Polyvinyl Alcohol Materials

Published on May 2016 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 59 | Comments: 0 | Views: 1483

of 141

Content

Expert overviews covering the
science and technology of rubber
and plastics
ISSN: 0889-3144
Volume 16, Number 12, 2005
E. Ogur
Polyvinyl Alcohol:
Materials, Processing
and Applications
Report 192
RAPRA REVIEW REPORTS VOLUME 16
Series Editor Mrs. F. Gardiner, Smithers Rapra Technology
Rapra Review Reports comprise a unique source of polymer-related information with useful overviews accompanied by abstracts from
hundreds of relevant documents. A Rapra Review Report is an excellent starting point to improve subject knowledge in key areas.
Subscribers to this series build up a bank of information over each year, forming a small library at a very reasonable price. This series
would be an asset to corporate libraries, academic institutions and research associations with an interest in polymer science.
Twelve reports are published in each volume and these can be purchased individually or on a subscription basis.
Format: Soft-backed, 297 x 210 mm, ISSN: 0889-3144
Order individual published Rapra Review Reports (see the following pages for a list of available titles), or purchase a
subscription to Volume 16 (12 issues).
ORDER FORM
Q
Remittance enclosed (Please make cheques payable to Rapra Technology in
£ Sterling drawn on a UK bank or in US$ / Euros - Unesco coupons are also accepted.)
Q
Please invoice my company
Q
Please charge my credit card American Express/Visa/Mastercard (delete as appropriate)
For credit card orders we require all of the following details to be
completed prior to processing your order.
Card Number:
Please enter the cards security code below, or provide us with your telephone number or email address.
(Visa/Mastercard - the last 3 digits from the number on the signature strip on the back of the card,
Amex - 4 digit code from the front of the card.)
3 or 4 Digit Security Code: ____________
Signature: ______________________ Exp. date: __________________
Issuing Bank: ______________________________________________
Cardholder's Name (as on card): ________________________________
Cardholder's Address: ________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Postcode: _______________________ Country: ___________________
Telephone: ______________________ Fax: ______________________
Company PO#: _____________________________________________
Full Name: ________________________________________________
Company: _________________________________________________
Job Function: _______________________________________________
Delivery Address (if different from Cardholder's Address): __________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Postcode: _______________________ Country: ___________________
Telephone: ______________________ Fax: ______________________
If you would like to receive regular electronic updates informing you of
new titles and offers please enter your E-mail address below.
E-mail: ____________________________________________________
Title of Publication Price £/$/`
I would like to order ................. subscription(s) to Volume 16 of the Rapra Review Report Series at
£650 / US$975 / `1105 each
I would like to order the following Rapra Review Report(s) at £85 / US$136 / `136 each
Report Number(s) ................................................................................................... (please state quantity if more than one)
Please add postage at the following rates: UK £5 total, Overseas £7 / US$11 / `10 per item
Subtotal:
Please add postage at the following rates: UK £35 total, Overseas £65 / US$110 / `110 per subscription
Total Order Value:
All prices are subject to change and orders will be charged at the price
indicated on www.polymer-books.com on the date of processing
Please Publications Sales, Smithers Rapra Technology Tel. +44 (0)1939 250383
Return to: Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire Fax: +44 (0)1939 251118 www.rapra.net
SY4 4NR, United Kingdom E-mail: [email protected]
IMPORTANT - Value Added Tax (VAT)
The above prices do not include VAT. Customers in EU member
countries may be liable to pay VAT if their Registration Number is
not supplied. Please enter your EU Registration Number
(VAT - BTW - IVA - TVA - MWST - MOMS - FPA) below:
VAT Number:
RAPRA REVIEW REPORTS
A Rapra Review Report comprises three sections, as follows:
1. A commissioned expert review, discussing a key topic of current interest, and referring to the References and
Abstracts section. Reference numbers in brackets refer to item numbers from the References and Abstracts
section. Where it has been necessary for completeness to cite sources outside the scope of the Rapra Abstracts
database, these are listed at the end of the review, and cited in the text as a.1, a.2, etc.
2. A comprehensive References and Abstracts section, resulting from a search of the Rapra Polymer Library
database. The format of the abstracts is outlined in the sample record below.
3. An index to the References and Abstracts section, derived from the indexing terms which are added to the abstracts
records on the database to aid retrieval.
Item 1
Macromolecules
33, No.6, 21st March 2000, p.2171-83
EFFECT OF THERMAL HISTORY ON THE RHEOLOGICAL
BEHAVIOR OF THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANES
Pil Joong Yoon; Chang Dae Han
Akron,University
The effect of thermal history on the rheological behaviour of ester- and ether-
based commercial thermoplastic PUs (Estane 5701, 5707 and 5714 from
B.F.Goodrich) was investigated. It was found that the injection moulding
temp. used for specimen preparation had a marked effect on the variations
of dynamic storage and loss moduli of specimens with time observed
during isothermal annealing. Analysis of FTIR spectra indicated that
variations in hydrogen bonding with time during isothermal annealing very
much resembled variations of dynamic storage modulus with time during
isothermal annealing. Isochronal dynamic temp. sweep experiments indicated
that the thermoplastic PUs exhibited a hysteresis effect in the heating and
cooling processes. It was concluded that the microphase separation transition
or order-disorder transition in thermoplastic PUs could not be determined
from the isochronal dynamic temp. sweep experiment. The plots of log
dynamic storage modulus versus log loss modulus varied with temp. over
the entire range of temps. (110-190C) investigated. 57 refs.
GOODRICH B.F.
USA
Accession no.771897
DOCUMENT DELIVERY SERVICE
Almost all of the documents which are listed in the References and Abstracts section are available in full text form, as
photocopies or pdf ﬁles from Smithers Rapra Technology’s Document Delivery Service. Documents can be delivered
by a variety of methods, including email, post or fax. Customers may pay for individual copies at the time of ordering
by credit card or alternatively open up a deposit account. See the back of this report for further information.
Please contact the Document Delivery Department for availability, current prices and delivery methods.
Document Delivery Department
Smithers Rapra Technology, Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY4 4NR, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1939 250383 Fax: +44 (0)1939 251118 Email: [email protected]
Location
Companies or
organisations
mentioned
Abstract
Authors and
afﬁliation
Source of
original article
Title

Previous Titles Still Available
Volume 1
Report 1 Conductive Polymers, W.J. Feast
Report 2 Medical, Surgical and Pharmaceutical Applications of
Polymers, D.F. Williams
Report 3 Advanced Composites, D.K. Thomas, RAE,
Farnborough.
Report 4 Liquid Crystal Polymers, M.K. Cox, ICI, Wilton.
Report 5 CAD/CAM in the Polymer Industry, N.W. Sandland
and M.J. Sebborn, Cambridge Applied Technology.
Report 8 Engineering Thermoplastics, I.T. Barrie, Consultant.
Report 10 Reinforced Reaction Injection Moulding,
P.D. Armitage, P.D. Coates and A.F. Johnson
Report 11 Communications Applications of Polymers,
R. Spratling, British Telecom.
Report 12 Process Control in the Plastics Industry,
R.F. Evans, Engelmann & Buckham Ancillaries.
Volume 2
Report 13 Injection Moulding of Engineering Thermoplastics,
A.F. Whelan, London School of Polymer Technology.
Report 14 Polymers and Their Uses in the Sports and Leisure
Industries, A.L. Cox and R.P. Brown, Rapra Technology
Ltd.
Report 15 Polyurethane, Materials, Processing and Applications,
G. Woods, Consultant.
Report 16 Polyetheretherketone, D.J. Kemmish, ICI, Wilton.
Report 17 Extrusion, G.M. Gale, Rapra Technology Ltd.
Report 18 Agricultural and Horticultural Applications of
Polymers, J.C. Garnaud, International Committee for
Plastics in Agriculture.
Report 19 Recycling and Disposal of Plastics Packaging,
R.C. Fox, Plas/Tech Ltd.
Report 20 Pultrusion, L. Hollaway, University of Surrey.
Report 21 Materials Handling in the Polymer Industry,
H. Hardy, Chronos Richardson Ltd.
Report 22 Electronics Applications of Polymers, M.T.Goosey,
Plessey Research (Caswell) Ltd.
Report 23 Offshore Applications of Polymers, J.W.Brockbank,
Avon Industrial Polymers Ltd.
Report 24 Recent Developments in Materials for Food Packaging,
R.A. Roberts, Pira Packaging Division.
Volume 3
Report 25 Foams and Blowing Agents, J.M. Methven, Cellcom
Technology Associates.
Report 26 Polymers and Structural Composites in Civil
Engineering, L. Hollaway, University of Surrey.
Report 27 Injection Moulding of Rubber, M.A. Wheelans,
Consultant.
Report 28 Adhesives for Structural and Engineering
Applications, C. O’Reilly, Loctite (Ireland) Ltd.
Report 29 Polymers in Marine Applications, C.F.Britton,
Corrosion Monitoring Consultancy.
Report 30 Non-destructive Testing of Polymers, W.N. Reynolds,
National NDT Centre, Harwell.
Report 31 Silicone Rubbers, B.R. Trego and H.W.Winnan,
Dow Corning Ltd.
Report 32 Fluoroelastomers - Properties and Applications,
D. Cook and M. Lynn, 3M United Kingdom Plc and
3M Belgium SA.
Report 33 Polyamides, R.S. Williams and T. Daniels,
T & N Technology Ltd. and BIP Chemicals Ltd.
Report 34 Extrusion of Rubber, J.G.A. Lovegrove, Nova
Petrochemicals Inc.
Report 35 Polymers in Household Electrical Goods, D.Alvey,
Hotpoint Ltd.
Report 36 Developments in Additives to Meet Health and
Environmental Concerns, M.J. Forrest, Rapra
Technology Ltd.
Volume 4
Report 37 Polymers in Aerospace Applications, W.W. Wright,
University of Surrey.
Report 38 Epoxy Resins, K.A. Hodd
Report 39 Polymers in Chemically Resistant Applications,
D. Cattell, Cattell Consultancy Services.
Report 40 Internal Mixing of Rubber, J.C. Lupton
Report 41 Failure of Plastics, S. Turner, Queen Mary College.
Report 42 Polycarbonates, R. Pakull, U. Grigo, D. Freitag, Bayer AG.
Report 43 Polymeric Materials from Renewable Resources,
J.M. Methven, UMIST.
Report 44 Flammability and Flame Retardants in Plastics,
J. Green, FMC Corp.
Report 45 Composites - Tooling and Component Processing, N.G.
Brain, Tooltex.
Report 46 Quality Today in Polymer Processing, S.H. Coulson,
J.A. Cousans, Exxon Chemical International Marketing.
Report 47 Chemical Analysis of Polymers, G. Lawson, Leicester
Polytechnic.
Report 48 Plastics in Building, C.M.A. Johansson
Volume 5
Report 49 Blends and Alloys of Engineering Thermoplastics, H.T.
van de Grampel, General Electric Plastics BV.
Report 50 Automotive Applications of Polymers II,
A.N.A. Elliott, Consultant.
Report 51 Biomedical Applications of Polymers, C.G. Gebelein,
Youngstown State University / Florida Atlantic
University.
Report 52 Polymer Supported Chemical Reactions, P. Hodge,
University of Manchester.
Report 53 Weathering of Polymers, S.M. Halliwell, Building
Research Establishment.
Report 54 Health and Safety in the Rubber Industry, A.R. Nutt,
Arnold Nutt & Co. and J. Wade.
Report 55 Computer Modelling of Polymer Processing,
E. Andreassen, Å. Larsen and E.L. Hinrichsen, Senter for
Industriforskning, Norway.
Report 56 Plastics in High Temperature Applications,
J. Maxwell, Consultant.
Report 57 Joining of Plastics, K.W. Allen, City University.
Report 58 Physical Testing of Rubber, R.P. Brown, Rapra
Technology Ltd.
Report 59 Polyimides - Materials, Processing and Applications,
A.J. Kirby, Du Pont (U.K.) Ltd.
Report 60 Physical Testing of Thermoplastics, S.W. Hawley,
Rapra Technology Ltd.
Volume 6
Report 61 Food Contact Polymeric Materials, J.A. Sidwell,
Rapra Technology Ltd.
Report 62 Coextrusion, D. Djordjevic, Klöckner ER-WE-PA GmbH.
Report 63 Conductive Polymers II, R.H. Friend, University of
Cambridge, Cavendish Laboratory.
Report 64 Designing with Plastics, P.R. Lewis, The Open University.
Report 65 Decorating and Coating of Plastics, P.J. Robinson,
International Automotive Design.
Report 66 Reinforced Thermoplastics - Composition, Processing
and Applications, P.G. Kelleher, New Jersey Polymer
Extension Center at Stevens Institute of Technology.
Report 67 Plastics in Thermal and Acoustic Building Insulation,
V.L. Kefford, MRM Engineering Consultancy.
Report 68 Cure Assessment by Physical and Chemical
Techniques, B.G. Willoughby, Rapra Technology Ltd.
Report 69 Toxicity of Plastics and Rubber in Fire, P.J. Fardell,
Building Research Establishment, Fire Research Station.
Report 70 Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene Polymers,
M.E. Adams, D.J. Buckley, R.E. Colborn, W.P. England
and D.N. Schissel, General Electric Corporate Research
and Development Center.
Report 71 Rotational Moulding, R.J. Crawford, The Queen’s
University of Belfast.
Report 72 Advances in Injection Moulding, C.A. Maier,
Econology Ltd.
Volume 7
Report 73 Reactive Processing of Polymers, M.W.R. Brown,
P.D. Coates and A.F. Johnson, IRC in Polymer Science
and Technology, University of Bradford.
Report 74 Speciality Rubbers, J.A. Brydson.
Report 75 Plastics and the Environment, I. Boustead, Boustead
Consulting Ltd.
Report 76 Polymeric Precursors for Ceramic Materials,
R.C.P. Cubbon.
Report 77 Advances in Tyre Mechanics, R.A. Ridha, M. Theves,
Goodyear Technical Center.
Report 78 PVC - Compounds, Processing and Applications,
J.Leadbitter, J.A. Day, J.L. Ryan, Hydro Polymers Ltd.
Report 79 Rubber Compounding Ingredients - Need, Theory
and Innovation, Part I: Vulcanising Systems,
Antidegradants and Particulate Fillers for General
Purpose Rubbers, C. Hepburn, University of Ulster.
Report 80 Anti-Corrosion Polymers: PEEK, PEKK and Other
Polyaryls, G. Pritchard, Kingston University.
Report 81 Thermoplastic Elastomers - Properties and
Applications, J.A. Brydson.
Report 82 Advances in Blow Moulding Process Optimization,
Andres Garcia-Rejon,Industrial Materials Institute,
National Research Council Canada.
Report 83 Molecular Weight Characterisation of Synthetic
Polymers, S.R. Holding and E. Meehan, Rapra
Technology Ltd. and Polymer Laboratories Ltd.
Report 84 Rheology and its Role in Plastics Processing,
P. Prentice, The Nottingham Trent University.
Volume 8
Report 85 Ring Opening Polymerisation, N. Spassky, Université
Pierre et Marie Curie.
Report 86 High Performance Engineering Plastics,
D.J. Kemmish, Victrex Ltd.
Report 87 Rubber to Metal Bonding, B.G. Crowther, Rapra
Technology Ltd.
Report 88 Plasticisers - Selection, Applications and Implications,
A.S. Wilson.
Report 89 Polymer Membranes - Materials, Structures and
Separation Performance, T. deV. Naylor, The Smart
Chemical Company.
Report 90 Rubber Mixing, P.R. Wood.
Report 91 Recent Developments in Epoxy Resins, I. Hamerton,
University of Surrey.
Report 92 Continuous Vulcanisation of Elastomer Proﬁles,
A. Hill, Meteor Gummiwerke.
Report 93 Advances in Thermoforming, J.L. Throne, Sherwood
Technologies Inc.
Report 94 Compressive Behaviour of Composites, C. Soutis,
Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine.
Report 95 Thermal Analysis of Polymers, M. P. Sepe, Dickten &
Masch Manufacturing Co.
Report 96 Polymeric Seals and Sealing Technology, J.A. Hickman,
St Clair (Polymers) Ltd.
Volume 9
Report 97 Rubber Compounding Ingredients - Need, Theory
and Innovation, Part II: Processing, Bonding, Fire
Retardants, C. Hepburn, University of Ulster.
Report 98 Advances in Biodegradable Polymers, G.F. Moore &
S.M. Saunders, Rapra Technology Ltd.
Report 99 Recycling of Rubber, H.J. Manuel and W. Dierkes,
Vredestein Rubber Recycling B.V.
Report 100 Photoinitiated Polymerisation - Theory and
Applications, J.P. Fouassier, Ecole Nationale Supérieure
de Chimie, Mulhouse.
Report 101 Solvent-Free Adhesives, T.E. Rolando, H.B. Fuller
Company.
Report 102 Plastics in Pressure Pipes, T. Stafford, Rapra
Technology Ltd.
Report 103 Gas Assisted Moulding, T.C. Pearson, Gas Injection Ltd.
Report 104 Plastics Proﬁle Extrusion, R.J. Kent, Tangram
Technology Ltd.
Report 105 Rubber Extrusion Theory and Development,
B.G. Crowther.
Report 106 Properties and Applications of Elastomeric
Polysulﬁdes, T.C.P. Lee, Oxford Brookes University.
Report 107 High Performance Polymer Fibres, P.R. Lewis,
The Open University.
Report 108 Chemical Characterisation of Polyurethanes,
M.J. Forrest, Rapra Technology Ltd.
Volume 10
Report 109 Rubber Injection Moulding - A Practical Guide,
J.A. Lindsay.
Report 110 Long-Term and Accelerated Ageing Tests on Rubbers,
R.P. Brown, M.J. Forrest and G. Soulagnet,
Rapra Technology Ltd.
Report 111 Polymer Product Failure, P.R. Lewis,
The Open University.
Report 112 Polystyrene - Synthesis, Production and Applications,
J.R. Wünsch, BASF AG.
Report 113 Rubber-Modiﬁed Thermoplastics, H. Keskkula,
University of Texas at Austin.
Report 114 Developments in Polyacetylene - Nanopolyacetylene,
V.M. Kobryanskii, Russian Academy of Sciences.
Report 115 Metallocene-Catalysed Polymerisation, W. Kaminsky,
University of Hamburg.
Report 116 Compounding in Co-rotating Twin-Screw Extruders,
Y. Wang, Tunghai University.
Report 117 Rapid Prototyping, Tooling and Manufacturing, R.J.M.
Hague and P.E. Reeves, Edward Mackenzie Consulting.
Report 118 Liquid Crystal Polymers - Synthesis, Properties and
Applications, D. Coates, CRL Ltd.
Report 119 Rubbers in Contact with Food, M.J. Forrest and
J.A. Sidwell, Rapra Technology Ltd.
Report 120 Electronics Applications of Polymers II, M.T. Goosey,
Shipley Ronal.
Volume 11
Report 121 Polyamides as Engineering Thermoplastic Materials,
I.B. Page, BIP Ltd.
Report 122 Flexible Packaging - Adhesives, Coatings and
Processes, T.E. Rolando, H.B. Fuller Company.
Report 123 Polymer Blends, L.A. Utracki, National Research
Council Canada.
Report 124 Sorting of Waste Plastics for Recycling, R.D. Pascoe,
University of Exeter.
Report 125 Structural Studies of Polymers by Solution NMR,
H.N. Cheng, Hercules Incorporated.
Report 126 Composites for Automotive Applications, C.D. Rudd,
University of Nottingham.
Report 127 Polymers in Medical Applications, B.J. Lambert and
F.-W. Tang, Guidant Corp., and W.J. Rogers, Consultant.
Report 128 Solid State NMR of Polymers, P.A. Mirau,
Lucent Technologies.
Report 129 Failure of Polymer Products Due to Photo-oxidation,
D.C. Wright.
Report 130 Failure of Polymer Products Due to Chemical Attack,
D.C. Wright.
Report 131 Failure of Polymer Products Due to Thermo-oxidation,
D.C. Wright.
Report 132 Stabilisers for Polyoleﬁns, C. Kröhnke and F. Werner,
Clariant Huningue SA.
Volume 12
Report 133 Advances in Automation for Plastics Injection
Moulding, J. Mallon, Yushin Inc.
Report 134 Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy of Polymers,
J.L. Koenig, Case Western Reserve University.
Report 135 Polymers in Sport and Leisure, R.P. Brown.
Report 136 Radiation Curing, R.S. Davidson, DavRad Services.
