Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T15:56:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Wanessa Rejane knop Weihermann.pdf: 8645347 bytes, checksum: 7ba1b3a312c2bb2df4cb0f3f16d4ad7a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Polymers with self-healing function permit to repair cracks and microcraks autonomously, thus providing extended life and reliability of polymeric structural elements. This study evaluated the healing efficiency of an epoxy matrix based on diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A based (DGEBA) using microcapsules of poly (urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) filled with an aminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-a) and triethylenetetramine (TETA). Fracture toughness tests (KIC) using specimens with TDCB geometry (Tapered Double Cantilever Beam), to assess the healing efficiency (η) were developed. Generally, the healing efficiency (η) increased with total concentration of microcapsules and, thus, the system with 5% (w/w) of microcapsules showed better healing efficiency in relative the system with 2,5% (w/w) of self- healing microcapsules in room temperature. Observed that the mPDMS systems to help reduce the stiffness of the epoxy matrix, resulting in greater energy release rate values (UIC). The fractographic analysis shows the rupture and release of the healing agent and the self-healing of cracks. The system with 2.5% (w/w) PUF microcapsules encapsulated with PDMS-a (mPDMS-a) and TETA (mTETA) self-healed at 80oC, showed value KIC similar to the system DGEBA, indicating that the system with healing agents not only regenerated the cracks, but also provided the damaged sites fracture toughness similar to the DGEBA system. / Polímeros autorregeneráveis são projetados para reparar de forma autônoma os danos gerados, como fissuras e microtrincas, prolongando a vida útil e confiabilidade materiais poliméricos. Esta pesquisa avaliou a eficiência de autorregeneração de uma matriz epoxídica a base de éter diglicidílico do bisfenol A (DGEBA) utilizando microcápsulas de poli(ureia-formaldeído) (PUF) preenchidas com polidimetil-siloxano aminado (PDMS-a) e trietilenotetramina (TETA). Ensaios de tenacidade à fratura (KIC), utilizando corpos de prova com geometria do tipo TDCB (Tapered Double-Cantilever Beam), foram empregados para avaliar a eficiência de autorregeneração desse novo sistema. Em geral, a eficiência de autorregeneração (η) aumentou com a concentração total de microcápsulas e, desta forma, os sistemas com 5% (m/m) de microcápsulas apresentaram melhor η em relação aos mesmos sistemas com 2,5% (m/m) de microcápsulas a temperatura ambiente. Também foi observado que os sistemas com mPDMS-a auxiliam a reduzir a rigidez da matriz epoxídica, resultando em maiores valores de taxa de liberação de energia (UIC). A análise fractográfica mostra o rompimento e liberação do agente cicatrizante e a autorregeneração das trincas e a transição entre os mecanismos atuantes na propagação da trinca de acordo com o aumento da concentração das microcápsulas. Como conclusão, todos os sistemas DGEBA com microcápsulas de TETA e PDMs-a apresentaram autorregeneração, e o melhor resultado nos demais propriedades e parâmetros avaliados foi encontrado para o sistema 2,5% (m/m) de mPDMS-a e mTETA autorregenerados a 80oC.

