Tesis por compendio / This PhD dissertation thesis has been focus on the development and characterization of antimicrobial packaging films based on the incorporation in the polymer matrix or on the attachment to the film surface of naturally occurring antimicrobial compounds with the purpose of inhibiting the proliferation of microorganisms and extend the microbiological shelf life of packaged food products. The studied active films are based on the use of ethylene vinyl copolymers (EVOH) containing 29% (EVOH29) or 44% (EVOH44) molar percentage of ethylene as polymeric vehicle for the incorporation of several antimicrobial compounds -oregano essential oil (OEO), citral, ethyl lauroyl arginate (LAE), epsilon-polylysine (EPL), green tea extract (GTE) and lysozyme. These antimicrobial agents have been incorporated in the film-forming solution or immobilized to the film surface by covalent bonding. Prior to the preparation of the active films, the antimicrobial activity of the selected compounds against selected microorganism was demonstrated, confirming that they could be good candidates to be used as preservatives for active food packaging applications, and an alternative to synthetic additives. The effect of the incorporation of the antimicrobial agents on relevant functional properties of the developed EVOH films was studied. In general, the polymer properties as materials for food packaging were not relevantly affected. In order to evaluate the potential of EVOH matrices as sustain release systems of active compounds, the release kinetics of the active compounds from the film to different media was evaluated; for that the agent release rate and extend into food simulants was monitored, and it was concluded that the agent concentration, release temperature, type of EVOH, interaction of EVOH with the food simulant, and the solubility of the active compound in the release media were the main controlling factors. EVOH matrices have also shown good properties to be used for the attachment of active molecules. In this regard, lysozyme was successfully immobilized on the film surface of EVOH. Several experiments were conducted to determine the antimicrobial properties of the resulting films in vitro against different microorganisms responsible for foodborne illness and in vivo with real foods –minimally-process salad, infant milk, surimi sticks and chicken stock- to enhance their preservation. All the materials presented a strong in vitro antimicrobial activity. Although the results obtained through in vivo tests showed activity reductions caused by food matrix effects, all materials presented significant microbial inhibition and, therefore, great potential to be used in the design of active food packaging. They can be applied as an inner coating of the packaging structure, releasing the active agent or acting by direct contact, producing a great protection against contamination with a prolongation of the microbiological food shelf life. / Muriel Galet, V. (2015). Novel antimicrobial films based on ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers for food packaging application [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/48522 / Premios Extraordinarios de tesis doctorales / Compendio

The synthesis and characterization of a variety of ammonium ionenes from water-soluble coatings to high-performance elastomers are discussed. Water-soluble random copolymer ionenes were synthesized using the Menshutkin reaction from 1,12-dibromododecane, N,N,Nâ ²,Nâ ²-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine, and 1,12-bis(N,N-dimethylamino)dodecane. The absolute molecular weights were determined for the first time using a multiangle laser light scattering detector in aqueous size exclusion chromatography and the weight-average molecular weights of these ionenes were in the range of 17,000-20,000 g/mol. Charge density increased with increasing molar ratio of N,N,Nâ ²,Nâ ²-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine and the glass transition temperature (Tg) increased from 69 °C to 90 °C as the charge density increased. Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) showed isotropic scattering patterns for these ionenes. A limited study on cytotoxicity of these ionenes showed no direct correlation between charge density and cell viability for human brain microvascular endothelial cell line. A series of low hard segment (HS) content, poly(propylene glycol) (PPG)-based ammonium ionenes were synthesized using a Menshutkin reaction from bromine end-capped PPG oligomers (prepared using acid-chloride reactions) and N,N,Nâ ²,Nâ ²-tetramethyl-1,6-hexanediamine. Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, titration analyses, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, confirmed the difunctionality of bromine end-capped PPG oligomers. Thermal analysis revealed Tg's of -60 °C, comparable to pure PPG, using differential scanning calorimetery (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) confirming microphase separation, and an onset of degradation (Td) at 240 °C. Synthesis of a series of random block copolymer ammonium ionenes with an aliphatic 1,12-dibromododecane as part of the hard segment (33 wt% HS) enhanced film formation and supported microphase separation property. The Td and Tg did not change compared to PPG-ionenes with lower HS content. DMA and tensile testing demonstrated the influence of soft segment (SS) molecular weight and hard segment (HS) content on the mechanical properties of segmented ammonium ionenes. DMA showed the onset of flow, ranging from 100-140 ºC for 1K and 2K g/mol PPG-based ionenes respectively. SAXS revealed a Bragg distance scaled with soft segment molecular weight and ranged from 6.6 to 23.4 nm for 1K to 4K g/mol PPG-based ionenes, respectively. An investigation of the salt-responsive solubility property of random block copolymer PPG-ionenes revealed a dependence on PPG molecular weight. The 1K g/mol PPG-based ionenes with a hydrophilic (HPL)/hydrophobic (HPB) value ranging from one to three showed solubility in both water and one wt% NaCl aqueous solutions. The 2K g/mol PPG-based ionenes containing HPL/HPB value of two to 15 showed cloudy dispersions in water and one wt% NaCl solutions. The 4K g/mol PPG-based ionenes possessed the salt-responsive character; 4K g/mol PPG-based ionenes with HPL/HPB values of one to 12 showed milky dispersions in water, suspended particles in one wt% NaCl solutions and film precipitation at a HPL/HPB molar ratio of 19. / Master of Science

[ES] Debido a la gran problemática que concierne el uso de plásticos, se ha incrementado la conciencia social derivada de los problemas medioambientales como la gran cantidad de desechos plásticos generados, la escasez de petróleo, el aumento de la huella de carbono y la contaminación. Como medida alternativa, aparece el uso de materiales de origen natural, consiguiendo reducir con éxito el uso de recursos no renovables y disminuir la cantidad de huella de carbono. Dentro de la industria del plástico, el polietileno de alta densidad (HDPE) es unos de los plásticos comerciales más utilizados, por lo que, el polietileno biobasado (BioHDPE), es una buena solución para reducir al máximo los problemas derivados de la utilización de recursos fósiles. El BioHDPE ofrece buena resistencia mecánica, alta ductilidad y resistencia al agua. Por otro lado, las cargas naturales se han utilizado desde hace mucho tiempo con el objeto de disminuir el coste del material. En la mayoría de los casos la introducción de estas cargas en porcentajes limitados no afecta de forma significativa a las prestaciones del material compuesto. En este trabajo de investigación, se pretende la obtención de nuevos materiales compuestos respetuosos con el medio ambiente a partir de una matriz polimérica (BioHDPE) con refuerzo de partículas de piña de pino para conseguir reducir los costes del uso del material virgen y, al mismo tiempo, mejorar sus propiedades. Debido a la naturaleza hidrofílica del HDPE, se introduce el copolímero el PE-g-MA con el fin de mejorar la interacción entre las fibras y la matriz. Obtenidas las mezclas en base a la variabilidad porcentual de carga, se realizan estudios de compatibilidad según sus propiedades a base de ensayos experimentales como mecánicos, térmicos, morfológicos, termomecánicos y tratamiento superficial con plasma atmosférico. Los resultados obtenidos permiten validar la obtención de "Wood Plastic Composites" en base a la incorporación de partículas de piña. La utilización de refuerzos de gran abundancia a un coste muy bajo como la piña de pino, ofrece la posibilidad de aumentar el rendimiento del compuesto obtenido. La utilización del compatibilizante PE-g-MA se muestra eficiente a la hora de mejorar las propiedades mecánicas dúctiles de los compuestos. La estabilidad térmica también mejora considerablemente