Report 137 Silicone Elastomers, P. Jerschow, Wacker-Chemie GmbH.
Report 138 Health and Safety in the Rubber Industry, N. Chaiear,
Khon Kaen University.
Report 139 Rubber Analysis - Polymers, Compounds and
Products, M.J. Forrest, Rapra Technology Ltd.
Report 140 Tyre Compounding for Improved Performance,
M.S. Evans, Kumho European Technical Centre.
Report 141 Particulate Fillers for Polymers, Professor R.N. Rothon,
Rothon Consultants and Manchester Metropolitan
University.
Report 142 Blowing Agents for Polyurethane Foams, S.N. Singh,
Huntsman Polyurethanes.
Report 143 Adhesion and Bonding to Polyoleﬁns, D.M. Brewis and
I. Mathieson, Institute of Surface Science & Technology,
Loughborough University.
Report 144 Rubber Curing Systems, R.N. Datta, Flexsys BV.
Volume 13
Report 145 Multi-Material Injection Moulding, V. Goodship and
J.C. Love, The University of Warwick.
Report 146 In-Mould Decoration of Plastics, J.C. Love and
V. Goodship, The University of Warwick.
Report 147 Rubber Product Failure, Roger P. Brown.
Report 148 Plastics Waste – Feedstock Recycling, Chemical
Recycling and Incineration, A. Tukker, TNO.
Report 149 Analysis of Plastics, Martin J. Forrest, Rapra Technology
Ltd.
Report 150 Mould Sticking, Fouling and Cleaning, D.E. Packham,
Materials Research Centre, University of Bath.
Report 151 Rigid Plastics Packaging - Materials, Processes and
Applications, F. Hannay, Nampak Group Research &
Development.
Report 152 Natural and Wood Fibre Reinforcement in Polymers,
A.K. Bledzki, V.E. Sperber and O. Faruk, University of
Kassel.
Report 153 Polymers in Telecommunication Devices, G.H. Cross,
University of Durham.
Report 154 Polymers in Building and Construction, S.M. Halliwell,
BRE.
Report 155 Styrenic Copolymers, Andreas Chrisochoou and
Daniel Dufour, Bayer AG.
Report 156 Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Impact
of Polymeric Products, T.J. O’Neill, Polymeron
Consultancy Network.
Volume 14
Report 157 Developments in Colorants for Plastics,
Ian N. Christensen.
Report 158 Geosynthetics, David I. Cook.
Report 159 Biopolymers, R.M. Johnson, L.Y. Mwaikambo and
N. Tucker, Warwick Manufacturing Group.
Report 160 Emulsion Polymerisation and Applications of Latex,
Christopher D. Anderson and Eric S. Daniels, Emulsion
Polymers Institute.
Report 161 Emissions from Plastics, C. Henneuse-Boxus and
T. Pacary, Certech.
Report 162 Analysis of Thermoset Materials, Precursors and
Products, Martin J. Forrest, Rapra Technology Ltd.
Report 163 Polymer/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites, Masami
Okamoto, Toyota Technological Institute.
Report 164 Cure Monitoring for Composites and Adhesives, David
R. Mulligan, NPL.
Report 165 Polymer Enhancement of Technical Textiles,
Roy W. Buckley.
Report 166 Developments in Thermoplastic Elastomers,
K.E. Kear
Report 167 Polyoleﬁn Foams, N.J. Mills, Metallurgy and Materials,
University of Birmingham.
Report 168 Plastic Flame Retardants: Technology and Current
Developments, J. Innes and A. Innes, Flame Retardants
Associates Inc.
Volume 15
Report 169 Engineering and Structural Adhesives, David J. Dunn,
FLD Enterprises Inc.
Report 170 Polymers in Agriculture and Horticulture,
Roger P. Brown.
Report 171 PVC Compounds and Processing, Stuart Patrick.
Report 172 Troubleshooting Injection Moulding, Vanessa
Goodship, Warwick Manufacturing Group.
Report 173 Regulation of Food Packaging in Europe and the USA,
Derek J. Knight and Lesley A. Creighton, Safepharm
Laboratories Ltd.
Report 174 Pharmaceutical Applications of Polymers for Drug
Delivery, David Jones, Queen's University, Belfast.
Report 175 Tyre Recycling, Valerie L. Shulman, European Tyre
Recycling Association (ETRA).
Report 176 Polymer Processing with Supercritical Fluids,
V. Goodship and E.O. Ogur.
Report 177 Bonding Elastomers: A Review of Adhesives &
Processes, G. Polaski, J. Means, B. Stull, P. Warren, K.
Allen, D. Mowrey and B. Carney.
Report 178 Mixing of Vulcanisable Rubbers and Thermoplastic
Elastomers, P.R. Wood.
Report 179 Polymers in Asphalt, H.L. Robinson, Tarmac Ltd, UK.
Report 180 Biocides in Plastics, D. Nichols, Thor Overseas Limited.
Volume 16
Report 181 New EU Regulation of Chemicals: REACH,
D.J. Knight, SafePharm Laboratories Ltd.
Report 182 Food Contact Rubbers 2 - Products, Migration and
Regulation, M.J. Forrest.
Report 183 Adhesion to Fluoropolymers, D.M. Brewis and R.H.
Dahm, IPTME, Loughborough University.
Report 184 Fluoroplastics, J.G. Drobny.
Report 185 Epoxy Composites: Impact Resistance and Flame
Retardancy, Debdatta Ratna.
Report 186 Coatings and Inks for Food Contact Materials,
Martin Forrest, Smithers Rapra.
Report 187 Nucleating Agents, Stuart Fairgrieve, SPF Polymer
Consultants.
Report 188 Silicone Products for Food Contact Applications,
Martin Forrest, Smithers Rapra.
Report 189 Degradation and Stabilisation of Polymers,
Stuart Fairgrieve, SPF Polymer Consultants
Report 190 Electrospinning
Jon Stanger, New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food
Research
Nick Tucker, New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food
Research
Mark Staiger, University of Canterbury, New Zealand
ISBN: 978-1-84735-095-4
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials,
Processing and Applications
Vannessa Goodship and Daniel Jacobs
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
1
Contents
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................3
2. Application Scope ......................................................................................................................................4
3. Manufacture ...............................................................................................................................................6
4. Polymer Chemistry .....................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Viscosity in Solution ........................................................................................................................7
5. Water Solubility ........................................................................................................................................8
6. PVAL Film Properties ...............................................................................................................................9
6.1 Barrier Proporties .................................................................................................................................9
6.2 Other Film Properties .........................................................................................................................10
6.2.1 Mechanical Properties .......................................................................................................10
6.2.2 Plasticiser Effects ..............................................................................................................10
6.2.3 Oil and Solvent Resistance ...............................................................................................10
6.2.4 Water Sensitivity and Hygroscopy ...................................................................................10
6.2.5 Adhesion Characteristics...................................................................................................10
6.2.6 Antistatic ...........................................................................................................................10
7. Solution Processing ..................................................................................................................................10
8. Melt Processing ........................................................................................................................................11
8.1 Extrusion ........................................................................................................................................12
8.2 Injection Moulding ........................................................................................................................12
8.3 Film Moulding ...............................................................................................................................12
8.4 Blow Moulding ..............................................................................................................................13
9. Packaging .................................................................................................................................................13
9.1 Active Packaging ...........................................................................................................................13
10. PVAL in Medicine: Hydrogels ................................................................................................................13
11. Biopolymers .............................................................................................................................................14
12. Blends .......................................................................................................................................................15
13. Blends of PVAL .......................................................................................................................................15
13.1 PVAL-Starch Blends .....................................................................................................................15
13.2 Other Blends ..................................................................................................................................16
13.2.1 PVAL/Gelatin Blends .......................................................................................................16
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
2
The views and opinions expressed by authors in Rapra Review Reports do not necessarily reﬂect those
of Smithers Rapra Technology or the editor. The series is published on the basis that no responsibility
or liability of any nature shall attach to Smithers Rapra Technology arising out of or in connection with
any utilisation in any form of any material contained therein.
Author contact details: Vannessa Goodship
WMG, Univeristy of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL
Daniel Jacobs
WMG, Univeristy of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL
14. Degradability ............................................................................................................................................17
14.1 Biodegradable Plastics ...................................................................................................................18
14.2 Oil-Based Naturally Degradable Polymers ....................................................................................18
14.3 Photo-degradable Plastics ..............................................................................................................18
15. Plastics and Biodegradable Plastics Disposal ..........................................................................................19
15.1 Composting ....................................................................................................................................20
15.2 Incineration ....................................................................................................................................21
15.3 Landﬁlling ......................................................................................................................................21
16. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................21
References ........................................................................................................................................................22
Abbreviations and Acronyms ..........................................................................................................................22
Subject Index ...................................................................................................................................................00
Company Index ................................................................................................................................................00
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
3
Poly(vinyl alcohol):
Properties, Applications and Disposal
This review report is produced to provide a concise
introduction to poly(vinyl alcohol); the material itself,
processing, applications and disposal. It will also
consider comparable properties of similar materials with
which this material is likely to compete. The deﬁnitions
and requirements of materials that wish to operate in
the ‘green’ arena will also be introduced.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) is the most commercially important
water soluble plastic in use. It is tasteless, odourless, it
will biodegrade and is biocompatible. As well as being
soluble in water, it is slightly soluble in ethanol, but
insoluble in other organic solvents. As environmental
concerns over the disposal of plastic wastes have grown
and focus has switched towards product life cycle
and disposal, poly(vinyl alcohol) has a readymade
and viable disposal route. In light of increasing
environmental legislation, this will allow it to be
utilised in non-traditional areas of use. With increasing
interest in the use of biodegradable and sustainable
alternatives for mass applications, poly(vinyl alcohol)
provides an interesting point of comparative study on
a oil-based synthetic material with the properties of a
‘green polymer’.
It is also be readily blended with a number of natural
materials and can exhibit properties that are compatible
with a range of applications. The inclusion of natural
ﬁbres and ﬁllers can give further improvements in
mechanical properties without compromising overall
degradability. Therefore, the potential beneﬁts of this
material given its water soluble characteristics are
huge, but this must be offset against practical
considerations of its long term life cycle in changeable
environmental conditions.
In the future biodegradable materials could be used
within a variety of product applications, but there are,
at present, signiﬁcant penalties in terms of performance,
cost and availability. The predominant beneﬁt which can
be attributed to biopolymer usage is that the materials
themselves can be biodegradable. This of course
makes them an increasingly attractive proposition
for manufacturers who are faced with increasingly
stringent EU legislative requirements when it comes
to the environmental performance of their products, or
those who wish to tap the market of the environmentally
conscious consumer. This review will try to capture
current and future trends in this area.
1. Introduction
Like all common polymers poly(vinyl alcohol) can
be abbreviated. However, unlike polymers such as
polypropylene (PP), in which the abbreviations are
universally used, poly(vinyl alcohol) does not have a
singularly recognised abbreviation. Therefore according
to various literature sources it is referred to as PVAL,
PVOH or PVA and therefore all these terms, although
confusing, are correct in the context of the standards to
which they were used.
The terminology that shall be used here is PVAL
in accordance to British Standard BS EN ISO
15023-1:2006 (a.1).
Poly(vinyl alcohol) and its properties have been
known to scientists for a long time. It was ﬁrst prepared
by Hermann and Haehnel, Germany, in 1924. It is
made by hydrolysing polyvinyl acetate (PVA or
PVAc – dependent on where you look).
Worldwide consumption of PVAL had reached several
hundred thousand tonnes annually in 2006; this is
widely predicted to increase by about 2.5% annually
between 2006 and 2011. There are a number of
worldwide producers of this material with the majority
of production based in Asian countries. China has the
largest share of the market as of commercial trading
ﬁgures for 2006 with 45% of the entire market with
this ﬁgure likely to expand. Japan and the United
States are also both large producers and consumers of
PVAL materials. Kuraray (Japan) is the largest single
manufacturer of PVAL accounting for 16% of all
world capacity and offering over 50 different grades of
this material.
Trade names for PVAL (PVOH or PVA) include Elvanol
(DuPont), Mowiol (Kuraray) and Poval (Kuraray).
The material exists in the marketplace as fully
hydrolysed, medium hydrolysed or partially hydrolysed
copolymers or custom blends. Most of the market is
dominated by sales of the fully hydrolysed grade of
material. This difference in hydrolysis will be explained
in Section 4. In line with international standards,
grades of this material are presented in terms of the
degree of hydrolysis and the viscosity in water at
speciﬁed conditions. An indication of the range of
hydrolysis levels available in the marketplace is shown
in Table 1.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
4
Using 2008 commercial prices as a general guide,
PVAL materials are priced according to viscosity.
Low viscosity materials (classed as having a viscosity
less than 0.01 Pa-s), were trading for half the price
per tonne (150 Euros), than high viscosity materials
(>0.03 Pa-s) which were trading at 300 Euros per
tonne. Medium viscosity materials (0.01-0.03 Pa-s)
were trading at 200 Euros. However, like all oil-based
plastics prices are highly variable.
2. Application Scope
The major uses of PVAL depend on region. In the
United States and Western Europe the majority of
PVAL is consumed in the production of poly(vinyl
butyral) (PVB). This is used in the inner layer of
laminated safety glass for automobile window screens.
It is made by reacting PVAL with butyraldehyde
[CH
3
(CH
2
)
2
CHO] and this market is one which is
expected to grow in the future.
PVAL ﬁnds other uses in a broad range of products
produced for example as a protective colloid in
the manufacture of polymer emulsions. Other
applications include: the binding of pigments and
fibres, dip coated articles, protective strippable
coatings, the manufacture of detergents and cleansing
agents, adhesives, emulsion paints, and solution cast
ﬁlm. These applications all involve the use of the
PVAL in solution as its thermal degradation at about
150 °C (crystalline melting point of PVAL ranges
from 180 °C to 240 °C), limits its ability to be used
in conventional thermoplastic processing equipment
without modiﬁcation. When PVAL is plasticised, it
is possible to avoid thermal dehydration however,
some properties are sacriﬁced.
In China the largest market is as a polymerisation aid
in emulsiﬁed polyvinyl acetate and polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). Therefore, much of the PVAL produced today
is used as a protective colloid in the manufacture of
polymer emulsions.
The use of emulsifying agents improves the quality
of synthesis of PVC and helps properties such as the
ability to absorb plasticisers and the production of
uniform grain sizes. Other materials commonly used
as emulsifying agents are methyl cellulose derivatives
or combinations. Two PVAL materials of differing
molecular weight may be used together synergistically
improving the process.
In the formation of emulsified polyvinyl acetate,
PVAL acts as a protective colloid. PVAL has excellent
properties in emulsion such as ‘wet tackiness’, high
strength and it is highly resistant to creep. As with the
formation of PVC, the structure of the PVAL affects
the emulsion performance of the polyvinyl acetate.
For this process, PVAL with an active surface is also
required, therefore partially hydrolysed grades are
utilised which have residual acetate groups which are
hydrophobic in nature.
In Japan Vinylon spun ﬁbre is the biggest use of
PVAL. It is used in a variety of applications from
the manufacture of traditional Japanese dress, canvas,
cement reinforcement, agriculture, ﬁshing nets, ropes
and paper making (which is the largest market). It can
be produced by either dry or wet spinning. This is a
different process to spinning from a melt, which is
called melt spinning and used for production of ﬁbres
Table 1 Selection of grades of PVAL offered by Kuraray
Grade Viscosity
DIN 53015 (a.2)
(mPa-s)*
Degree of hydrolysis
(saponiﬁcation) (mol. - %)
Partially hydrolysed Mowiol 3-85 3.4-4.0 84.2-86.2
Partially hydrolysed PVA 220 27.0-33.0 87.0-89.0
Partially hydrolysed PVA 225 45.0-52.0 86.5-89.0
Medium Hydrolysed PVA CST 24.0-30.0 95.5-96.5
Medium Hydrolysed PVA 613 14.5-18.5 92.5-94.5
Fully hydrolysed PVA 117 25.0-30.0 98.0-99.0
Fully hydrolysed Mowiol 4-98 4.0-5.0 98.0-98.8
Fully hydrolysed Mowiol 56-98 52.0-60.0 98.0-98.8
*of a 4% aqueous solution at 20 °C
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
5
such as polyethylene (PE), PP, polyamide (PA) and
polyester. In the case of vinylon a spinning solution
is used with most production then carried out by wet
spinning. The product is staple ﬁbre. The solution
is spun into ﬁbres which pass through a water bath
before being drawn and cut into ﬁbres. Dry spinning
uses hot air instead of water, drawing and then
collection of the ﬁlament yarn onto spindles. Vinylon
is characterised by a lighter weight (speciﬁc gravity
of 1.3) than natural ﬁbres such as wool or cotton.
It is abrasion resistant, durable and resistance to
weathering, chemicals and rotting and has properties
similar to cotton in ﬁbre form.
Demand is also increasing for PVAL fibres as a
safer replacement for asbestos ﬁbres and in the use
of polarising optical ﬁlms for liquid crystal displays
(LCD) (a.3). The PVAL material is used for optical
applications which effectively prevent reﬂection of
light at the surface of image display devices such as
plasma display panels (PDP), cathode ray tubes (CRT)
and LCD, and exhibits excellent scratch resistance.
The ﬁlm, used for preventing reﬂection of light has
excellent scratch resistance and can be produced at a
low cost. In a typical application, the ﬁlm is formed by
successively laminating a hard coat layer, a ﬁrst high
refractivity layer, a second high refractivity layer, and
a low refractivity layer.
The water solubility and biodegradability of this
material are the key properties for its usage. This
has also attracted the recent attention of a packaging
industry keen to address environmentally friendly
solutions to the issue of plastic waste. This will be
discussed in Section 5.
Other important areas where PVAL water solubility is
used include textile sizing agents – the PVAL is applied
to protect the textile ﬁbres during production (such as
knitting or weaving and so on), then once made the
garment can be washed to remove the PVAL.
PVAL adhesives are used widely with cellulose
materials as they give excellent adhesion to them. They
are, therefore, used in a range of applications from
postage stamps, labels, paper bags to book binding and
make an ideal glue for papercraft activities.
Commercially, PVAL is the most important plastic for
production of water soluble ﬁlm. It is characterised
by excellent ﬁlm-forming, emulsifying, and adhesive
properties. It has a high tensile strength, good ﬂexibility,
good oxygen barrier properties and good solvent
resistance properties.
All the applications so far involve the use of the PVAL
in solution as its thermal degradation is about 150 °C
(crystalline melting point of PVAL ranges from 180 °C
to 240 °C). Therefore until recently this limited its ability
to be used in conventional thermoplastic processing
equipment. However, when PVAL is plasticised, it is
possible to avoid thermal dehydration. Melt processing
applications are discussed in Section 8.
Therefore, PVAL ﬁnds use in variety of market sectors
such as (a.3):
· Additives in construction
· Agriculture
· Cleaning and detergent products
· Health and hygiene (a.5)
· Horticulture
· Personal care and toiletries
· Speciality chemicals
· Water treatment
PVAL was investigated in the 1970s for use in
controlled release of agrochemicals using combinations
with pesticides. It is also used in current production of
seed tapes. For these kind of applications the polymer
must degrade without impact (be it chemical or
biological) to the surrounding environment. Therefore,
degradation and disposal issues will also be discussed
later in the review.
PVAL is used in the manufacture of laundry bags and
hamper liners for use in health care facilities. The ﬁlled
bag is sealed shut with an attached adhesive strip. When
placed in the washer, the adhesive and bag break down
completely during the hot washing and disinfection.
The bags are impervious to bacteria and viruses during
normal use, as well as resistant to gases, solvents, and
cool liquids, reducing the risk of contamination and
thereby protecting hospital staff.
In food industries, PVAL is used as a binding and coating
agent. The ﬁlm coating is used in applications where
moisture barrier protection properties are required.
PVAL protects active components and other ingredients
from oxygen, e.g., tablet coating formulations intended
for products such as food supplement tablets.
Other more unusual products include the biodegradable
PVAL pet waste bag for picking up pet waste and eco-
disposal. It can be placed in the bin or ﬂushed down the
toilet. For lazy (or inept) golfers, there are water soluble
golf balls made from PVAL. For golfers not willing to
look for their balls, these can be abandoned on courses
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
6
Figure 1 Molecule of PVAL (left) and chemical representations (right and centre)
to biodegrade naturally. For those who wish to practise
their swings while at sea, they can be hit straight into
the sea to dissolve.
This variety of sectors and applications areas are
possible because poly(vinyl alcohol) has a number
of useful and tailorable properties. It is odourless and
non-toxic, it has excellent ﬁlm forming, emulsifying,
and adhesive properties. It also has good resistance to
grease, oils and a large number of solvent materials.
