Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Most polypropylene copolymers commercially available have ethylene, and to a lesser degree t-butene as comonomers. Commercially available higher a-olefins, mostly even-numbered, are seldom used for the production of pp copolymers, probably due to cost. Sasol's Fischer- Tropsch oil-from-coal process produces many linear and branched a-olefins as by-products that can be isolated and purified by a relatively cheap refinery process, including the odd-numbered 1- pentene olefin. Sasol's gas-phase Novolen pp plant at Secunda, South Africa is ideally suited to the manufacture of high quality pp random copolymers. As such an opportunity was identified to research the use of higher a-olefins, and more specifically 1-pentene, in the gas-phase production of pp random copolymers. Different methods to produce propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers in the slurry phase on bench-scale were investigated. A procedure was subsequently developed to produce propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers in the gas-phase in 10 litre autoclaves. It was found that commercially available fourth generation supported catalysts successfully incorporated the bulky 1-pentene monomer into the propylene backbone, both during slurry and gas-phase polymerisations. Software modelling was employed to determine the dew points of selected gas mixtures typically found during the production of pp random copolymers. The results indicated that typical process conditions could be employed during the gas-phase polymerisation of propylene and 1-pentene without the risk of condensation taking place inside the reactor. Propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers were subsequently successfully produced on the 800 litre BASF pilot plant in Germany followed by the first commercial production of the copolymer on Sasol's 50m3 Novolen gas-phase plant at Secunda. Using commercially available software the impact of introducing 1-pentene as comonomer during the production of random copolymers on the condenser cooling capacity was evaluated. Feasible and safe plant operating conditions were established for the production of propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers. The relationship between operating pressure and powder morphology was investigated to optimise process conditions. Operating at higher pressure in the gas-phase increases the monomer concentration in the reactor and as such improves the space/time/yield ratio of the 50m3 reactors. It was shown that higher operating pressures could be employed through the introduction of 1-pentene as comonomer during the production of PP random copolymer. The dramatic increase in catalyst productivity observed during the 800 litre pilot plant trials, up to a comonomer ratio of about 5%, supported the results obtained from a kinetic study carried out in bench-scale autoclaves. A comprehensive study was undertaken to compare the rheological, thermal, crystallisation, physical and mechanical properties of propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers with those of commercially available pp random copolymers. A series of propylene homo- and random copolymers with 1-pentene and ethylene as comonomers respectively, was prepared. NMR and IR techniques were developed to facilitate the determination of copolymer composition for the new family of 1-pentene random copolymers. The effect of comonomer content, molecular weight and temperature on the properties of the series of polymers was investigated. The propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers show unique rheological behaviour associated with the short propyl branches in the polymer backbone with minimum zero shear viscosity at about 2% 1-pentene content. The effect of molecular structure changes with comonomer content were analysed by the calculation of square average end-toend distance, packing length, tube diameter, molecular mass between entanglements and critical molecular mass. The viscosity of the 1-pentene random copolymers shows higher shear and temperature sensitivity compared to propylene homo- and ethylene random copolymers. The thermodynamic melting point of the propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers showed a significant decrease with increasing comonomer content in the 0 to 5% range. A wider melting range and higher peak melting point depression rate was observed compared to ethylene random copolymers at similar and increasing comonomer content measured on a weight % basis. It was found that the crystal structure of the propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers contains both the Q- and the y-modifications with the ratio of the respective crystal forms a function of both comonomer content and crystallisation temperature. The glass temperature decreased slightly with increasing comonomer (1-pentene) content. It is proposed that the short branch (propyl) "defects" in the polymer backbone are .incorporated into the crystal lattice resulting in increased rate of melting point depression with increasing (wt%) comonomer content compared to other random copolymers while maintaining relative high stiffness. The propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers exhibit the lowest haze values compared to all commercially available pp random copolymers at corresponding levels of comonomer content on a wt% basis. The stiffness to haze ratio of propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers are unique for all the members of the pp family. An inverse relationship between comonomer content and the measured tensile yield strength and modulus is observed. Application studies conducted on the propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers highlighted several interesting characteristics. Films produced from these copolymers exhibited very low haze and xylene soluble values while maintaining mechanical integrity. In the BOPP application the combination of processability and premium film properties