con el uso del compatibilizante incluso con concentraciones mayores de piña. Con respecto al aspecto físico resultante de una pieza inyectada, se han obtenido muestras con un color marrón similar a la de algunas especies de madera natural. Se ha demostrado que la afinidad entre la matriz polimérica apolar y las partículas lignocelulósicas permite un incremento general de prestaciones en el compuesto resultante, lo que supone una notable reducción de coste en el producto final. Por todo ello, se demuestra que la afinidad entre la matriz polimérica apolar y las partículas lignocelulósicas permiten un incremento general de prestaciones en el compuesto. / [CA] A causa de la gran problemàtica que concerneix l'ús de plàstics, s'ha incrementat la consciència social derivada dels problemes mediambientals com la gran quantitat de deixalles plàstiques generades, l'escassetat del petroli, l'augmentant l'empremta de carboni i la contaminació. Com a mesura alternativa, apareix l'ús de material de base biològica, aconseguint reduir amb èxit l'ús de recursos no renovables i disminuir la quantitat d'emprempta de carboni. Dins la industria del plàstic, el polietilè d'alta densitat (HDPE) és un dels plàstics comercials més utilitzats, per la qual cosa, el politilè de base biològica (BioHDPE) és una bona solució per a reduir al màxim els problemes derivats de la utilització de recursos fòssils. El BioHPDE té bona resistencia mecànica, alta ductilitat i resistencia a l'aigua. D'altra banda, les càrregues naturals s'han utilitzat des de fa molt de temps per tal de disminuir el cost del material. En la majoria dels casos, la introducció d'aquestes càrregues en percentatges limitats no afecta de manera significativa a les prestacions del material compost. En aquest treball de'investigació, es pretén obtener nous materials compostos respectuosos amb el medi ambient a partir d'una matriu polimérica (BioHDPE) amb reforç de partícules de pinya de pi per aconseguir reduir els costos de l'ús del material verge i, al mateix temps, millorar les propietats. A causa de la naturalesa hidrofílica del HDPE, s'introduiex el copolímer PE-g-MA per a millorar la interacción entre les fibres i la matriu. Obtingudes les mescles en base a la variabilitat percentual de càrrega, es realitzen estudis de compatibilitat segons les seues propietats a base d'assajos experimentals com els mecànics, tèrmics, morfològics, termomecànics i tractament superficial amb plasma atmosfèric. Els resultats obtinguts permeten validar l'obtenció de "Wood Plastic Composites" en base a la incorporació de particules de pinya. La utilització de reforços de gran abundancia a un cost molt baix com la pinya de pi ofereix la possibilitat d'augmentar el rendiment del compost obtingut. La utilització del compatibilitzant PE-g-MA es mostra eficient a l'hora de millorar les propietats mecàniques dúctils dels compostos. L'estabilitat tèrmica també millora considerablement amb l'ús del compatibilitzant fins i tot amb concentracions més grans de pinya. Pel que fa a l'aspecte físic resultant d'una peça injectada, s'han obtingut mostres amb un color marró semblant a algunes espècies de fusta natural. S'ha demostrat que l'afinitat entre la matriu polimèrica apolar i les partícules lignocel.lulòsiques permet un increment general de prestacions en el compost resultant, fet que suposa una notable reducció de cost en el producte final. Per tot això, es demostra que l'afinitat entre la matriu polimérica apolar i les partícules lignocel.lulòsiques permeten un increment general de prestacions en el compost. / [EN] Due to the great problem that concerns the use of plastics, there has been an increase in social awareness derived from environmental problems based on the large amount of plastic waste generated, the scarcity of oil, the increasing the carbon footprint and the pollution. As an alternative measure, the use of bio-based materials appears, successfully reducing the use of non-renewable resources and reducing the amount of carbon footprint. Within the plastics industry, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most widely used commercial plastics. Therefore, bio-based polyethylene (BioHDPE) is a good solution to minimize the problems derived from it of the use of fossil resources. BioHDPE has good mechanical, strength, high ductility and water resistance. On the other hand, natural fillers have been used for a long time in order to reduce the cost