El polidimetilsiloxano (PDMS) es un polímero amorfo en base inorgánica con grupos pendientes que le imparten hidrofobicidad que es ampliamente utilidado en aplicaciones biomédicas. Debido a la baja energía superficial del PDMS, su adhesión es pobre. En algunas aplicaciones biomédicas (catéteres, prótesis) se requiere adhesión para lo cual se modifica superficialmente. Los plasmas generados en condiciones de no-equilibrio, también llamados plasmas fríos, han sido utilizados en el tratamiento superficial de PDMS para aumentar su energía superficial, pero las modificaciones producidas son poco estables, produciéndose una rápida recuperación de la hidrofobicidad (hydrophobic recovery). La estabilidad de las modificaciones superficiales del PDMS depende de las características del plasma utilizado para su tratamiento, por lo que el objetivo de la tesis doctoral se centra en la utilización de diferentes tipos de plasmas fríos para modificar las propiedades superficiales de PDMS de manera que simultáneamente se aumente su estabilidad y se mejore su adhesión. Otro aspecto innovador en el estudio consiste en la discriminación y optimización de las condiciones de tratamiento con plasma utilizando un diseño estadístico de experimentos, lo que he permitido modelar el efecto del tratamiento con plasma de superficies de PDMS empleando los ángulos de contacto y la química superficial como variables respuesta. Se ha estudiado el efecto de los diferentes tipos de plasma en la hidrofobicidad y la energía superficial del PDMS mediante medidas de ángulo de contacto. Las modificaciones en la química superficial han sido evaluadas usando espectroscopia infrarroja en modo de reflectancia total atenuada (FTIR-ATR) y espectroscopia fotoelectrónica de rayos X (XPS), mientras que los cambios en la morfología y nanorugosidad superficial se monitorizaron usando microscopía electrónica de barrido (SEM) y microscopía de fuerza atómica (AFM). Las propiedades de adhesión del PDMS se evaluaron mediante ensayos de adhesión en pelado en T y de cizalla a solape simple, utilizando un adhesivo sensible a la presión (PSA) en base acrílica para uso médico. Estas propiedades fueron además monitorizadas en función del tiempo tras el tratamiento con plasma para determinar la estabilidad de las modificaciones producidas. En general, el tratamiento superficial de PDMS con plasma produce oxidación de las cadenas de polisiloxano por sustitución de los grupos metilo por grupos hidroxilo, lo que aumenta la polaridad y la energía superficial, incrementando las propiedades de adhesión. Se produce el entrecruzamiento de cadenas mediante condensación de los grupos hidroxilo, formando una delgada capa superficial con estructura de sílice. Cuando las características del plasma son demasiado agresivas aparecen grietas superficiales favoreciendo la recuperación hidrofóbica por difusión de especies apolares desde el seno del PDMS hacia la superficie, así como por la reorientación de los nuevos grupos polares en la superficie hacia el seno del material. Este fenómeno se minimiza optimizando las condiciones de tratamiento empelando un diseño estadístico de experimentos. En sistemas de generación de plasma a baja presión, tratamientos con baja potencia durante largos tiempos mejoran la funcionalización de la superficie del PDMS, y el uso de mezclas de argón y oxígeno como gas plasmógeno resulta más efectivo que el empleo de los gases puros; la presión de trabajo tiene un papel fundamental en la estabilidad de las modificaciones producidas. En sistemas de antorcha de plasma atmosférico el tiempo de tratamiento y la distancia de la boquilla a la superficie son los parámetros más relevantes en la oxidación superficial del PDMS, mientras que en sistemas de plasma atmosférico de doble barrera dieléctrica, el voltaje, el tiempo de tratamiento y la distancia entre electrodos son las variables críticas en la efectividad del tratamiento superficial. Finalmente, la deposición de monómeros mediante antorcha de plasma permite generar nanoestructuras superficiales en el PDMS aportándole características de superhidrofobicidad.

Silicone release liners are silicone coatings on top of papers or films that are used in the adhesives industry to prevent adhesion before the final use of the adhesive e.g. labels. The process of production of release liners involves the casting of molten polysiloxanes on top of the substrates that crosslink by hydrosilylation reaction forming silicone networks. The quality of the release liner can be assessed by diverse methods usually performed when the coating process has been finished. Rarely an online control of the reaction is possible. Fluorescence spectroscopy was found to be a non-invasive useful method to control the reaction during the whole process by introducing very small concentration of fluorescent molecules in the polymer formulations; those fluorophores are sensitive to environmental changes as the silicone polymer molecules crosslink. In response to that stimulus, the fluorescence intensity varies along the time upon reaction allowing the identification of the gel point and further modifications or molecules rearrangements in a post-curing stage within weeks that are non-observable with conventional quality control methods. It was found that the fluorescent molecules do not require to be attached covalently to the polysiloxanes, thus fluorescence spectroscopy is a simple method to implement for controlling the production of silicone coatings. Moreover, the characterization of several silicone formulations was performed to find the optimal conditions for the production of release liners and to understand the effect of every component in the formulation on the performance of the silicones. The kinetics of the reaction was also studied and even a mechanism for the hydrosilylation reaction was proposed.