It has good mechanical performance with high tensile
strength and ﬂexibility, it also has high oxygen and
aroma barrier properties. However, these properties
are all dependent on the level of humidity. Water,
which acts as a plasticiser, causes a reduction in tensile
strength, but also increases the elongation and tear
strength of the material.
The sheer range of applications for this material make it
an interesting material of study. However, ﬁrst a more
fundamental introduction to PVAL manufacture and
material properties will be given.
3. Manufacture
The ﬁrst commercial production of PVAL was by
the company Wacker (Germany) with the trademark
Synthoﬁl, which was used as medical sutures. In
1930, Japanese researchers Sakurada, Yazawa and
Tomanari successfully wet spun PVAL. In 1950
this was realised commercially as Vinylon fibre
(see Section 2). This ﬁbre has high heat resistance
amongst other interesting properties.
Unlike other members of the vinyl group, PVAL is not
polymerised from a monomer in direct polymerisation,
but prepared by hydrolysis of poly(vinyl acetate)
(PVAc) in alcohol solution. This is a rubbery, synthetic
polymer and partial or complete hydrolysis of the PVAc
is used to prepare PVAL. The reaction proceeds via
free radical mechanism or suspension polymerisation.
Partial or complete hydrolysis removes acetate groups
from the PVAc. The resultant material PVAL has
the same degree of polymerisation as the original
PVAc material. Therefore by varying the degree of
polymerisation of the original PVAc a number of
different grades of material with different properties can
be produced. The reaction can be controlled to produce
any degree of replacement of acetate groups. Other
materials can be used to produce co-polymer materials
which also replace the acetate group. Monomers such
as ethylene and acrylate esters are commercially used
in this way.
Once converted from PVAc the hydrolysed alcohol
product is typically in the 87% to 99% range. If
it is above 98% it can be considered to be fully
hydrolysed with an expected crystallinity value of
40-50% Highly but not fully hydrolysed PVAL has
a degree of crystallinity of 30-40% and a melting
point of 225 °C. The reduced crystallinty in partially
hydrolysed grades is due to the residual acetate groups.
Other factors affecting crystallinity are the amount
of plasticiser and water present in the compound.
The production process used (acid or base catalysed)
also has an effect. A lower crystallinity means lower
strength but increased water solubility compared to
fully hydrolysed (higher crystallinity) grades which
can be considered as homopolymers as opposed to
mixed vinyl acetate and vinyl alcohol co- polymer.
Chemical representations commonly used to represent
PVAL are shown in Figure 1.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
7
4. Polymer Chemistry
The physical characteristics and speciﬁc functional uses
depend on the both the degree of polymerisation and
hydrolysis produced. PVAL is classiﬁed into classes
namely: partially hydrolysed and fully hydrolysed.
PVAL is crystalline in nature, this is unusual since it
is an atactic linear polymer, meaning the positioning
of the side chains of secondary alcohol groups is
random. This is generally accompanied by an inability
to crystallise. In fact PVAc is not crystalline, but PVAL
which contains smaller hydroxyl groups, is typically
crystalline regardless of stereoregularity. This is
because hydroxyl groups do not disrupt the crystalline
lattice structure as their small size allows them to ‘slot’
in. However, in contrast, the presence of residual acetate
groups greatly diminishes the crystal formation and
the degree of hydrogen bonding because of their more
bulky nature.
Therefore, polymers that are highly hydrolysed have a
high tendency to crystallise and to undergo hydrogen
bonding. As the degree of hydrolysis increases, the
molecules will very readily crystallise, and hydrogen
bonds will keep them associated if they are not fully
dispersed prior to dissolution. At degrees of hydrolysis
above 98%, manufacturers of PVAL advocate a
minimum temperature of 96 °C to ensure that the highest
molecular weight components have enough thermal
energy to go into solution.
Increasing levels of hydrolysis leads to increasing
crystallinity
This also allows a level of control to be exerted over the
crystallinity produced and the physical characteristics
and speciﬁc functional uses of PVAL vary with this
property. The crystallinity affects the water solubility,
strength, gas permeability and thermal characteristics.
Since the crystallinity is dependent on both the degree
of hydrolysis and the average molecular weight of the
polymer it also depends on the degree of polymerisation
that occurs.
The level of hydrolysis will therefore have a direct
effect on the properties and it is necessary to distinguish
these materials into levels (partially, medium, fully
hydrolysed). The actual degree of hydrolysis depends
on how many percentage mol of residual acetate groups
remain, as PVAL is characterised by the presence of the
polar OH groups in the structure. For ISO 15023 (a.1),
the level must be equal to or above 70%.
Because PVAL refers to the material that can be both
fully and partly hydrolysed, it can actually be considered
in partially hydrolysed cases to be a co-polymer of
vinyl acetate and vinyl alcohol monomer (which does
not actually exist). The monomer components may be
distinguished if necessary using the convention V-AL
and V-OAc.
Therefore PVAL is characterised by the presence of
polar alcohol (OH-groups), and these groups give rise to
reduced water solubility and also allow other reactions
to take place.
Increasing hydrolysis leads to:
· reduced water solubility
· increased solvent resistance
· increased tensile strength
· increased adhesion to hydrophobic surfaces.
In many cases, however, a partially or fully hydrolysed
material may be used for the same application. For
example in adhesives, where water resistance is
required, a fully hydrolysed material may be used and
where water resistance is not an issue, a partially or
fully hydrolysed material may be used.
It is a water-soluble synthetic polymer that is it is made
from petrochemicals. So although it is biodegradable, it
is not a biopolymer. A biopolymer is a material made
from a biomaterial such as plant starch. This distinction
will be discussed in Section 10.
4.1 Viscosity in Solution
In water solution partially hydrolysed PVAL (88% and
below) has a stable viscosity which does not change
over time. However, the viscosity of a solution of highly
hydrolysed material will show a gradual increase in
viscosity over time, and if left long enough may even
gel. This tendency to increase in viscosity over time,
increases fairly linearly with concentration.
The ﬁlms produced from partially hydrolysed solutions
are characterised with poor water and heat resistance.
Those from fully hydrolysed grades have the opposite
properties being water and creep resistant properties.
Through the use of additives it is possible to stabilise or
destabilise those changes in viscosity which occur.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
8
5. Water Solubility
The main use of PVAL is when it is dissolved in
water. Poly(vinyl alcohol) is among a group of
water-soluble plastics that have a long history of use
in niche applications. Many of these polymers are
biologically stable when they are in the solid state but
will biodegrade readily once they are dissolved. As
PVAL is formed by hydrolysis of PVAc, by controlling
the degree of hydrolysis, its solubility can be modiﬁed,
which results in grades that will dissolve only in hot
or cold water. Some grades can be mass produced
by extrusion, injection moulding or ﬁlm blowing (to
produce potentially readily disposable components),
but others must be cast from solution.
Single dose laundry blocks or liquids have become
commonplace in many households. These are water
soluble ﬁlms used for the packaging (as you will ﬁnd
if you accidentally get them wet, they become very
sticky.) Surprisingly the first use of water soluble
packaging was in the 1960s, this was for carrying
harmful chemicals in agriculture. It is relatively more
recently that they have become such a commonplace
item for household detergents and cleaning items.
As already mentioned, the solubility depends on a
number of factors such as the degree of polymerisation
and degree of hydrolysis. The degree of hydrolysis is
particularly important because of the inherent chemical
structure. The many hydroxyl groups mean it has a high
afﬁnity for water and the hydrogen bonding between the
hydroxyl groups impedes the overall solubility.
In contrast, partly hydrolysed PVAL contains acetate
groups. This acts in the opposite way to weaken the
hydrogen bonding and increase solubility and there is
a relationship between temperature of solubility and
presence of acetate groups. Therefore, the behaviour
of PVAL in solution is quite complex.
However, generally a partially hydrolysed version
of the same material will be more soluble at a lower
temperature with solubility increasing as hydrolysis
levels increase.
Commercial water-soluble ﬁlms can be tailored to
dissolve in water at very speciﬁc temperatures.
PVAL is not the only water soluble polymer on
the market. Other water soluble polymers are shown
in Table 2.
Table 2 Water-soluble polymers
Type Production Source
PVAL Synthetic* Non-renewable*
Ethylene vinyl
alcohol (EVOH)
Synthetic* Non-renewable*
Cellulose
acetate
Natural Renewable
(cellulose)
Chitosan Natural Renewable
(invertebrates)
* made from fossil fuels
The term non-renewable source refers to the use of
fossil fuels, which are ﬁnite in nature. PVAL and
EVOH are highly unusual, synthetic crude oil-based
polymers in that they dissolve in water. EVOH is
most commonly used as an oxygen barrier layer
in multi-layer film packaging (see Section 7.1)
although it is expensive to use and the high price
limits its applications elsewhere. PVAL is also the
only polymer consisting of a carbon-carbon backbone
that biodegrades. Polymers made from renewable
resources include plant-based materials such as
plant starch (which can be renewed by re-planting
crops) and animals sources such as chitosan (found
in insect exo-skeletons). Chitosan also has good gas
barrier properties and is used as a coating for other
biodegradable polymers and edible coatings. Both
cellulose acetate and chitosan are water-soluble.
The water solubility of polymer materials means that
they can end up as pollutants in water ecosystems
(river, ocean) and affect aquatic life if they are
not monitored and removed. Removal is done by
microorgasms for PVAL and other similar potentially
water soluable pollutants include polyacylics,
polycarboxylates, polyethers and polyglutamic. For
PVAL, research as far back as 1936 (a.6) found
that PVAL in waste water was biodegraded by a
phytopathogenic organism of fungal origin, Fusarium
lini. The by-products being water and carbon dioxide.
Since then many studies have been carried out on
PVAL degradation in both aerobic conditions and
soil samples with satisfactory results. The actual
biodegradation mechanisms are beyond the scope of
this review however the reader is referred to a survey
carried out by Chiellini and co-workers (a.7) in 2003
for an overview of this subject.
The solubility of PVAL makes a big difference to
the ﬁnal application. For example consider three
alternative PVAL materials that can be considered
as very soluble, moderately soluble and slightly
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
9
soluble. A guide to potential applications based on
this property is shown in Table 3.
Table 3 Solubility as application guide
Very soluble Moderately
soluble
Slightly soluble
Pharmaceutical
capsules which
dissolve to
release drugs
Loose ﬁll
packaging
Food packaging
Medical sutures Agricultural
ﬁlms
Diaper ﬁlms
Detergent single
dose blocks
Single use food
service items
Medical
containers
Life span short Life span:
medium
Life span: high
– must survive
until disposal
As we have seen, the solubility of PVAL depends on
both the molecular weight and the level of hydrolysis.
To add to this, PVAL that is partly hydrolysed is less
dependent on temperature to be soluble. For highly
hydrolysed grades however, it may be necessary for
solutions to reach temperatures just under 100 °C before
dissolution occurs. For disposal of items such as food
packaging, diaper ﬁlms and medical containers, left
to degrade in the environment, it is unlikely that they
would ever reach high enough temperatures to dissolve
in rain water for example. It is therefore, necessary
to consider whether degradation by environmental
conditions or degradation by dissolving into water is
the required outcome. Methods of degradation will be
covered later in Section 14.
Partially hydrolysed PVAL is easier to dissolve than
fully hydrolysed PVAL
6. PVAL Film Properties
PVAL is the most commercially important water
soluble film, therefore, it is worth taking a look at
the major properties of these materials.
Given their water soluble nature it is probably
not surprising that the first consideration is that
the resultant mechanical properties depend on
humidity. High humidity produces a film which
is soft and tough. Low humidity gives a hard and
brittle material. These depend initially on the
degree of polymerisation since tensile strength and
elongation increase with degree of polymerisation
and partly hydrolysed materials are weaker than fully
hydrolysed materials.
A higher degree of polymerisation gives increasing
strength, but humidity has the effect of a plasticiser,
swelling the structure to make it softer and tough.
6.1 Barrier Proporties
PVAL materials have excellent oxygen barrier properties
(and also act as a barrier to carbon dioxide and nitrogen).
These values are comparable to the performance of
EVOH and much better than the common commodity
packaging materials listed in Table 4.
Table 4 Oxygen permeability of
common materials and PVAL
(30 μm ﬁlm, 50% humidity)
Material Oxygen Permeability
(ml/m
2
/day)
Hot water soluble PVOH 0.24
Warm water soluble PVOH 0.36
Cold water soluble PVOH 1.85
EVOH 0.29-2.4
Nylon 6 26-38
PET 40-80
PVC 50-390
High-density polyethylene
(HDPE)
1700-2400
PP 2,000-10,000
Low-density polyethylene
(LDPE)
12,000
An increase in dissolution temperature (and crystallinity)
improves the performance of the oxygen barrier.
However, the downside is the afﬁnity to water. Water
vapour will permeate through the ﬁlms and therefore
PVAL is a poor barrier to water vapour. Interestingly
this is the opposite of polyethylene which allows oxygen
to pass through its structure but not water vapour. Wet
PVAL ﬁlm has little strength but a dry ﬁlm has good
tensile properties.
PVAL has found application as a barrier layer in ﬂexible
packaging but not in rigid packaging (such as bottles)
where EVOH and PA are utilised. Whilst aluminium
of micrometer thickness is traditionally used in ﬂexible
packaging, creating a virtually perfect barrier, using
plastics by lamination or co-extrusion gives high (but
not perfect) barrier performance but at a better cost
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
10
performance. Other ﬂexible packaging barrier materials
used in this way include poly(vinylidene chloride)
(PVDC), EVOH or PA.
However, it needs to be considered that PVAL, EVOH
and PA are only effective barriers in a dry state.
Therefore, sandwich constructions in which they are
protected by materials with water barrier properties are
necessary to maintain the oxygen barrier properties of
these materials.
6.2 Other Film Properties
6.2.1 Mechanical Properties
Degree of polymerisation affects both the tensile
strength and elongation ﬁlm properties, so that as the
degree of polymerisation increases so does the strength.
The tensile strength also increases with a rise in the
degree of hydrolysis.
However, as well as these factors, the humidity also has
a marked effect on physical properties.
At low humidities, PVAL ﬁlm is hard and brittle,
whilst at high humidity it is soft and ﬂexible due to the
plasticising effect of the water vapour. This dependence
is greater for partially hydrolysed grades than for those
that are fully hydrolysed.
Humidity leads to increased ﬂexibility and softness.
6.2.2 Plasticiser Effects
Water acts as a plasticiser for PVAL whether by the
action of humidity or as a solution. At low humidities
the same effect can be achieved by glycols which
serve to prevent the PVAL ﬁlm from becoming hard
and brittle. For thermal processing techniques such as
injection moulding it is necessary to add plasticiser to
prevent premature degradation. These will be discussed
further in the thermal processing section.
6.2.3 Oil and Solvent Resistance
PVAL is highly resistant to oils (animal, vegetable
or mineral origin) and organic solvents (aromatic and
aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, ethers and ketones). This
resistance like many of the other properties of PVAL is
affected by the degree of polymerisation and the degree
of hydrolysis.
6.2.4 Water Sensitivity and Hygroscopy
PVAL ﬁlms will swell and take up water if immersed.
Partially hydrolysed grades have higher levels of
hygroscopy and solubility to water vapour than fully
hydrolysed grades.
These factors and the rate of swelling can all be
decreased by heat treatment which increases the
crystallinity of the ﬁlm.
6.2.5 Adhesion Characteristics
As the degree of hydrolysis increases there is a change
in the relative number of acetate and hydroxyl groups
present. This in turn creates changes in the adhesion
character of the ﬁlm.
When used as an adhesive agent, low degrees of
hydrolysis give adhesion to hydrophobic surfaces,
higher degrees of hydrolysis lead to adhesion to
hydrophilic (strong afﬁnity for water) surfaces.
6.2.6 Antistatic
PVAL is resistant to static build up and this property can
be useful in packaging applications where atmospheric
dust is present.
7. Solution Processing
The spinning of Vinylon ﬁbres from solution, primarily
of interest only to the Japanese market has already
been discussed. Another process using PVAL in
solution to spin ﬁbres is electrospinning. In this case
very thin, nano-sized ﬁbres can be produced, allowing
the resultant ﬁbres to be used in a range of medical
and ﬁltration applications. The major drawback with
electrospinning is the volumes that can be produced.
If large volume equipment comes onto the market, this
type of manufacture could be applicable to more than
just niche markets.
Since many applications described here are carried
out in solution, it is worth considering how these
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
11
solutions are made. These methods can also be used to
differentiate between a fully hydrolysed and partially
hydrolysed grade.
It has been shown that the solubility is dependent on
two factors, degree of polymerisation and hydrolysis.
Fully hydrolysed grades are not really soluble at
room temperature so a stirred water/PVAL mixture
will need to be heated to nearly boiling to ensure full
dissolution.
For partially hydrolysed grades, the plasticiser effect
of the water and solubility means the solute (PVAL in
this case) tends to form lumps if prepared in the same
way as fully hydrolysed grades, therefore in this case,
the PVAL should be added slowly to the solution whilst
stirring. The temperature can be raised if necessary to
speed this process up.
Whilst solution concentrations obviously vary from
application to application, a 10% solution is a very
common dilution rate for PVAL and can therefore be
considered as an indicator of the levels of PVAL used
in solution for the purposes here.
8. Melt Processing
PVAL has a decomposition temperature of 180 °C.
However it does not melt below 180 °C, and has
a melting point range of between 180 and 240 °C.
Some properties are shown in Table 5. Therefore
thermal processing of PVAL presented a considerable
challenge worldwide.
Table 5 Properties of PVAL
Property Typical value
Density 1.19-1.31 g/cm³
Melting point 180-240 °C (dependent
on degree of hydrolysis)
Boiling point 228 °C
Degradation temperature
(unplasticised)
180 °C
Unplasticised PVAL degrades at temperatures above
180 °C due to water elimination from the chemical
structure. Further degradation can cause discoloration
and crosslinking to occur as the hydroxyl and acetate
side groups are eliminated. Whilst the melting point
of PVAL can vary between 180-240 °C depending
on the level of hydrolysis, the effect of the relatively
low degradation reaction temperature means that melt
processing applications a limited to only materials
with low hydrolysis levels or materials that a heavily
plasticised (which generally meant sacriﬁcing the
useful properties inherent in the PVAL materials in
the ﬁrst place).
Therefore, until the last decade, the unwelcome onset of
thermal and shear degradation during melt processing
of PVAL limited the use of conventional thermoplastic
melt technology. Application of PVAL was limited to
aqueous solutions and cast ﬁlms. However, advances
in PVAL polymer formulation mean that the properties
of PVAL can now be retained during thermoplastics
processing and it is possible to produce water-soluble,
non-toxic, biodegradable plastics by conventional
thermoplastics forming techniques. A brief description
of some of these techniques follows.
Extrusion
Process for producing either pellets for other heat
forming processes such as injection moulding, sheets
(which can also be used for thermoforming) or proﬁles
such as tubes, pipes and rods.
Film blowing
Process for producing thin ﬁlms products such as shrink
wraps and carrier bag ﬁlm.
Injection Moulding
High shear and pressure process for production of
complex and mass produced components such as
mobile phone covers, lids, automotive door handles,
motorcycle helmets.
Thermoforming
Low pressure process which deforms sheet material
into relatively simple shapes such as trays, cups and
shallow tubs.
Blow Moulding
Inﬂation production process which produces hollow
articles such as bottles, containers and tanks.
Melt spinning
Production of thin ﬁbre strand produced from molten
plastic passed through a multi-holed proﬁle. (This is
not to be confused with spinning from a solution, as
in the production of Vinylon ﬁbre or electrospinning
which produces PVAL nano-fibres and is also a
solution process.)
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
12
PVAL melt processing temperatures tend to range
between 180 and 240 °C. This depends on the level of
hydrolysis and speciﬁc formulation and additives used.
Generally fully hydrolysed grades, which have higher
melting points, require higher temperatures to be used.
They also tend to be harder to process. To improve
the processibility of PVAL it is necessary to use a
plasticiser and lubricants which lower melt temperature
and viscosity and therefore allow lower processing
temperatures to be utilised. The degree of degradation
is strongly inﬂuenced by acetate groups which liberate
acetic acid during processing which catalyses further
degradation to occur. Higher levels of hydrolysis 98
mol% are more resistant to degradation that 88 mol%.
Temperature rather than shear appears to be a dominant
factor in this.
In such applications, the basic PVAL must be
plasticised so as to reduce its melting point, and obtain
a thermal processing window for processing. In general
plasticisers, such as glycerol, polyethylene glycol,
sorbitol and other compounds have been used.
