TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, Hans R.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Meyer, Andreas
T1 - Poly(butylene terephthalate): About condensation, cyclization, degradation and elimination reactions in the solid state, and the role of smooth crystal surfaces
N2 - Three commercial poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) samples - Pocan B1300 (B13), Pocan B1600 (B16), and Addigy P 1210 (AP121) - served as the starting materials for the annealing experiments, which were conducted with and without the addition of esterification and transesterification catalysts. The catalysts used were Sn(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct₂), Zr(IV) acetylacetonate, and 4-toluene sulfonic acid (TSA). Temperatures varied between 150 and 210 °C. The PBT samples were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry. The MALDI mass spectra of all three samples differed greatly but displayed mass peaks of cycles. Similar results were produced by annealing with SnOct₂ or Zr(acac)₄, which favored the formation of even-numbered cycles within the mass range below m/z 5000, along with slow degradation. TSA favored a more intensive degradation without the formation of cycles or even with the destruction of cycles. PBT chains with two carboxylic (COOH) end groups were the most stable species under all circumstances. The origin of the extremely high melting point of AP121 (241–242 °C) can be explained by the smoothing of crystallite surfaces via transesterification. The results suggest that combining MALDI mass spectrometry and SAXS measurements provides a new way to better understand the solid-state chemistry of PBT and related polyesters.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Polybutylene Terephthalate
KW - Crystallization
KW - solid state
KW - cyclization
PY - 2026
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-652844
DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2025.111862
SN - 0141-3910
VL - 245
SP - 1
EP - 11
PB - Elsevier Ltd.
AN - OPUS4-65284
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Dalgic, Mete‐Sungur
A1 - Kumar, Sourabh
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
T1 - Quantitative Analysis of Polymers by MALDI‐TOF Mass Spectrometry: Correlation Between Signal Intensity and Arm Number
N2 - The signal intensities of linear and star‐shaped poly(L‐lactides) (PLA) and poly (ethylene oxides) (PEO) were compared to determine the influence of the number of arms on the ionization in matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry. In this study, a variety of blends were prepared and investigated, including binary and ternary combinations of linear and star‐shaped polymers with similar molecular masses. The focus was on examining their intensity ratios. In equimolar binary PLA blends, polymer stars were observed to exhibit higher intensities than their linear counterparts. This result was supported by experiments with equimolar ternary PLA blends, which clearly demonstrated an intensity dependence on the number of polymer arms. It was observed that four‐arm PLA exhibited higher intensities than three‐arm PLA. A similar trend was observed in investigations involving acetylated polymer end groups, suggesting that differences in ionization are primarily influenced by polymer architecture rather than end groups. In order to validate this assumption, the binding energies for [polymer‐K] + adduct ions utilizing the most stable geometry obtained from GOAT (Global Optimizer Algorithm) were calculated, revealing that star‐shaped lower mass oligomers have slightly higher binding energies.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Starlike polymers
KW - Quantification
KW - Topology
PY - 2026
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-653401
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/jms.70023
SN - 1076-5174
VL - 61
IS - 1
SP - 1
EP - 12
PB - John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
AN - OPUS4-65340
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Meyer, Andreas
A1 - Falkenhagen, Jana
A1 - Kricheldorf, Hans R.
T1 - Cyclic polyglycolide by means of metal acetylacetonates
N2 - Glycolide was polymerized in bulk at 160 °C using various metal acetylacetonates as catalysts. Zirconium acetylacetonate was particularly efficient, enabling rapid polymerization even at 130 °C. The formation of cyclic poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), most likely via a ring-expansion polymerization (REP) mechanism, was proven by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Depending on the polymerization conditions, the formation of even-numbered cycles was favored to varying degrees. Number-average molecular weights (Mn) in the range of 2000–3500 g mol−1 were achieved with dispersities below 2.0. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) powder patterns showed that the crystal lattice was the same as that of known linear PGAs, regardless of the Mn values. These patterns enabled a comparison of crystallinities with values derived from DSC measurements.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Polyglycolide
KW - Crystallization
KW - Small-angle X-ray scattering
KW - Cyclization
PY - 2026
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-653731
DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d5ra07961f
SN - 2046-2069
VL - 16
IS - 2
SP - 1757
EP - 1764
PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
AN - OPUS4-65373
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Jlalia, I.