Les copolymères à blocs contenant une partie souple et une partie dure constituent aujourd'hui une classe de matériaux très attractifs en raison de leurs propriétés résultant de la combinaison de deux homopolymères de nature différente. Dans le cadre des copolymères à blocs à forte teneur en polydiméthylsiloxane (PDMS), une méthode de synthèse originale en deux étapes, compatibilisation puis extension, a été développée. Respectueuse de l'environnement grâce à l'utilisation du procédé d'extrusion réactive, cette approche ouvre une nouvelle voie vers le développement d'élastomères thermoplastiques. L'objectif de cette thèse est d'élaborer à l'état fondu des copolymères à blocs à base de PDMS silicone à partir de la réaction époxy-amine puis, par une réaction d'allongement d'obtenir un matériau avec une forte proportion en PDMS. Dans un premier temps, une étude de la réaction époxy-amine sur molécules modèles a été réalisée à partir d'oligodiméthylsiloxanes α,ω- fonctionnalisés époxy et d'une alkylamine. Indépendamment de la température et du ratio molaire, la réaction a permis d'obtenir des copolymères greffés de type (A2B2)n. Dans un deuxième temps, cette stratégie a ensuite été appliquée à des systèmes polymères tels que le polyéthylène et le polyamide. A cette échelle, la réaction s'est produite et conduit à des produits de type (A2B2)n. Dans un troisième temps, l'ensemble des copolymères synthétisés ont été étudiés lors de la réaction d'allongement, basée sur l'insertion de siloxanes cycliques à l'aide d'une superbase. Dépendante de la température et de la quantité de catalyseur, cette réaction a été étudiée sur molécules modèles et sur des systèmes polymères / Nowadays hard-soft block copolymers consist of a very attractive material class because of their properties resulting of the combination of two different homopolymers. In the case of block copolymers with on a high polydiméthylsiloxane (PDMS) content, an innovative 2-step synthesis method, compatibilization and extension, has been developed. Using an environmental friendly route such as a reactive extrusion process, this approach opens a new synthesis pathway towards the development of thermoplastic elastomers. The goal of this thesis is to develop mass block copolymers based on PDMS using the epoxy-amine reaction, followed by an extension reaction to reach a material with a high percent of silicone. Firstly, a study of the epoxy-amine reaction on model molecules was carried out between a low molecular weight PDMS and an alkylamine. Independently of the temperature and the molar ratio, the reaction allowed to obtain graft copolymers with an (A2B2)n type structures. Secondly, this strategy has then been applied in polymer systems such as polyethylene and polyamide. At this scale, the reaction occurred and lead to products with (A2B2)n type structures. Thirdly, all synthesized copolymers were studied during the extension reaction, based on the insertion of cyclic siloxanes using a catalysis system. Depending of the temperature and the catalyst quantity, this reaction was investigated on model molecules and polymer systems

No description available.

Capsaicin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and polydopamine (PDA) were used to target macrophage and myofibroblast activity to reduce biomaterial-induced fibrosis. The lifetime and efficacy of implantable biomedical devices are determined by the foreign body response. Immediately after implantation, proteins nonspecifically adsorb onto the material and initiate inflammation. Macrophages recruited to the site can differentiate into M1 and M2 phenotypes and upregulate inflammation and fibrosis which interferes with the intended function. M1 macrophages secrete pro-inflammatory mediators that induce chronic inflammation and promote myofibroblast differentiation while M2 macrophages are wound healing cells that suppress inflammation and regulate fibroblast activity. The fibrotic tissue is developed by myofibroblasts which produce collagen in an unregulated fashion. Collagen thickening and biomaterial encapsulation decreases efficacy and sensitive of biomedical devices. We investigated the in vitro and in vivo effects of capsaicin, PGE2 and polydopamine surface modification on macrophages and myofibroblasts. Capsaicin and PGE2 reduced poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA)-induced fibrosis by promoting M2 macrophage phenotype to secrete anti-inflammatory IL-10 and suppressing myofibroblast marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Capsaicin decreased collagen by 40% and upregulated IL-10 secretion by 35% while PGE2 reduced collagen by 55% after 14 days of implantation and 40% less collagen after 42 days. PDA was used to bind an anti-fibrotic compound to the surface of a poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS-PDA) to reduce fibrosis. However, PDMS-PDA controls gave an unexpected result by reducing fibrosis to the same extent as anti-fibrotic compound bound PDMS- v PDA. PDA modification reduced cellularity by 50% and significantly decreased collagen thickness by 30%. Overall, our results showed that biomaterial-induced fibrosis can be reduced by promoting M2 macrophage activity and inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation. This research demonstrates three compounds that have potential to reduce fibrosis and extend the lifetime and efficacy of implantable biomedical devices. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / Capsaicin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and polydopamine were used to reduce scar tissue development around implanted polymers. Biomedical devices implanted in the body can undergo severe scar tissue formation, or fibrosis, and fail. Fibrosis is described by the accumulation of collagen and encapsulation of an implanted polymer. Macrophages regulate fibrosis by secreting pro-fibrotic compounds and myofibroblasts produce unregulated amounts of collagen. In this thesis, capsaicin, PGE2 and polydopamine were incorporated into implants to target macrophage and myofibroblast activity and reduce fibrosis in mice. Capsaicin and PGE2, released from a degradable polymer, altered macrophages to secrete anti-fibrotic compounds and decreased collagen by 40% and 55%, respectively. Polydopamine surface modified implants gave an unexpected result and suppressed overall cell activity to reduce fibrosis by 30%. The research conducted shows the potential of these compounds to reduce fibrosis and extend the lifetime of implantable devices.