Mowiﬂex TC is an example of a thermoplastic melt
processable material currently sold by Kuraray. This
can be used to produce blown and sheet ﬁlm as well as
injection moulded components. As expected of PVAL,
it is moisture sensitive and sold in moisture resistant
bags, however, it can be dried if needed at 60-80 °C
for 6-8 hours using conventional air drying equipment.
Therefore, it can be treated like other moisture sensitive
materials such as Nylon routinely used in processing.
8.1 Extrusion
Tubing and hoses produced by extrusion retain many
of the properties recognisable from solution processing.
They are highly ﬂexible and retain excellent solvent
resistance to oils, greases and other chemicals.
Processing is carried out on standard extruders with
low residence times. Keeping residence times as low
as possible is one key factor in successful processing
of PVAL materials. Thermal damage produces
discoloration of PVAL products, as it does with many
other thermoplastic components.
8.2 Injection Moulding
For injection moulding of PVAL, recommended mould
tool temperatures are in the 70-80 °C range with melt
temperatures ranging from 190-220 °C. This is similar
to parameters used to process polyethylenes. This
can be performed on conventional equipment using
hot or cold runners to produce a variety of moulded
components. With the fast cycling time possible with
injection moulding it is possible to mass produce a
variety of components and products very rapidly and
economically.
An example component is exhibited in the Science
Museum, London, UK. This is a biodegradable
mobile phone casing developed by researchers at the
University of Warwick's, Warwick Manufacturing
Group, in conjunction with PVAXX Research &
Development Ltd. A water soluble mobile phone case
was the component. However, this idea had a twist.
By imagining the components end-of-life and burying
the case after use with a sunﬂower seed beneath it, the
phone biodegraded and the sunﬂower seed began to
grow and eventually ﬂowered. This was timed with the
growing awareness of the problem of plastic waste and
sustainability, as well as the newly introduced European
Union WEEE Directive (waste electrical and electronic
equipment) (a.8) which covered the ever growing
problem of electrical waste. Therefore, discarded
mobile phones were a hot topic and this application
captured public attention. However, problems of water
prooﬁng the product for use (in rain or wet environments
for instance), mean as yet this application is not in
commercial production.
8.3 Film Moulding
An extrudable PVAL material for blown ﬁlm application
was marketed by A. Schulman, Akron, USA under
the name Aquasol. It is reported to have the same
physical properties as the cast ﬁlm and could be used
in conventional polyoleﬁn melt equipment. The target
market to be biodegradable replacement for LDPE
(a.9). Most of the market in these ﬁlm applications is
for disposable packaging.
Table 6 shows a typical range of properties shown by
various grades of PVAL in comparison to other ﬁlm
materials. Most marked here is the tear strength and
tensile strength which is actually comparable to that
produced by a polypropylene material. PVAL materials
also show good puncture resistance and impact strength.
However performance is markedly affected by the
degree of hydrolysis and therefore the crystallinity
of the base material as well as the molecular weight,
distribution and branch structure.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
13
Blow up ratios may vary according to supplier of PVAL
material. According to Kuraray, the grade Mowiﬂex TC
can achieve a blow up ratio (inﬂation ratio) of 1:8.
8.4 Blow Moulding
While PVAL can be used as a barrier layer in multi-layer
bottles, generally EVOH is used for rigid packaging
applications as produced by blow moulding. For
example, with PET bottles, EVOH can be used as a
barrier layer to keep the carbonated contents ﬁzzy.
Another commonly used barrier layer is PVDC,
however, the use of these materials as packaging
materials is generally declining due to environmental
issues. Therefore other materials such as EVOH, PVAL,
coated PP ﬁlms, Nylon resins called MXD6, and PET
ﬁlms which are silica- or alumina-coated are becoming
more popular for gas-barrier purposes.
Recently, various types of oxygen scavengers have been
developed and applied as active packaging materials. In
fact, PET bottles having oxygen barrier or scavenging
properties are now used in the production of plastic beer
bottles in Europe and the United States.
Because of the environmental interest in the problems
of plastic waste disposal and the inherent solubility and
biodegradable nature of PVAL, interest in this material
has heightened for these processes which are capable
of high production rates.
9. Packaging
Biodegradable packaging is a direct response
to the problem of waste packaging and disposal
using petroleum-based synthetic plastics. Material
performance and cost are the main barriers to increased
biodegradable market share as consumer acceptance
of these materials is growing. Legislative demands
for sustainability and biodegradable disposal such
as composting are also drivers towards the use of
biodegradable materials (see Section 15). The major
problem with waste packaging here has to do with
product life cycles. Packaging materials have expected
lifetimes which are very short – days or weeks. A
plastic used in construction on the other hand, such as
PVC window frames are expected to last for decades.
Therefore, discarded packaging makes up a considerable
proportion of the plastic waste stream. This is therefore
an ideal outlet for biodegradable plastics which can
be used for packaging items such as food ﬁlms, single
use food containers, disposable plates and cutlery and
bottles. These products can be mass produced through
processes such as injection moulding, blow moulding
and ﬁlm blowing if cost effective and reliable supplies
of biodegradable materials are available. However, this
is not always the case.
9.1 Active Packaging
Active packaging is where a packaging system actually
does more than simply package food. One such example
would be to transfer antimicrobal agents from a carrier
ﬁlm and into the food to maintain a predetermined and
useful concentration to help with food safety or food
preservation for example. For such purposes, properties
such as diffusion, polymer swelling and dissolution are
important. The properties of PVAL make it a polymer of
interest for such new applications. Antimicrobotic release
systems described here have until now mainly been used
in medical and pharmaceutical applications.
10. PVAL in Medicine: Hydrogels
Hydrogels are 3-dimensional crosslinked hydrophilic
polymer networks which do not dissolve in water
Table 6 Properties of PVAL and common ﬁlms at 25 μm
Property PVAL Cellophane PVC LLDPE OPP
Light transmission (%) 60-66 58-66 48-58 54-58 70-86
Light reﬂected (%) 81 60 80 22 80
Tear strength (Elmendorf) (g/mil) 260-3000 20-40 390-780 290-980 4-6
Tensile Strength (MPa) 40-90 55-131 20-76 17-19 25-30
Elongation at break (%) 110-400 - 5-250 50-600 70 -100
LLDPE – linear low-density polyethylene
OPP – orientated polypropylene
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
14
at body temperatures but swell when exposed to an
aqueous medium (a.5).
PVAL is one of the most well known hydrogel materials
and can be caused to crosslink as required. PVAL has
good biocompatilbility and this has meant it has found
application in a variety of medical applications including
contact lenses, implants, drug delivery systems, medical
implants and also wound dressing.
Hydrogels in wound dressings can incorporate useful
features such as pain control, ease of changing,
transparency to allow monitoring of healing, absorbtion
and prevention of ﬂuid loss, bacterial barriers, good
oxygen permeability, and good handling or control
of drug dosage. Hydrogels provide an interesting
comparison to the ﬁeld of active packaging whereby the
packaging is also incorporating useful features.
As a biocompatible material PVAL is also of interest for
surgical grafts and implants as well as medical devices.
11. Biopolymers
Biopolymers is short for biological polymers. These
are polymers which occur in nature produced by
microorganisms, plants and animals.
In the 1970s, the ﬁrst impacts of the energy crisis began
to focus the development of alternatives to traditionally
employed materials. The response was to begin active
research in the area of biopolymers. As early as the
1980s, the main advantage for using biopolymers
became their capacity to decompose under natural
conditions. Continued apprehensions regarding the
increased cost of crude oil due to the uncertainty of
global supply is compounded by the ongoing concerns
regarding the current political climate. These drivers
have forced manufacturers and government to consider
alternative solutions to reduce dependence upon oil.
Bio-based alternatives to fossil fuel feedstocks are
growing across the globe, and the growth in biopolymer
development is ﬁnding increased favour within many
industrial sectors. Improvements in economies of scale
and sales growth of between 20-30% per year would
indicate that biopolymers may soon be competing with
commodity polymers (a.17).
Therefore, biopolymer itself is a term which can be
used to describe a wide range of materials. There are
two categories into which a material can fall in order
to be classiﬁed as such:
· The material must be made from a non-fossil origin
material or
· The material must be biodegradable
Carbohydrates, proteins and polyesters (which are
produced by microorganisms) are all found abundantly
in nature. Not surprisingly, these materials are all
naturally biodegradable. Common examples of each is
shown in Table 7.
There are a large variety of materials which can be
categorised as a biopolymer. These often take on other
names such as low environmental impact polymers, or
green polymers, but for the purposes of this report, the
term biopolymer shall be used. Within the category
of polymers which are produced from bio-feedstocks,
there are three types of biopolymer - those which are
Table 7 Examples of polymers in nature
Biopolymer Plants sources Examples Animal source Example
Carbohydrates Polysaccharide Cellulose
Starch
Chitin
Glycosaminoglycans Hyaluronan
Proteins Amino acids Soy protein
Wheat gluten
Amino acids Collagen
Casein
Keratin
Polyesters Produced by
bacteria
Lactic acid
– found in
microorganisms
and animals
PHA
Polymerisation of lactic acid makes poly(lactic acid)
(PLA)
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
15
naturally occurring within the environment (including
those from polysaccharides, polypeptides and lipids),
those which are manufactured synthetically - i.e., they
are man made biopolymers in an attempt to address
the problems and issues which are currently being
faced, and then hybrid, composite materials which are
beyond the scope of this review. There are opportunities
to employ petrochemical based materials in order to
develop a hybrid composite which can extend product
ranges and enhanced competitiveness.
Increase in the production, and subsequent use of
biopolymers could be attributed partly to the increasing
awareness of the damage to the environment caused
through the use of fossil resources, which are widely
recognised as being a ﬁnite feedstock (a.18). Security
of supply, particularly within the current political and
economic climate is another signiﬁcant factor.
Some natural polymers can also be extracted and
chemically modified to produce thermoplastics.
For example, Polymerisation of lactic acid makes
poly(lactic acid) (PLA).
With the exception of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) these
polymers are all naturally produced by nature. In the
case of PLA, a monomer from nature, lactic acid, is
polymerised by man to produce PLA. So it could be
argued that this is a type of synthetic material however,
it retains its biodegradability and has a renewable source.
It is therefore generally considered to be a biopolymer.
Therefore this section also includes polymers from
renewable resources that can be polymerised to create
biopolymers that are biodegradable and may be
naturally produced or synthetically produced.
Biopolymers may be synthetic or naturally occurring in
origin, but in order for them to be of signiﬁcant beneﬁt to
the manufacturing sector they have to be competitive on
ﬁnancial, performance and also availability criteria.
To switch from a biopolymer to a bioplastic it is
necessary to add additives, just like conventional
polymer to plastic processes. Therefore, bioplastics are
plastics manufactured using biopolymers with other
additives, however, they do not necessarily retain the
biodegradability properties of the biopolymer.
The major advantage of using biodegradable materials is
that they can be naturally diposed of through processes
such as composting. But the biodegradability of raw
materials does not necessarily mean that the product or
package made from them (e.g., coated paper) is itself
compostable.
However, there is widespread interest for biopolymers
and bioplastics among consumers. The public perception
is that conventional plastics are environmentally
unfriendly. The brand of ‘sustainability’ can provide
an image benefit. However, for manufacturers the
environmental beneﬁts of biodegradable packaging
must be reﬂected in cost advantages, if large scale
applications are to become feasible. Therefore, in the
short term, it may be preferable to communicate the
functional advantages of biodegradable packaging
rather than its compostability.
Biopolymers can have advantages for waste processing.
Coated paper (with for example, polyethylene) is a
major problem product for composting. Although such
materials are usually banned from inclusion in organic
waste under separate collection schemes, some of them
usually end up in the mix. The paper decomposes but
small scraps of plastic are left over in the compost. The
adoption of biopolymers for this purpose would solve
the problem.
Whether the use of a bioplastics will contribute to a
more sustainable society is a question that will have to
be studied by a representative life cycle analysis (LCA)
of each application and by comparison with existing
applications. Representative LCA are needed at material
and product levels; they must make allowance for
future developments in biopolymers and take account
of all relevant environmental impacts associated with
the complete product life cycle, including the depletion
of raw materials, the agricultural use of fertilisers
and pesticides, transportation, utilisation and waste
disposal. Biopolymers can be categorised as either:
· Naturally occurring
· Synthetic
Naturally occurring
Naturally occurring biopolymers are those which are
formed organically by the earth's natural resources, with
the most common natural biopolymers being derived
from starches and celluloses. Starch is found in corn,
potatoes and wheat and is therefore offers a potential
opportunity for farmers wishing to develop non-food
crops. Cellulose is the most plentiful carbohydrate in
the world. Natural biodegradable polymers are generally
produced in nature by all living organisms and as a
class, they represent truly renewable resources since
they are predominantly biodegradable, even if this
process is slow as they are produced in nature (a.20).
The synthesis of these materials involves enzyme-
catalysed, chain growth polymerisation reactions
of activated monomers, which are typically formed
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
16
within cells by complex metabolic processes (a.19).
Predominantly these polymers are formed from one of
the three following categories:
· Polypeptides
These protein materials tend not to be soluble, so they
are more often employed in their natural form. Prime
examples of these include wool, silks and collagens.
Gelatin, however, is a water-soluble biopolymer and
as such has signiﬁcant implications for use within a
number of industries, particularly pharmaceutical and
medical applications.
· Polysaccharides (including starches,
celluloses, etc)
Polysaccharides include the biopolymers which can
be categorised as starch, cellulose and chitin based.
Cellulose and starch based biopolymers have attracted
the most interest due to their wide availability and
relative low cost, but other complex carbohydrates are
also of interest.
Starch is the primary carbohydrate reserve in both plant
tubers and seed endosperm. The largest source of starch
worldwide is from maize, but other contributors to the
starch stocks include wheat, potato and rice. It is an
attractive proposition to biopolymer developers due
to its abundant stock and subsequent low cost. Starch
ﬁlms have been employed particularly within packaging
ﬁlms, and the biopolymer Mater-Bi, manufactured by
Novamont is predominantly starch-based. Corn starch
is the raw material from which poly(lactic) acids (PLA)
are derived. Thermoplastic starch and starch blends such
as with PVAL and aliphatic polyesters are available.
Naturally produced polyesters including PVB,
polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-
co-hydroxylvaleratevalerate) (PHBV).
Celluloses are also well represented within nature
in amongst other forms, wood and paper. Cellulose
is a polysaccharide as it is derived from sugars - it
is repeated units of the monomer glucose. Cellulose
biopolymers have been used for packaging particularly
for confectionery and cigarettes.
Chitin is a naturally occurring material found in the
animal kingdom, in the shells of crustaceans and
insects. In its original form, chitin is not soluble, but
chitosan (partly deacetylated chitin) is. Both materials
have found favour in the cosmetic industry due to their
water-retaining and moisturising properties.
· Lipids
These materials constitute those derived from oils and
fats. Triglycerides are extracted from sunﬂowers, rape
and soya oils. Cashew nut shell liquid is also employed
from this classiﬁcation. The development of rape and
soya oils has lead to an increased volume production
for use within non-food alternatives and this has had
a subsequent impact upon the overall material cost
through an increase in global demand (a.19).
Synthetic
Synthetic biopolymers are those which are not
found naturally occurring and as a result are
artiﬁcially manufactured by man. Generally these
are derived from fossil fuel materials, much in the
same way as traditional commodity polymers. These
materials include polycaprolactone (PCL), PVAL
and EVOH.
Polycaprolactone (PCL) have been available in differing
forms since the mid 1970s, but whilst the low melting
point of the material makes thermally accelerated
degradation an increasingly attractive proposition, it
means that the material cannot be used in applications
that will generate some heat. Current uses for PCL
include orthopaedic casts and adhesive mould agents.
Other aliphatic polyesters include polybutylene
succinate (PBS). Aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters and
hydro-biodegradable polyesters such as modiﬁed PET
are also available.
12. Blends
A blend is a combination of two or more materials
whose objective is to achieve a superior performance
from the composite than is available from the separate
constituents. Natural polymers have been introduced in
different kinds of blends as both polymers and as ﬁllers
in order to improve biodegradability. Starch has been
used widely for this reason due to its low cost and large
availability in the market.
Blend materials are produced by processing of starch
with biodegradable polymers such as PVAL, PLA,
PCL and PHB plastics (PHBV) to mention but a few.
Other natural polymers blended with biodegradable
polymers to produce biodegradable composites
materials include: cellulose, pectin, chitosan, lignin,
soy protein and wheat gluten.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
17
13. Blends of PVAL
13.1 PVAL-Starch Blends
PVAL can be blended with thermoplastic, water-
soluble starch, (e.g., potato starch) to produce readily
biodegradable plastics. The blends show only one
melting point, which is lower than those reported for
either blend component. This suggests a miscibility
between the two components. Some PVAL-starch
blends commercially available are shown in Table 8.
Degradation occurs via hydrolysis and biodegradation
of the sugar molecules. Water, plasticisers (such as
glycerol and sorbitol) and other processing aids are used
to prepare the blends which allow a reduction in the cost
of the material but with many of the useful properties
of the PVAL retained. As both materials are available
individually, manufacturers are able to produce their
own custom blends.
These materials have found applications in packaging.
For example, a water-soluble starch/PVAL compound
including silicate nanoclay is used in Australia for
thermoformed candy trays (a.10).
A further application for this material is in loose ﬁll
packaging materials. These are expanded products
with densities ranging from 0.01 to 0.1 g/cm
3
. Water
solubility can be achieved in under three minutes.
Table 8 Starch-PVAL Blends
Commercially Available
Polymer Type Tradename Origin
Starch-PVAL blends Novon Japan
Novon USA
Mater-bi Italy
Thermoplastic starch (TPS) cannot be drawn into a ﬁlm
by itself as it is too sticky. However, in combination
with PVAL, thin ﬁlm (less than 200 μm) is easier
to process than with PVAL alone. This is because
the TPS improves the melt strength and elongation
properties. These blends also show improved moisture
absorption in humid conditions and offer considerable
more resistance to some chemicals than basic PVAL
ﬁlm formulations.
Whilst the TPS improves the viscosity characteristic
for ﬁlm blowing, it is offset by a drop in tensile strength
and puncture strength. Also the water solubility time
is increased as the wet strength decreases. This can
be seen in Table 9.
These materials are suitable for many mainstream
PVAL water soluble applications such as hospital
and medical disposal bags, dissolvable packaging
for detergents and other cleaning items (toilet
blocks, tablets detergents) and others already listed
in this review. However, these blends are cheaper
to produce.
Table 9 Properties of PVAL and TPS
Property Test Method PVAL 1 PVAL 2 PVAL/TPS 1 PVAL/TPS
TPS content (%) 0 0 50 50
Film thickness
(μm)
50 40 50 40
Tensile strength
Dry (MPa)
ASTM D882
(a.11)
40 75 25 35
Tensile strength
Wet (MPa)
ASTM D882
(a.11)
15 0.5
Elmendorf tear,
kg (N)
ASTM D1004
(a.12)
3.0 0.45 1.50 1.00
Solubility
Properties
–dissolution time
(s/˚C)
ASTM D5226
(a.13)
60/10 70/65 100/10 185/65
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
18
13.2 Other Blends
Whilst PVAL-starch blends are sold commercially there
are other blends of interest being developed. Blending
has long been done with conventional plastic materials
and the beneﬁts are clear, by varying speciﬁc amount
of the components a number of varying and tailor made
properties can be produced.
Therefore blending a biodegradable but synthetic
material with a biopolymer is therefore a new
avenue for polymer manufactures to explore. A
whole range of polymers and copolymers have been
examined by academia. It has been found cellulose and
PVAL form compatible blends whilst starch, gelatine
and lignocellulosic materials produce incompatible
PVAL blends.
13.2.1 PVAL/Gelatin Blends
Gelatin has a natural polymer source (amino acid) and
is actually denatured collagen.
Gelatin is obtained from animal skin and bones and
waste gelatine disposal is an issue in its own right.
Diversion of waste gelatine into other applications is
therefore advantageous. Like PVAL, gelatine possess
ﬁlm forming properties and is used in a variety of
applications where this property can be utilised, such
as sausage casings, thickening agent (food industries),
as an adhesive in book making and as drug capsules
(pharmaceutical). The combination of the two materials
is therefore of interest. Two different areas of research
with the materials are outlined next, one in agriculture
and one in medical applications.
