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Encapsulation of hydrophobic dyes in polystyrene micro- and nanoparticles via swelling procedures
(2011)
Aiming at the derivation of a generalized
procedure for the straightforward preparation of particles
fluorescing in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) spectral
region, different swelling procedures for the loading of the
hydrophobic polarity-probe Nile Red into nano- and
micrometer sized polystyrene particles were studied and
compared with respect to the optical properties of the
resulting particles. The effect of the amount of incorporated
dye on the spectroscopic properties of the particles was
investigated for differently sized beads with different
surface chemistries, i.e., non-functionalized, aminomodified
and PEG-grafted surfaces. Moreover, photostability
and leaking studies were performed. The main criterion
for the optimization of the dye loading procedures was a
high and thermally and photochemically stable fluorescence
output of the particles for the future application of these
systems as fluorescent labels.
In order to develop simple and versatile procedures for the preparation of red emissive particles, various one-step swelling procedures for the loading of fluorophores into nanometer- and micrometer-sized polystyrene particles were systematically assessed. Parameters studied for model dyes from common dye classes include the composition of the swelling medium, dye charge and polarity, dye concentration, and particle surface chemistry. The dye loading procedures were compared based upon the efficiency of dye incorporation, fluorescence intensity, and colloidal stability of the resulting particles as well as the absence of dye leaking as determined by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, flow cytometry, and measurements of zeta potentials. In addition, for the first time, the influence of the amount of incorporated dye on the absolute fluorescence quantum yield and brightness of the fluorescent particles was investigated for selected chromophores in differently sized particles using a custom-made calibrated integrating sphere setup. Our results demonstrate the general suitability of these one-step loading procedures for efficient particle staining with neutral, zwitterionic, and charged fluorophores like oxazines, coumarines, squaraines, xanthenes, and cyanines emitting in the visible and near infrared. Dye polarity was identified as a suitable tool to estimate the loading efficiency of fluorophores into these polymer particles.
Sulphurous additives for polystyrene: Influencing decomposition behavior in the condensed phase
(2015)
The thermal decomposition behaviour of polystyrene (PS) containing sulphur and phosphorus additives was investigated, using thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR). It was found that the additives influence the decomposition process of the polymer in the condensed phase, resulting in a decrease in styrene monomer formation and an increase in styrene oligmer derivatives. Via reference measurements with binary mixtures it was found that the presence of sulphur additives influences the radicalic decomposition process of PS. In combination with quantum chemical calculations it was concluded that this is due to the formation of radicals that abstract hydrogen from the polymer matrix at lower temperatures, disfavouring the radicalic decomposition pathway leading to styrene.
Flame Retardant Mechanisms of Red Phosphorus and Magnesium Hydroxide in High Impact Polystyrene
(2004)
The flame retardant mechanisms of red phosphorus, magnesium hydroxide and red phosphorus combined with magnesium hydroxide were studied in high impact polystyrene by means of comprehensive decomposition studies and combustion tests. The study is intended to illuminate prerequisites and the potential of red phosphorus as a fire retardant for hydrocarbon polymers in the condensed phase and in the gas phase. Thermal and thermo-oxidative decomposition, decomposition kinetics and the product gases evolved were characterized using thermogravimetry coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy, respectively. Fire behaviour was investigated with a cone calorimeter using different external heat fluxes, whereas the flammability was determined by limited oxygen indices. The combustion residues were analysed using XPS. Red phosphorus reduced the heat release in HIPS due to radical trapping in the gas phase. Magnesium hydroxide influenced fire behaviour by heat sink mechanisms, release of water and the formation of a magnesia layer acting as a barrier. The combination of both flame retardants in HIPS nearly resulted in a superposition. A slight synergy in barrier characteristics was due to the formation of magnesium phosphate, whereas a slight anti-synergism occurred in flammability and in the gas phase action. The latter effect is controlled by a decreased fuel rate due to the barrier layer rather than by an initiation of red phosphorus oxidation in the condensed phase.
