivatives and shows that the acrolein dimer can be used as a marker for indicating the presence of acrolein in wines. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatograph mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was validated as a technique for direct detection of the acrolein dimer in wine. The potential of a recently introduced sorptive extractive technique with a sample enrichment probe (SEP) was also investigated. The SPME technique simplifies the detection process and allows for rapid sampling of the acrolein marker, while SEP is more sensitive. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die teenwoodigheid van 3-hidroksiepropioonaldehied (3-HPA) in wyn het ‘n negatiewe invloed op kwaliteit as gevolg van die moontlike omskakeling na akroleien tydens die wynmaak prosses. Akroleien is hoog toksies en is moontlik betrokke by die ontwikkeling van ‘n bitter komponent in wyn. Hierdie studie wys dat stamme van die melksuurbakteriëe Lactobacillus pentosus en Lactobacillus brevis, geisoleer uit Suid-Afrikaanse wyn, 3-HPA tydens anaerobiese alkoholiese fermentasie kan opbou. Kondisies wat ontwikkeling beinvloed is bestudeer. 3-HPA ondergaan omkeerbare dimerisasie en hidrasie in oplossing en het ‘n ewewig tussen veskillende derivate tot gevolg. Omkakeling tussen 3-HPA derivate en akroleien is ‘n komplekse en hoogs dinamiese prosses wat gedryf word deur hidrasie en dehidrasie reaksies. Akroleien is verder hoogs reaktief en die ewewigskonsentrasie van hierdie aldehied in komplekse omgewings is laag. Analitiese waarneming en kwantifisering is gevolglik problematies. Hierdie studie lig die rol wat natuurlike chemise derivate speel duidelik uit en wys dat die akroleien dimeer as ‘n merker gebruik kan word om die teenwoodigeid van akoleien in wyn te staaf. Soliede-fase mikro-ekstraksie (SPME) gekoppel aan gas chromatografie massa spektroskopie (GC-MS) is gevalideer as ‘n tegniek vir die direkte waarneming van die akroleien dimeer in wyn. Die potensiaal van ‘n nuwe ekstraksie tegniek, gebasseer op ‘n peiler wat vir die monster verreik (SEP), was ook ondersoek. Die SPME tegniek is vinnig en vergemaklik analiese, terwyl SEP meer sensitief is.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / Please refer to full text for abstract.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this thesis the synthesis of a wide range of model and siloxane functionalized N-(n-propyl)-1-(2-pyridyl and quinolyl)-imine ligands (L1-L6) are described. Functionalized ligands (L4-L6) were obtained by the reaction of the pyridyl and quinolyl aldehydes with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Model ligands were characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy while 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy was additionally used for functional ligand characterization. Functionalized complexes of both Pd(II) and Cu(I) were found to be more thermally stable than their model counterparts. Overall the model Pd(II) complexes showed a higher thermal stability than the model Cu(I) complexes. Ligands (L1-L6) were reacted with either Pd(II) or Cu(I) metal precursors to produce both the model and functionalized Pd(II) (C1-C6) and Cu(I) (C7-C12) metal complexes. These metal complexes were all characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy for the model Cu(I) complexes. Functionalized complexes were additionally characterized with 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy. Siloxane functionalized complexes of Pd(II) and Cu(I) were immobilized on MCM-41 and SBA-15 silica materials to produce heterogenized immobilized catalysts. These immobilized catalysts were characterized by a wide range of solid state techniques including: BET nitrogen adsorption/desorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), ICP-AES, FT-IR spectroscopy, powder XRD and solid state 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy. ICP-AES and BET surface analysis showed that better complex immobilization occurred for SBA-15 supported materials despite SBA-15 having a significantly lower surface area than MCM-41. This higher immobilization was ascribed to the larger pore sizes of SBA-15 (50 Å) vs. that of MCM-41 (26 Å). Immobilized catalysts were tested for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde. Immobilization had a positive effect on the catalytic activity of the Pd(II) complexes with higher conversions being observed for immobilized Pd(II) catalysts when compared to their model analogues. Overall the MCM-41 immobilized Pd(II) catalysts showed a higher increase in activity than SBA-15 immobilized catalysts. For Ti-doped supports a generally higher activity was seen for the Ti-SBA-15 system. The Cu(I) systems however were not as effective in the oxidation reactions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie tesis word die sintese van `n wye reeks model sowel as gefunksioneerde N-(n-propiel)-1-(2-piridiel en kinoliel)-imien ligande (L1-L6) beskryf. Gefunksioneerde ligande (L4-L6) is gevorm deur die reaksie van piridiel en kinoliel aldehied met 3-amniopropieltriëtoksiesilaan. Model ligande is gekaraktariseer deur FT-IR en 1H KMR spektroskopie terwyl 13C{1H} KMR spektroskopie addisioneel gebruik is vir die karaktarisering van die gefunksioneerde ligande. Ligande (L1-L6) is gereageer met Pd(II) of Cu(I) metaal voorgangers om beide model sowel as gefunksioneerde Pd(II) (C1-C6) en Cu(I) (C7-C12) metaal komplekse op te lewer. Hierdie metaal komplekse is almal