PVAL alone can act as a soil conditioner, gelatine alone
can act as a nitrogen fertiliser. The combination of the
two could provide self-fertilising ﬁlms (a.14). It would
also increase water permeability of ﬁlms but keep their
mechanical integrity. The components are immiscible
on a macromolecular level but regardless of this, the
ﬁlm properties of a cast solution are improved by
material combination if PVAL levels are kept at 80% or
more. However, it appears that the more biodegradable
gelatine is rendered less active by the addition of
PVAL whose own biodegradability remains relatively
unchanged by the addition of gelatin.
When combined in solution and cast as a ﬁlm, PVAL-
gelatin forms a hydrogel membrane. One potential
application for this material has been identiﬁed by
researchers as a moist wound dressing (temporary
artiﬁcial skin) (a.15). The resultant membrane showed
interesting properties: being superabsorbent and
compatible with human blood and further research is
ongoing in this area.
14. Degradability
The issue of degradability and biodegradability of
plastics and biomaterials can be confusing. There are
a number of materials that can be degraded but not
biodegraded. Therefore it is worth clarifying what these
terms actually mean:
Degradation of plastic: a change in the chemical
structure resulting in failure of physical properties
or appearance.
Degradable plastic: a plastic which undergoes
degradation at speciﬁc environmental conditions. This
is determined by a standard test method and speciﬁed
change over time of the property measure (such as
physical property or appearance). Examples of this type
of degradation could for example be photodegradation,
biodegradation or composting.
Photodegradable plastic: where degradation is the
result of daylight.
Biodegradable plastic: one which degrades over time,
through the action of nature. In the correct conditions,
naturally occurring organisms such as bacteria, algae
and fungi can metabolise the material to biomass.
However, those materials derived from fossil fuels can
also result in carbon dioxide being released into the
environment during the degradation process.
Compostable plastic: where degradation occurs
during composting by biological processes at a suitable
rate and leaves no visible or toxic residues. The
resultant degradation products are biomass, carbon
dioxide and water.
Oxidatively degradable plastic: is a plastic in which
the degradation results from the action of oxidation.
Hydrolytically degradable plastic: a plastic in which
the degradation results from hydrolysis.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
19
According to the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM), polymers are biodegradable
if degradation results from the action of naturally
occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and
algae. As we have seen, biodegradable polymers can
be produced from natural materials such as starch and
cellulose, as well as from polymers that are derived
from petrochemical feedstocks.
Biopolymers like polyester and starch-based polymers
are being pushed as an environmentally friendly
alternative to petroleum-based polymers, which
may take hundreds of years to naturally biodegrade.
Biopolymers can be produced without toxic by-products
and biodegrade quickly, leaving a minimal human
footprint on the environment. However, like the issue
of degradability there is often confusion over the terms
biopolymer, bioplastics and biodegradability.
A bioplastic is made from a renewable natural
bi ol ogi cal pol ymer source (pl ant , ani mal or
microorganism), however, materials are also
available in the marketplace that have both bio-origin
and petroleum based materials. Equally, materials
may mix biopolymers with non-bioadditives. So
while some materials may be 100% fully ﬂedged
biological plastic (including all the additives and the
polymer), others may be a combination.
A further confusion comes with the fact that just because
a bioplastic has components of a biopolymer, it does not
necessarily biodegrade as the original source material
did. On the other hand a petroleum-based plastic such
as PVAL is water soluble, but does not have the ‘green’
credentials often credited to bioplastics. Biopolymers
can be made into any number of material types, such as
thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, just like their
oil-based counterparts. Therefore biopolymer, bioplastic
and biodegradable are not the same thing and it should
not be assumed (although mainly it does) that one
necessarily follows from the other. PE can be produced
from oil feedstocks, however, it can also be produced
by using sugar. PE which has been produced by the
sugar route is a biopolymer, that produced by oil is not.
However, neither are biodegradable, though they can be
made to degrade over time through the use of additives.
This sort of controlled degradation of synthetic polymer
is well known, especially for PE ﬁlms.
A biodegradable plastic is one which degrades through
the action of nature. That is through naturally occurring
organisms such as bacteria, algae and fungi. This
mechanism could occur through mechanisms such as
composting, soil burial, anaerobic digestion, marine and
freshwater environments or exposed to the environment
as litter.
The final option of the disposal of litter through
biodegradation is attractive. The persistence of
plastic products discarded in the environment is a
major problem. The majority of these wastes come
in the form of packaging which has a short life cycle.
Therefore, biodegradable materials, especially in
the packaging industry are becoming an important
strategy for the future removal of plastic waste from
our environment.
There are currently three different types of
biodegradable materials that can be readily identiﬁed
in the marketplace:
· Compost abl e pl ast i cs (such as PVAL and
polyethylene oxide).
· Bioplastics - based on renewable feedstocks such
as maize, corn and starch which are biodegradable.
(These will be discussed in more depths in
Section 14.1).
· Water-soluble plastics - PVAL
14.1 Biodegradable Plastics
A biodegradable plastic has been deﬁned in Section
14 as when the degradation is the result of naturally
occurring microorganisms (e.g., algae, bacteria or
fungi) and a compostable plastic as one in which the
degradation also occurs by biological processes but in
a speciﬁed composting environment (a.10, a.16).
A number of different deﬁnitions of biodegradable
plastics have been published by different organisations.
However, most of the deﬁnitions of biodegradation
are based on the same concept: the action of micro-
organisms on the material and its conversion into carbon
dioxide or methane and water.
For example, under EN 13432 (a.17) the scope of
testing for packaging includes assessment of four
factors. These are:
Biodegradability, disintegration during biological
treatment, the effect on the biological treatment process
and the effect on the quality of the resultant compost.
Some of the factors considered include:
Before assessment materials must be characterised by
their constituent parts including the presence of any
heavy metals, volatile solids and the organic carbon
content amongst others.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
20
Disintegration in a biological waste treatment
process can be either aerobic or anaerobic but
must occur without any detrimental affects on the
process itself.
For anaerobic biodegradation testing the maximum
testing time can be 2 months, for an aerobic biodegrading
test the maximum degradation exposure time is
6 months.
After degradation has occurred the compost would
be sieved for residues and not more than 10% of the
original dry weight of the material shall fail to pass
through a < 2mm sieve fraction for an acceptable
disintegration to have occurred.
Composting plastics are required to leave no toxic
residues, biodegradation is generally less speciﬁc. It is
therefore important to consider degradation in light of
the speciﬁc standards and test methods for the materials
being considered.
14.2 Oil-Based Naturally Degradable Polymers
As we have seen it is not only biopolymers than can
degrade in the environment. Synthetic materials can
be made to degrade by the use of additives or by
being soluble in water. There are two main types of
polymers in this category, PVAL and EVOH. Like
PVAL, EVOH is also a water-soluble synthetic plastic
and is commonly used in multilayer ﬁlm packaging
(ﬁlm and blow moulding) in conjunction with cheaper
materials as an oxygen barrier layer. It is a high cost
material whose pricing presents a considerable barrier
to expansion into the degradable plastic market.
14.3 Photo-degradable Plastics
A further type of the way plastics can be degraded
is through the use of daylight. This is called
photodegradability, The ultraviolet (UV) radiation
present in daylight can be used to photodegrade
synthetic polymers which contain suitable formulations.
This type of degradation can therefore be triggered in
polymers such as PE. By incorporating light sensitive
materials into plastic formulations either through the
use of copolymers or additives it is possible to induce
bond breakage of the carbon backbone. Plastics left
exposed to UV light, therefore, breakdown becoming
increasingly weak and brittle as the bonding breaks
down. This also makes the residual components more
likely to degrade further from other environmental
effects such as abrasion or mechanical impact. Since
their effectiveness to degrade is effected by the
intensity of the UV exposure, factors such as weather
conditions and location are major factors in the
process. Photodegradable plastics remain most useful
in applications that remain problematic to littering an
obvious example being plastic bags.
However, it should be noted that while most synthetics
do not naturally degrade in the environment at useful
timescales, they can be made to be degrade much faster
if this is required. Controlling this rate is another issue
and one which is beyond the scope of this review.
However photodegradation is an example of controlled
degradation in action.
15. Plastics and Biodegradable
Plastics Disposal
Much of European environmental policy on plastics and
biodegradable materials has come from European Union
legislation. Environmental Action Programmes (EAP)
have been in place for over 30 years now. There have
been six versions which have developed increasingly
as our understanding of environmental protection has
advanced. Therefore from the ﬁrst through to the current
sixth EAP, increasing legislative requirements have
been developed for the beneﬁt of EU citizens.
However, a midterm report on the sixth EAP published
in April 2006 stated that ‘the EU was still not yet on
the path towards genuine sustainable development’.
Therefore further legislation is still likely in waste
management. In the context of this review, areas of
interest to future markets of PVAL derive from tougher
legislation in the areas of The Landﬁll Directive and
Sustainable Development, both objectives in EAP 6.
For sustainable development the key themes is to
promote both sustainable production and consumption.
This should encourage the growth of environmental
degradation as a waste disposal option. The EU intends
to support research and encourage further adoption of
Integrated Product Policy (IPP) programmes which
are aimed at reducing environmental impact associated
with particular products and services. Therefore,
manufacturers in member states will be encouraged
to reduce impact throughout the life cycle of their
products. The EU has already adopted IPP philosophy
is legislation which can be seen in both the End-of-
Life (ELV) Vehicle Directive (a.18) and even more
obviously in the WEEE Directive (a.8), however, these
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
21
are sectors in which PVAL is not expected to have
great impact in the foreseeable future. (Though given
advances in material technology, applications such as
PVAL mobile phone cases may one day be seen.)
The 1999 EU Landﬁll Directive (Directive 1993/31/EC)
which took a further three years to become transposed
into English law, will have widescale implications for
how plastic waste is disposed of in future, certainly
within the UK which has been heavily reliant on this
form of waste disposal. Biodegradable municipal waste
going to landﬁll must be drastically reduced, dropping to
just 35% of that produced in 1995 by 2020. Whilst this
legislation is not aimed at just plastics but all materials,
it is clear that disposal by other means, i.e., composting
facilities, are being encouraged by such legislation.
The waste management hierarchy is:
1. Prevention
2. Re-use
3. Recycling
4. Recovery (including energy recovery)
5. Safe disposal
Therefore the sensible approach in dealing with plastic
waste is to reduce the amount of waste at source. For
waste already generated, control should be exercised
over the life cycle from design, production and usage.
For bioplastics, re-use and recycling will be less
of an option as the preferred disposal would be for
biomass production. However, this also throws up
issues of energy usage as a durable oil-based plastic
once produced may be recycled several times before
being recovered for energy via incineration. A one use
biopolymer would be made, used, and then discarded.
These are issues which must be considered in adoption
of these materials. Is it worth putting all that energy
into making them to immediately discard them and turn
them back to biomass?
The type of biodegradable plastic employed for any
application should dictate the disposal route. This may
be by standard plastic reprocessing, landﬁll or open
environments. A compostable material needs composting
facilities and water soluable and/or water degradable
materials need water or waste water treatments.
Contamination of conventional plastics recycling routes
could be a signiﬁcant risk in future as biopolymers
become more established in the market place.
Consider the effect of a photodegradable HDPE
on HDPE recyclate. It would remain undetected in
feedstock and be recycled with non-degradable plastics.
However, once these materials are reused for example
as containers, they would retain the potential to degrade
and disintegrate under daylight. Consumers would
not be too happy if their water butts or compost bins
disintegrated. Therefore, widescale use of degradable
plastics has the potential to undermine the growing
conﬁdence in recycled plastics. Effective methods
for control of sorting degradable and non-degradable
plastics will be necessary to ensure this does not happen
if there is a signiﬁcant change in degradable plastic
usage. Labelling to inform consumers of where to
dispose of their plastics is one such method,
There are several identiﬁable environmental beneﬁts
that may potentially be derived from the use of
biodegradable plastics compared to non-degradable
plastics. These are:
· Compost derived in part from biodegradable plastics
such as PVAL increases the soil organic content as
well as water and nutrient retention, while reducing
chemical inputs and suppressing plant disease.
· Biodegradable plastics appear to offer important
environmental benefits in many cases: the use
of potentially sustainable resources and reduced
greenhouse gas emissions.
However, it should be remembered that there is potential
for adverse environmental risks with biodegradable
plastics. Despite their nature, they still require time in
order to decompose completely. There are signiﬁcant
concerns that with current low levels of consumer
education, biodegradable plastics may be seen as being
suitable for disposal through any means available, and in
some cases predictions are that littering will even rise as
a result of their use and subsequent incorrect disposal.
However, there are speciﬁc requirements regarding
degradation, and indeed, in many cases the contamination
of traditionally employed polymer waste streams with
biomaterials is another considerable problem to be
overcome. One potential method of resolving this issue
is the development and implementation of some form
of labeling or decoration to ensure consumers are aware
of the correct disposal routes.
A further consideration is that biodegradable
plastics which end up in landfills may also prove
problematic as they are unlikely to degrade under
such highly packed conditions and could prove as
persistent as standard plastics wastes in landﬁll sites.
Furthermore, there is potential for methane to be
released during the degradation process with some
biopolymers which would clearly exacerbate global
environmental issues.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
22
European legislation promoting sustainability will
continue to be an important market driver. However,
high costs relative to conventional plastics, concern
about performance of biodegradable plastics, and
limited production capacity have restricted market
expansion to less than 1%. However, certainly in
Europe, bioplastics are viewed as a large potential
market for starch-based crops like corn, wheat, potatoes
and peas. Currently, bioplastics applications account
for only a few, serving mostly the low end loose ﬁll
packaging and high end surgical/medical devices and
cosmetic packaging markets. However, if mandatory
biodegradable regulations are enacted, the European
markets could expand quickly.
Consumer education on sustainability, recycling and
degradability should be encouraged allowing the
public to have a clear picture of the options available
rather than the limited viewpoints that are expressed by
national newspapers for instance.
This will allow for a clearer determination of appropriate
waste disposal methods such as composting, incineration
and landﬁlling.
15.1 Composting
Compost is the natural, aerobic (oxygen using) and
exothermic (heat producing) process which occurs
with the breakdown of organic matter derived from
animals and plants. Bacteria, fungi, insects and
animals which inhabit soil break down the material
and as a result biomass/humus, carbon dioxide
(or methane) and water are formed. The resulting
biomass can then be used to facilitate further plant
growth with the use of the soil like residues, which
contain significant levels of useful bacteria and
nutrients and the volume of organic waste sent to
landﬁll is also reduced.
For composting to become a major part of our waste
disposal infrastructure a large number of commercial
composting facilities will be required. Under waste
management regulations these, like landﬁll sites, are
likely to require licenses to ensure correct environmental
standards are adhered to. It will also need a shift in the
way waste is sorted. However, putting our plastic waste
onto the compost heaps in our gardens may be some
time away.
15.2 Incineration
Incineration, whilst not used as a major waste disposal
option in the UK is the primary waste disposal route for
a number of countries. Japan for example, where landﬁll
space is limited, disposes of over 90% of its waste in this
manner. Scandinavian countries also strongly favour
this method of waste disposal over landﬁll.
The reason is that the content of municipal waste
including plastic wastes, are a good source of fuel.
Plastics are made from oil reserves after all. Further, the
energy created by incineration can be used to generate
electricity and therefore this method of disposal is
often termed energy recovery. Whole cities can be
powered by burning wastes by this method. However,
countries who favour land ﬁlling such as the UK, do not
currently have the incinerator capacity available to make
widescale switches in their waste disposal strategy.
Modern technology ensures problems of emissions
are minimised but often incinerators are of concern
to the residents living nearby for fear of air pollution
and new installations often therefore attract strong
protests. Incineration does not eliminate all waste but
substantially reduces it. The residues still need to be
disposed of, usually by landﬁlling.
Plastics disposed of by incineration leave no residue.
However, the use of ﬁllers and additives may reduce the
energy produced as the polymer percentage is reduced.
Western Europe generates around 100 million tonnes
of solid waste annually of which around 7% is plastics.
However new technologies for disposal are emerging
for plastic materials with heat generation, most notably
methods of pyrolysis which have been developed to
recover chemical fractions of the plastics which can be
used as fuels or chemical feedstocks. Reinforcements
where present such as glass and carbon ﬁbre can also
be collected by similar methods. At present there are
technologies for collecting the polymer and technologies
for collecting the ﬁbre but not as yet, a single combined
solution. However, research is ongoing in this area of
materials recovery. For thermoset materials, which
cannot be recycled, this could be the most appropriate
method of future waste disposal. The strength and
durability of thermoset composite materials makes them
highly unlikely to be replaced by biopolymer composites
in the near future.
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
23
15.3 Landﬁlling
In the UK landﬁlling has been the principal means
in which waste has been handled (over 80% of our
waste goes to landﬁll), this is in contrast to some other
European countries that favour incineration (with energy
recovery) to dispose of their waste. However, following
EU legislation, namely the EU Landfill Directive,
strategies for diverting biodegradable municipal waste
from landﬁll must be implemented.
Because of the reliance on landﬁlling in the UK, they
were given four years longer to implement the targets
(an offer extended to all EU Member States land ﬁlling
at levels over 80%).
Waste considered hazardous, non hazardous and inert
must be separated by landﬁll operators and a single
site can only be licensed to accept one type of waste.
Landﬁll operators are also, as of October 2007, required
to treat non-hazardous waste. This can include any
biological, chemical, physical or thermal process which
reduces volume or hazard. This can include sorting, to
encourage recycling or energy recovery.
The underlying principles of landﬁll operation remain
the same: to prevent or reduce negative effects of
land ﬁlling which threaten either the environment or
human health.
16. Conclusion
PVAL is unique among synthetic polymers. Although
made from oil-based feedstock, this polymer has an
inherent ability to be biodegraded. With properties once
regarded as a scientiﬁc curiosity and a niche market
which utilises its inherent water solubility and with
biocompatibility and biodegradable credentials, this
material is likely to expand further into markets in which
biopolymers and biodegradable materials (namely short
life consumer products and medical applications) are
likely to dominate in future.
With biodegradable plastics materials likely to become
more valuable as land ﬁll operations seek to divert such
waste, it is unclear how this may affect the prospects for
biodegradable plastics in the marketplace unless prices
become more commercially comparable with traditional
commodity plastics. Blending of materials may provide
one method to limit the cost penalties but the wide scale
implications for waste disposal and expanding recycling
capacity if such materials are used is also uncertain.
However with increasing pressure for sustainability to
be bought to bare from the EU, signiﬁcant shifts both
in the marketplace and disposal infrastructure will have
to occur to meet the waste targets.
References
a.1 BS EN ISO 15023-1, Plastics - Poly(vinyl
alcohol) PVAL Materials - Part 1: Designation
System and Basis for Speciﬁcation, 2006.
a.2 DIN 53015, Viscometry - Measurement of
viscosity by means of the rolling ball viscometer
by Hoppler, 2001.
a.3 Japan Chemical Week, 2006, 47, No.2385, 8.
a.4 N. Preston, Flexible, 2006, 4, 5, 40.
a.5 M. Kokabi, M. Sirousazar and Z.M. Hassan,
European Polymer Journal, 2007, 43, 3, 773.
a.6 F.F. Nord, Naturwiss 1936, 24, 763.
a.7 E. Chiellini, A. Corti, S. D’Antone and
R. Solaro, Progress in Polymer Science, 2003,
28, 963.
a.8 The European Directive on WEEE (Directive
2002/96/EC)
a.9 Plastics Technology, 2004, 50, 10, 32.
a.10 Plastics Technology, 2007, 53, 2, 60.
a.11 ASTM D882, Test Method for Tensile
Properties of Thin Plastic Sheeting, 2002.
a.12 ASTM D1004, Test Methods for Tear
Resistance (Graves Tear) of Plastic Film and
Sheeting, 2008.
a.13 ASTM D5226, Practice for Dissolving Polymer
Materials, 2003.
a.14 E.R. Kenaway P. Cinelli A. Corti S. Miertus
and E. Chiellini, Macromolecular Symposia,
1999; 144, 351.
a.15 K. Pal, A.K. Banthia and D.K. Majumdar,
AAPS PharmSciTech, 2007, 8, 1, Article 21.
a.16 A. Srivastava, Popular Plastics and Packaging,
2004, 49, 1, 87.
a.17 EN13432, Packaging - Requirements for
Packaging Recoverable Through Composting
Polyvinyl Alcohol: Materials, Processing and Applications
24
and Biodegradation - Test Scheme and
Evaluation Criteria for the Final Acceptance
of Packaging, 2005.
a.17 G. Scott, Polymer Degradation and Stability,
2000, 68, 1.
a.18 End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) Directive [Directive
2000/53/EC]
a.18 M. Heyde, Polymer Degradation and Stability,
1998, 59, 1-3, 3.
a.19 R.Chandra and R. Rustgi, Progress in Polymer
Science, 1998, 23, 1273.
a.20 P. Nayak, Review of Macromolecular Chemistry
and Physics, 1999, 39, 3, 481.