A1 - Gomri, M.
A1 - Chabbah, T.
A1 - Chatti, S.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Abderrazak, H.
A1 - Marestin, C.
A1 - Mercier, R.
A1 - Ben Halima, H.
A1 - Lakard, B.
A1 - Jaffrezic Renault, N.
T1 - Design of Fluorinated Poly(Ether-Pyridine) Films for Impedimetric Detection of Heavy Metal Ions
N2 - A series of fluorinated poly(ether-pyridine)s were synthesized via polycondensation of bis-perfluoropyridine with either bisphe-nol A (BPA) or isosorbide, a bio-sourced diol. The polymers were characterized using 1 H and 19 F NMR spectroscopy, and their molecular weights were determined using GPC. Thermal properties were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The presence of isosorbide in polymer P2 increases the glass transition temperature and results in a lower molecular weight and a higher hydrophilicity. On the other hand, polymer P3, based on BPA, shows the best thermal stability, the highest molecular weight, and the most pronounced hydrophobic character. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to evaluate the modified gold electrodes for the selective detection of metal ions. Among the four target ions (Ni 2+, Cd 2+, Pb2+, and Hg 2+), defined by the European Water Framework Directive, Pb2+ was selectively detected on the hydrophilic polymer P2, while Cd 2+ was selectively detected on the hydrophobic polymer P3. The achieved detection limits were 5 × 10−11 M, corresponding to 10 ng/L for Pb2+ and 5.6 ng/L for Cd 2+, respectively.
KW - Cadmium
KW - Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
KW - Fluorinated polyether pyridines
KW - Isosorbide
KW - Lead
PY - 2025
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.70038
SN - 1099-1581
VL - 36
IS - 1
SP - 1
EP - 14
PB - John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
AN - OPUS4-62384
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, Hans. R.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
T1 - About the Toxicity of Polymerization Catalysts and Polymer Additives Based on Tin(II) Salts and Tin(IV) Compounds
N2 - This article reviews and discusses information on the toxicity of numerous tin-based catalysts used in academic research and industrial production for the synthesis of various polymers, such as polyesters, polyurethanes, and polysiloxanes. Tin(IV) compounds used as additives and as PVC stabilizers are also considered. Emphasis is put on the differentiation between tin(II) salts on the one hand and tin(IV) compounds on the other hand. In the first chapter, historical facts about human contact with stannous ions are discussed, along with toxicity studies of canned foods and beverages. In the second part, toxicity tests based on cell cultures and medical applications of tin(II)-containing films or implants are described. The third part focuses on alkyl and aryl tin(IV) compounds.
KW - Tin
KW - Toxicity
KW - Environment
KW - Polymer catalysts
KW - Polymer additives
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-642877
DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chas.5c00105
SN - 1871-5532
SP - 1
EP - 13
PB - American Chemical Society (ACS)
AN - OPUS4-64287
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Meyer, Andreas
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Kricheldorf, Hans R.