gekaraktariseer deur FT-IR, 1H KMR en UV/Vis spektroskopie vir die model Cu(I) komplekse. Gefunksionalseerde komplekse is addisioneel gekaraktariseer deur gebruik te maak van 13C{1H} KMR spektroskopie. Dit is gevind dat gefunksionaliseerde komplekse van beide Pd(II) sowel as Cu(I) termies meer stabiel was as hulle ooreenstemmende model komplekse. Oor die algemeen het die Pd(II) komplekse hoër termiese stabiliteit as die Cu(I) komplekse getoon. Siloksaan gefunksioneerde komplekse van Pd(II) en Cu(I) is geimmobiliseer op MCM-41 en SBA-15 silika materiale om heterogene geimmobiliseerde katalisatore op te lewer. Hierdie geimmobiliseerde katalisatore is gekaraktariseer deur van `n wye reeks vaste toestand tegnieke gebruik te maak. Hierdie suit in: SEM, TGA, ICP-AES, FT-IR, poeier XRD en vaste toestand 13C{1H} KMR spektroskopie. ICP-AES en BET oppervlak analieses het getoon dat beter kompleks immobilisering vir die SBA-15 silika material plaas gevind het, ondanks die feit dat SBA-15 `n laer oppervlak area beskik. Hierdie hoër graad van immobilisering is toegeskryf aan die groter poriegrootte van SBA-15 (50 Å) teenoor die van MCM-41 (26 Å). Geimmobiliseerde katalisatore is getoets in die oksidasie van bensielalkohol na bensaldehied. Dit is gevind dat die immobilisering van die Pd(II) komplekse op die silika materiaal `n positiewe uitwerking op die aktiwiteit van die katalitiese van die komplekse gehad het. Die hoogste toename in aktiwiteit is gesien vir geimmobiliseerde Pd(II) katalisatore wanneer hulle met hul ooreenstemmende model komplekse vergelyk is. Oor die algemeen is gevind dat MCM-41 geimmobiliseerde Pd(II) katalisatore n hoër toename in aktiwiteit getoon het as die van SBA-15. Vir die Ti-gedokterde silika materiale het die Ti-SBA-15 sisteem oor die algemeen `n hoër aktiviteit getoon as die Ti-MCM-41 sisteem. Die Cu(I) sisteme was egter nie so effektief in oksidasie reaksies nie.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of chiral oxazoline directed lithiation provides a highly diastereoselective (up to >99% de) route to meta functionalised inherently chiral calixarenes. This methodology can be used on both the butylated and debutylated calixarene systems and is tolerant of a wide range of different electrophillic quenches allowing access to a structurally diverse range of inherently chiral metafunctionalised calixarenes. The oxazoline directing group can be removed via hydrolysis, generating a range of functionalised calixarene carboxylic acids in high ee. We also demonstrate that the use of derivative alkyllithiums such as cyclopentyl lithium can provide significantly enhanced diastereoselectivity over the conventional organolithiums such as sec-butyl lithium, when employed in ortholithiation reactions of this nature. The differences in diastereoselectivity associated with the different alkyllithiums can be tied, in certain cases, to the steric bulkiness associated with the individual reagents. In this regard we have found that the use of the so called Tolman angle or cone angle approach allows quantification of the relative steric bulk of the alkyllithium. We also detail that the oxazoline directing group provides a hitherto unknown ability to be diastereoselectively tuned through the choice of the ligand system in the ortholithiation reaction. In this regard the development of a series of diglyme based ligands have proved to provide a highly diastereoselective means of inverting the chirality from that which the use of the conventional TMEDA ligand is able to generate (up to –92% de). The use of diglyme ligands to invert the sense of chirality is also shown to occur on the ferrocenyloxazoline system and presents an apparently general and hitherto unknown facet of asymmetric oxazoline directed ortholithiation. This diglyme induced inversion has been shown to be controlled through a secondary nitrogen coordinated mechanism that is able to operate with chiral oxazolines. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van chirale oksasoliengerigte litiëring verskaf ’n hoogs diastereoselektiewe (tot en met >99% do) roete om metagefunksionaliseerde, inherente chirale calixareen produkte te sintetiseer. Deur gebruik te maak van verskillende elektrofiele kan die metodologie toegepas word op beide gebutileerde en de-gebutileerde calixareen sisteme om ’n reeks uiteenlopende inherente chirale, meta-gefunksionaliseerde calixareen produkte te vorm. Die oksasolien groep kan daarna verwyder word deur hidroliese om ’n reeks gefunksionaliseerde calixareenkarboksielsure te vorm in baie hoë eo. Ons het ook gedemonstreer dat die gebruik van afgeleide alkiel-litiums, soos siklopentiel-litium, kan bydrae tot aansienlik verhoogde diastereoselektiwiteit as dit vergelyk word met meer algemene organolitiums soos sekbutiellitium, tydens ortolitiëring reaksies van hierdie natuur. Die verskille in diastereoselektiwiteit kan verbind word, in sekere gevalle, tot die steriese bonkigheid van die individuele reagense. Deur gebruik te maak van die sogenaamde Tolmanhoeke of die koniesehoek benadering is dit moontlik om die relatiewe steriese bonkighied van alkiellitiums te kwantifiseer. Daar was ook bepaal dat die oksasoliengroep die ongekende vermoë besit om die diastereoselektiwiteit van die produk te stem deur die keuse van verskillende ligand sisteme tydens die ortolitiëring reaksie. Daar was bepaal dat die chiralitiet van die produkte omgekeer kan word op ’n hoogs diastereoselektiewe manier, deur gebruik te maak van ’n reeks ontwikkelde diglymegebaseerde ligande, indien dit vergelyk word met die produkte wat deur die konvensionele TMEDA gegenereer was (tot en met –92% do). Die gebruik van diglyme ligande was ook getoets op ferroseenoksasolien sisteme en dit was bevind dat dieselfde omkering in chiraliteit ook plaasvind wat aanleiding kan gee tot 'n oënskynlik algemene en tot nou toe onbekende faset van asimmetriese oksasoliengerigte orto-litiëring. Dit is bepaal dat hierdie diglyme geïnduseerde omkering in chiraliteit beheer word deur middel van 'n sekondêre stikstofgekoördineerde meganisme, wat in staat is om saam te werk met chirale oksasoliene.