Abbreviations and Acronyms
ASTM American Society of Testing and Materials
CRT Cathode ray tube(s)
EAP Environmental Action Programme(s)
ELV End-of-life vehicle
EU European Union
EVOH Ethylene vinyl alcohol
HDPE High-density polyethylene
IPP Integrated product policy
LCA Life cycle analysis(es)
LCD Liquid crystal display(s)
LDPE Low-density polyethylene
LLDPE Linear low-density polyethylene
OPP Orientated polypropylene
PA Polyamide
PBS Polybutylene succinate
PCL Poly-E-caprolactone
PDP Plasma display panel(s)
PE Polyethylene
PET Polyethylene terephthalate
PHA Polyhydroxyalkonoates
PHB Polyhydroxybutyrate
PHBV Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-
hydroxylvaleratevalerate)
PLA Poly(lactic acid)
PP Polypropylene
PVAc Polyvinyl acetate
PVAL Poly(vinyl alcohol)
PVB Poly(vinyl butyral)
PVC Polyvinyl chloride
PVDC Poly(vinylidene chloride)
TPS Thermoplastic starch
UV Ultraviolet
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 25
Abstracts from the Polymer Library Database
Item 1
Advanced Functional Materials
18, No.19, 2008, p.2946
SURFACTANT-FREE SELF-ASSEMBLED
PVA-IRON OXIDE/SILICA CORE-SHELL
NANOCARRIERS FOR HIGHLY SENSITIVE
MAGNETICALLY CONTROLLED DRUG
RELEASE AND ULTRAHIGH CANCER CELL
UPTAKE EFFICIENCY
Hu S-H; Liu D-M; Tung W-L; Liao C-F; Chen S-Y
The synthesis of surfactant-free self-assembled poly(vinyl
alcohol)(PVA)-iron oxide/silica core-shell nanocarriers
by encapsulation of monodispersed magnetic iron oxide
particles derived by high temperature decomposition of
ferric acetylacetonate and a model hydrophobic drug such
as ibuprofen using PVA as binder followed by coating
with a thin shell of silica by hydrolysis and condensation
of tetraethyl orthosilicate is described. The products were
characterised by FE-SEM TEM SQUID magnetometry and
XRD and their controlled drug release properties under an
external magnetic ﬁeld were investigated by UV-visible
spectroscopy. 28 refs.
Taiwan National Chiao Tung University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 1030215
Item 2
Advanced Functional Materials
18, No.19, 2008, p.2855
A NOVEL CROSS-LINKED POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) (PVA) FOR VASCULAR GRAFTS
Chaouat M; Le Visage C; Baille W E; Escoubet B;
Chaubet F; Mateescu M A; Letourneur D
The fabrication of crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)
films by aqueous solution casting in the presence of
sodium trimetaphosphate as crosslinking agent and their
characterisation by DMA and by biocompatibility via
cell culture studies is described. The fabrication of small
diameter tubes based on the crosslinked PVA ﬁlms via
a gluing procedure with cyanoacrylate adhesive was
investigated and their evaluation as potential vascular
grafts by in-vitro and in-vivo testing is discussed in terms
of mechanical properties such as compliance elasticity and
resistance to mechanical stress compatible with circulatory
blood ﬂow. 31 refs.
INSERM; Montreal University; Paris VII Universite;
Paris XIII Universite
CANADA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
FRANCE; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1030209
Item 3
Polymer
49, No.21, 2008, p.4740
TRANSITION OF HYDRATION STATES OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) IN AQUEOUS
SOLUTION
Wenbo Li; Yun Zheng; Rongshi Cheng
A straightforward method for determination of the
hydration number of polymer in aqueous solution based on
ice-melting technique of DSC is proposed. The simple yet
precise method has been applied to determine the hydration
number of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in aqueous solution
covering a wide range of concentrations from 0.005 to
0.3 g(solute)/g(solution) for three samples with different
molar masses. The hydration number of PVA maintains
a constant lower value of 2.5 when the concentration
exceeds 0.2 g(solute)/g(solution). It increases to a value
of 7 when the concentration decreases to the overlap
concentration C*of the polymer where C*was estimated
as the reciprocal of its intrinsic viscosity. For solutions of
C<C* the hydration number keeps constant again at the
value of 7. This behaviour evidently demonstrates that PVA
has two hydration states one occurs at the dilute regime and
the other occurs at concentrated regime. The concentration
dependent transition from one state to another is treated
mathematically by a quantitative formula which involves
two parameters: one denotes the transition concentration
and the other denotes the width of the transition region.
The transition concentration decreases linearly with
increasing molar mass resembling the behaviour of molar
mass dependence of overlap concentration. The structural
features for the two states of hydrated PVA are brieﬂy
discussed. 19 refs. Copyright (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd.
Nanjing University; South China University of
Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 1029966
Item 4
Polymer Preprints
2008, 49, No.2, p.343
SYNTHESIS OF POLY(VINYLACETYLENE)
BLOCK COPOLYMERS AS PRECURSORS FOR
NANOCARBON MATERIALS
Aimi J; McCullough L A; McGann J; Kowalewski T;
Matyjaszewski K
Poly(vinylacetylene) (PVA)-containing block copolymers
were synthesised via activators regenerated by electron
transfer (ARGET) atom transfer radical polymerisation
(ATRP). The active acetylenic hydrogen atom in
vinylacetylene was substituted by the trimethylsilyl
group in order to prevent 14-polymerisation. In the
homopolymerisation of trimethylsilyl-protected
References and Abstracts
26 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
vinylacetylene (VA-TMS) it was found that a lower
temperature prevented side reactions and gave a well-
controlled polymer with low polydispersity. The desilylated
homopolymer of PVA-TMS was easily crosslinked to give
an insoluble polymer. A block copolymer of PMMA-b-
PVA was also synthesised by ATRP. This block copolymer
seemed miscible thus block copolymerisation overcame
the insolubility of the deprotected homopolymer.
Nanocarbon materials could be prepared by pyrolysis of
PVA-containing block copolymers. 7 refs.
Carnegie-Mellon University; Washington D.C
USA
Accession no. 1029567
Item 5
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
110, No.3, 2008, p.1784
KINETIC STUDY OF THE FREE-RADICAL
POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL ACETATE
IN THE PRESENCE OF DEUTERATED
CHLOROFORM BY
1
H-NMR SPECTROSCOPY
Semsarzadeh M A; Abdollahi M
Real time nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was
used to study the kinetics of the free radical polymerisation
of vinyl acetate using deuterated chloroform as chain
transfer agent and azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator.
Effects of the concentrations of initiator and solvent on
reaction kinetics were evaluated and kinetic parameters
such as rate and transfer constants and initiator efﬁciency
were calculated. It was shown that both temperature and
solvent concentration affect initiator dissociation rate
constant but initiator concentration does not. The solvent
concentration was found to have an effect on both initiator
efﬁciency and termination rate constant. 60 refs.
Tarbiat Modarres University
IRAN
Accession no. 1029333
Item 6
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
110, No.3, 2008, p.1632
INFLUENCE OF HIGH PRESSURE GASES ON
POLYMER-SOLVENT THERMODYNAMIC AND
TRANSPORT BEHAVIOR
Jones A T; Danner R P; Duda J L
The use of sol ubl e gases as co-sol vent i n t he
devolatilisation process for removal of residual solvents
and monomers in the polymerisation process was
investigated using either carbon dioxide or ethylene
with polystyrene or polyvinyl acetate. The introduction
of the gas was found to reduce polymer solubility and
increase solvent diffusivity and ethylene was found
to have the most effect. Gas chromatography was
used in the analysis of solvent removal and the work
demonstrated the potential for increasing production
rates in polymerisation process by exchanging the
normal non-interacting gases such as nitrogen or air by
a soluble gas. 18 refs.
Pennsylvania State University
USA
Accession no. 1029314
Item 7
Polymer Reprints
49, No.2, 2008
PHOTOINDUCED LIVING RADICAL
POLYMERIZATION WITH HIGHLY ACTIVE
MANGANESE COMPLEX
Koumura K; Satoh K; Kamigaito M
Efﬁcient controlled radical polymerisation of vinyl acetate
(VAc) methyl acrylate (MA) or styrene (St) occurred in
the presence of a system comprising ethyl iodoacetate
or ethyl 2-iodo-2-methylpropanoate and dimanganese
dodecacarbonyl under visible light irradiation. The
polymerisation of VAc was rapid and efﬁcient and gave
a polymer with a controlled molecular weight even at a
low concentration of Mn
2
(CO)
10
. The polymerisations of
MA and St also gave polymers with controlled molecular
weights. 4 refs.
Nagoya University; Washington D.C.
JAPAN; USA
Accession no. 1029046
Item 8
Pharmaceutical Technology Europe
20, No.10, 2008, p.32
PVA COPOLYMER: THE NEW COATING AGENT
FUJII T; NOAMI M; TOMITA K; FURUYA Y
The commercial development of a copolymer of vinyl
alcohol with acrylic acid and methyl methacrylate as a
sprayable ﬁlm coating agent for tablets and microparticles
is described. The copolymer was characterised by
solubility and viscosity in water DSC oxygen permeability
the strength of film adhesion to the tablet core drug
dissolution properties and impact strength and the results
are discussed in comparison with those for hydroxypropyl
methylcellulose as control in terms of pharmaceutical
applications. 10 refs.
Shionogi and Co.Ltd.
JAPAN
Accession no. 1028318
Item 9
Journal of Materials Science
43, No.17, 2008, p.5898
TWO-STEP SYNTHESIS OF POLYACRYLAMIDE/
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/POLYACRYLAMIDE/
GRAPHITE INTERPENETRATING NETWORK
HYDROGEL AND ITS SWELLING CONDUCTING
AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Fan S; Tang Q; Wu J; Hu D; Sun H; Lin J
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 27
The two-step synthesis of poly(acrylamide)/poly(vinyl
alcohol)(PVA)/polyacrylamide/graphite interpenetrating
network hydrogels by initial radical polymerisation
of acrylamide in the presence of PVA and graphite
micropowder with potassium persulphate as initiator
followed by a subsequent radical polymerisation of
acrylamide and NN' -methylene bisacrylamide as
crosslinking agent is described. The hydrogels were
characterised by FTIR TGA electrical conductivity and
tensile properties and the effects of PVA graphite and
crosslinking agent contents on swelling properties of the
hydrogels are discussed. 39 refs.
Huaqiao University
CHINA
Accession no. 1028239
Item 10
FujianKey Laboratory of Polymer Materials
Composites Part A
39, No.10, 2008, p.1638
CELLULOSE NANOFIBER REINFORCED
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) COMPOSITE FILM
WITH HIGH VISIBLE LIGHT TRANSMITTANCE
Chunyi Tang; Haiqing Liu
In this paper we presented the fabrication and
characterisation of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composite
ﬁlm reinforced with high volume of electrospun cellulose
nanoﬁbrous mat (CNM). Its visible light transmittance
and mechanical properties were examined in relation to
ﬁbre content in the composite. Optimal CNM content
in the composite was found to be 40wt% in terms of its
overall properties. This composite ﬁlm exhibited visible
light transmittance of 75% and its mechanical strength
and Young's modulus were increased by 50% and 600%
respectively as compared to neat PVA ﬁlm. 22 refs.
Fujian Normal University
CHINA
Accession no. 1028058
Item 11
Materials Letters
62, No.28, 2008, p.4380
MECHANICAL STRENGTH IMPROVEMENT OF
POLYPROPYLENE THREADS MODIFIED BY
PVA/CNT COMPOSITE COATINGS
Bo Zhao; Jing Wang; Zijiong Li; Ping Liu; Da Chen;
Yafei Zhang
Poly (vinyl alcohol)/carbon nanotube (PVA/CNT)
composite was coated on the surface of polypropylene
thread for toughness enhancement. Multiwall carbon
nanotubes (MWNTs) were treated in acid and alkali to
get water-soluble nanotubes and then embedded into poly
(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix resulting in polymer-carbon
composite with homogeneous nanotube dispersion. The
stress-strain measurements show that the tensile strength
and toughness of the PVA/CNT coated thread increased by
117% and 560% respectively. These results are supportive
of good interfacial bonding between the carbon nanotubes
(CNTs) and polymer matrix. 10 refs.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University
CHINA
Accession no. 1028026
Item 12
Adhesive & Sealant Council Inc.
2008, 70 papers
WAC & EXPO 2008
Proceedings of the 2008 World Adhesive Conference and
Expo held Miami Fl. 20-23 April 2008 Seventy papers
were presented at the 2008 World Adhesive Conference.
Topics addressed include: advancing end-use technologies;
international regulations update; reactive adhesives;
REACH: Understanding and compliance; advances in
formulation; future trends in pressure-sensitive adhesives;
and renewable resources.
USA; WORLD
Accession no. 1027981
Item 13
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry
Edition
46, No.19, 2008, p.6407
PARTICLE NUCLEATION IN HIGH SOLIDS
BATCH MINIEMULSION POLYMERIZATION
STABILIZED WITH A POLYMERIC
SURFACTANT
Bohorquez S J; Asua J M
The nucleation of polymer particles in the miniemulsion
polymerisation of vinyl acetate and vinyl ester stabilised
with PVOH was studied. The effect of costabiliser type
PVOH concentration and type and concentration of initiator
on the extent of droplet nucleation were studied. Droplet
nucleation was maximised by improving miniemulsion
stability and using efﬁcient initiators. 35 refs.
Basque Country University
SPAIN
Accession no. 1027661
Item 14
Estadual Polymer
49, No.19, 2008, p.4066
MULTIPLE HYDROPHILIC POLYMER ULTRA-
THIN LAYERS COVALENTLY ANCHORED TO
POLYETHYLENE FILMS
Silva R; Muniz E C; Rubira A F
A novel procedure has been developed to covalently
graft multiple hydrophilic polymer ultra-thin layers to
functionalised polyethylene surface. Polyethylene ﬁlms
have been functionalised by two methods chromic acid
oxidation and maleic anhydride grafting to produce
surfaces containing reactive groups carboxylic acid and
References and Abstracts
28 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
anhydride respectively. The reactive groups formed in
the functionalisation were used to anchor a poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) ultra-thin layer by thermal esteriﬁcation.
After anchoring PVA a second ultra-thin layer constituted
of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was also anchored. The second
layer was anchored by thermal esteriﬁcation between PVA
hydroxyl groups and PAA carboxylic acid groups. The
procedure presented in this work allows the formation
of an ultra-thin layer. The macromolecule anchoring
reactions occur only at the interfaces consequently only
the macromolecules in contact with the interface are
anchored. The formation of the ultra-thin layer and the
surface characteristics have been analyzed through XPS
ATR-FTIR SEM and AFM data. 41 refs.
Maringa Universidade Estadual
BRAZIL
Accession no. 1027532
Item 15
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
110, No.2, 2008, p.1136
PREPARATION OF A MULTISTRUCTURAL
FILM WITH CM-CHITOSAN AND PVA AND IN
VITRO ORNIDAZOLE RELEASE FROM THE
CARRIER
Ling Chong Wang; Xi Guang Chen; Cheng Sheng Liu;
Li De Li; Qiu Xia Ji; Le Jun Yu
Using ornidazole as a model drug carboxymethyl chitosan
drug-containing microspheres (CCMS) were prepared by
a method involving emulsiﬁcation solidiﬁcation and drug
loading. A multistructure drug system was then synthesised
by incorporating these microspheres into polyvinyl alcohol
(PVAl). The multi-stage system allowed control of drug
loading encapsulation efﬁciency and drug release. Drug
release from the combined system of CCMS and PVAl
was slightly faster than from CCMS alone and followed
a proﬁle of a burst release followed by gradual release of
the remaining drug. Microspheres were characterised using
optical microscopy a particle size analyser and swelling
measurements. Drug loading was determined by ultraviolet
visible spectroscopy and drug release studies were carried
out in-vitro. 22 refs.
Qingdao Ocean University; Qingdao University
CHINA
Accession no. 1027503
Item 16
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
110, No.2, 2008, p.695
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)-CONGO RED AQUEOUS
SOLUTIONS AND HYDROGELS AS LIQUIDS
FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
Vega I; Fernandez E; Mijangos C; D'Accorso N; Lopez D
A comparison was made of the viscoelastic properties of
hydrogels and solutions based on congo red crosslinked
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) or guar gum/borax complexes.
Effects of concentrations of PVA and congo red and of
the degree of hydrolysis on viscoelastic properties were
also evaluated. The application of the PVA/Congo red
system as a hydraulic fracturing liquid rather than the more
commonly used guar gum/borax system was discussed and
some advantages were reported. 20 refs.
Buenos Aires University
ARGENTINA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
SPAIN; WESTERN EUROPE CSIC;
Accession no. 1027450
Item 17
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
47, No.3, 2008, p.243
POLYMER/SILICATE COMPOSITES: NEW
MATERIALS FOR SUBSURFACE PERMEABLE
REACTIVE BARRIERS
Harrup M K; Jones M G; Polson L; White B
The fabrication of composite membranes of polyacrylonitrile
poly(ethylene oxide) poly(ethylene glycol) poly(vinyl
acetate) and poly(vinyl alcohol) with silica and ammonium
molybdophosphate as sequestrating agent and their
characterisation by DMA TGA ESEM and caesium
sequestration studies is described. The applications of
the membranes as materials for sub-surface permeable
reactive barriers are discussed in terms of the requirements
of water permeability mechanical strength selective metal
sequestration and ease of use. 26 refs.
Idaho National Laboratory
USA
Accession no. 1027385
Item 18
Harbin Northeast Forestry University Polymer
Composites
29, No.9, 2008, p.998
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
CARBOXYMETHYL POLYVINYL ALCOHOL-
GRAPHITE NANOSHEET COMPOSITES
Yu C; Li B
Carboxymethyl polyvinyl alcohol (CMPVA) was prepared
by introducing carboxymethyl groups to polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA) with chloroacetic acid. Graphite nanosheets
(NanoG) were obtained by treating expandable graphite at
a high temperature in a mufﬂe furnace and then sonicating
it in an aqueous ethyl alcohol solution. Nanocomposites
of CMPVA with NanoG were prepared by dispersing
NanoG in a CMPVA aqueous solution with the aid of
sonication and then casted on plastic ﬁlm to remove
water. Carboxymethyl groups were proved to be linked
to PVA by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra
and the degree of carboxymethyl substitution on the
PVA was 2.77% determined by conductometric titration.
Experimental results show that carboxylate anions in
introduced carboxymethyl groups facilitate the dispersal
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 29
of NanoG with positive charges in the CMPVA solution.
The CMPVA matrix was detected by X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and FTIR spectra to be less crystal into which
NanoG tend to disperse. Scanning electron microscopy
was used to characterize the structure of the graphite and
morphology of the composites to prove that NanoG was
40-70 nm thick. The percolation threshold of CMPVA/
NanoG composites at room temperature was as low as
0.80 wt%. 30 refs.
CHINA
Accession no. 1027294
Item 19
ANTEC 2008. Proceedings of the 66thAnnual
Technical Conference held Milwaukee Wi
4th-8th May, 2008, p.2227
ADHESION OF PLASTICS WITH BONE:
A COMPARATIVE STUDY USING
COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE ADHESIVES
AND BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER MELT
ADHESIVES
Shrivastava A; Weinzwig J; McCarthy S
Biodegradable bone substitutes can be secured to bone
surfaces using several techniques. One such technique
is by using adhesives to glue the bone plates to the bone
surface. This phenomenon has a potential of replacing the
existing screws and the associated complex techniques and
equipment. A time-based study comparing the adhesion
of bone plates with bone using commercially available
adhesives and biodegradable polymer melt adhesives was
performed and the load bearing capacities were measured.
This paper demonstrates and compares the effective
use of adhesives and melt blends replacing the existing
fixation techniques involved in craniomaxillofacial
surgery. 18 refs.
Lowell Massachusetts University; Massachusetts Lahey
Clinic Medical Center
USA
Accession no. 1026247
Item 20
ANTEC 2008. Proceedings of the 66thAnnual
Technical Conference held Milwaukee Wi
4th-8th May, 2008, p.2148
INJECTION-MOULDED POLYMER SCAFFOLD
FOAMS
Kramschuster A; Turng L S
In this research injection moulding was combined with a
novel material combination supercritical ﬂuid processing
and particulate leaching techniques to produce highly
porous structures that have the potential to act as scaffolds
for tissue engineering applications. The foamed structures
moulded with polylactide (PLA) and polyvinyl alcohol
(PVOH) with salt as the particulate were processed without
the aid of organic solvents which can be detrimental to
tissue growth. Macropores approximately 200 microns in
diameter and porosities of approximately 75% are reported
and discussed. 18 refs.