of the material. In most cases, the introduction of these loads in limited percentages does not significantly affect the performance of the composite material. In this research work, the aim is to obtain new environmentally friendly composite materials from a polymer matrix (BioHPDE) with reinforcement of pine cone particles to reduce the costs of using the virgin material and improve its properties. Due to the hydrophilic nature of HDPE, the PE-g-MA copolymer is introduced in order to improve the interaction between the fibers and the matrix. Once the mixtures are obtained based on the percentage variability of load, compatibility studies are carried out according to their properties based on experimental tests such as mechanical, thermal, morphological, thermomechanical and surface treatment with atmospheric plasma. The results obtained allow us to validate the production of Wood Plastic Composites based on the incorporation of pine particles. The use of highly abundant reinforcements at a very low cost, such a pine cone, offers the possibility of increasing the performance of the compound obtained. The use of PE-g-MA compatibilizer is shown to be efficient in improving the ductile mechanical properties of the compounds. The thermal stability also improves considerably with the use of the compatibilizer even with higher concentrations of pine. Regarding the resulting physical appearance injected piece, samples have been obtained with a brown color similar to that some species of natural wood. It has been shown that the affinity between the nonpolar polymeric matrix and the lignocellulosic particles allows a general increase in performance in the resulting composite, which represents a notable cost reduction in the final product. For all this, it is demonstrated that the affinity between the nonpolar polymer matrix and the lignocellulosic particles allows a general increase in performance in the composite. / Morcillo Esquerdo, MDC. (2023). Desarrollo y optimización de mezclas de alto rendimiento medioambiental basadas en poliolefinas y cargas de origen natural [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/202559

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第24905号 / 工博第5185号 / 新制||工||1990(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科高分子化学専攻 / (主査)教授 大内 誠, 教授 田中 一生, 教授 大北 英生 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DGAM

Des masques polymères à porosité contrôlée sont fabriqués à partir de films minces de copolymères à blocs auto-organisés polystyène-b-polylactide (PS-PLA) et polystyrène-b-poly(méthacrylate de méthyle) (PS-PMMA). Les films doivent être réorganisés grâce à une exposition aux vapeurs de solvant (THF ou DCE) pour obtenir des cylindres perpendiculaires à la surface, dans le volume et arrangés de façon hexagonale à longue distance. L’extraction sélective des domaines minoritaires conduit alors à des films minces poreux de PS. La mise en place de nouvelles techniques de caractérisation (analyse des images AFM, analyse MEB de répliques de système poreux, ellipso-porosimétrie) a permis d’évaluer l’influence de nombreux paramètres (nature du substrat, épaisseur du film, mode de dépôt, nature du solvant, temps et mode d’exposition aux vapeurs du solvant, …) sur la morphologie des films (surface, interface substrat/film, volume) et sur la cinétique de réorganisation. Des mélanges de copolymères à blocs A-B et d’homopolymères C (PS-PMMA/PLA, PS-PLA/PMMA, PS-PLA/PEO, PS-PEO/PLA, PS-PEO/PMMA, PS-PMMA/PEO) sont également étudiés. L’ajout d’homopolymères permet dans certains cas, d’améliorer la réorganisation des films de copolymères à blocs. Il permet également une augmentation des tailles caractéristiques du système. L’homopolymère C se localise au centre des domaines du bloc minoritaire B si χA-C> χB-C et χA-C > χA-B. Par exemple, dans le cas du mélange PS-PMMA/PLA, des cylindres perpendiculaires à la surface et organisés de façon hexagonale sont observés après exposition aux vapeurs de THF avec incorporation des domaines d’homopolymères PLA au centre des domaines de PMMA. / Polymer films with controlled porosity are obtained from block copolymer thin films of polystyrene-b-polylactide (PS-PLA) and polystyrene-b-poly(methylmethacrylate) (PS-PMMA). The morphology of these films must be reorganized by solvent annealing (THF or DCE) in order to obtain the cylinders perpendicular to the surface, in the volume and arranged in a hexagonal