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Novel silicone nanocomposites were prepared using poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) based reinforcing fibres as well as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Compatibility of the fibre fillers with the silicone matrix required the synthesis of novel amphiphilic, organic–inorganic graft copolymers of PAN and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PAN-g-PDMS). These fibre precursor materials were synthesised via the “grafting through” technique using conventional free radical copolymerisation. The PDMS macromonomer content in the feed was varied from 5 wt% to 25 wt% and the molecular weights of the macromonomer were 1000 g.mol-1 and 5000 g.mol-1. The solvent medium of the precipitation reaction was optimised at a volume ratio of 98% benzene to 2% dimethylformamide (DMF). Successful incorporation of PDMS yielded graft copolymer blend materials of PAN-g-PDMS, blended with PAN homopolymer and unreacted PDMS macromonomer. A gradient elution profile was developed to track the successful removal of the PDMS macromonomer via hexane extraction. The gradient profile showed that as the PDMS content in the feed increased, the number of graft molecules in the blend increased relative to the number of PAN homopolymer molecules. The crystallisability of the PAN segments was shown to decrease as the PDMS content increased. The synthesised polymer was used as precursor material for the electrospinning of fibre fillers. The electrospinning of the precursor material was successfully achieved using 100% DMF as electrospinning solution medium. The amphiphilic nature of the precursor material in DMF resulted in self-assembled aggregate structures in the electrospinning solution. An increasing PDMS content was shown to affect the aggregation of the precursor material, and resulted in an increase in the solution viscosity. The “gel-like” solutions limited the achievable fibre morphological control when altering conventional electrospinning parameters such as voltage, tip-to-collector distance, and solution concentrations. The rapid evaporation and stretching of the solution during electrospinning, combined with the phase segregated amphiphilic molecules in solution and the crystallisation of the PAN segments resulted in (non-equilibrium morphology) fully porous fibres. The crystallinity was shown to decrease after electrospinning of the fibre precursor materials. Successful incorporation of surface oxidised MWCNTs into the electrospun fibres was achieved. The content of nanotubes was varied from 2 wt% to 32 wt%. The MWCNTs reduced the mean fibre diameters by acting as cross-linkers between the PAN segments and increasing the solution conductivity. The nanotubes dispersed well throughout the porous structure of the fibres and aligned in the direction of the fibre axis. Fabrication of silicone composites containing nonwoven and aligned fibre mats (with 8 wt% MWCNTs in the fibres, and without) was successfully achieved. The compatibilisation of the PDMS surface segregated domains allowed excellent dispersion and interaction of the PAN based fibre fillers with the silicone matrix. Mechanical analysis showed improved properties as the PDMS content in the fibre increased. The highest PDMS content fibres did, however, exhibit decreased properties. This was ascribed to increased PDMS (soft and weak) content, decreased crystallinity and increased fibre diameter (lower interfacial area). Dramatic improvements in strength, stiffness, strain and toughness were achieved. The most significant result was an increase in strain of 470%. The mechanical results correlated with results of SEM analysis of the fracture surfaces. The dramatic improvements in properties were a result of the fibre strength and ductility, as well as the mechanism of composite failure. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Nuwe silikonnanosamestellings is berei deur gebruik te maak van poli(akrilonitriel) (PAN) gebaseerde versterkende vesels wat multi-ommuurde koolstof nanobuisies bevat het. Versoenbaarheid van die vesels met die silikonmatriks het die sintese van nuwe amfifiliese, organies–anorganiese ent-kopolimere van PAN en poli(dimetielsiloksaan) (PAN-g-PDMS) benodig. Die vesel voorlopermateriaal is deur middel van ‘n “ent-deur” vryeradikaalkopolimerisasie gesintetiseer. Die inhoud van die PDMS makromonomeer in die reaksie het gewissel vanaf 5% tot 25%. Die gebruik van twee verskillende molekulêre massas makromonomere is bestudeer (1000 en 5000 g.mol-1). Die optimale oplosmiddelmengsel vir die neerslagreaksie was 'n volume verhouding van 98% benseen tot 2% dimetielformamied (DMF). Suksesvolle insluiting van PDMS het versnitmateriale van PAN-g-PDMS kopolimere gemeng met PAN homopolimere en ongereageerde PDMS makromonomere gelewer. 