presents a unique opportunity for the family of propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers. Blow moulding and injection moulding trials highlighted several advantages of product properties manufactured with propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers if compared to other commercially available random copolymers. The 1-pentene randoms presented lower in-mould as well as total shrinkage than ethylene based random copolymers. Stabilisation and nucleation studies conducted on the propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers showed that a typical combination antioxidant package and nucleating agent, at normal loading levels, could be used. In the larger pp random copolymer family 1-pentene imparts a better balance of properties than other comonomers. The combination of low melting point and xylene solubles with high stiffness and clarity is unique to propylene / 1-pentene random copolymers. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die oorgrote meerderheid van kommersieel beskikbare polipropileen (PP) kopolimere het etileen, en tot 'n mindere mate buteen, as komonomeer. Die relatief hoë koste van kommersieel beskikbare hoër alfa-olefiene is moontlik die rede waarom hulle selde gebruik word vir die vervaardiging van PP kopolimere. Die Sasol Fischer-Tropsch proses, waartydens olie uit steenkool vervaardig word, lewer verskeie liniêre en vertakte alfa-olefiene as neweprodukte wat geïsoleer en gesuiwer kan word in 'n relatiewe goedkoop rafineringsproses. Dit sluit ook die onewe-koolstofgetal 1-penteen-olefien in. Sasol se gasfase Novolen PP aanleg in Secunda, Suid-Afrika, is besonder geskik vir die vervaardiging van hoë standaard PP statistiese kopolimere. Voortvloeiend hieruit is die geleentheid geidentifiseer om die gebruik van hoër alfa-olefiene, en meer spesifiek 1-penteen, na te vors tydens die gasfaseproduksie van PP statistiese kopolimere. Verskeie metodes om propeleen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere in 'n koolwaterstofoplosmiddel op laboratoriumskaal te produseer, is ondersoek. 'n Prosedure is daarna ontwikkel om propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere ook in die gasfase te vervaardig in 10-liter drukvate. Die bevinding was dat kommersieel beskikbare vierde-generasie ondersteunde kataliste die swaarder 1-penteenmonomeer suksesvol geïnkorporeer het in die propileenketting tydens beide die koolwaterstof oplosmiddel- en gasfase polimerisasiereaksies. Rekenaargebaseerde modellering is gebruik om die kondensasiekondisies van tipiese gasmengsels, teenwoordig tydens die produksie van PP statistiese kopolimere, te bepaal. Die resultate het aangedui dat normale proseskondisies tydens die gasfasepolimerisasie van propileen en 1-penteengeen risiko van kondensasie in die reaktor inhou nie. Propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere is gevolglik met groot sukses vervaardig by die 800-liter BASF loodsaanleg in Duitsland, gevolg deur die eerste kommersiële vervaardiging van die kopolimeer op die Sasol50m3 Novolen gasfase-aanleg in Secunda. Deur gebruik te maak van kommersieel beskikbare sagteware, is die impak van 1-penteen as komonomeer tydens die vervaardiging van statistiese kopolimere op die verkoelingskapasiteit van die kondensator bepaal. Veilige en uitvoerbare aanlegkondisies is uitgestip vir die vervaardiging van propileen /1-penteen statistiese kopolimere. Die verhouding tussen die reaktordruk en poeiermorfologie is ondersoek om die prosestoestande te optimiseer. Vervaardiging van kopolimere in die gasfase by hoër drukke lei tot verhoogde monomeerkonsentrasie in die reaktor en gevolglik hoër produksiedeursette. Daar is bewys dat tydens die produksie van PP statistiese kopolimere, met 1-penteen as komonomeer, hoër reaktordruk ingespan kan word. Die dramatiese toename in katalisproduktiwiteit waargeneem tydens die 800- liter loodsaanleg proefloop, tot en met 'n komonomeer inhoud van ongeveer 5%, word ondersteun deur die resultate van 'n kinetiese studie uitgevoer in laboriumskaal drukvate. 'n Omvattende studie, om die reologiese, termiese, kristallyne, fisiese en meganiese eienskappe van propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere te vergelyk met kommersieel beskikbare PP statistiese kopolimere, is uitgevoer. 'n Reeks propileen homo- en statistiese kopolimere, met 1-penteen en etileen as komonomere onderskeidelik, is berei. KMR- en IR- tegnieke is ontwikkel om die bepaling van komonomeersamestelling vir die nuwe familie van 1- penteen statistiese kopolimere te fasiliteer. Die invloed van komonomeersamestelling, molekulere gewig en temperatuur op die eienskappe van die reeks polimere is ondersoek. Die propoleen / 1- penteen statistiese kopolimere toon unieke reologiese eienskappe wat geassosieer kan word met die propielsykettings in die polimeerruggraat. Die viskositeit van die propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere toon 'n hoër wrywings- en temperatuursensitiwiteit in vergelyking met propileen homo- en etileen statistiese kopolimere. 'n Drastiese verlaging in die termodinamiese smeltpunt van die propileen / 1- penteen statistiese kopolimere met 'n toename in komonomeerinhoud is waargeneem tot en met 'n 5% komonomeerinhoud. Die propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere toon 'n breër smeltgebied en 'n hoër tempo in die piek smeltpuntafname in vergelyking met etileen statistiese kopolimere met soortgelyke komonomeer inhoud, gemeet op 'n massabasis. Daar is bewys dat die kristalstruktuur van die propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere beide die alfa en gamma modifikasies bevat. Die verhouding van die onderskeie kristalvorms is 'n funksie van komonomeerinhoud en kristalisasietemperatuur. 'n Afname in die glastemperatuur met verhoogde komonomeer inhoud is waargeneem. Die aanname dat die kort propielsykettings in die polimeerruggraat in die kristalstruktuur geïnkorporeer word, is gemaak. Dit verklaar die hoë afname in die tempo van die smeltpunt met toenemende komonomeer inhoud relatief tot ander statistiese kopolimere, met die handhawing van hoë moduluswaardes. Die besondere deursigtigheid van die propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere tesame met relatief hoë modulus waardes is uniek. 