T1 - Star-shaped poly(l-lactide)s based on pentaerythritol: About crystallization and polycondensation plus disproportionation and ring formation in the solid state
N2 - Star-shaped poly( L-lactide)s (s-PLAs), were prepared by ring-opening polymerization of with pentaerythritol and catalyzed by tin(II) 2-ethylhyexanoate (SnOct out in bulk at either 120 ◦ C or 160 ◦ L-lactide (LA) initiated 2 ). Two small series of ROPs were carried C with variation of the LA/initiator ratio. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra revealed traces of cycles in 120 ◦ C samples only at low initiator/catalyst ratios. In contrast, higher fractions of cycles were detected in samples prepared at 160 C, suggesting a "back-biting" origin. The influence of arm length and thermal history on crystallinity was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS). It was shown that annealing increased the melting temperature (T ◦ ◦ m ) and crystallinity. However, annealing at 140 ◦ C for 14 d also caused significant solid-state transesterification. In addition, crystallites composed of s-PLAs with extended arms and, simultaneously, crystallites composed exclusively of extended rings were formed, identified by their typical "sawtooth" pattern in the MALDI mass spectra. Small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) indicated that the crystal thickness was lower than that of linear PLAs annealed under identical conditions, but increased upon annealing at 140 C.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Polylactide
KW - Crystallisation
KW - AStar-shaped polymers
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-636832
DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2025.128709
SN - 0032-3861
VL - 334
SP - 1
EP - 11
PB - Elsevier Ltd.
AN - OPUS4-63683
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, Hans R.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
T1 - H2O-Initiated Polymerization of L-Lactide
N2 - Water-initiated ring-opening polymerizations (ROPs) of L-lactide (LA) were performed in bulk at 140 °C, whereupon 11 different salts or complexes of low-toxic metal ions such as tin (II), Zn(II), Zr(IV), and Bi(III) were used as catalysts. Only four catalysts gave satisfactory results despite a long reaction time (24 h). The influence of the temperature was studied with tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2), dibutyltin oxide (Bu2SnO), and zinc bis-acetylacetonate (Zn(acac)2) and zirconium acetylacetonate (Zr(acac)4). With SnOct2, Bu2SnO and Zr(acac)4 the time was varied at 140 °C to compare their reactivity. Furthermore, two series of ROPs were carried out with variation of the LA/H2O ratio to verify the control of the molecular weight by the monomer-initiator ratio. Bi- or tri-modal molecular weight distributions (MWD) were found for most of the ROPs and bimodal melting endotherms in the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heating traces. The thickness and dependence of the 3D packing of the crystallites were monitored by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Polylactide
KW - Ring-opening polymerization
KW - Crystallization
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-628761
DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-025-03565-w
SN - 1572-8919
VL - 33
IS - 6
SP - 2843
EP - 2857
PB - Springer Science and Business Media LLC
CY - New York, NY
AN - OPUS4-62876
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, Hans R.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Scheliga, Felix
T1 - Polycondensation of L-lactic acid: a deeper look into solid state polycondensation
N2 - L-Lactic acid (LA) was condensed in the presence of SnCl2 or 4-toluenesulfonic acid (TSA) at 140 °C, and chain growth without cyclization was observed. In addition, poly(L-lactic acid)s (PLAs) with a degree of polymerization (DP) of 25, 50 or 100 were prepared by water-initiated ring-opening polymerization (ROP). These PLAs were annealed in the solid state at 140 °C and 160 °C in the presence of tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2, SnCl2 or TSA). The changes in the molar mass distribution and in the topology were characterized by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). With increasing time, fewer side reactions caused higher molar masses and increasing fractions of cyclic polylactides (cPLA) were obtained. Their “saw tooth” pattern in the MALDI-TOF mass spectra indicated the formation of extended ring crystallites in the solid state. TSA was the most active catalyst and caused fewer side reactions than SnCl2, which was the least reactive catalyst. Acetylation of the CH-OH end groups hindered polycondensation and prevented the formation of cPLAs. Reaction mechanisms will be discussed.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Polycondensation