'n Gradiënteluering- chromatografiese profiel is ontwikkel om die suksesvolle verwydering van die PDMS makromonomere via heksaanekstraksie te bepaal. Die gradiëntprofiel het aangetoon dat indien die PDMS inhoud in die reagense verhoog is, die aantal entmolekules relatief tot PAN homopolimeermolekules ook verhoog het. 'n Toename in PDMS inhoud het egter 'n afname in kristallisasie van die PAN segmente tot gevolg gehad. Die gesintetiseerde polimeer is gebruik as die beginmateriaal vir die elektrospin van veselvullers. Die elektrospin van die beginmateriaal was suksesvol wanneer 100% DMF as elektrospinoplosmiddel gebruik is. Die amfifiliese aard van die beginmateriaal in DMF lei tot outokonstruksie van aggregaatstrukture in die elektrospinoplossing. Toenemende PDMS inhoud beïnvloed die outokonstruksie van die molekules in oplossing en het gelei tot 'n toename in die oplossings se viskositeit. Die "gelagtige" oplossings beperk die haalbare vesel se morfologiese beheerbaarheid wanneer konvensionele elektrospin parameters soos elektriese spanning, punt-tot-versamelaar afstand, en oplossingkonsentrasies gewysig word. Die vinnige verdamping en strek van die oplossing tydens elektrospin, gekombineer met die fase-geskeide amfifiliese molekules in oplossing en die kristallisasie van die PAN segmente, het gelei tot (nie-ewewig morfologie) volledige poreuse vesels. Die kristalliniteit van die veselbeginmaterial het afgeneem nadat elektrospin toegepas is. Die insluiting van die oppervlak-geoksideerde multi-ommuurde koolstof nanobuisies in die elektrogespinde vesels was suksesvol. Die inhoud van die nanobuisies het gewissel van 2 wt% tot 32 wt%. Die MWCNTs het die gemiddelde veseldeursnit verminder deur op te tree as kruisbinders tussen die PAN segmente van die molekules. Die nanobuisies was goed versprei deur die poreuse struktuur van die vesels en dit was gerig in die rigting van die vesel-as. Bereiding van die silikonsamestellings bestaande uit nie-geweefde en gerigte veseloppervlakke (met en sonder 8 wt% multi-ommuurde koolstof nanobuisies in die vesel) was suksesvol. Die versoenbaarheid tussen die oppervlak van die PDMS-geskeide gebiede en die silikonmatriks laat uitstekende verspreiding en interaksie van die PAN-gebaseerde veselvullers met die silikonmatriks toe. Meganiese analise het aangetoon dat die fisiese eienskappe verbeter het namate die PDMS inhoud in die vesel vermeerder het. Die vesels met die hoogste PDMS inhoud het egter verswakte eienskappe getoon. Dit is toegeskryf aan ‘n verhoogde PDMS inhoud (sag en swak), ‘n afname in kristalliniteit en ‘n verhoogde veseldeursnit (laer grensoppervlakke). Dramatiese verbeterings in sterkte, styfheid, verlengbaarheid, vervorming en taaiheid is bereik. Die mees betekenisvolle gevolg was 'n toename in die verrekking van 470%. Die meganiese resultate is gekorreleer met SEM ontleding van die brekingsoppervlakke. Die veselkrag en vervormbaarheid, sowel as die meganisme van die splyting van die samestellings, het tot die dramatiese verbeterings in die meganiese eienskappe gelei.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Multiphase copolymers generally consist of copolymers where the disparate natures of each of the segments results in complex phase-segregated morphologies in the solid state. The outstanding properties and wide range of applications of multiphase copolymers has led to the need for more sophisticated synthesis methods to produce copolymers with controlled structures. Associated with developments in synthetic methods is the need to develop suitable techniques to characterize these materials in order to obtain a better understanding of their structure–property relationships. The synthesis of multiphase copolymers presents many challenges. These are related to the nature of the molecular requirements, were the monomers of each of the different components may not be polymerized by all available polymerization techniques. This has led to the need to combine different polymerization techniques to overcome such limitations. The focus of this study is the combination of living controlled polymerization techniques, namely anionic polymerization and RAFT polymerization, with hydroboration/autoxidation, to produce non-polyolefin block and graft copolymers. Block copolymers were synthesized by coupling anionic polymerization and hydroboration/autoxidation reactions. The first block segment was prepared via anionic polymerization, and then end-functionalized with a suitable functional group (e.g. an allyl group). A hydroboration/autoxidation reaction was then used to initiate the polymerization of the second block by the slow addition of oxygen at room temperature. Graft copolymers were synthesized using the 'grafting from' technique, by coupling RAFT copolymerization with hydroboration/autoxidation reactions. The backbone polymer was synthesized via RAFT copolymerization of symmetric and asymmetric monomer, after which a hydroboration/autoxidation reaction was carried out to produce graft copolymers. The hydroboration/hydroxylation reaction could also be used to modify an unsaturated polymer chain. The EPDM rubber chain was modified by transforming the double bond into an hydroxyl group, which could undergo an esterification reaction with an acid chloride RAFT agent to produce the multifunctional RAFT polymer. This was used for the controlled living free radical polymerization of the graft chains. Significant amounts of homopolymerization in addition to graft formation were obtained. Solid state NMR (SS NMR) and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy were used to determine the compositional phase segregation point in the graft copolymers. The spin diffusion data from the SS NMR provided insight into the seemingly anomalous positron data at the phase segregation point. It is demonstrated how these two techniques can provide complimentary data on the solid state morphology of these multiphase materials. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die algemeen bestaan multifase kopolimere uit segmente van verskillende aard wat komplekse fase-geskeide-morfologie in die vastetoestand tot gevolg het. Die uitstekende eienskappe en wye reeks toepassings van multifase kopolimere het daartoe gelei dat meer gesofistikeerde sintesemetodes vir die bereiding van kopolimere met gekontrolleerde strukture nodig was. Gepaardgaande met verwante ontwikkelings op die gebied van sintesemetodes was dit nodig om gepaste analitiese tegnieke te ontwikkel vir die karakterisering van hierdie verbindings, ten einde die struktuur–eienskap verwantskap van hierdie materiale beter te verstaan. Daar is egter baie uitdagings m.b.t. die sintese van hierdie multifase kopolimere. Dit is afhanklik van die aard van die molekulêre vereistes waar die monomere van elk van die verskillende komponente nie deur alle beskikbare polimerisasietegnieke gepolimeriseer kan word nie. Dit het daartoe gelei dat verskillende polimerasietegnieke gekombineer is ten einde hierdie beperkinge te oorbrug. Die fokus van hierdie studie is die kombinering van lewende vry-radikaal gekontrolleerde polimerisasietegnieke, naamlik anioniese polimerisasie en RAFTpolimerisasie, met hidroborering/outoksidasie, om nie-olefiniese blok- en entkopolimere te berei. Blok-kopolimere is berei deur die koppeling van anioniese polimerisasie en hidroborering/outoksidasie reaksies. Die eerste bloksegment is berei via anioniese polimerisasie en daarna is endfunksionering met 'n geskikte funksionele groep (bv. 'n allielgroep) bewerkstellig. Daarna is 'n hidroborering/outoksidasie reaksie gebruik om die polimerisasie van die tweede blok te inisieer d.m.v. die stadige toevoeging van suurstof by kamertemperatuur. Entkopolimere is berei deur gebruik te maak van die 'ent-vanaf' tegniek, d.m.v. die koppeling van RAFT-kopolimerisasie met hidroborering/outoksidasie reaksies. Die rugraatpolimeer is berei d.m.v. kopolimerisasie van simmetriese en nie-simmetriese monomere waarna die hidroborering/outoksidasie reaksie uitgevoer is om sodoende entkopolimere te vorm. Die hidroborering/hidroksilasie reaksie kon ook gebruik word om 'n onversadigde polimeerketting te wysig. Die EPDM rubberketting is gewysig deur die omskakeling van die dubbelbinding in 'n hidroksielgroep, wat dan 'n esterifikasie reaskie kon ondergaan met 'n suurchloried-RAFT verbinding, om sodoende die multifunksionele RAFT-polimeer te vorm. Dit is gebruik vir die gekontrolleerde lewende vry-radikaalpolimerisasie van die entkettings. Behalwe entvorming is 'n hoë mate van homopolimerisasie waargeneem. Vastetoestand KMR (VS KMR) en positronvernietigingsleeftydspektroskopie is gebruik om die saamgestelde faseskeidingspunt in die entkopolimere te bepaal. Die spindifffusie data van VS KMR het insig verleen aan die oënskynlik onreëlmatige positrondata by die faseskeidingspunt. In die studie is bewys hoe hierdie twee tegnieke komplimentêre data kan lewer m.b.t. die vastetoestandmorfologie van hierdie multifase materiale.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The analysis of Fischer–Tropsch–derived (FT–derived) synthetic crude and derived products is very challenging because of the highly complex nature of these products. In this study, the use of comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) and flame ionisation detection (FID) was investigated for the analysis of these products and the technique was found to be invaluable for the analysis of these complex mixtures. The compositions of FT synthetic crude, produced at low temperature (LT–FT) and high temperature (HT–FT) processes were compared and the effect that changes in FT reaction temperature has on product formation was investigated. Results for conventional onedimensional GC (1D-GC) and GCxGC were compared. It was found that conventional 1D–GC does not have sufficient peak capacity to separate the thousands of compounds in the HT FT products. GCxGC provides a huge peak capacity of tens-of-thousands to separate highly complex mixtures. Structured chromatograms, where groups of compounds with similar properties are grouped together, aid in peak identification. Moreover, sensitivity at low microgram per milliliter levels is obtained. These attributes enabled accurate analysis of various complex feed and product streams in the FT refinery, and also various final fuel products. The use of GCxGC alone was demonstrated, and also combined with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) when even more separation power was needed. HPLC–GCxGC enabled the separation of alkene and cyclic alkane compound classes in oligomerisation products. These compound classes have similar mass spectra, elute in adjacent regions and co–elute even to some extent on the GCxGC contour plot, making differentiation difficult. SFC is a good replacement for HPLC for these applications because it does not use solvents as mobile phases. CO2 is easily evaporated after the separation and does not interfere with the GCxGC separation of the analytes. SFC is also a very good technique