'n Omgekeerde verhouding tussen komonomeer inhoud en treksterkte asook moduluswaardes is waargeneem. 'n Toepassingstudie uitgevoer met die propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere het verskeie interessante resultate gelewer. Films vervaardig van hierdie kopolimere toon besonderse deursigtigheid en lae waarde van xileenoplosbaarheid, terwyl meganiese integriteit gehandhaaf word. Voordele in die vervaardigingsproses van BOPP-films asook bogemiddelde filmeienskappe hou unieke moontlikhede vir propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere in. Verskeie voordele tydens blaas- en spuitvormingsprosesse is waargeneem relatief tot ander beskikbare statistiese kopolimere. Die 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere toon 'n laer in-vorm sowel as totale krimping relatief tot etileen- gebaseerde kopolimere. 'n Studie het aangetoon dat tipiese bymiddelpakette by normale toevoegingsvlakke geskik is vir propileen / 1-penteen statistiese kopolimere. Gesien in die groter pp statistiese kopolimeer familie toon 1-penteen 'n beter balans van eienskappe as ander komonomere. Die kombinasie van laer smeltpunt en xileen-oplosbares met hoë moduluswaardes en helderheid is uniek aan propileen /1-penteen statistiese kopolimere.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: As there is inadequate control of the hydrothermal synthesis technique used to date in the synthesis of zeolite A membranes, the feasibility of a new synthesis approach was investigated, namely the static transverse synthesis method. The former technique involved (i) thorough mixing of the chemical components, (ii) gel-formation and ageing and (iii) heat treatment. The proposed new method for zeolite A synthesis concerns the use of two individual nutrient pools (AI and Si) on opposite sides of a porous medium (a-alumina tube). Diffusion of these two nutrients towards each other, due to concentration differences, results in their contact in the porous medium (crystallisation front), leading to gel formation and eventual zeolite crystal growth. By means of the new static transverse synthesis technique the application of very high nutrient concentrations (O.72g NaOH, 80.0g H20, 8.26g NaAI02 and 15.48g Na2Si03), contrary to what is used in conventional hydrothermal synthesis techniques (11.23g NaOH, 54.82g H20, 0.61g NaAI02 and 3.63g Na2Si03), is now possible. The advantage of using high nutrient concentrations lies in the fact that supersaturation exists immediately after gel formation occurs. Supersaturation is a prerequisite for grain growth, which, in tum, is the only way in which a very thin (4-6 urn), continuous (pinhole-free) zeolite crystal layers can be prepared. A variety of support materials have been used to provide the mechanical stability for zeolite membranes, because the chemical/physical interaction between a zeolite synthesis solution and the support also plays a role in the formation of a zeolite membrane. Hence, zeolite A crystal growth on four different types of supports was evaluated and the a-alumina tube proved to be the best support for zeolite A crystal growth. An exploratory study into the upgrading of the static transverse synthesis to a continuousflow synthesis was also undertaken. The nutrients were continuously passed over the opposite surfaces (internal and external) of the porous a-alumina tube. In this way the nutrients could be replenished throughout the synthesis. It was possible to make zeolite A membranes using this technique, although these membranes were not an improvement on the membranes produced with the STS method. The zeolite A crystal population in and on the surface of the porous supports was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The zeolite A crystallinity, symmetry and morphology were characterised using x-ray diffraction PCRD). The zeolite lattice vibrations, structure sensitive and structure insensitive vibrations were determined by infra red spectroscopy (IR). The wettability of the alumina support was determined by dynamic contact angle measurements. The zeolite A membranes prepared by the static transverse synthesis were tested for their helium permeance. They were also subjected to pervaporation experiments at 45°C, using a water/ethanol mixture (5 wt% water) and it was found that the fluxes varied between 0.2 -0.4 kg/m2h and the separation factors varied between 5000 and 16000. These results compare very favourably with results reported in the literature. In conclusion, the possibilities created by using a combination of membranes and catalysis, both on bench scale and in industry, are reviewed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Weens onvoldoende beheer oor die hitte behandeling sintese tegniek wat tans vir die sintese van zeoliet-A-membrane gebruik word, is die haalbaarheid van 'n nuwe sintese tegniek, nl. die statiese sydelingse sintese-metode, ondersoek. Eersgenoemde tegniek behels (i) deeglike vermenging van die chemiese komponente, (ii) jelvorming en -veroudering en (iii) hittebehandeling. Die voorgestelde nuwe sintese tegniek vir die bereiding van ondersteunde zeoliet-A-membrane behels die plasing van twee aparte voedingsbronne (Al en Si onderskeidelik), aan teenoorgestelde kante van 'n poreuse medium (a-aluminabuis). Diffusie van hierdie twee komponente na mekaar, agv konsentrasieverskille, veroorsaak dat die twee oplossings in die poreuse medium met mekaar in aanraking kom (kristallisasie front). Dit lei dan tot jelvorming en uiteindelik zeolietkristal groei. Met die nuwe sydelingse sintesetegniek is die aanwending van baie hoë konsentrasies van die voedingsbronne (O.72g NaOH, 80.0g H20, 8.26g NaAI02 en 15.48g Na2Si03) nou moontlik. Dit is in teenstelling met die konvensionele hitte behandelingstegnieke (11.23g NaOH, 54.82g H20, O.61g NaAl02 en 3.63g Na2Si03). Die voordeel van hoë voedingsbronkonsentrasies is dat oorversadiging onmiddelik na jelvorming bereik word. Absolute oorversadiging is 'n voorvereiste vir partikelgroei, wat op sy beurt die enigste manier is om baie dun (4-6 urn), aaneenlopende zeolietkristallae te verkry. 