KW - Polylaktide
KW - Solid state
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-625271
DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d4py01191k
SN - 1759-9962
SP - 1
EP - 9
PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
AN - OPUS4-62527
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Rösler, Alexander
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Klamroth, Tillmann
A1 - Müller, Axel HE
A1 - Schlaad, Helmut
T1 - Kinetics of anionic polymerization of β‐myrcene in hydrocarbon solvents
N2 - AbstractThe kinetics of anionic polymerization of β‐myrcene initiated by sec‐butyllithium were examined in saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon solvents, i.e. cyclohexane, cyclohexene, 4‐vinylcyclohexene and dl‐limonene. Polymerizations usually proceeded in a living manner, i.e. in the absence of termination and chain transfer reactions, in all solvents, to produce well‐defined polymyrcenes with high content (85%) of cis‐1,4 units. However, polymyrcenyllithium chains exhibited limited long‐term stability in 4‐vinylcyclohexene solution, most probably due to chain transfer to solvent. Reaction orders with respect to the concentration of active chains were found to be one‐quarter in cyclohexane increasing to one‐half in unsaturated solvents, indicating that the polymyrcenyllithium chains are present as tetrameric or dimeric associates, respectively. Apparent activation energies were found to be 81 kJ mol−1 in cyclohexane and 77 kJ mol−1 in dl‐limonene solution, which are close to the values obtained by quantum chemical calculations. © 2025 The Author(s). Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
KW - Myrcene
KW - Anionic polymerization
KW - Reaction order
KW - Activation energy
KW - Microstructure
KW - Quantum chemical calculation
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-636840
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.6772
SN - 0959-8103
SP - 1
EP - 8
PB - Wiley
AN - OPUS4-63684
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, H. R.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
T1 - Syntheses of cyclic polylactides and the problem of catenane formation
N2 - Cyclic poly(L-lactide)s (PLAs) were prepared in bulk either by ring-expansion polymerization (REP) or by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) with simultaneous polycondensation (ROPPOC). In contrast to REP the latter method involves formation of linear chains and thus, may involve formation of polydisperse catenanes that affect crystallization. The reprecipitated PLAs were annealed at 120 °C and compared with regard to melting temperature (Tm) and melting enthalpy (ΔHm). For similar molar masses the PLAs prepared by REP and ROPPOC had almost identical Tm's and crystallinities. Furthermore, the influence of REP and ROPPOC catalysts on the morphology of the virgin reaction products was compared.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Catenane
KW - Polylactide
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-625061
DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ra08683j
VL - 15
IS - 5
SP - 3686
EP - 3692
PB - RSC
AN - OPUS4-62506
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Rösler, Alexander
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Klamroth, Tillmann
A1 - Müller, Axel H. E.
A1 - Schlaad, Helmut
T1 - Kinetics of anionic polymerization of β‐myrcene in hydrocarbon solvents
N2 - The kinetics of anionic polymerization of β‐myrcene initiated by sec‐butyllithium were examined in saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon solvents, i.e. cyclohexane, cyclohexene, 4‐vinylcyclohexene and dl‐limonene. Polymerizations usually proceeded in a living manner, i.e. in the absence of termination and chain transfer reactions, in all solvents, to produce well‐defined polymyrcenes with high content (85%) of cis‐1,4 units. However, polymyrcenyllithium chains exhibited limited long‐term stability in 4‐vinylcyclohexene solution, most probably due to chain transfer to solvent. Reaction orders with respect to the concentration of active chains were found to be one‐quarter in cyclohexane increasing to one‐half in unsaturated solvents, indicating that the polymyrcenyllithium chains are present as tetrameric or dimeric associates, respectively. Apparent activation energies were found to be 81 kJ mol−1 in cyclohexane and 77 kJ mol−1 in dl‐limonene solution, which are close to the values obtained by quantum chemical calculations.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Anionic polymerization
KW - β‐myrcene
KW - Kinetics
KW - Reaction order
KW - Activation energy
KW - Microstructure
KW - Quantum chemical calculations
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-630900