lattice over a long distance. The selective removal of the minority domains leads to a porous thin film of PS. New characterization techniques (AFM image analysis, SEM analysis of the silica replica, ellipsoporosimetry) are developed to evaluate the influence of various parameters (substrate nature, film thickness, method of deposition, duration and method of solvent vapors annealing …) on the morphology of the film (surface, interface and volume) and on the kinetics of reorganization. Blends of copolymer/homopolymer A-B/C (PS-PMMA/PLA, PS-PLA/PMMA, PS-PLA/PEO, PS-PEO/PLA, PS-PEO/PMMA, PS-PMMA/PEO) are also studied. In some cases, the addition of homopolymers can improve the reorganization of block copolymer films. It also allows an increase of the characteristics size of the system. Homopolymers C locate at the center of the minority B domains if χA-C> χB-C and χA-C> χA-B. For example, in the case of PS-PMMA/PLA blends, cylinders perpendicular to the surface and hexagonally arranged are observed after exposure to vapor of THF with incorporation of PLA homopolymer in central PMMA domains.

No description available.

L’auto-assemblage de macromolécules amphiphiles dans des solutions aqueuses est un mécanisme important sous-jacent à de nombreux processus présents dans les organismes vivants. La formation spontanée de structures auto-organisées de phospholipides et de biomacromolécules se produit en raison d'un équilibre délicat entre les forces d'attraction et de répulsion. Ces forces comprennent l'attraction hydrophobe, la liaison hydrogène, les forces de coordination des métaux et la répulsion stérique ou électrostatique. En outre, l'auto-assemblage de molécules amphiphiles synthétiques est largement utilisé dans divers domaines technologiques. Un exemple frappant est celui des surfactants de faible poids moléculaire qui peuvent modifier de manière significative les propriétés des systèmes. Les autres domaines importants dans lesquels les tensioactifs et les macromolécules amphiphiles sont activement utilisés sont la cosmétologie et l'hygiène. Cependant, l'utilisation de structures auto-organisatrices de macromolécules amphiphiles nécessite une étude approfondie et soulève quelques questions pour les chercheurs concernant leur structure, leur comportement sous l'influence de facteurs externes et leur stabilité. L'objectif principal de la thèse était de développer une théorie de champ analytique auto-cohérente de l'auto-organisation dans des solutions de copolymères de déblocage non ioniques linéaires dendritiques et dendritiques doubles dans des solvants sélectifs. Cette théorie nous permet de prédire comment la dendronisation d'un ou des deux blocs affecte les propriétés structurelles et thermodynamiques d'assemblages auto-organisés formés par des copolymères. Il a été démontré que la dendronisation des corona bloc permet d’obtenir les micelles stables de taille relativement petite, mais avec de nombreux groupes terminaux. Cette dernière caractéristique est particulièrement intéressante dans le contexte de la liberation contrôlée, puisque les groupes terminaux exposés à l'environnement peuvent être facilement fonctionnalisés par des groupes de ligands pouvant être ciblés. Ces deux caractéristiques peuvent être obtenues simultanément car la dendronisation des corona bloc réduit le nombre d'agrégation à l'équilibre et les dimensions globales des micelles par rapport aux micelles formées par des molécules de copolymères diblocs linéaires homologues tout en conservant un grand nombre de groupes terminaux par micelle. La dendronisation du bloc insoluble peut être utilisée pour augmenter le nombre d'unités monomères terminales dans le core. Nous avons également démontré que la dendronisation des blocs solubles favorise la formation de micelles sphériques, alors que les gammes de stabilité thermodynamique des micelles cylindriques et des dendrimersomes sont déplacées vers un degré plus élevé de polymérisation des séquences insolubles. Au contraire, la dendronisation du bloc insoluble a l'effet inverse et conduit à un élargissement des gammes de stabilité des polymeres et des micelles cylindriques.Nous avons étudié les effets de l'extensibilité finie dans les brosses polyélectrolytes à chaîne linéaire et à dendron contenant des groupes ioniques. Nous avons développé la théorie analytique des brosses polyélectrolytiques dans l'approximation de Poisson-Boltzmann qui explique explicitement