'n Verskeidenheid van draermateriale is al gebruik om meganiese stabiliteit aan zeolietmembrane te verleen, aangesien die chemiese/fisiese interaksie tussen die zeolietsintese-oplossing en die draermateriaal 'n rol speel in die vorming van die zeolietmembraan. Om hierdie rede is die groei van zeoliet-A-kristalle op vier verskillende tipes draermateriale ondersoek en die a-aluminabuis is as die beste draermateriaal vir zeoliet-A-kristalgroei bewys. 'n Aanvanklike studie na die moontlike opgradering van die statiese sydelingse sintese na aaneenlopende vloeisintese is ook onderneem. In hierdie studie is die voedingsbronne deurlopend oor die teenoorgestelde oppervlaktes (intern en ekstern) van die poreuse a-aluminabuis gepomp. Sodoende kon die voedingstowwe voortdurend tydens die sintese aangevul word. Dit was moontlik om zeoliet-A-membrane met behulp van hierdie tegniek te maak, alhoewel hierdie membrane nie 'n verbetering was op dié wat deur middel van die statiese sydelingse sintesetegniek gemaak is nie. Die teenwoordigheid van die zeoliet-A-kristalle op die verskillende oppervlaktes van die poreuse buis is met behulp van 'n skandeerelektronmikroskoop (SEM) bepaal. Die zeoliet-A-kristalliniteit, -simmetrie en -morfologie is met behulp van x-straaldiffraksie (XRD) gekarakteriseer. Die zeolietlatwerk-, struktuursensitiewe- en struktuuronsensitiewe vibrasies, is met behulp van infrarooispektroskopie (IR) en die benatbaarheid van die aluminabuis met dinamiese kontakhoekbepalings bepaal. Die zeoliet-A-membrane berei met die statiese sydelingse sintese-metode is vir helium-deurlaatbaarheid getoets en ook aan pervaporasie eksperimente by 45°C, deur gebruik te maak van 'n water/etanol mengsel (5 wt% water), onderwerp. Daar is gevind dat vloei tussen 0.2 - 0.4 kg/mh en dat skeidingsfaktore tussen 5000 en 16000 gevarieer het. Hierdie resultate vergelyk baie goed met die resultate in die literatuur. Samevattend word 'n oorsig gegee van die moontlikhede wat geskep word deur membraanskeidingstegnologie te kombineer met katalise op laboratorium- en industriële skaal.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation describes work done on Fischer- Tropsch ionomeric waxes. The waxes are characterized with respect to the method of manufacture, the mechanism of the oxidation process, the saponification, the physical properties, the rheological properties, the morphology and the water absorption of the waxes. Different methods of physical and mechanical analysis are used to prove at which concentration level, for each type of cation tested arid for each type of oxidized and grafted wax prepared, the formation of multiplets and clusters within the Fischer- Tropsch ionomeric waxes takes place. An understanding of multiplet and cluster formation in Fischer- Tropsch ionomeric waxes is essential as these morphological phenomena control the mechanical and physical behaviour of the Fischer- Tropsch ionomeric waxes. The ability to be able to analyse the Fischer- Tropsch ionomeric waxes for multiplet and cluster formation should allow one to predict the physical and mechanical behaviour of the Fischer- Tropsch ionomeric waxes in practical applications. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie skripsie beskryf werk gedoen op Fischer-Tropsch ionomeries wasse. Die wasse is gekarakteriseer ten opsigte van die vervaardigingsmetode, die meganisme van oksidasie, die verseping, hulle fisiese en reologiese eienskappe, hulle morfologie en water absorpsie. Verskillende metodes van fisiese en meganiese analiese is gebruik om te bewys by watter konsentrasie, vir 'n spesifieke katioon en vir 'n spesifieke geoksideerde of entwas, wanneer veelvoud of tros-vorming plaasvind. Die vermoë om te verstaan hoe en wanner veelvoude en trosse in Fischer- Tropsch ionomeries wasse vorm is van kardinale belang, aangesien die fisiese en meganiese eienskappe van die Fischer- Tropsch ionomeries wasse direk beinvloed word deur die vorming van veelvoude en trosse. Die vermoë om Fischer- Tropsch ionemeries wasse te kan analiseer vir veelvoud en tros vorming is voordelig om Fischer- Tropsch ionomeries wasse se meganiese en fisiese eienskappe in praktiese aanwendings te voorspel.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2000. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This work involves the study of the effects of Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) agents on the emulsion polymerization of styrene. The feasibility of RAFT as a method for obtaining controlled radical polymerizations in emulsion systems is also investigated. Both seeded and ab initio systems were studied with three RAFT agents of varying structure. Inhibition and retardation effects on addition of various amounts of the RAFT agents to the emulsion systems were observed and the trends noticed. The effect of the RAFT agents on the average number of radicals per latex particle was calculated from reaction rates. The effect of the RAFT agent on the molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution was monitored by gel permeation chromatography. Exit of free radicals from the latex particles proves to be a major feature in the studied RAFT emulsion systems. Fragmentation of the RAFT agent in the latex particles, gives rise to free radical species that can exit from the particle and enter other particles where they can either terminate instantaneously or propagate. The exit and termination processes presumably result in both the inhibition and retardation of the emulsion polymerizations. A linear increase in Mn with conversion is observed, however the low concentration of RAFT agent in the latex particles is responsible for the obtained number average molecular weights being much higher than predicted. The low concentrations of RAFT agents in the latex particles is also responsible for the broad molecular weight distributions that are obtained. Reaction conditions for RAFT experiments should to be chosen so that the effects of exit processes are minimized and that the RAFT agent is primarily situated in the latex particles. These conditions must be met if the RAFT process is to be successful as a method of controlled radical polymerization in emulsions. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsing behels die studie van die effek van In bygevoegde addisie-fragmentasie kettingsoordragsreagent (RAFT1) op die emulsie polimerisasie van stireen. Die uitvoerbaarheid van RAFT as 'n metode om gekontroleerde radikale polimerisasies in emulsiesisteme te verkry is ook ondersoek. Eksperimente met drie RAFTkettingoordragsreagente van gevarieerde strukture is uitgevoer in beide seeded en ab initia sisteme. Die effek van die RAFT-reagent op die inhibisie en vertraging van die emulsie polimerisasie is waargeneem en die invloed van RAFT op die gemiddelde aantal radikale per partikel is bepaal. Die ontwikkeling van die molekulêre massa en die molekulêre massadistribusie is waargeneem deur middel van gel permeasie- kromatografiese tegnieke. Die ontsnapping van vrye radikale vanuit die partikels was 'n belangrike faktor in RAFT emulsiesisteme wat ondersoek is. Hierdie radikale is gegenereer deur die fragmentasie van die oorspronklike RAFT-reagent. Fragmentasie van die RAFT-reagent in die lateks partikels lei tot die vorming van vrye radikale spesies wat uit een partikel kan ontsnap en ander partikels kan binnedring waar dit onmiddellik kan termineer of propageer. Die ontsnappings- en terminasieprosesse van vrye radikale lei oënskynlik tot die inhibering en vertraging van die emulsie polimerisasie. 'n Lineêre verhoging in die gemiddelde molekulêre massa tydens konversie is waargeneem, alhoewel die Mn-waardes baie hoër was as wat verwag is. Die verskil kan toegeskryf word aan die klein hoeveelhede van die RAFT-reagent wat in die partikels teenwoordig is. Hierdie lae RAFT-konsentrasies is ook verantwoordelik vir die breë molekulêre massa distribusie wat waargeneem is. Vir die RAFT-proses om suksesvol te wees in gekontroleerde radikale polimerisasies in emulsies, moet reaksie kondisies so gekies word dat die ontsnapping van vrye radikale tot 'n minimum beperk word en die RAFT-reagent hoofsaaklik in die lateks partikels teenwoordig is.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A novel approach to conducting controlled free radical polymerization in aqueous systems using Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) has been studied. When conducting RAFT in aqueous systems, reaction conditions must be chosen such that monomer transport across the aqueous-phase is either eliminated or facilitated. This is to prevent the formation of the red layer associated with RAFT in emulsions. The formation of the red layer is ascribed to the inability of waterinsoluble, dithiobenzoate-endcapped oligomers to be sufficiently transported across the aqueous phase. The novel approach in this study focussed on eliminating monomer transport and comprises two fundamental steps: the synthesis of dithiobenzoate-encapped oligomers in bulk followed by miniemulsification of these oligomers to yield a polymerizable miniemulsion. Dithioesters that act as chain transfer agents in the RAFT -process were synthesized in situ, thereby eliminating laborious and time-consuming organic purification procedures of dithioesters. In situ formation of the RAFT-agents involved conducting the reaction between di(thiobenzoyl) disulfide and conventional azo-initiators of differing structures in the presence of monomer. The structure of the chosen azo-initiator played a role in the efficiency of the RAFT process when the reaction was conducted in the presence of monomer to control the free radical polymerization process. Synthesis of the oligomers was performed by heating di(thiobenzoyl) disulfide and a selected azo-initiator, in the presence of monomer for a specific reaction duration in bulk. After the reaction was stopped, these oligomers were then miniemulsified by adding water, surfactant and cosurfactant, followed by the application of shear to form the resulting mini emulsion. The free radical polymerization of the dithiobenzoate-endcapped oligomers in the miniemulsion proceeded in a controlled manner with molecular weight increasing in a linear fashion with increasing conversion, while polydispersities remained low. The familiar red layer formation associated with RAFT polymerization in conventional emulsions was not observed under these conditions. The effects of changing the cosurfactant (hydrophobe) as well as changing the degree of polymerization of the emulsified oligomers were also investigated and described. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie is geloods om 'n nuwe benadering tot die beheerde vry-radikaal polimerisasie in water gebaseerde sisteme te ondersoek. Daar is spesifiek gekyk na die uitvoer van die RAFT (Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer) proses in emulsies. Wanneer RAFT in emulsies toegepas word, moet die toestande waaronder die reaksie uitgevoer word, versigtig opgestel word. Die toestande moet so gekies word dat die vervoer van monomere deur die waterfase óf geëlimineer word óf gefasiliteer word. Dit word gedoen om die faseskeiding in die vorm van 'n rooi laag, wat so kenmerkend van RAFT -polimerisasie in emulsies is, te voorkom. Hierdie faseskeiding vind plaas omdat die vervoer van ditiobensoaat endgroep-bevattende oligomere deur die waterfase tydens interval II, moeilik is a.g.v. hulle oplosbaarheid in water. Die nuwe benadering wat hier bestudeer is, het twee basiese stappe. Eerstens word die ditiobensoaat endgroep-bevattende oligomere in bulk gesintetiseer. Dit word gevolg deur die emulsifisering van die oligomere. Hierna vind verdere polimerisasie van die oligomere plaas deur die dormante oligomere te heraktiveer. Die