Wisconsin-Madison University
USA
Accession no. 1026231
Item 21
Colloid and Polymer Science
286, No.5, 2008, p.525
HIGH SPIN/LOW SPIN PHASE TRANSITIONS
OF A SPIN-CROSSOVER COMPLEX IN
THE EMULSION POLYMERIZATION OF
TRIFLUOROETHYLMETHACRYLATE (TFEMA)
USING PVA AS A PROTECTIVE COLLOID
Suzuki A; Fujiwara M; Nishijima M
The magnetic properties of an Fe(II) spin-crossover
complex near its high spin/low spin phase transition in
the emulsion polymerisation of TREMA using PVAl as a
protective colloid was investigated and comparisons made
when sodium lauryl sulphate was employed as surfactant.
The morphological properties of the emulsion particles
were characterised by dynamic light scattering atomic
force microscopy high resolution electron microscopy
and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The
effects of amine groups in the ligand and the central
metal ion in the spin-crossover complexes in the emulsion
particles on the high spin/low spin phase transition were
also evaluated. The phase transition was considered to
be bistable. 19 refs.
Shiga Prefecture University; Japan National Institutes of
Natural Sciences; Tohoku University
JAPAN
Accession no. 1025915
Item 22
Materiale Plastice
45, No.2, 2008, p.217
REFRACTIVE INDEX OF POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL (PVA) ISOTROPIC FOILS
MEASURED BY AN INTERFEROMETRIC
METHOD BASED ON FABRY-PEROT ETALON
Dumitrascu L; Dumitrscu I; Dorohoi D-O
The theory behind and interferometric method for
refractive index determination are described and the
method which utilises a Fabry-Perot Etalon optical
instrument is applied to the determination of the refractive
index of PVAl ﬁlms with and without small amounts of
potassium iodide. 12 refs.
Jassy, Cuza Al.I. University
EASTERN EUROPE; RUMANIA
Accession no. 1025842
References and Abstracts
30 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Item 23
Polymer Degradation and Stability
93, No.8, 2008, p.1554
ELECTRON IRRADIATION INDUCED
MICROSTRUCTURAL MODIFICATIONS
IN BACL2 DOPED PVA: A POSITRON
ANNIHILATION STUDY
Harisha A; Ravindrachary V; Bhajantri R F; Ismayi;
Sanjeev G; Poojary B; Dutta D; Pujari P K
Thin ﬁlms of pure and 10wt% BaCl
2
doped poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by solution casting method.
These ﬁlms were subjected to electron irradiation for
different doses ranging from 0 to 400kGy in air at room
temperature. The effect of electron irradiation on the
optical and free volume related microstructures of these
polymer ﬁlms was studied using positron annihilation
lifetime spectroscopy FTIR and UV-vis techniques. The
FTIR spectral studies indicate that the electron irradiation
induces chemical modiﬁcations within the doped PVA
which results in chain scission as well as cross-linking of
the polymer. The positron lifetime study on these irradiated
polymers shows that the chain scissions and cross-
linking within the polymer matrix affect the free volume
content and hence the microstructure. The UV-vis optical
absorption studies show that the induced microstructural
change by electron irradiation also modiﬁes the optical
properties. Using UV-vis spectra the optical energy
band gap was estimated and it decreases with increase in
electron dose. A correlation between positron results and
optical results is obtained and electron irradiation induced
microstructure modiﬁcations within the doped polymer are
understood. The results highlight the usefulness of positron
annihilation technique in the study of the microstructure
of irradiated polymers. 25 refs.
Mangalore University; Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
INDIA
Accession no. 1025565
Item 24
European Polymer Journal
44, No.8, 2008, p.2737
SYNTHESIS OF ISOTACTIC STAR-SHAPED
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Jeon H J; Tak J P; Kim J H; Youk J H
Isotactic 6-armed star-shaped poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) with a narrow molecular weight distribution was
successfully prepared by the living cationic polymerisation
of 6-armed star-shaped poly(tert-butyl vinyl ether)
(PTBVE) and subsequent acidic ether cleavage. The
PTBVE was synthesised using hexa(chloromethyl)
melamine (HCMM) as a hexafunctional initiator and ZnI
2

or ZnCl
2
as an activator in toluene/MC (1/1 v/v) at -70
deg.C. A better living stability of PTBVE was obtained in
the ZnCl
2
activator system. The number average molecular
weight and the polydispersity index of the 6-armed star-
shaped PTBVE polymerized with ZnCl
2
at -70 deg.C
for 24h were 156000g/mol and 1.47 respectively. The
fraction of the mm sequence of the resulting PVA was
52%. 15 refs.
Inha University; Yonsei University
KOREA
Accession no. 1025241
Item 25
European Polymer Journal
44, No.8, 2008, p.2489
CELLULOSE WHISKERS REINFORCED
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL COPOLYMERS
NANOCOMPOSITES
Roohani M; Habibi Y; Belgacem N M; Ebrahim G;
Karimi A N; Dufresne A
Nanocomposite materials were prepared from copolymers
of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate and a colloidal
aqueous suspension of cellulose whiskers prepared from
cotton linter. The degree of hydrolysis of the matrix was
varied in order to vary the hydrophilic character of the
polymer matrix and then the degree of interaction between
the filler and the matrix. Nanocomposite films were
conditioned at various moisture contents and the dynamic
mechanical and thermal properties were characterized
using dynamic mechanical analysis and differential
scanning calorimetry respectively. Tensile tests were
performed at room temperature to estimate mechanical
properties of the ﬁlms in the non linear range. All the
results show that stronger ﬁller/matrix interactions occur
for fully hydrolyzed PVA compared to partially hydrolyzed
samples. For moist samples a water accumulation at the
interface was evidenced. The reinforcing effect was found
to be all the higher as the degree of hydrolysis of the matrix
was high. 40 refs.
Grenoble Institut National Polytechnique; Tehran
University
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
IRAN; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1025219
Item 26
Journal of Membrane Science
322, No.1, 2008, p.74
MODIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
SEMI-CRYSTALLINE POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
WITH INTERPENETRATING POLY(ACRYLIC
ACID) BY UV RADIATION METHOD FOR
ALKALINE SOLID POLYMER ELECTROLYTES
MEMBRANE
Jen Ming Yang; Hung Zen Wang; Chun Chen Yang Chang
Semi-crystalline poly(vinyl alcohol) was modiﬁed by UV
radiation with acrylic acid monomer to get interpenetrating
poly(acrylic acid) modiﬁed poly(vinyl alcohol) PVAAA
membrane. The stability of various PVAAA membranes
in water 2M CH
3
OH
2
M H
2
SO
4
and 40 wt% KOH
aqueous media were evaluated. It was found that the
stability of PVAAA membrane is stable in 40 wt% KOH
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 31
solution. The PVAAA membranes were characterized by
differential scanning calorimetry X-ray diffraction and
thermogravimetry analysis. These results show that (1)
the crystallinity in PVAAA decreased with increasing the
content of poly(acrylic acid) in the PVAAA membranes.
(2) The melting point of the PVAAA membrane is
reduced with increasing the content of poly(acrylic acid)
in the membrane. (3) Three stages of thermal degradation
were found for pure PVA. Compared to pure PVA the
temperature of thermal degradation increased for the
PVAAA membrane. The various PVAAA membranes were
immersed in KOH solution to form polymer electrolyte
membranes PVAAA-KOH and their performances for
alkaline solid polymer electrolyte were conducted. At
room temperature the ionic conductivity increased from
0.044 to 0.312 S/cm. The result was due to the formation of
interpenetrating polymer chain of poly(acrylic acid) in the
PVAAA membrane and resulting in the increase of charge
carriers in the PVA polymer matrix. Compared to the data
reported for different membranes by other studies our
PVAAA membrane are highly ionic conducting alkaline
solid polymer electrolytes membranes. 41 refs.
Gung University; Taipei Ming Chi University of
Technology
TAIWAN
Accession no. 1024307
Item 27
Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering
2008, p.539
ESTABLISHMENT OF NANOFIBER
PREPARATION TECHNIQUE BY
ELECTROSPINNING
Miyake H; Higashiyama Y; Yamashita Y
Some nanoﬁbre electrospinning practical difﬁculties and
their solutions are brieﬂy discussed. Issues discussed
include: the anti-bacterial effect of titania in poly(ethylene
terephthalate); nozzle blockage when electrospinning
concentrated chloroform solutions of poly(lactic acid);
increasing output by using multiple nozzles but which
increases the difﬁculty of solvent removal and nozzle
cleaning; and the deposition of nonwoven fibre in
thicknesses > 10 mm. 5 refs.
Shiga PrefectureUniversity
JAPAN
Accession no. 1023887
Item 28
European Polymer Journal
44, No.7, 2008, p.2146
IMPROVED OXYGEN BARRIER
PERFORMANCE OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
FILMS THROUGH HYDROGEN BOND
COMPLEX WITH POLY(METHYL VINYL
ETHER-CO-MALEIC ACID)
Labuschagne P W; Germishuizen W A; C Verryn S M;
Moolman F S
Hydrogen bonding between poly(methyl vinyl ether-co-
maleic acid) (PMVE-MA) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH)
has resulted in ﬁlms with lower oxygen transmission rates
(OTR) than pure PVOH. In the range 20-30% (w/w)
PMVE-MA complexation between the two polymers in
the blend was maximized as shown by viscometry Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential
Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis. OTR measurements
have shown that the maximum interpolymer complexation
ratio also correlates with the lowest OTR values of the
resulting ﬁlm. The improved oxygen barrier properties
are believed to be a combination of the relatively intact
PVOH crystalline regions as shown with X-ray diffraction
(XRD) and a higher degree of hydrogen bonding in the
amorphous regions of the PVOH and PMVE-MA ﬁlms as
indicated by glass transition temperature (Tg) shifts. This
leads to denser amorphous regions that reduces the rate of
gases diffusing through the polymer ﬁlm hence the reduced
OTR. 27 refs. Copyright (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd.
CSIR; Pretoria University
SOUTH AFRICA
Accession no. 1023538
Item 29
Polymer Materials Science and Engineering
24, No.4, 2008, p.128
PREPARATION OF PVA FLUORESCENCE FIBER
AND GLUTARALDEHYDE ACETALIZATION
Yuan Sun; Xin-Hua Deng; Dong-Cai Bian
A photochromic pigment was blended with a solution of
PVAl and ﬂuorescent ﬁbres produced therefrom by wet
spinning. The ﬁbres were acetalised with glutaraldehyde
and the hot water resistance tensile strength fracture
behaviour and fluorescence of the acetalised fibres
investigated and compared with the unacetalised ﬁbres.
The acetal fibres exhibited green fluorescence upon
excitation with UV light. 7 refs.
Tianjin Polytechnic University
CHINA
Accession no. 1023258
Item 30
Journal of Macromolecular Science A
A45, No.4-6, 2008, p.271
MISCIBILITY STUDIES ON CHITOSAN/
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BLENDS
The miscibility of blends of chitosan with various
proportions of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) in buffer solution
was investigated at several different temperatures by
measurements of viscosity ultrasonic velocity density
and refractive index. Based on the viscosity data the
interaction and thermodynamic parameters were calculated
to determine the miscibility of the blend in solution and the
References and Abstracts
32 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
effects of blend composition on miscibility are discussed in
terms of interactions between carbonyl groups of chitosan
and hydroxyl groups of PVA. 29 refs.
Kuvempu University; Mysore University
INDIA
Accession no. 1022864
Item 31
PMSE Preprints
98, 2008, p.670
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
OF HYDROXYETHYL CHITOSAN (HEC)/
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (PVA) COMPOSITE
MEMBRANE
Zheng H; Zou X; Wang S
Membranes comprising blends of hydroxyethylchitosan
and poly(vinyl alcohol) were prepared by casting
solutions containing various amounts of the two polymers.
The composite membranes showed good mechanical
properties and because of the good biocompatibility of
the component polymers the membranes are potentially
useful as controlled-release membranes in transdermal
drug-delivery systems. 11 refs.
Wuhan University of Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 1022833
Item 32
PSME Preprints
98, 2008, p.666
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
PHYSICALLY CROSSLINKED POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)/CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE
HYDROGELS
Guanghua He; Hua Zheng; Fuliang Xiong; Runxiang Zhao
Physi cal l y cr ossl i nked pol y( vi nyl al cohol ) /
carboxymethylcellulose (PVA/CMC) hydrogels were
prepared by means of several freeze/thaw cycles and their
structure and morphology was characterised by means
of IR spectroscopy scanning electron microscopy and
differential scanning calorimetry. The CMC and PVA
showed good miscibility in the composite hydrogels and
the CMC perturbed the formation of PVA crystallites.
The composites hydrogels showed good pH-sensitive
properties in a basic environment and the swelling rate
increased with increasing CMC content at a pH of 7.4
whereas higher freeze/thaw cycle times resulted in a lower
swelling rates. 8 refs.
Wuhan University of Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 1022832
Item 33
Plastics Science and Technology
36, No.6, 2008, p.44
EFFECT OF PVA ON PROPERTIES OF
STARCH/CHITOSAN OXALATE COMPOSITE
AND ITS FILM
Lin Baofeng; Wang Wei; Du Yumin; Li Lei
Starch/chitosan oxalate composites containing various
amounts of PVAl and ﬁlms thereof were prepared and
the viscosity dehydration rate particle size distribution
structure heat stability and compatibility of the composites
investigated as a function of PVAl content. 13 refs.
Guangxi University; Wuhan University
CHINA
Accession no. 1022498
Item 34
Polymer
49, No.13-14, 2008, p.3176
STRUCTURAL RELAXATION OF POLYVINYL
ACETATE (PVAC)
Svoboda R; Pustkova P; Malek J
Structural relaxation of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) was
studied by mercury dilatometry and differential scanning
calorimetry. Tool-Narayanaswamy-Moynihan (TNM)
and Adam-Gibbs-Scherer (AGS) models were used to ﬁt
numerous experimental data. Single set of volume and
enthalpy relaxation parameters describing all performed
experiments was found for each model. Comparison of
volume and enthalpy relaxation was made on the basis of
TNM parameter values. The famous volume relaxation
measurements made by Kovacs [Fortschr Hochpolym
Forsch 1963; 3:394-507] were successfully ﬁtted using
the same set of parameters. Furthermore several non-ﬁtting
methods of TNM parameters' estimation (including e.g.
peak-shift method or inﬂectional analysis) were applied
to our data and their critical comparison is outlined. For
most methods a good agreement with curve-ﬁtting results
was achieved. 47 refs.
Pardubice University
CZECH REPUBLIC
Accession no. 1022151
Item 35
Polymer Degradation and Stability
93, No.7, 2008, p.1323
SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF AMMONIUM
POLYPHOSPHATE AND LAYERED DOUBLE
HYDROXIDE ON FLAME RETARDANT
PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Zhao C X; Liu Y; Wang D Y; Wang D L; Wang Y Z
A novel ﬂame retardant system of poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) is prepared via using ammonium polyphosphate
(APP) and layered double hydroxide (LDH). The
ﬂammability of PVA composites containing APP-based
LDH at a 15wt.% global percentage showed that the
ﬂame retardancy of all PVA/APP/LDH samples increase
with the increase of LDH concentration in the range of
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 33
0.1-1.0wt.% and reach a LOI value of up to 33 and UL-
94 V-0 rating for most composites. Thermo-gravimetric
analysis reveals that PVA/APP/LDH samples show higher
initial decomposition temperature in comparison with
PVA/APP composite. The morphology and structures of
residues generated during LOI test were investigated by
scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyze the composition
of the residue formed after thermo-oxidation to support a
fundamental analysis for the mechanism of char formation.
The test of mechanical properties demonstrated that
LDH can enhance tensile strength Young's modulus and
elongation at break of PVA/APP composites. 40 refs.
Sichuan University
CHINA
Accession no. 1022123
Item 36
Journal of Membrane Science
319, No.1-2, 2008, p.298
EFFECT OF VARYING POLY(STYRENE
SULFONIC ACID) CONTENT IN POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)-POLY(STYRENE SULFONIC ACID)
BLEND MEMBRANE AND ITS RAMIFICATION
IN HYDROGEN-OXYGEN POLYMER
ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELLS
Sahu A K; Selvarani G; Bhat S D; Pitchumani S;
Sridhar P; Shukla A K; Narayanan N; Banerjee A;
Chandrakumar N
Poly(styrene sulphonic acid) (PSSA) content in poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) and PSSA blend membrane is varied and its
effect on proton conductivity is studied at varying relative
humidity (RH) values. The maximum proton conductivity
is observed for the PVA-PSSA membrane with about
35 wt% PSSA at all humidity values. At 30% RH value
the conductivity of PVA-PSSA blend membrane is
1.20x10^-^3 S/cm which is about two orders of magnitude
higher than the conductivity value of 2.27x10^-^5 S/cm
observed for pristine PVA membrane. Water self-diffusion
coefﬁcients and water release kinetics of these materials
have been characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance
(NMR) imaging technique which validate the use of this
membrane in polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). A
peak power density of 210 mW/cm^2 at a load current-
density of 500 mA/cm^2 is achieved for the PEFC with the
optimized PVA-PSSA membrane as electrolyte compared
to a peak power density of only 38 mW/cm^2 observed at
a load current-density of 80 mA/cm^2 for the PEFC with
pristine PVA membrane as electrolyte while operating at
75 deg.C with H2 and O2 feeds to the fuel cell maintained
at atmospheric pressure. 29 refs.
India Central Electrochemical Research Institute; Indian
Institute of Science; Indian Institute of Technology
INDIA
Accession no. 1022084
Item 37
Materials Letters
62, No.20, 2008, p.3555
ELECTROSPUN CROSSLINKED POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL MEMBRANE
Enlong Yang; Xiaohong Qin; Shanyuan Wang
The electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was
performed with maleic anhydride (MA) as a cross
linker to fabricate slightly soluble nanoﬁbre membrane.
The solubility morphology and thermal behaviour
of electrospun PVA and PVA/MA membranes were
characterized by water durability test scanning electron
microscope (SEM) and differential scanning calorimeter
(DSC) respectively. Water durability test demonstrated that
8% PVA/MA (20/1 mole/mole) membrane had the least
average mass loss and standard deviation. SEM images
showed that ﬁbres in PVA/MA membrane had a larger
average diameter compared to those in PVA membrane.
DSC investigated that crystal structure was formed in PVA/
MA membrane. The results show that rapid evaporation of
water and high electric ﬁeld during electrospinning process
may promote crosslinking of PVA and MA. 15 refs.
Shanghai Donghua University
CHINA
Accession no. 1022066
Item 38
Wacker World Wide
8, No.1, 2008, p.10
SPARKLING MURAL ENHANCEMENTS
The commercial development of new creative designs of
wall-coverings with a unique appearance and distinctive
light effects by incorporation of proprietary poly(vinyl
acetate)(PVAC) beads of various grain sizes is described.
The light effects are discussed in terms of the particle
shape size and optical brilliance of the PVAC particles.
No refs.
Wacker Chemie GmbH
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GERMANY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1020656
Item 39
ICIS Chemical Business
273k, No.21, 2008, p.50
CHEMICAL PROFILE: VINYL ACETATE
Burridge E
Vinyl acetate monomer is mainly used in PVA which has
applications in water-based paints adhesives acrylic ﬁbres
paper coatings and non-woven binders. PVOH used in
packaging ﬁlm and glass laminates is the second-largest
user. Supply in Europe has returned to more normal levels
following an unprecedented series of outages last year
that tightened global markets. Stocks have recovered and
availability is good but demand has weakened in the second
quarter as the economic slowdown hits consumption
References and Abstracts
34 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
notably in the paints and adhesives sector. Most end-use
markets are mature and growth in the largest applications
are tipped to track GDP or slightly below. There is strong
growth in EVOH barrier resins EVA polymers and PVB
although these are smaller-volume products.
