Journal of Applied Polymer Science

Polymeric curing agent modified with hexamethyldisilazane (PCA-D), or with hexamethylcyclotrisilazane (PCA-T), was used to improve the mechanical properties of hydroxyl-teminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) rubber. The structure and the gel time of PCA were characterized by 29Si NMR and shear viscosity measurement, respectively. The PCA modified with silazanes was more stable in storage than that without treatment (PCA-0). Chemical bonds were formed during the reaction of silazanes and PCA according to 29Si NMR results. The crosslink density (γe) and the mechanical properties of PCA/PDMS rubber were determined by swelling equilibrium and stress–strain tests. It was found that PCA treated with both silazanes could better enhance the mechanical properties of PCA/PDMS rubber compared with PCA-0. PCA-T/PDMS rubber, with additional crosslinks, was the best among the three types of PCA/PDMS rubber on the mechanical properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009

Epoxidized natural rubber–alumina nanoparticle composites were prepared by melt compounding with an internal mixer for a constant filler loading of 10 phr. Mixer parameters such as the mixing temperature, mixing time, and rotor speed were screened and optimized with response surface methodology to maximize the impact strength. The parameters were selected as three independent variables and the impact strength (J/m) was selected as the response in a screening factor study. The mixing temperature and its interaction terms were identified as insignificant factors with a P value greater than 0.0500. The optimum calculated values of the tested variables (rotor speed and mixing time) for the maximum impact strength were found to be a rotor speed of 60 rpm and a mixing time of 6 min with a predicted impact strength of 208.88 J/m. These predicted optimum parameters were tested in real experiments. The final impact strength was found to be close to the predicted value of 215.84 J/m, with only a 3.33% deviation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010

Smart polymer recycling: Synthesis of novel rigid polyurethanes using phosphorus-containing oligomers formed by controlled degradation of microporous polyurethane elastomer-Grancharov-2007-Journal of Applied Polymer Science-Wiley Online Library

Natural starches obtained by fruit seeds have been a subject of studies because of their applications, as a consequence of their chemical properties. As it is known, the fruits depend on the geographic region. Because of this, several factors affect the seed starches nature, such as granules size, morphology, components, and composition. Thus, to better understand starch properties, it is necessary to investigate the chemical behavior of these factors. This work focused on the chemical components and molecular dynamic behavior of the Dipterxy Alata Vogel (cumbaru) starch, because this fruit is very popular and is used in abundance for people because they think that it is good for some kinds of diseases. The main chemical components and the molecular dynamics of starch from the Dipterxy Alata Vogel were studied by applying solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2151–2154, 2004

In preparation for studying the hydrolytic degradation of Estane® 5703 and related poly(ester urethane) elastomers, the absorption (solubility) and diffusion of water in these polymers have been examined experimentally and modeled theoretically. Weight gain and loss experiments have been carried out. The amount of water absorbed per gram of sample was linear at low relative humidities (RHs) but curved upward at higher RHs. This curvature was not fit by Henry's law or the Flory–Huggins equation but was easily fit by a water-cluster model. Diffusion coefficients were determined by fitting the time dependence of the sample weights, and the diffusion appeared Fickian to within experimental uncertainty. The similarity of related polymers was used to determine the approximate temperature dependence of the absorption. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 181–191, 2002

A new hydrogel that combines poly(ethylene glycol) and β-cyclodextrin has been synthesized. Both components are linked by using a diisocyanate (HDMI), first by end-capping the poly(ethylene glycol) with isocyanate groups an then reacting it with β-cyclodextrin, forming urethane links. Hydrogels of molar compositions (β-cyclodextrin/poly(ethylene glycol)) ranging from 1/4 to 1/14 have been synthesized. These hydrogels swell quickly and their water contents depend upon temperature. The gels are temperature resistant and show an elastomeric behavior. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1162–1166, 2006

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of some swelling agents with reduced water content on final properties of cotton fabrics. A single-step swelling of cotton in the reagent was used. There were selected properties generally used to characterize mercerized cotton that are technologically important, such as water retention, shrinkage, stiffness, crease recovery angle, and hand. Water retention method and dyeing with CI Direct Red 81 have been used to compare the degree of swelling for different samples. Correlations have been established between structural changes induced by the swelling agents and final properties of cotton fabric. The mixtures of an alkali solution and an additive produced similar or better end-use properties as compared with classical sodium hydroxide or ammonia treatments, combining the action of a diluted alkali solution (3.13 mol/L NaOH or KOH) and a nonalkali reagent. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 2848–2855, 2006