l'extensibilité finie des chaînes de polyélectrolytes formant des brosses. Il a été montré que pour la même série de paramètres de la brosse, la théorie basée sur l’élasticité non linéaire des polyions prédit une épaisseur de la brosse plus faible et une plus grande amplitude du saut de la densité du polymère au bord du pinceau. Les connaissances obtenues fourniront une base rationnelle pour la conception moléculaire de nouveaux copolymères à blocs complexes sur le plan architectural, y compris ceux destinés à des applications médicales. / An important mechanism underlying many processes occurring in living organisms is self-assembly of amphiphilic (macro)molecules in aqueous solutions. Spontaneous formation of self-organized structures of phospholipids and biomacromolecules occurs because of a delicate balance between attraction and repulsion forces. Such forces include hydrophobic attraction, hydrogen bonding, metal coordination forces and steric or electrostatic repulsion.In addition, self-assembly of synthetic amphiphilic molecules is widely used in various technical fields. A striking example are low molecular weight surfactants (small amphiphilic molecules) that can significantly change the properties of systems. Other important areas in which surfactants and amphiphilic macromolecules are actively used are cosmetology and hygiene. However, the use of self-organizing structures of amphiphilic macromolecules requires detailed study and raises a few questions for researchers regarding their structure, behavior under the influence of external factors and their stability.The main goal of the present work was development of the theory of self-assembly of diblock copolymers where one or both of blocks (soluble or/and insoluble) exhibit dendritic branching and established relations between degree of branching of the block(s) and structural properties (size, shape, aggregation number) of the self-assembled aggregates.The major focus of the thesis was on developing an analytical self-consistent field theory of self-organization in solutions of non-ionic linear-dendritic and double-dendritic deblock copolymers in selective solvents. This theory enables us to predict how dendronization of one or both blocks affects structural and thermodynamic properties of self-organized assemblies formed by copolymers. It was demonstrated that dendronisation of the corona blocks allows obtaining the stable micelles of relatively small size, but with many terminal groups.The latter feature is most attractive in the context of controlled delivery, since the exposed to the environment terminal groups can be readily functionalized by targetable ligand groups. Both these features can simultaneously be achieved because dendronization of the corona blocks reduces the equilibrium aggregation number and overall dimensions of micelles compared to micelles formed by homologous linear-linear diblock copolymer molecules while keeping large number of terminal groups per micelle. Dendronization of the insoluble block may be used for increasing of the number of terminal monomer units in the core. Such terminal groups can be further functionalized to be able to interact with active drugs, thereby increasing the loading capacity of the micelle.We have also demonstrated that dendronization of the soluble blocks favors formation of spherical micelles, whereas the ranges of thermodynamic stability of cylindrical wormlike micelles and dendrimersomes are shifted to larger degree of polymerisation of the insoluble blocks. On the contrary, dendronization of the insoluble block has the opposite effect and leads to widening of the stability ranges of polymersomes and cylindrical micelles.We investigated effects of finite extensibility (non-linear elasticity) in linear chain and dendron polyelectrolyte brushes containing ionic groups. We developed the analytical theory of polyelectrolyte brushes within the Poisson-Boltzmann approximation which explicitly accounts for finite extensibility of the brush-forming polyelectrolyte chains. It was shown that for the same set of the brush parameters the theory based on non-linear elasticity of the polyions predicts smaller thickness of the brush and larger magnitude of the jump in polymer density at the edge of the brush.The obtained knowledge will provide a rational background for molecular design of novel architecturally complex block copolymers, including those for medical applications.