No description available.

Precise manipulation of heterogeneous droplets on an open droplet microfluidic platform could have numerous practical advantages in a broad range of applications, from proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells and microreactors, to medical diagnostic platforms capable of assaying complex biological analytes. Toward the aim of developing electrically controllable micropost arrays for use in open droplet manipulation, custom-designed titanium dioxide (TiO2)- loaded poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) micropost arrays were developed in this work and indirectly mechanically actuated by applying an electric field. Initial experiments explored the bulk properties of TiO2-loaded PDMS films, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirming a uniform TiO2 particle distribution in the PDMS, and tensile testing of bulk films showing an inverse relationship between TiO2 % (w/w) and Young’s Modulus with the Young’s Moduli quantified as 4.22 ± 0.51 MPa for unloaded PDMS, 2.27 ± 0.18 MPa for 10 % (w/w) TiO2, and 1.39 ± 0.20 MPa for 20 % (w/w) TiO2. Following bulk material evaluation, soft lithography methods were developed to fabricate TiO2- loaded PDMS micropost arrays. Mathematical predictions were applied to design microposts of varying shape, length, and gap spacing to yield super-hydrophobic surfaces actuatable by an electric field. Visual inspection and optical microscopy of the resulting arrays confirmed a non- collapsed micropost geometry. Overall, round microposts that were 100, 200, and 300 μm in length, 15 μm in diameter, and spaced 50 μm apart were produced largely free of defects, and used in contact angle measurements and micropost deflection experiments. Droplet contact angles measured on the arrays remained above 120° indicating the arrays successfully provided super- hydrophobic surfaces. Individual microposts deflected most notably above an electric field strength of 520 kV/m (12.5 kV nominal voltage). The ability to mechanically deflect customized microposts using an electric field demonstrated by this work is promising for translating this technology to precise droplet manipulation applications. Indirect actuation of droplets could enable the manipulation of liquids with varying electrical properties, which is a limitation of current micropumping technologies. Once optimized, electrically actuated micropost arrays could significantly contribute to the micro- handling of heterogeneous, highly ionic, and/or deionized fluids. / Thesis (Master, Chemical Engineering) -- Queen's University, 2013-03-03 17:25:49.785

Le procédé par lequel des forces sont transformées en signaux chimiques joue un rôle fondamental dans de nombreux processus biologiques. Ce travail de thèse a permis de mettre au point de nouvelles surfaces fonctionnelles synthétiques permettant de mimer ce comportement. Il s’agit plus précisément de contrôler l’adsorption d’objets biologiques tels que des protéines ou des cellules sur un support élastique modifié par plasma et présentant des récepteurs spécifiques. Ces récepteurs sont masqués par de longues chaînes de poly(éthylèneglycol) (PEG) qui sont également greffées sur la surface. L'étirement de celles-ci permet d'exhiber les sites d’adsorption ou les sites d'adhésion et de rendre ainsi la surface adhérente. Notre méthode est basée sur la polymérisation plasma de l’anhydride maléique. Cette fonctionnalisation permet de greffer à la surface de films silicones des fonctions carboxylique qui servent de points d’ancrage aux chaînes de PEG. Sur le même principe, la biotine ou les peptides d’adhésion (RGD) sont greffés dans un deuxième temps sur ce substrat. Nous montrons, qu’à l’état non étiré, ces ligands ne sont pas accessibles pour leurs récepteurs. Par contre, à l’état étiré, la surface devient spécifiquement adsorbante pour la streptavidine, l’anti-biotine et adhérente pour les cellules. Ces phénomènes sont parfaitement réversibles. / The process by which forces are converted into chemical signals play a fundamental role in many biological processes. This thesis has to develop new functional synthetic surfaces to mimic this behavior. It is more precisely to control the adsorption of biological objects such as proteins or cells on an elastic support modified by plasma and presenting specific receptors. These receptors are masked by long chains of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) which are also grafted onto the surface. Stretching allows them to exhibit adsorption sites or adhesion sites and thus make the surface adhesive. Our method is based on the plasma polymerization of maleic anhydride. This functionalization can be grafted to the surface of silicone films carboxylic functions which serve as anchors points for the PEG chains. On the same principle, biotin or adhesion peptides (RGD) have been grafted in a second time on this substrate. We show that the non-stretched state, these ligands are not accessible to their receptors. On the other side, in the stretched state, the surface becomes specifically adsorbent to streptavidin, anti-biotin and also adherent for cells. These phenomena are perfectly reversible.