ditio-esters wat as kettingoordrag agente optree in die RAFT proses, word in situ gesintetiseer. Hierdie modifikasie sny tydrowende organiese suiweringsmetodes uit. Die in situ RAFT agente word gesintetiseer deur di(tiobensoïel) disulfied met verskillende konvensionele azo-inisieerders te laat reageer. Die struktuur van die spesifieke azoinisieerder het wel 'n rol gespeel in die effektiwiteit van die RAFT proses om molekulêre massa te beheer as bg. reaksie in die teenwoordigheid van monomere uitgevoer is. Die sintese van die oligomere is gedoen deur di(tiobensoïel) en 'n azo-inisieerder te verhit in die teenwoordigheid van monomere. Die reaksie is gedoen in bulk en die graad van polimerisasie van die oligomere is beheer deur die reaksie te stop by verskillende tydstippe. Nadat die bulk reaksie gestop is, is hierdie oligomere ge-emulsifiseer deur die oligomere te meng met 'n seep, hidrofoob en water. Hierdie mengsel word dan onderwerp aan 'n vermengingskrag om 'n polimeriseerbare mini-emulsie te vorm. Die voortsetting van die polimerisasie van die oligomere in die mini-emulsie het op 'n beheerde wyse verloop, m.a.w. molekulêre massa wat linieêr toeneem met stygende omsetting. Polidispersiteit indekse van die polimere het deurentyd laag gebly in die stabielste sisteme. Onder hierdie toestande was daar geen kenmerkende rooi laagvorming te bespeur nie. Die effekte wat die verandering van die hidrofoob, asook die verandering van die graad van polimerisasie van die oligomere op die sisteem gehad het, is onder andere ook ondersoek en beskryf.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2001 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The effect of various organic reducing agents, in the. form of monosaccharide reducing sugars, on the rate of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of n-butyl methacrylate and methyl methacrylate is reported in this study. The addition of the reducing sugars has a positive effect on the rate of ATRP. Up to 100% increase in the rate of polymerization was recorded, in some cases. These organic reducing agents have little effect on the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of the polyin-butyl methacrylate) and polydispersity indexes remain well below 1.2. The molecular weight of the poly(methyl methacrylate), when glucose and galactose are added to the reaction mixture, compares well with the theoretical expected values. An explanation for these observations is the ability of the reducing sugars to reduce part of the Cu(II) species, that serves to deactivate the growing radicals, to Cu(I), thereby ensuring a shift in the equilibrium between active and dormant chains in the direction of the former and a resulting increase in the rate of polymerization. uvNIS spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to investigate the mechanism behind the polymerization rate enhancement. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie word die effek van verskeie organiese reduseermiddels, in die vorm van monosakkaried reduserende suikers, op die tempo van polimerisasie van ATRP gerapporteer. Hierdie reduserende suikers het 'n positiewe effek op die polimerisasie tempo. In sommige gevalle word 'n toename van 100% in die polimerisasie tempo waargeneem. Die organiese reduseermiddels het 'n minimale effek op die molekulere massa en molekulere massa verspreiding (in meeste gevalle minder as 1.2) van die poly(n-butiel metakrielaat). In die geval van die poly(metiel metakrielaat), wanneer glukose en galaktose by die reaksie mengsel gevoeg word, stem die molekulere massas goed ooreen met die teoreties voorspelde molekulere massas. Die waargenome toename in die polimerisasie tempo kan toegeskryf word aan die vermoe van die reduserende suikers om die Cu(II), wat dien om die groeiende radikale te deaktiveer, gedeeltelik te reduseer na Cu(l). Hierdeur word verseker dat die ewewig tussen die aktiewe en dormante kettings in die rigting van die eersgenoemde verskuif word, wat dus aanleiding gee tot 'n toename in die polimerisasie tempo. Ultraviolet spektroskopie en sikliese voltammetrie is ook gebruik om lig te werp op die meganisme agter die toename in die tempo van polimerisasie.

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Aqueous polyurethane (PU) dispersions were synthesized for the use in paper coatings. These PUs contained a polyester polyol soft segment (content of 60-70%) and a urethane hard segment (content of 30-40%). This was followed by grafting using four different grafting agents. Triethylamine (TEA) was used as the neutralizing agent. The polyester polyol segment consisted of neopentyl glycol (NPG), adipic acid, 1,4-cyclohexane dicarboxylic acid (1,4-CHOCA) and 2-phosphonobutane-1 ,2,4- tricarboxylic acid (PSTCA), while the urethane hard segment consisted of hydrogenated 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate, dimethylolproponic acid (OMPA), 3-hydroxypivalic acid (HPA) and hydroxyethylene methacrylate (HEMA). The grafting agents used were lauryl methacrylate (LMA), n-butyl methacrylate (n-SMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene. Two different polyester polyols were synthesized, one containing 10% phosphate and the other none. The polyols were characterized in terms of their acid value, hydroxyl value and molecular mass. The PUs synthesized from the polyol containing 0% phosphate were grafted with LMA, while the phosphate-containing PUs were grafted with each of the all four grafting agents. The resulting dispersions were applied to paperboard, and then dried at a maximum temperature of 100°C. The PU-coated paperboard was characterized using the moisture vapour transmission rate (MVTR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. PU films (not supported by paper, stand alone) were prepared by heating the PU dispersion in Teflon holders up to 130°C for 6 hours. The dried films were then characterized by thermogravimatric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (OSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (OMA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). MVTR-analysis