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.6772
SN - 1097-0126
SP - 1
EP - 8
PB - Wiley
CY - New York, NY
AN - OPUS4-63090
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, Hans R.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
T1 - Zwitterionic polymerization of glycolide catalyzed by pyridine
N2 - The usefulness of various N- and P-based catalysts for syntheses of cyclic polyglycolide via zwitterionic polymerization of glycolide was examined. Most catalysts produced discolored, largely insoluble polyglycolides consisting of cycles and unidentified byproducts. Soluble, cyclic polyglycolides were obtained using neat pyridine as catalyst at 120 °C, 100 °C, 80 °C, and even at 60 °C. The number-average molecular weights were extremely low and depended slightly on the glycolide-to-pyridine ratio. Three different mass distributions of the cycles were detected by mass spectrometry, depending on the reaction conditions. The cyclic polyglycolides were also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements. The SAXS data in combination with the mass spectra indicate that the majority of the cycles form extended-ring crystallites
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Polylactide
KW - Polymerization
KW - Zitterions
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-639748
DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d5py00762c
SN - 1759-9954
SP - 1
EP - 9
PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
AN - OPUS4-63974
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Rösler, Alexander
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Klamroth, Tillmann
A1 - Müller, Axel HE
A1 - Schlaad, Helmut
T1 - Kinetics of anionic polymerization of β‐myrcene in hydrocarbon solvents
N2 - AbstractThe kinetics of anionic polymerization of β‐myrcene initiated by sec‐butyllithium were examined in saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon solvents, i.e. cyclohexane, cyclohexene, 4‐vinylcyclohexene and dl‐limonene. Polymerizations usually proceeded in a living manner, i.e. in the absence of termination and chain transfer reactions, in all solvents, to produce well‐defined polymyrcenes with high content (85%) of cis‐1,4 units. However, polymyrcenyllithium chains exhibited limited long‐term stability in 4‐vinylcyclohexene solution, most probably due to chain transfer to solvent. Reaction orders with respect to the concentration of active chains were found to be one‐quarter in cyclohexane increasing to one‐half in unsaturated solvents, indicating that the polymyrcenyllithium chains are present as tetrameric or dimeric associates, respectively. Apparent activation energies were found to be 81 kJ mol−1 in cyclohexane and 77 kJ mol−1 in dl‐limonene solution, which are close to the values obtained by quantum chemical calculations. © 2025 The Author(s). Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
KW - Myrcene
KW - Anionic polymerization
KW - MALDI TOF MS
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-649039
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pi.6772
SN - 0959-8103
SP - 1
EP - 8
PB - Wiley
AN - OPUS4-64903
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, Hans R.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
T1 - Polymerization of L‐Lactide Catalyzed by Metal Acetylacetonate Complexes
N2 - ABSTRACTRing‐opening polymerizations (ROPs) of l‐lactide (LA) were performed at 120°C, 140°C, 150°C, and 180°C in bulk catalyzed by acetylacetonate (acac) complexes of manganese(II), nickel(II), copper(II), zirconium(IV), dibutyltin(IV), and vanadyl(V). These experiments revealed that only the acac complexes of Zr and Bu2Sn were reactive enough to enable quantitative polymerization within a few hours. Further ROPs with Bu2Sn(acac)2 and Zr(acac)4 showed that Bu2Sn(acac)2 had a slightly lower reactivity than the Zr complex. The ROPs catalyzed with Zr(acac)4 yielded number average molecular weights (Mn) up to 70,000 g mol−1. The matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectra indicated an exclusive formation of cycles in the mass range of up to m/z 13,000 for Zr(acac)4 and up to m/z 18,000 for Bu2Sn(acac)2. Unusually high melting temperatures (187°C–192°C) were also achieved along with high crystallinities. Furthermore, four lactide/glycolide copolymerizations catalyzed by Zr(acac)4 were performed, and the topology and the extent of transesterification were characterized by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry and 13C NMR spectroscopy.
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Polycondensation
KW - Acetylacetonate
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-639754
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pol.20250788
SN - 2642-4150
SP - 1
EP - 9
PB - Wiley Periodicals LLC.