to separate the compound classes of alkanes, alkenes, aromatics and oxygenates, and is therefore highly complementary to GCxGC. The combination of GCxGC with NMR data was also found to be very valuable for the identification of branched alkane isomers in LT–FT diesels. GCxGC provides excellent separation of individual compounds but the identification of isomers (except for mono–methyl branching) is difficult because the mass spectra of most of these isomers are similar and not all compounds are in the mass spectral libraries. NMR, on the other hand, is able to distinguish between the individual types of branched isomers but has limited separation power for the complex mixtures. By combining the two techniques, the best of both was obtained. The study found GCxGC to be invaluable for the analysis of the highly complex FT–derived products, while its combination with other techniques such as HPLC, SFC and NMR provided even more separation power. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoogs komplekse samestelling van sintetiese ru–olie en afgeleide produkte, afkomstig van Fischer–Tropsch (FT) sintese, bied groot uitdagings aan die analis. Die studie het die gebruik van GCxGC met ’n TOF-MS en FID bestudeer vir die analise van FT produkte en het bevind dat die tegniek van onskatbare waarde is vir die analise van die hoogs komplekse mengsels. Die samestellings van produkte van lae- en hoë-temperatuur FT prossesse is vergelyk en die effek van ’n verhoging in die reaksie–temperatuur op die produk samestelling is ondersoek. Resultate vir 1D–GC and GCxGC is vergelyk en dit was duidelik dat 1D-GC nie naastenby voldoende piekkapasiteit het om al die komponente van die produkte wat tydens die hoëtemperatuur prosses gevorm word, te kan skei nie. Die GCxGC se piekkapasiteit daarteenoor is in die orde van tienduisende wat die skeiding van hoogs komplekse mensels moontlik maak terwyl die tegniek hoogs gestruktureerde kontoerplotte verskaf wat help met identfikasie van komponente. Die tegniek is verder ook baie sensitief en kan komponente op lae μg/mL vlakke waarneem. Hierdie eienskappe het akkurate analise van verskeie FT produkstrome moontlik gemaak. Die kombinasie van GCxGC met HPLC, SFC en KMR het selfs meer skeidingskrag verskaf waar nodig. HPLC–GCxGC het die skeiding van alkene en sikliese alkane moontlik gemaak. Hierdie komponent klasse se massaspektra is feitlik dieselfde en terselfdertyd elueer die twee groepe reg langs mekaar, en oorvleuel soms selfs tot ’n mate, op die GCxGC kontoerplot, sodat dit moeilik is om daartussen te onderskei. SFC is ’n goeie alternatief vir HPLC in meeste toepassings aangesien die tegniek net CO2 gebruik, wat maklik verdamp by kamertemperatuur en nie oplosmiddels gebruik wat se pieke steur met die van die laekookpunt komponente op die GCxGC kontoerplot nie. Skeidings van die komponentgroepe alkane, alkene, aromate en oksigenate is moontlik met SFC en daarom komplimenteer dit die GCxGC skeiding goed aan. Die kombinasie van GCxGC met kern–magnetiese resonansie (KMR) is van waarde gevind om die verskillende tipes vertakkings in ’n lae-temperatuur FT diesel te identifiseer. GCxGC verskaf uitstekende skeiding van individuele komponente maar die identifikasie van die verskilende isomere, behalwe vir die mono-metiel vertakkings, is moeilik aangesien die massaspektra van baie van die komponente soortgelyk is en die komponente nie in die massa spektrum–biblioteke voorkom nie. KMR, aan die ander kant, kan tussen die individuele vertakkings onderskei maar het beperkte skeidingskrag vir komplekse mensels. Deur die twee tegnieke te kombineer is die beste van albei tegnieke bekom. Die studie het bevind dat GCxGC van onskatbare waarde is vir die analise van die komplekse sintetiese FT produkte terwyl die kombinasie met ander tegnieke soos HPLC, SFC and KMR selfs meer skeidingskrag verskaf.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The possibility of utilizing the chromium/bis(diphenylphosphino)amine (PNP) type of catalysts in ethylene polymerization processes was investigated. These processes include the production of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), the production of polyethylene waxes and the synthesis of special comonomers for ethylene copolymerization. The chromium/Ph2PN{CH(CH3)2}PPh2 tetramerization system was used in combination with a polymerization catalyst to yield ethylene copolymers with controlled branching. Copolymers with bimodal chemical composition distributions were obtained in these tandem reactions. This chromium/PNP-type tetramerization catalyst and metallocene polymerization catalysts are not completely compatible in tandem catalytic systems due to different optimum temperatures for their effective functioning. The oligomerization to polymerization catalyst ratios, the catalyst to cocatalyst ratios and the temperature profile are all factors influencing the amount of -olefins formed and therefore the type of copolymer produced. The activity of the polymerization catalyst decreases in the presence of the oligomerization catalyst, indicating that the two catalysts interfere chemically. The main difference between copolymers produced in conventional or tandem fashion is the presence of a small amount of low molecular weight material produced by the oligomerization catalyst and also the presence of a highly crystalline component. The latter component results from the initial low concentration of a-olefins in the first conversion, but such a component is