showed that the phosphated PU coatings had a minimum MVTR-value at 0% grafting, and that its overall MVTR-values were much lower than that of the non-phosphated PU coatings. SEM-analysis showed that the phosphated PU coatings had no pinholes at a maximum of 8% grafting, while the non-phosphated PU coatings showed pinholes at all levels of grafting. OMA-analysis showed that the phosphated PU samples had higher Tg's (Tg onset between O-S°C)than that of the non-phosphated PU samples (Tgonset below -SO°C). / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: POLI-URETAAN DISPERSIES VIR PAPIER BEDEKKINGS Waterige poli-uretaan (PU) dispersies is gesintetiseer vir gebruik as papierbedekkings. Hierdie poli-uretane het 'n poliester poli-ol sagte segment (60-70% inhoud) en 'n uretaan harde segment (30-40% inhoud) bevat. Die poli-uretane is met vier verskillende ent-middels geêent. Trietielamien (TEA) is as neutraliseermiddel gebruik. Die poli-ester poli-ot segment het bestaan uit: neopentielglikol (NPG), adipiensuur, 1,4-sikloheksaandikarboksielssuur (1,4- SHDKS) en 2-fosfonobutaan-1 ,2,4-trikarboksielssuur (FSTKS). Die uretaan harde segment het bestaan uit: hidrogeneerde 4,4-difenielmetaandiisosianaat, dimetielpropioonsuur (DMPS), 3-hidroksipivaalsuur (HPS) en hidroksietileenmetakrilaat (HEMA). Laurielmetakrilaat (LMA), n-butielmetakrilaat (n-SMA), metielmetakrilaat (MMA) en stireen is as entmiddels gebruik. Twee verskillende poli-ester polihidroksie verbindings is gesintetiseer: een met 10% fosfaat en een met geen fosfaat, en gekarakteriseer in terme van hulle suurwaardes, hidroksiwaardes en molekulêre massas. Die PUs wat vanaf die fosfaat-bevattende poli-ol gesintetiseer is, is met LMA geêent, terwyl die fosfaat-bevattende PUs met al vier entmiddels geêent is. Papier (Eng. paperboard) is met hierdie dispersies bedek en by 100°C gedroog. Die PU-bedekte papier is gekarakteriseer in terme van vogdeurlaatbaarheidstransmissie (Eng: MVTR - the moisture vapour transmission rate), en skandeerelektonmikroskopie (SEM). PU-films wat nie deur papier gestut is nie is ook voorberei deur die verhitting van die PU dispersies in Teflon houers (130°C, 6 ure). Die droë films is daarna gekarakteriseer deur middel van termogravimetriese analise (TGA), differensiêle skandeerkalorimetrie (DSC), dinamiese meganiese analise (OMA) en Fourier-transformasie infrarooispektroskopie (FTIR). Resultate van MVTR analises het getoon dat die fosfaat-bevattende PU bedekkings 'n mimimum MVTR-waarde by 0% enting gehad het, en dat die totale MVTR waardes baie laer was as die van die nie-fosfaatbevattende bedekkings. SEM het gewys dat die fosfaat-PU bedekkings by 8% enting geen mikrogaatjies (Eng. pinholes) gehad net nie, terwyl die PU bedekings met geen fosfaat mikrogaatjies (Eng. pinholes) by alle vlakke van enting gehad het. OMA analises het getoon dat die monsters van die fosfaatbevattende PU hoër Tg waardes gehad het (Tg begin tussen 0 en 5 "C) as die nie-fosfaatbevattende PU monsters (Tg begin onder -50°C).

<p>The interaction of boronic acid with diols is reversible and pH-dependent. Boronate groups are able to form complex with 1,2- diol or 1,3-diols at pH values above 9. Therefore, the unique property of boronic esters was employed to exploit controllable self-assembly by three independent mechanisms, each of which is independent of the other two. The three interaction mechanisms are 1) electrostatic attraction between positive polymers and negative surfaces. 2) Polyethylene glycol (PEG)—phenolic polymer complex formation, which is one type of hydrogen bonding. 3) Phenylboronate (PBA) binding to polyols.</p> <p>To exploit these interactions, families of water-soluble and bifunctional copolymers containing pairs of non-interacting groups were prepared and characterized. Characterization includes structure, molecular weight, composition, etc. These bifunctional polymers can specifically interact with two other types of polymers/surfaces. Therefore, it provides a possibility to prepare complex assemblies by using multiple polymer/polymer interactions in one step.</p> <p>The utility of multiple, independent interactions was demonstrated by formation of self-assembled multilayer thin films on both silicon wafers and polystyrene latex particles. Moreover, the formation of well-defined nanoparticle aggregates with three different sizes of polystyrene latex particles was studied to extend the application of controllable self-assembly by multiple interactions. The assembly structures of multilayers and latex aggregates were controllable by adjusting the pH and addition of competitive small molecules.</p> <p>In addition to the study of multilayer self-assembly, a new approach for controllable deposition of latex nanoparticles on surfaces was also exploited. Regenerated cellulose films were chemically modified to fabricate the cellulose films bearing surface phenylboronic acid groups (cellulose-PBA). The poly(glycerol monomethacrylate)- stabilized polystyrene (PGMA-PS) latex particles were used to have reversible, pH-dependent adsorption onto the cellulose-PBA by the interaction of boronic acids and diols. Specific adsorption of PGMA-PS onto cellulose-PBA was observed at pH 10.5, whereas the latex particles were removed at pH 4.</p> / Doctor of Engineering (DEng)