The advancement in smart technologies for organic conducting polymers as flexible substrates in LEDs, PVs and solid state lighting necessitates the development of ultra-high barrier films to protect the devices from moisture and oxygen. The current encapsulation methodology of using layers of plastics and inorganic oxides has several deficiencies. Alternatively, the use of single layer of polymer nanocomposites is a promising substitute for these inorganic based encapsulation layers. The use of polymer materials have the advantage of flexibility, active electrodes printability and easy to make the devices for large area applications. The nano-fillers with high aspect ratio as nanocomposites ingredient in polymers reinforces its mechanical strength and also acts as a scavenging material for moisture and increases the residence time and/or for the penetrating moisture in the film. Chapter 1 gives the basic overview in the field of barrier technology films and coatings from polymers and inorganic oxide as either mono/multi layer hermetic encapsulation methods. The understanding of both chemistry and physics behind the moisture permeation and its interaction with the film material was discussed. The inclusion of functional nano-fillers as moisture trapping agents in the film provide better device protection achieved. The methods and instruments to measure such ultra-low permeation within the films are discussed. Finally, the advantage of polymer based nanocomposites for low-permeable films with existing materials are briefly discussed in this chapter. In this thesis, we employed both thermoplastic and thermoset polymer nanocomposites as encapsulation layer for device sealing. The use of ion-containing polymers (ionomers) as a sealant layer was also studied. Chapter 2 presents the detailed experimental procedures with materials and methods used in this thesis along with the synthesis methodologies to make films from the polymer. In chapter 3, we used cyclic olefin copolymer COC (copolymer of ethylene and norbornene) as an encapsulation layer with silica and layered silicate nano-fillers. The compatibility between hydrophilic silica and hydrophobic COC was achieved by maleic anhydride grafted PE with anchoring on COC as a compatibilizer and then silica filler was added to make the nanocomposite films. FTIR spectroscopy confirms the bond formation of silica with COC/MA-g-PE. The mechanical (tensile and DMA) and thermal studies (DSC) suggested that there is an improvement observed when adding silica/silicate layers in the polymer matrix with increased tensile strength, storage modulus and Tg. The calcium degradation test show enhanced performance towards moisture impermeation in the film. Chapter 4 deals with the synthesis of PVB based nanocomposite film with silica/layered silicate as nanofillers in the base matrix with varying degree of acetalization in the film. The FTIR and NMR spectroscopy show the evidence for acetal link formation in the in-situ synthesized PVB with silica/silicate nanofillers with three different acetyl contents. The tensile and DMA studies show the observed improvement in mechanical strength (increased tensile strength, storage modulus) were due to the intercalation of clay galleries during PVB formation and the interaction of silica particles interactive bond formation with –OH groups of PVA in PVB. The higher clay/silica particles show agglomerated nature and reduction in film strength. Thermal studies (DSC) show that there is an improvement observed in Tg when adding silica/silicate layers in the polymer matrix with moderate to low acetal content. The calcium degradation test show enhanced performance towards moisture impermeation in the film. Chapter 5 describes the inclusion of ionic groups (ionomers) in PVB and its effects on moisture permeation and mechanical properties. PVB ionomer was synthesized using formyl benzene 2-sulfonic acid sodium salt and 2-carboxy benzaldehyde (both sulfonic and carboxylic acid sources) as co-aldehyde with butyraldehyde and PVA. These acid groups were neutralized with potassium, magnesium and zinc ions. The level of acid content in the films was maintained between 6 to 28 mol percent. The sulfonic acid films with zinc and magnesium ions of 14 mol% exhibit good mechanical strength and low moisture permeation. Chapter 6 deals with the epoxy terminated silicone polymer nanocomposites as moisture barrier coatings for device encapsulation. Both silica and clay silicate layers were used to reinforce the silicone matrix. The silica nanoparticles were grafted with amino-silane groups, this would help in better mixing of silica particles in the silicone matrix due to the amine groups interaction in curing with epoxy groups. The calcium degradation test was used to determine the WVTR of the nanocomposites and device encapsulation was employed to estimate the degradation after exposure to ambient environment. Chapter 7 presents the concluding remarks of the results presented. The benefits as well as limitations of the polymer nanocomposite film and the future developmental work to be carried out are discussed in this chapter.