AN - OPUS4-63975
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Falkenhagen, Jana
A1 - Dalgic, Mete-Sungur
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
T1 - Quantitative MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry of Star-Shaped Polylactides Based on Chromatographic Hyphenation
N2 - The end groups of three- and four-arm star-shaped polylactides (PLA) with trimethylolpropane and pentaerythritol core structures were functionalized with acetic acid. Reaction products with different degrees of functionalization were analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. Additional gradient elution liquid adsorption chromatography (GELAC) measurements were performed to determine the degree of functionalization. This technique enabled clear separation and sufficient quantification of the formed species. These chromatographic data could be used inversely to quantify mass spectrometric results, which are usually biased by the unknown ionization probabilities of different polymer end group structures. Our results showed that, in this particular case, the peak intensity in the MALDITOF mass spectra can be used to semiquantitatively determine the degree of functionalization in incompletely functionalized multiarm PLA.
KW - Polylactides
KW - MALDI-TOF-MS
KW - Gradient elution liquid adsorption chromatography
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-625292
DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/jasms.4c00491
SN - 1879-1123
SP - 1
EP - 9
PB - American Chemical Society (ACS)
AN - OPUS4-62529
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Bui, Minh
A1 - Heinekamp, Christian
A1 - Fuhry, Emil
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Radnik, Jörg
A1 - Ahrens, Mike
A1 - Scheurell, Kerstin
A1 - Balasubramanian, Kannan
A1 - Emmerling, Franziska
A1 - Braun, Thomas
T1 - Lewis-acid induced mechanochemical degradation of polyvinylidene fluoride: transformation into valuable products
N2 - Polyvinylidene fluoride (–[CH2CF2]n–, PVDF) waste poses significant environmental challenges due to its recalcitrant nature and widespread use. This study addresses the end-of-life management of PVDF by introducing a novel, sustainable mechanochemical approach for its valorisation. We investigated the degradation of PVDF into value-added materials using ball milling with anhydrous AlCl3 to achieve a quantitative mineralisation producing AlF3 and halide-functionalised graphite, along with gaseous products (HCl and CH4). Mechanistic key steps involve Lewis-acid catalysed C–F bond activation, dehydrofluorination and aromatisation. This approach provides an effective solution for PVDF waste management while offering a promising route for the production of high-value materials from polymer waste streams. Our findings contribute to sustainable practices in polymer recycling and resource recovery, respond to pressing environmental concerns associated with fluoropolymer disposal, and demonstrate the potential to convert polymer wastes into useful products.
KW - Mechanochemistry
KW - Polyvinylidenfluoride
KW - Degradation
KW - Ball mill
PY - 2025
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-649015
DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d5sc05783c
SN - 2041-6520
VL - 16
IS - 40
SP - 18903
EP - 18910
PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
AN - OPUS4-64901
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, H.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Meyer, A.
T1 - Syntheses of high molecular mass polyglycolides via ring-opening polymerization with simultaneous polycondensation (ROPPOC) by means of tin and zinc catalysts
N2 - Glycolide was polymerized in bulk by means of four different ROPPOC catalysts: tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2), dibutyltin bis(pentafluoro-phenoxide) (BuSnOPF),zinc biscaproate (ZnCap), and zinc bis(pentafluoro-phenyl sulfide) (ZnSPF). The temperature was varied between 110 and 180°C and the time between 3 h and 7 days. For the few polyglycolides (PGAs) that were soluble extremely high molecular masses were obtained. The MALDI TOF mass spectra had all a low signal-to-noise ration and displayed the peaks of cyclic PGAs with a“saw-tooth pattern ”indicating formation of extended-ring crystallites in the mass range below m/z 2500. The shape of DSC curves varied considerably with catalyst and reaction conditions, whereas the long-distance values measured by SAXS were small and varied little with the polymeriza-tion conditions.