La présente étude a été consacrée à l'étude du potentiel du PDMS pour l'élaboration d'un procédé de séparation membranaire à sélectivité variable et contrôlée. La nanofiltration se base une théorie relativement jeune. Les mécanismes impliqués dans les performances des membranes sont encore sujet à controverse au vu des données de la littérature. La caractérisation du gonflement solvo-dépendant du polymère, ainsi que de ses propriétés de compressibilité à l'état gonflé, ont permis de relier directement les propriétés de perméation et de tamisage moléculaire d'une membrane de PDMS à son état physico-chimique. L'étude de l'influence des paramètres opératoires a dans un premier temps permis d'apporter des éléments de compréhension significatifs concernant les propriétés de perméation résultant de la variabilité de l'agencement structural et géométrique du réseau polymérique. Degré de gonflement, compressibilité de la membrane lorsque soumise à la pression transmembranaire, affinités solvant/membrane et viscosité du solvant ont été mise en avant pour décrire le flux de solvant à travers la membrane. Au vu des résultats, ce dernier résulterait davantage d'un transport de type hydraulique à travers les interstices du PDMS gonflé, qui se comporte analogiquement à un système poreux dans cet état. Les mécanismes de transport impliqués ont pu être confirmés et agrémentés au cours d'une étude de la rétention de molécules modèles : les polyéthylèneglycols. Il a alors été montré, via l'étude de leur rétention individuelle, la faisabilité d'un procédé membranaire dont les performances sont variables et peuvent être ciblés par un choix adéquat des conditions opératoires. Deux types majeures d'influences ont alors pu être soulignée : celles liées à la structure du système solvant/PDMS et celles attribuées aux propriétés physico-chimique de la solution à traiter, présentant des effets synergique pour certains d'entre eux. Après avoir démontré la flexibilité contrôlée des performances de filtration, l'application du système de NF a été concrétisée par l'étude de la purification et du fractionnement de peptides : une purification d'un milieu issu d'une synthèse par voie chimique (un hydrazynopeptide) et le fractionnement ciblé d'un hydrolysat de protéines en provenance de ressources agroalimentaires. Cette étude prospective a alors permis de conclure à de prometteuses capacités du système de NF pour la mise en oeuvre de séparations membranaire dont la sélectivité et la productivité peut être appréhendée et ciblée par des conditions opératoires adaptées / The present study aimed to study the ability to build an adaptative and controlled separation process using PDMS membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN). Despite the well understanding of mechanisms implied in the performances of nanofiltration in aqueous media, the ones conditioning OSN productivity and sieving properties remains unclear. The characterization of the PDMS swelling when put in contact with several solvent and submitted under pressure allowed for correlating the structural conformation of the PDMS membrane to its permeation properties. The study of the influence of different operating parameters on the solvent fluxes has brought significant insights in the understanding of permeation mechanisms. Swelling degree (SL), membrane compressibility under transmembrane pressure (TMP), solvent/membrane affinity and solvent viscosity were pointed out as major parameters governing the filtration through PDMS membranes. The results concluded on a molecular transport attributed to hydraulic transport through the swollen PDMS, which behavior in this state was similar to a porous material. The transport mechanisms were confirmed and deepened with a study of solute retention using homologous series of polyethylenglycols as « model » molecules. The results have shown the ability to build a separation process with targeted performances when using the appropriate operating conditions (TMP, SL, temperature...). Two main categories of impact were shown to condition the selectivity and the productivity of the membrane: the ones attributed to the polymer/solvent layout and the ones concerning the physico-chemical properties of the filtrated solution. Both categories have in addition presented synergetic effects on the process performances. After the demonstration of the ability to vary and control the sieving properties of the PDMS membranes, the nanofiltration system was applied to two concrete case studies: a purification of a hydrazynopeptide after its production via a chemical synthesis and a fractionation of a protein hydrolyzate originating from renewable resources. In both cases, the prospection of the PDMS ability in terms of targeted selectivity and productivity showed interesting results that confirmed a promising development of a separation process among the sieving properties can be regulated by the application of suitable operating conditions