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-15T19:36:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Paula Aparecida Bergamini.pdf: 11467964 bytes, checksum: f444fac5ebd5632e2cdcc942570f6e37 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-10 / This study proposes the production and characterization of blends of ABS/PC through reuse of discarded PC in the automotive panel production process. The developed alloy ratios are (ABS/PC) 30/70, 50/50 and 70/30, in addition to the neat materials. For comparative purposes the mixtures were developed for both materials recycled PC (PCr) and neat PC (PCn). The blends were processed in a twin screw extruder under controled heating temperature. / Este estudo propõe a produção e caracterização de blendas de ABS/PC por meio do reuso do policarbonato (PC) descartado no processo de produção de painéis automotivos. As proporções de mistura desenvolvidas para estudo foram (ABS/PC) 30/70, 50/50 e 70/30, além dos materiais puros. Para efeitos comparativos, as misturas foram desenvolvidas tanto com o PC reciclado (PCr) como com o PC natural (PCn). As blendas foram processadas em extrusora de dupla rosca, sob temperatura controlada.

The research goal of this work was dedicated to improvement of the properties and enhancement of the application potential of commodity polymer based on polyolefins by choosing different synthesis routes to create new structures and materials. More precisely, the presented study explores different aspects of metallocene and post-metallocene catalyzed olefin polymerization leading to synthesis of novel copolymers and nanocomposites. The first part of this thesis deals with controlled polymerization of α-olefins catalyzed by post-metallocenes. Bis(phenoxyamine) zirconium complexes with [ONNO]-type ligands bearing cumyl (bPA-c) and 1-adamantyl (bPA-a) ortho-substituents were applied. For the polymerization catalyzed by bPA catalyst quasi-living kinetic character is proposed. The bPA catalyst was applied for synthesis of block copolymers by employing the strategy of sequential monomer addition. The blocky structure of the copolymer was successfully achieved and confirmed by NMR techniques. Moreover, the monomodal distribution of molar mass in SEC chromatogram confirmed the absence of homopolymers. In the second part of the work new defined comb-like copolymers (CLC) having a poly(10-undecene-1-ol) (PUol) backbone and densely grafted poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) side chains are presented. These copolymers were synthesized in two steps by means of metallocene polymerization followed by ring opening polymerization. Copolymers with varied and adjustable graft length (PCL segments) were synthesized. It was proved that the melting and crystallization temperatures of the CLC correlate with the PCL side chain length, i.e. longer chains result in higher Tm and Tc,o values. The melting enthalpy was found to be asymptotically dependent on the length of PCL side chains. The bulk morphology of the comb-like copolymers is proposed to be lamellar as judged from the TEM micrographs. The third part of the thesis is focused on the synthesis of polypropylene nanocomposites via in situ polymerization. Thereby, organomodified aluminumphosphate with kanemite-type layered structure (AlPO-kan) has been used as novel filler. Melt compounding composites were prepared for comparison purposes to evaluate the influence of in situ synthesis on the dispersion quality of the filler in polymer matrix. Melt compounding of neat AlPO-kan with PP did not lead to formation of nanocomposites. TEM images show macro-composites with the lamellar solid remaining agglomerated. On the contrary, in situ polymerization of propene yielded materials with exfoliated nanocomposite morphology. In XRD, diffractions of the AlPO-kan pilling of layers are not detectable. It can be concluded that the primary existing layers are delaminated. Very fine distribution of the filler in the polypropylene matrix has been impressively demonstrated by TEM.