also independently produced by the oligomerization catalyst. LLDPE with butyl branches is obtained when a selective trimerization catalyst is used in combination with a polymerization catalyst. The chromium/(o-OMeC6H4)2 PN(CH3)P(o-OMeC6H4)2 trimerization system is more suitable than the chromium/Ph2PN{CH(CH3)2}PPh2 tetramerization system for use in tandem reactions with a metallocene catalyst due to its high activity and selectivity at higher temperatures. The chemical composition distribution varies with an increase in reaction time due to the increasing amount of 1-hexene produced. Comparison of CRYSTAF traces of tandem copolymers with conventional copolymers show that the tandem copolymers have a broader chemical composition distribution. Addition of 1- hexene during the course of a conventional copolymerization reaction produces copolymers with similar chemical composition distributions to that of the tandem copolymers. Later addition of the polymerization catalyst to the oligomerization reaction mixture results in copolymers with higher comonomer content, similar to conventional copolymers. Chromium/(o-EtC6H4)2PN(CH3)P(o-EtC6H4)2 is not suitable for LLDPE production in tandem reactions, since it is selective to higher oligomers or polyethylene waxes at higher temperatures. Variation of the MAO cocatalyst and hydrogen concentrations significantly influences the yield, viscosity and crystallization behaviour of the waxlike products. Low MAO concentrations resulted in multiple melting peaks, while higher concentrations display single melting peaks and lower viscosity values. Ethylene co-oligomerization reactions with styrene or p-methylstyrene using the chromium/PNP-type oligomerization technology produce various phenyl-hexene and phenyl-octene isomers either through cotrimerization or cotetramerization. The known ethylene trimerization catalysts show cotrimerization behaviour, while the catalysts with known selectivity for ethylene tetramerization also yield cotetramerization products. Chromium complexes that contain the more bulky ligands display lower selectivity towards co-oligomerization and greater preference for ethylene homotrimerization. These co-oligomerization products can be incorporated into a polyethylene chain by copolymerization in a simultaneous or sequential tandem reaction. The combined co-oligomerization-polymerization reactions yield copolymers with lower crystallinity than obtained from the conventional ethylene-styrene copolymerization reaction due to higher comonomer incorporation. The polymer yields are higher in the cooligomerization- copolymerization reactions. The ability of the different cooligomerization products to incorporate into the polyethylene chain was established: unreacted styrene and the more bulky isomers, 3-phenyl-1-hexene and 3-phenyl-1- octene, are not incorporated readily, while branches resulting from 4-phenyl-1- hexene, 4-phenyl-1-octene, 5-phenyl-1-octene and 6-phenyl-1-octene are detected in the NMR spectrum. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die moontlikheid om die chroom/bis-(difenielfosfino)amien (PNP) tipe katalisatore in etileen-polimerisasie reaksies te gebruik is ondersoek. Hierdie prosesse sluit die produksie van lineêre lae digtheid poliëtileen (LLDPE), die produksie van poliëtileenwasse en die sintese van spesiale komonomere vir etileenkopolimerisasie in. Die chroom/Ph2PN{CH(CH3)2}PPh2 tetramerisasie-sisteem is gebruik in kombinasie met ¢n polimerisasiekatalisator om etileenkopolimere met gekontroleerde vertakkings te vorm. Kopolimere met ‘n bimodale chemiese samestellingsverspreiding word verkry in hierdie tandemreaksies. Hierdie chroom/PNP-tipe tetramerisasiekatalisator en die metalloseenkatalisators is nie heeltemal verenigbaar in die tandemsisteem nie weens verskille in hul optimum reaksietemperature vir effektiewe funksionering. Die oligomerisasie tot polimerisasiekatalisatorverhouding, die katalisator tot kokatalisatorverhouding en die temperatuurprofiel is almal faktore wat die gevormde hoeveelheid -olefiene beinvloed, en dus die tipe kopolimeer wat gevorm word. Die aktiwiteid van die polimerisasiekatalisator verminder in die teenwoordigheid van die oligomerisasiekatalisator, wat aandui dat die twee katalisatore chemies met mekaar inmeng. Die duidelikste verskil tussen die kopolimere wat geproduseer word op die konvensionele of die tandem manier is die teenwoordigheid van ‘n klein hoeveelheid lae molekulere massa materiaal wat gevorm word deur die oligomerisasiekatalisator, asook ‘n komponent met baie hoë kristalliniteit. Die laasgenoemde komponent ontstaan weens die aanvanklike lae konsentrasie van die a-olefiene in die eerste omsetting, maar so ‘n komponent word ook onafhanklik gevorm deur die oligomerisasiekatalisator. LLDPE met butiel-vertakkings word verkry wanneer ‘n selektiewe trimerisasiekatalisator in kombinasie met ‘n polimerisasiekatalisator gebruik word. Die chroom/(o-OMeC6H4)2PN(CH3)P(o-OMeC6H4)2 trimerisasiesisteem is meer geskik as die chroom/Ph2PN{CH(CH3)2}PPh2 tetramerisasiesisteem vir gebruik in tandem met ‘n metalloseenkatalisator weens die katalisator se hoë aktiwiteit en selektiwiteid vir 1-hekseen by hoër reaksietemperature. Die chemiese samestellingsverspreiding verander soos die reaksietyd toeneem weens die toenemende hoeveelheid 1-hekseen wat gevorm word. Vergelyking van die CRYSTAF-diagram van die tandemkopolimere met konvensionele kopolimere toon dat die tandemkopolimere ‘n wyer chemiese samestellingsverspreiding