KW - MALDI TOF MS
KW - Polyglycolide
KW - Crystalinity
PY - 2024
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-598221
DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/pat.6365
VL - 35
IS - 4
SP - 1
EP - 10
PB - John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
AN - OPUS4-59822
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, H.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
T1 - Low Molar Mass Cyclic Poly(L-lactide)s: Separate Transesterification Reactions of Cycles and Linear Chains in the Solid State
N2 - L-Lactide (LA) was polymerized with neat tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2) in toluene at 115 °C at low concentration with variation of the LA/Cat ratio. Cyclic polylactides (cPLAs) with number average molecular weights (Mn) between 7 000 and 17 000 were obtained. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry also revealed the formation of a few percent of linear chains. Crystalline cPLAs with Mn around 9 000 and 14 000 were annealed at 140 °C in the presence of ScOct2 or dibutyl-2-stanna-1,3-dithiolane (DSTL). Simultaneously, crystallites of extended linear chains and crystallites of extended cycles were formed regardless of the catalyst, indicating that transesterification reaction proceeded different for linear chains and for cycles, governed by thermodynamic control. The formation of extended chain crystallites with low dispersity indicates the existence of symproportionation of short and long chains. A complementary experiment was carried out with a PLA ethyl ester composed mainly of linear chains with a small fraction of cycles
KW - Polylactide
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Annealing
PY - 2024
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-606228
DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SM00567H
SN - 1744-6848
SP - 1
EP - 12
PB - Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
AN - OPUS4-60622
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Meyer, A.
A1 - Kricheldorf, H.
T1 - Transformation of poly(L-lactide) crystals composed of linear chains into crystals composed of cycles
N2 - A poly(L-lactide) with a trifluoroethyl ester end group and an average degree of polymerization (DP) of 50 was synthesized by ROP of L-lactide initiated with trifluoroethanol. Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) in combination with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements revealed an average crystal thickness of 13 nm, corresponding to 45 repeat units. This suggests that most crystallites were formed by extended PLA chains, and both flat surfaces were covered by CF3 groups. The crystalline PLAs were annealed at 140 or 160 °C in the presence of two catalysts: tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, (SnOct2) or dibutyltin bis(pentafluorophenoxide) (BuSnPhF). The chemical reactions, such as polycondensation and cyclization, proceeded in the solid state and were monitored by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-offlight (MALDI TOF) mass spectrometry and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements. Under optimal conditions a large fraction of linear chains was transformed into crystallites composed of extended cycles. Additionally, MALDI TOF MS analysis of GPC fractions from samples annealed for 28 or 42 days detected chain elongation of the linear species up to a factor of 20.
KW - Polylactide
KW - MALDI-TOF MS
KW - Crystalinity
KW - Transesterification
PY - 2024
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-597250
DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/D3PY01370G
SN - 1759-9954
VL - 15
IS - 12
SP - 1173
EP - 1181
PB - Royal Society for Chemistry
AN - OPUS4-59725
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Kricheldorf, H.
A1 - Weidner, Steffen
A1 - Meyer, A.
T1 - About alcohol-initiated polymerization of glycolide and separate crystallization of cyclic and linear polyglycolides
N2 - Alcohol-initiated polymerizations of glycolide (GL) catalyzed by tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2) were carried out in bulk with variation of GA/In ratio, temperature and time. Due to a rather strong competition of cyclization polyglycolide (PGA) free of cycles were never obtained. When the cyclic catalysts 2,2-dibutal-2-stanna − 1,3-dithiolane (DSTL) or 2-stanna 1,3-dioxo-4,5,6,7 bibenzepane (SnBiph) were used in combination with 1,4-butanediol the influence of cyclization was even stronger. Furthermore, the degrees of polymerization were higher than the GA/alcohol ratio due to rapid polycondensation in the solid state. At 160 °C or below, the matrixassisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectra indicated separate crystallization of low molar mass cyclic and linear PGAs from the same reaction mixture (also observed for poly(L-lactide)s).
KW - MALDI TOF MS
KW - Polyglycolide
KW - Ring opening polymerization
KW - Cyclization
KW - Crystallization
PY - 2024
UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-607282
DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2024.127440
SN - 0032-3861
VL - 309
SP - 1
EP - 9
PB - Elsevier Ltd.
AN - OPUS4-60728
LA - eng
AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany
ER -