<p>The interactions of microgel based adhesives with cellulose were studied by peel test of cellulose laminates and tensile test of handsheets. The objective of this project was to create design rules for microgel based adhesives so as to improve the wet paper strength. Colloidal microgel based adhesives were formed by coating carboxylated poly(Nisopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgels with polyvinylamine (PVAm). The characterization of the microgel base adhesives were performed by electrophoretic mobilities, dynamic light scattering, and potentiometric titration. The microgel based adhesives were pH sensitive and their swelling behaviour was related to the composition of PVAm in the microgels. The maximum amount of PVAm binding to microgels depends on the location of charges in the microgels and the molecular weight of PVAm. The binding process of PVAm to microgels was monitored by quartz crystal microbalance measurements. It is proposed that the binding of PVAm to microgels is controlled by the rate of initial attachment of PVAm and the rate of reconfiguration of PVAm on the microgels. The microgel based adhesives were laminated between oxidized cellulose films and the wet adhesion of microgel based adhesives with cellulose was studied by a 90° peel test. The wet delamination force was measured as a function of PVAm content, PVAm molecular weight, coverage of adhesives on cellulose films, size of adhesives, stiffness of adhesives and the roughness of cellulose films. The wet adhesion of microgel based adhesives with cellulose increased with PVAm content in the microgels, and decreased with microgel stiffness. The molecular weight of PVAm did not influence the performance of adhesives. The effect of microgel size on wet adhesion with cellulose was related to the roughness of cellulose films. Larger microgels did fill the voids between rough cellulose films to create more contact area with these films resulting in higher wet adhesion. By contrast, for smooth cellulose films, the size of microgels didn’t affect the wet adhesion. Finally, this basic research was extended to a practical situation. The microgel based adhesives were added to unbeaten, bleached softwood pulp to prepare handsheets and their ability to enhance wet paper strength was evaluated by tensile test. The wet paper strength increased with PVAm content of the microgels. For linear PVAm, high molecular weight PVAm was more effective as a wet strength adhesive while for PVAm coated microgels, the molecular weight was not significant for wet paper strength. With the aid of PVAm coating, solid carboxylated polystyrene particles improved the wet paper strength. However the wet strength of paper treated with PVAm coated microgels was larger than that treated with PVAm coated polystyrene by a factor of 2.</p> / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Dissertation (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The kinetics of drying and film formation of different polymeric latices were studied. Various theoretical models predict a strong dependency of the film formation characteristics on the particle size and morphology. This could be confirmed by experimental studies. The influence of particle size and morphology of differently structured latices on the film formation process was investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Ultrasonic shear wave reflection. These two methods allow a comprehensive characterization of the drying and film formation process of emulsions. The studies confirmed the theoretical model, that the film formation behavior is influenced by the particle size and particle morphology. Furthermore the influence of different additives, such as coalescent solvents and rheology modifiers on the film formation behavior was investigated. As a second part of the studies, a novel technique was developed to measure thermal transitions of polymers with the AFM in the non-contact mode, using it as a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) on a local scale. The resonance frequency of the AFM cantilever was measured as a function of the temperature and thermal transitions of a polymer were clearly visible as changes in the resonance frequency / temperature response curve. Using the AFM in this mode allows the determination of the thermal properties of a material at a specific position on a sample, thereof on a macromolecular scale. A simple model was developed to explain the response of the cantilever caused by the transitions in the polymer and the related form of the frequency/temperature curves. This new technique adds a new dimension to standard thermal analysis techniques. It is now possible to resolve the individual thermal transitions of different polymer phases, for example in structured multiphase polymers. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die kinetika van droging en filmvorming van verskeie polimeriese lateksverbindingse is ondersoek. Verskeie teoretiese modelle voorspel 'n sterk afhanklikheid tussen die filmvormingseienskappe, partikelgrootte en morfologie. Hierdie afhanklikhede is eksperimenteel bevestig. Die invloed van partikelgrootte en morfologie van verskillende lateksstrukture op die filmvormingsproses is deur atoominteraksiemikroskopie (Eng: Atomic Force Microscopy, AFM) sowel as ultrasoniese skuifweerstandgolfrefleksie ondersoek. Hierdie twee metodes bied 'n deurslaggewende karakterisering van die droging en filmvormingsproses van emulsies. Resultate bevestig die teoretiese model, nl. dat filmvorming deur partikelgrootte en morfologie beïnvloed word. Die invloed van verskillende bymiddels, insluitend reologie-modifiseerders op filmvorming, is ook ondersoek. Vervolgens is 'n nuwe tegniek ondersoek om die termiese oorgange van polimere met behulp van die AFM in nie-kontak modus (deur dit as 'n dinamiese meganiese analiseerder (DMA) te gebruik) te bestudeer. Die resonansie-frekwensie van die AFM-hefboom is bepaal as 'n funksie van temperatuur. Termiese oorgange van 'npolimeer is duidelik waarneembaar as veranderinge in die resonansfrekwensie/ temperatuur responskurwe. Deur gebruik te maak van die AFM in hierdie modus kan die termiese eienskappe van 'n materiaal by 'n spesifieke posisie op die monster op molekulêre skaal bepaal word. 'n Eenvoudige model is ontwikkel om die oorgange in die polimeer, en gevolglik die vorm van die frekwensie/temperatuur kurwes, dmv. die respons van die hefboom, te verduidelik Hierdie nuwe tegniek gee 'n nuwe dimensie tot die standaard tegnieke van termiese analise tegnieke. Dit is nou moontlik om individuele termiese oorgange van verskeie polimeerfases, byvoorbeeld in gestruktureerde multifase polimere, te ondersoek en op te los