het. Geleidelike byvoeging van 1-hekseen gedurende die loop van ‘n konvensionele reaksie, vorm kopolimere met ‘n soortgelyke chemiese samestelingsverspreiding as die tandemkopolimere. Latere byvoeging van die polimerisasiekatalisator lei tot die vorming van kopolimere met ‘n hoër komonomeerinhoud, soortgelyk aan die konvensionele kopolimere. Chroom/(o-EtPC6H4)2PN(CH3)P(o-EtC6H4)2 is nie geskik om LLDPE in tandemreaksies te vorm nie, aangesien dit selektief is vir hoër oligomere of poliëtileenwasse by hoër reaksietemperature. Variasie van die MAO-kokatalisator en die waterstofkonsentrasies beinvloed die hoeveelheid produk wat gevorm word, asook die viskositeit en kristallisasiegedrag daarvan. Lae MAO konsentrasies lei tot meer as een smeltpiek, terwyl hoër konsentraises ‘n enkelpiek vertoon. Die viskositeit van die produkmengsel is ook laer. Die gebruik van die chroom/PNP-tipe oligomerisasietegnologie in etileenkooligomerisasiereaksies met stireen, lei tot die vorming van verskeie feniel-hekseenen fieniel-okteenisomere deur of kotrimeriasie, of kotetramerisasie. Katilisatore met bekende etileentrimerisasieligande vertoon kotrimerisasiegedrag terwyl die ligande wat bekend is vir selektiwiteit in etileentetramerisasie, kotetramerisasieprodukte vorm. Die chroomkomplekse met die meer bonkige ligande het laer selektiwiteit vir ko-oligomerisasie en vertoon ‘n groter voorkeur vir etileenhomo-trimerisasie. Die ko-oligomerisasieprodukte kan in ‘n poliëtileenketting ingebou word deur kopolimerisasie in ‘n gelyktydige of opeenvolgende tandemreaksie. Die gekombineerde ko-oligomerisasie-polimerisasiereaksie vorm kopolimere van ‘n laer kristalliniteit as wat gevind word met die konvensionele etileen-stireen kopolimerisasie reaksie weens hoer komonomeerinkorporasie. Meer polimeer word gevorm in die ko-oligomerisasie-kopolimerisasie reaksie. Die vermoë van die verskillende ko-oligomerisasieprodukte om in die poliëtileenketting ingesluit te word is bepaal. Ongereageerde stireen en die meer bonkige isomere, 3-feniel-1-hekseen en 3-feniel-1-okteen, word nie maklik ingevoeg nie. Vertakkings as gevolg van die inkorporasie van 4-feniel-1-hekseen, 4-feniel-1-okteen, 5-feniel-1-okteen and 6- feniel-1-okteen kan waargeneem word in die KMR spektrum.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Antimicrobial fibers are very useful in various fields such as air and water purification, wound dressings and protective bandages, where sterile environments are essential. The nonwoven nanofiber mats or membranes are able to filter out microorganisms and potentially kill several threatening pathogenic bacteria. In this thesis, a variety of styrene-maleimide copolymer derivatives were prepared based on the modification of poly(styrene-co-maleic anhydride with various primary amine compounds. All prepared copolymer derivatives were electrospun to nanofiber mats using the needle electrospinning technique. For the characterization, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to study the thermal properties of the electrospun fiber mats. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was carried out to observe fiber dimensions and morphology. The antibacterial activity of electrospun fiber mats was evaluated against different bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative). The evaluation study utilized different tools to test for antibacterial activity and mode of cell death, including bioluminescent imaging, fluorescence imaging and the viable cell counting method. Excellent antimicrobial activity was obtained against the different strains especially against Staphylococcus aureus. Fiber mats containing tertiary amino groups, phenol or quaternary ammonium groups had the strongest antimicrobial properties. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Antimikrobiese vesels is baie nuttig in verskeie toepassingsgebiede, soos lug- en watersuiwering, wondbedekkings en beskermende verbande, waar ‘n steriele omgewing noodsaaklik is. Die ongeweefde nanovesel matte of membrane is in staat om mikroorganismes te verwyder deur filtrasie, maar kan ook verskeie patogeniese bakterieë doodmaak. In hierdie proefskrif is ‘n verskeidenheid stireen-maleimied kopolimeer afgeleides gesintetiseer, gebaseer op die modifikasie van poli(stireen-ko-maleïne anhidried) met verskeie primêre amien verbindings. Nanovesel matte van al die gesintetiseerde kopolimeer afgeleides is gemaak deur gebruik te maak van die naald-elektrospin tegniek. Die termiese eienskappe van hierdie nanovesel matte is bestudeer deur gebruik te maak van differensiële skandeer kalorimetrie (DSK) en termogravitasie analiese (TGA) as karakteriseringsmetodes. Die vesel dimensies en morfologie is bestudeer deur skandeer elektronmikroskopie as karakteriseringsmetode te gebruik. Die antibakteriële aktiwiteit van die gespinde vesel matte is geëvalueer teen verskillende bakterieë, naamlik Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positief), Escherichia coli en Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negatief). Die evalueringstudie het verskillende instrumente gebruik om vir antibakteriële aktiwiteit en meganisme van seldood te toets, insluitend bioluminiserings beelding, fluoressensie beelding en die lewensvatbare sel tellingsmetode. Uitstekende antimikrobiese aktiwiteit is verkry teen die verskillende rasse, veral teen Staphylococcus aureus. Vesel matte met tersiêre aminogroepe, fenol of kwaternêre ammoniumgroepe het die sterkste antimikrobiese eienskappe gehad.