Degradation behavior of thin polystyrene films on exposure to Ar plasma and its emitted radiation
(2013)
Spin-coated films of amorphous polystyrene (PS) were exposed to argon plasma for a few seconds to several minutes. The PS film was either in direct contact with the plasma or was shielded from the direct plasma contact by filters with different cutoff wavelengths in the vacuum UV region or by a Faraday cage (FC) made from metal mesh to prevent the impinging of charged species. Only energy-rich neutrals and plasma radiation may be operative in presence of the FC. lithium fluoride (LiF) filter protects the sample from direct contact with the plasma. Wavelengths of plasma radiation shorter than c. 105 nm (≈ 11.8 eV) were cut off. Glass filters made of fused SiO2 have a cutoff at λ ≈175?nm completely the vacuum UV radiation of plasma (ca. 175 nm ≈ 7.0 eV). These energies are sufficient to produce C–C, C–H bond scissions in case of direct Ar plasma exposure and Ar plasma exposure with use of the LiF filter. Only quartz glass shielding did not produce significant effects on the polymer surface in comparison to the reference PS, either in surface energy or O/C ratio or in IR spectra. Oxygen plasma has worked most aggressive and had etched the PS film, thus establishing a steady state between introduction of new oxygen functionalities and polymer etching. Ar plasma exposure produces also oxidation and etching of the polymer films as the oxygen plasma. Using of a FC during Ar plasma exposure or the LiF filter a slightly weaker oxidation was observed.
Polystyrene (PS) spin coated thin films were modified by O2 and Ar plasma as
well as by UV irradiation treatments. The modified PS samples were compared with
plasma polymerized and commercial polystyrene. The effects of plasma (O2 and Ar) and
UV irradiation treatments on the surface and the bulk properties of the polymer layers were
discussed. The surface properties were evaluated by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and
Contact angle measurements and the bulk properties were investigated by FTIR and
dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. As a result only one second treatment time was sufficient
to modify the surface. However, this study was also dedicated to understand the effect
of plasma and plasma irradiation on the deposited layers of plasma polymers. The
dielectric measurements showed that the plasma deposited films were not thermally stable
and underwent an undesired post-plasma chemical oxidation.
Rationale
The ionization of polystyrenes in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is typically achieved by the use of silver salts. Since silver salts can cause severe problems, such as cluster formation, fragmentation of polymer chains and end group cleavage, their substitution by alkali salts is highly desirable.
Methods
The influence of various cations (Ag+, Cs+ and Rb+) on the MALDI process of polystyrene (PS) mixtures and high mass polystyrenes was examined. The sample preparation was kept as straightforward as possible. Consequently, no recrystallization or other cleaning procedures were applied.
Results
The investigation of a polystyrene mixture showed that higher molecular polystyrenes could be more easily ionized using caesium, rather than rubidium or silver salts. In combination with the use of DCTB as matrix a high-mass polymer analysis could be achieved, which was demonstrated by the detection of a 1.1 MDa PS.
Conclusions
A fast, simple and robust MALDI sample preparation method for the analysis of ultra-high molecular weight polystyrenes based on the use of DCTB and caesium salts has been presented. The suitability of the presented method has been validated by using different mass spectrometers and detectors.
Nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with phenethyl substituents (PhenethylPOSS) into polystyrene (PS). The prepared materials were investigated by dielectric spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and density measurements. Additional FTIR investigations were carried out. Pure polystyrene shows two relaxation processes, an intermediate β*-process at lower and the α-relaxation at higher temperatures, the latter corresponding to segmental dynamics (dynamic glass transition). The molecular assignment of the β*-process needs further investigation. PhenethylPOSS can be incorporated into PS up to about 40 wt % without any indication of phase separation. With increasing PhenethylPOSS content, the α-relaxation of the composites shifts to lower temperatures and the loss peak broadens. Thus, the main effect of the nanofiller in the polystyrene matrix is to enhance the segmental dynamics, i.e., plasticization. The incorporation of approximately 40 wt % (approximately 5 mol %) PhenethylPOSS shifts the glass transition temperature Tg by 50 K to lower temperatures. The obtained results for polystyrene are discussed together with those reported recently for polycarbonate where a phase-separated morphology is observed for higher concentrations of PhenethylPOSS. The different behavior of PhenethylPOSS in polystyrene and polycarbonate is interpreted in terms of the different interaction of the phenyl rings within the POSS substituents with the phenyl rings of the polymers. For polystyrene, the interaction is stronger than for polycarbonate which probably leads to the enhanced miscibility of PhenethylPOSS into polystyrene. A detailed analysis of the temperature dependence of the dielectric relaxation strengths points also to additional interactions in the nanocomposites when compared to pure polystyrene. The broadening of the loss peak with increasing concentration is discussed in the framework of composition fluctuations.
As part of energy‐efficient renovations or for the construction of new buildings often external thermal insulation composite (ETIC) are used. In 2015, in Germany almost 37 million square meters were installed. But several fires involving ETIC systems with polystyrene foam (EPS) insulation in Germany led to an extensive discussion about fire safety of such systems. A collection initiated by the Frankfurt fire service of façade fires which include polystyrene insulation foam1 shows that more than two thirds of all reported fires started in front of buildings. In half of these fires burning waste containers were the first burning objects. Consequently, German building authorities called for tests of existing approved ETIC systems with EPS insulation in a fire Scenario representing a burning waste container. As these tests revealed weaknesses in the existing ETIC systems measures were introduced to enhance the systems. However, the recently introduced German test standard DIN 4102‐20 does not take These changes into account. The DIN test represents a fire where flames emerge an opening but is downscaled regarding the size of the fire load and therefore does not represent a fully developed fire in a room. In ETIC systems with EPS insulation, the render is an important factor for the fire performance of these systems as collapse of the render usually leads to very rapid fire development. Intermediate scale tests with ETICs specimens indicate that mechanical damages of the render weaken the System significantly. Challenges and possible measures to enhance fire safety of ETIC systems are discussed.
A new concept for the ecotoxicological assessment of plastics under consideration of aging processes
(2023)
Microplastics are widely distributed in aquatic and terrestrial environments, but up to now less is known about (eco)toxicological impacts under realistic conditions. Research so far has focused mainly on impacts on organisms by fresh, single‐origin plastic fragments or beads. However, plastics found in the environment are complex in composition, this means different polymer types and sources, with and without additives and in all stages of age, and therefore, in a more or less advanced stage of degradation. For oxidized degradation products that might be released from plastic materials during aging, there is a lack of information on potentially adverse effects on aquatic biota. The latter is of particular interest as oxidized degradation products might become more water soluble due to higher polarity and are more bioavailable, therefore. The present study focused on plastic leachates of polystyrene (PS) and polylactic acid (PLA), which were derived from alternating stress by hydrolysis and ultraviolet (UV) radiation—representing a realistic scenario in the environment. Test specimens of PS, PLA, or a PLA/PS layer (each 50%) were alternately exposed to UV radiation for 5 days followed by hydrolysis for 2 days, for several weeks alternating. Ecotoxicological effects of the storage water (artificial freshwater) of the test specimens and additionally, in a second experimental setup, the effects of five potential polymer degradation products were detected by 72 h algae growth inhibition tests with Desmodesmus subspicatus. Results clearly indicate inhibitory effects on algae growth by contaminants in the storage water of stressed plastics with increasing growth inhibition of proceeding hydrolysis and UV stress times. Different polymers caused variable inhibitions of algae growth with stronger inhibitions by PS and less effects by PLA and the mixed layer of both. Moreover, not microplastic particles but the resulting dissolved degradation products after aging caused the ecotoxicological effects—with strong effects by the oxidized degradation products. The existing data highlight the relevance of plastic aging as a framework for microplastic ecotoxicity evaluation and allow a proof of concept.