EUROPE-GENERAL;
USA
Accession no. 1020542
Item 40
Polymer Engineering and Science
48, No.5, 2008, p.853
MULTIOBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF
POLYMERIZATION REACTION OF VINYL
ACETATE BY GENETIC ALGORITHM
TECHNIQUE WITH A NEW REPLACEMENT
CRITERION
Sadi M; Dabir B; Shahrabadi A
A multiobjective optimisation procedure based on genetic
algorithm has been developed to determine optimum
operational conditions of polymerisation reaction. In this
article by using a new selection criterion to choose the
next generation members with better quality optimisation
efﬁciency is improved and the number of generations to
obtain Pareto optimal set reduced. In this proposed method
a novel replacement criterion based on ranking level
information and proximity of solutions to the Pareto optimal
front is used to choose the next generation members. The
polymerisation of vinyl acetate has been chosen as an
example. Two objective functions which used in this study
are maximization of the weight average molecular weight
up to the desired value and minimization of the residual
initiator concentration. A Pareto optimal set of objective
functions has been obtained by application of a Pareto
set ﬁlter operator. Furthermore the inﬂuence of genetic
algorithm parameters on the efﬁciency and convergence
of genetic algorithm is studied by changing cross over
and mutation probabilities. Because of the ﬂexibility and
generality of genetic algorithm this optimisation method is
a useful technique with lots of potentials in determination
of optimum value of operation parameters. 31 refs.
Amir Kabir University of Technology
IRAN
Accession no. 1019157
Item 41
Polymer Degradation and Stability
93, No.4, 2008, p.800
THE THERMAL DEGRADATION
OF POLY(VINYL ACETATE) AND
POLY(ETHYLENE-CO-VINYL ACETATE)
PART I: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE
DEGRADATION MECHANISM
Rimez B; Rahier H; Van Assche G; Artoos T; Biesemans
M; Van Mele B
The thermal degradation mechanism of poly(vinyl acetate)
(PVAc) and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)
copolymers was investigated with solid-state NMR
thermogravimetry coupled with mass spectrometry and
differential thermal analysis. Between 300 and 400 deg.C
acetic acid is eliminated (deacetylation) leaving a highly
unsaturated residue or polyene. The deacetylation of PVAc
is autocatalytic. Upon incorporation of ethylene entities
into the polymer backbone autocatalysis disappears.
Between 400 and 500 deg.C the polyene will degrade
further by chain scission reactions in inert conditions
or aromatise in an oxidative environment into a char
and oxidised eventually into CO
2
beyond 500 deg.C.
In inert conditions the deacetylation step as well as the
chain scission reaction shows endothermic effects. In an
oxidative environment large exothermal effects are found
for each degradation step. This indicates the occurrence
of additional oxidation reactions during deacetylation
an important reorganisation of the polyene during char
formation and oxidation of the latter into CO
2
. 22 refs.
Brussels Vrije Universiteit
BELGIUM; EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
ECONOMIC COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; WESTERN
EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 1018792
Item 42
Materiale Plastice
45, No.1, 2008, p.106
ORDER DEGREE OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
(PVA) FILMS ESTIMATED BY A SPECTRAL
METHOD
Dorohoi D O; Dumitrascu L; Dumitrascu I
Polyvinyl alcohol ﬁlms were coloured with pyridinium
ylides dried and stretched under heating. The visible
electronic spectra of the stretched ﬁlms under linearly
polarised visible radiation were studied with the electric
ﬁeld intensity parallel and perpendicular to the stretching
direction and the effect of the degree of stretching on
the dichroism of the coloured ﬁlms evaluated. A linear
dependence between ﬁlm birefringence and the degree of
order of small molecules was established. 14 refs.
Jassy Cuza Al.I. University
EASTERN EUROPE; RUMANIA
Accession no. 1018410
Item 43
Macromolecules
41, No.7, 2008, p.2368
ORGANO-COBALT MEDIATED LIVING
RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL
ACETATE
Peng C H; Scricco J; Li S; Fryd M; Wayland B B
Polymerisation of vinyl acetate initiated by sources of azo-
radicals in the presence of cobalt(II) tetramesitylporphyrin
[(TMP)Co] showed an induction period followed by an
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 35
organocobalt-mediated living radical polymerisation
(LRP). The induction period corresponded to the
conversion of (TMP)Co into an organocobalt porphyrin
derivative. The living character of the polymerisation
at low vinyl acetate conversions was demonstrated by
a linear increase in molecular weight with conversion
the production of homopolymers of relatively low
polydispersity and the formation of block copolymers
with methyl acrylate. Deviations from ideal LRP occur as
a result of radical termination and chain-transfer events at
moderate conversion of vinyl acetate (VAc). Mechanistic
studies showed that the radical polymerisation of VAc is
controlled by a degenerative transfer mechanism involving
organocobalt complexes as the transfer agents. Radical
polymerisation reactions of vinyl acetate and methyl
acrylate mediated by organocobalt complexes were
compared by means of kinetic studies. 25 refs.
Pennsylvania University
USA
Accession no. 1018009
Item 44
Polymer Testing
27, No.3, 2008, p.360
EFFECT OF SILICA NANOFILLERS ON
ISOTHERMAL CRYSTALLIZATION OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL): IN-SITU ATR-FTIR
STUDY
Lee J; Jin Lee K; Jang J
Isothermal crystallisation behaviour of poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) in the presence and absence of silica nanoparticles
was systematically investigated using in-situ attenuated
total reﬂectance Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR)
spectroscopy. The content size and surface characteristics
of silica nanoparticles were considered as main factors
affecting the crystallisation behaviour and the effect
of annealing time and temperature was also examined.
First very low concentrations of silica nanoparticles
(less than 0.5 wt%) could accelerate the crystallisation
process whereas higher silica loadings reduced the
degree of crystallisation. In the PVA/silica (0.5 wt%)
nanocomposites 22-nm silica nanoparticles provided the
most suitable interparticle space for nucleation and crystal
growth. Compared with hydrophobic silica nanoparticles
hydrophilic silica nanoparticles are favourable to achieve
higher crystallinity due to the increased chemical afﬁnity in
the nanocomposites. The degree of crystallisation became
higher with increasing annealing time and it was also
enhanced in a high-temperature region. When 0.5 wt%
of 22-nm silica nanoparticles was used as a nucleating
agent for the crystallisation of PVA the crystallinity of
nanocomposites was ca. 20% higher than that of pristine
PVA. 70 refs.
Seoul National University
KOREA
Accession no. 1017945
Item 45
CSIRO Composites Science and Technology
68, No.6, 2008, p.1453
KEY INTERACTIONS IN BIODEGRADABLE
THERMOPLASTIC STARCH/POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)/MONTMORILLONITE MICRO- AND
NANOCOMPOSITES
Dean K M; Do M D; Petinakis E; Yu L
A series of thermoplastic starch/poly(vinylalcohol)
(PVOH)/montmorillonite (Na-MMT) micro- and
nanocomposites which exhibit intercalated and highly
exfoliated structures have been developed. Fourier
transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the thermoplastic
starch and starch nanocomposites showed a number or
variants in H-bonding between starch chains PVOH and
Na-MMT during extrusion processing. The addition of
small amounts of PVOH to the starch nanocomposite
produced a very ordered intercalated structure. The relative
concentrations of PVOH and Na-MMT could be directly
correlated to changes in intergallery spacings. Although
good dispersion of clay platelets was important in
improving mechanical properties in these nanocomposites
the interfacial interactions of ﬁller and matrix played just
as important a role (the more agglomerated composites)
containing both Na-MMT and PVOH showed signiﬁcant
increases in tensile strength (up to 67% increase) and
tensile modulus (up to 85% increase) as compared to
the more well dispersed composites without PVOH.
The improvements in properties could be attributed to
both interfacial interactions and the disruption of the
retrogradation (recrystallisation process). 35 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no. 1017910
Item 46
Polymer Preprints
2008, 49, No.1, p.1073
STIMULI-RESPONSIVE MECHANICALLY
DYNAMIC POLYMER COMPOSITES
Shanmuganathan K; Capadona J R; Tyler D J; Rowan S
J; Weder C
Nanocomposites were prepared from polyvinyl acetate
and microcrystalline cellulose whiskers obtained from
maritime biomass by solution mixing. Filler levels up
to 20 weight percent were evaluated. Composites were
compression moulded and samples were evaluated using
dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and swelling
measurements. Significant mechanical reinforcement
of the PVAc was obtained above the glass transition
temperature but swelling in water also increased with
whisker density. 21 refs.
Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland Louis
Stokes DVA Medical Center
USA
Accession no. 1017338
References and Abstracts
36 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Item 47
Polymer Preprints
2008, 49, 1, p.1040
PAMPS/PVA ELECTROSENSITIVE HYDROGEL
FIBRES
Xia Feng; Li Chen; Leilei Ju; Yiping Zhao; Jing Dong
Synthesis of hydrogel ﬁbres by spinning and coagulation
of blend ﬁbre from mixed solutions of polyvinyl alcohol
(PVOh) and polyacrylamidomethylpropane sulphonic
acid (PAMPS) is described. Swelling properties and
electrosensitive performance of loss of water under an
applied voltage were investigated and it was observed
that swelling ratio decreased with an increase in salt
concentration in water. Some crosslinking between
PAMPS and PVOh occurred due to generation sulphonic
acid ester in the process. 9 refs.
Tianjin Polytechnic University
CHINA
Accession no. 1017320
Item 48
Polymer Preprints
2008, 49, 1, p.1032
MODIFIED PVA AS THERMAL-RESPONSIVE
POLYMERS FOR LAYER-BY-LAYER ASSEMBLY
Yuanfeng Pan; Hong Lu; Huining Xiao; Guanglei Zhao;
Beihai He
Synthesis of vinyl alcohol-sodium acrylate copolymers
and their subsequent treatment with acetaldehyde in
acid solution resulted in vinyl alcohol copolymers with
temperature responsive properties and good solubility at
low temperatures. Copolymers were characterised using
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy atomic force
microscopy and turbidity measurements. The effects of
the degree of acetalysis and of molecular weight and
comonomer ratios on lower critical solution temperature
were examined. Layer by layer assembly on rayon ﬁbre
and on silicon wafers was examined and resulted in the
surfaces becoming temperature sensitive. 5 refs.
South China University of Technology; New Brunswick
University
CANADA; CHINA
Accession no. 1017316
Item 49
Macromolecules
41, No.4, 2008, p.1289
EFFECT OF SILICA NANOPARTICLES ON
THE LOCAL SEGMENTAL DYNAMICS IN
POLY(VINYL ACETATE)
Bogoslovov R B; Roland C M; Ellis A R; Randall A M;
Robertson C G
Over a range of concentrations of nanosized silica
particles mixed into polyvinyl acetate it was shown that
although both bound and occluded ﬁller levels increased
the thermal properties such as glass transition relaxation
times and thermal expansion coefﬁcient of the polymer
was unaffected. Samples were evaluated using modulated
differential scanning calorimetry transmission electron
microscopy Mooney viscosity measurements and
rheological measurements. 69 refs.
US Naval Research Laboratory; Bridgestone Americas
USA
Accession no. 1016426
Item 50
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering,
Spring Meeting 2007.
PSME Preprints
96, 2007, p.722
TEM STUDIES OF WHEAT GLUTEN/
THIOLATED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BLENDS
Dong J; Dicharry R; Parnasi R; Asandei A D
A reactive modiﬁer for wheat gluten was synthesised
based on a multifunctional polymeric thiol prepared
by esterification of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with
3-sulphanylpropanoic acid and the morphology of the
blends of the modiﬁer with wheat gluten was examined
by transmission electron microscopy. Blends of the
thiolated PVA with wheat gluten mixtures showed a more
homogeneous morphology than did PVA/wheat gluten
blends. The smaller domain size suggests that the wheat
gluten and starch phases are mixed better in the presence
of the thiolated PVA modiﬁer which after reaction with
the gluten behaves as a compatibiliser. 12 refs.
Connecticut University
USA
Accession no. 1016300
Item 51
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Spring Meeting 2007
PSME Preprints, Proceedings of a conference held
Chicago I1, 25th-29th March
96, 2007, p565.
STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES IN AEROGELS
PREPARED WITH DIFFERENT CLAY
MINERALS
Johnson J R III; Schiraldi D A
Aerogels were prepared from sodium montmorillonite
and reﬁned and unreﬁned hectorite and used to produce
composites with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Dioctahedral
montmorillonite produced aerogels with a very low density
with relatively poor mechanical properties. Trioctahedral
hectorite produced a much-stronger aerogel and the PVA/
hectorite aerogel composites were much stronger than the
unsupported aerogel. 17 refs.
Case Western Reserve University
USA
Accession no. 1015336
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 37
Item 52
Journal of Materials Processing Tech.
200, No.1-3, 2008, p.331
SHEAR AND ELONGATIONAL FLOW
PROPERTIES OF THERMOPLASTIC
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL MELTS WITH
DIFFERENT PLASTICIZER CONTENTS AND
DEGREES OF POLYMERIZATION
Lin C A; Ku T H
In this paper thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol (TPVA)
was prepared by plasticisation using glycerin which has
good thermo-resistance and outstanding compatibility
with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). First the measurements of
shear ﬂow properties of TPVA with different plasticiser
contents and degrees of polymerisation were performed
and the analysis and evaluation of the rheological
parameters including non-Newtonian index and flow
activation energy were carried out. Results show that
both the higher plasticiser contents and the lower degrees
of polymerisation of TPVA lower the melt viscosity
and led to an increase in non-Newtonian index and ﬂow
activation energy. Moreover the change in the plasticiser
contents of TPVA had a larger effect on the variation in
non-Newtonian index. There was also an obvious variation
in the ﬂow activation energy between the samples with
different degrees of polymerisation. Furthermore the
melt spinning method was used to test the elongational
ﬂow properties of TPVA. Test results indicate that the
TPVA melts with higher plasticiser contents or lower
degrees of polymerisation were higher in ﬁbre velocity
and elongation rate but lower in elongational resistance.
Moreover the elongational resistance increased with an
increasing elongation rate. Also it reached a plateau value
exhibiting a downward concave curve except the sample
with the lowest degree of polymerisation that exhibited a
slight sigmoid curve. 20 refs.
Taiwan Feng Chia University; Toko University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 1015078
Item 53
Polymer Materials Science and Engineering
23, No.6, 2007, p.164
THE EFFECT OF CROSSLINKING AGENTS
ON THE CORN STARCH ACETATES AND PVA
BIODEGRADABLE FILMS PROPERTIES
Guang-Hua Zhang; Xiao-Feng Zhou; Zhi-Chao Lai
ShanxiUniversity
Corn starch acetates with low degrees of esteriﬁcation
were synthesised by reacting corn starch with acetic
acid/acetic anhydride and used in the manufacture of
crosslinked biodegradable PVAl ﬁlms. The effects of type
of crosslinking agent glyoxal dosage cure temperature
and cure time on ﬁlm properties were studied and the
microstructure particle shape degree of crystallinity and
heat stability of the ﬁlms determined by scanning electron
microscopy X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry. The
mechanical and water-retaining properties of the ﬁlms
were also investigated. 5 refs.
Shanxi University
CHINA
Accession no. 1014790
Item 54
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research
47, No.3, 2008, p.509
EFFECTS OF REVERSIBLE ADDITION
FRAGMENTATION TRANSFER ON BRANCHING
IN VINYL ACETATE BULK POLYMERIZATION
Pinto M A; Li R; Immanuel C D; Lovell P A; Schork F J
The formulation of a detailed mathematical model
for branching due to chain transfer to polymer in
reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)
polymerisation of vinyl acetate is described in which the
traditionally accepted mechanism for RAFT polymerisation
is modiﬁed by inclusion of a relaxation process. Based on
the detailed model numerical studies were undertaken to
demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanism
as an explanation for the observed reduction in branching
in RAFT polymerisation. 70 refs.
London Imperial College of Science Technology &
Medicine; Georgia Institute of Technology; Manchester
University; Maryland University
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1014335
Item 55
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
108, No.1, 2008, p.34
STRUCTURE AND PROCESSABILITY OF
IODINATED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL). IV.
DRAWABILITY OF THE FILMS IODINATED AT
SOLUTION BEFORE CASTING
Shin E J; Lee Y H; Choi S C PusanDong-A
The drawability of ﬁlms of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
ﬁlms iodinated in solution before casting from aqueous
solutions of 10 wt % PVA was examined at 20-60 degC.
The yield and breaking loads were much lower and the
breaking elongation was higher than the corresponding
values for untreated PVA ﬁlms and unoriented PVA
ﬁlms iodinated after casting. The maximum draw ratios
of the ﬁlms with weight gains of 15.2 39.8 83.2 117 and
140.1% were 4.5 5.5 8.5 8.0 and 7.5 respectively at 20
degC. The crystallinity of all the ﬁlms increased at the
maximum draw regardless of the crystallinity before
drawing. The crystalline structure returned to that of
the original PVA crystalline lattice on deiodination. The
amorphous orientation and initial modulus increased with
the maximum draw ratio whereas the orientation of crystals
was constant. The orientation and moduli increased up to
a weight gain of 83.2% for which the highest draw ratio
and initial modulus were 8.5 and 7.1 GPa respectively and
References and Abstracts
38 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
then decreased. 9 refs.
University; Pusan National University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 1014189
Item 56
CNRS Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry
Edition
46, No.6, 2008, p.2062
METAL NANOCOMPOSITE FILMS PREPARED
IN SITU FROM PVA AND SILVER NITRATE.
STUDY OF THE NANOSTRUCTURATION
PROCESS AND MORPHOLOGY AS A FUNCTION
OF THE IN SITU ROUTES
Clemenson S; Leonard D; Sage D; David L; Espuche E
Cast-hybrid ﬁlms composed of PVAL and silver nitrate
were treated by thermal annealing UV irradiation and
chemical reduction by a borohydride solution to obtain
nanocomposite films. The nanostructuration process
was studied as a function of the treatment conditions
and discussed as a function of the mobility state of the
polymer chains in the nanocomposite matrix during
treatment. A homogeneous dispersion of crystalline silver
nanoparticles was obtained by thermal annealing above
and below Tg. Different morphology and silver conversion
were achieved by chemical reduction in a borohydride
solution. 29 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1013786
Item 57
Plastics Rubber and Composites
36, No.6, 2007, p.254
EFFECT OF PVA CONTENT ON MORPHOLOGY
SWELLING AND MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF
CROSSLINKED CHITOSAN/PVA NANOFIBRE
Zhou Y S; Yang D Z; Nie J
The fabrication of crosslinked chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)
blend nanoﬁbres via electrospinning with heat mediated
chemical crosslinking using triethylene glycol diacrylate
as crosslinking agent and the characterisation of their
structure morphology and mechanical properties by ATR-
FTIR SEM and tensile testing is described. The effects
of PVA content on morphology swelling and mechanical
properties of the products were investigated and the results
are discussed in terms of intermolecular hydrogen bonding
and potential applications in tissue engineering. 30 refs.
Wuhan University; Beijing University of Chemical
Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 1013527
Item 58
Materials Letters
62, No.6-7, 2008, p.828
THERMAL RADIATIVE PROPERTIES OF
ELECTROSPUN SUPERFINE FIBROUS PVA
FILMS
Huijun Wu; Jintu Fan; Xiaohong Qin; Guoge Zhang
This paper reports on an experimental investigation of
the thermal radiative properties of electrospun superﬁne
ﬁbrous PVA ﬁlms containing or without containing TiO
2

nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
was used to measure the spectral transmission of the
superﬁne ﬁbrous PVA ﬁlms from which the Rosseland
extinction coefﬁcients and thermal radiative conductivities
of the samples were then calculated. The results showed
that electrospun ﬁbrous PVA and PVA/TiO
2
ﬁlms had
signiﬁcantly greater Rosseland extinction coefﬁcients
and lower thermal radiative conductivities than the
conventional polymer foams (e.g. PE and PU). The ﬁeld
emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images
showed that the electrospun PVA ﬁbres had the diameters
in range of 150-300 nm. The super ﬁneness of the ﬁbres
in the PVA ﬁlms is believed to be the main reason for the
reduction of thermal radiative conductivity. The study also
showed that the addition of TiO
2
nanoparticles can increase
the thermal insulating performance of the electrospun
ﬁbrous materials. 17 refs.
Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Shanghai Donghua
University
B.V. CHINA; HONG KONG
Accession no. 1013062
Item 59
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering.
Fall Meeting, 2007
PSME Preprints, Proceedings of a conference held
Boston, MA, 19th-23rd Aug
97, 2007, p.26
NOVEL SEMI-CRYSTALLINE PVA HYDROGEL
AS LOAD-BEARING CARTILAGE SUBSTITUTE
Bodugoz-Senturk H; Oral E; Jeeyoung Choi; Jean
Hsiang Kung; Macias C E; Muratoglu O K
Highly creep resistant poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-
poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) gels were prepared by a
combination of the theta-gel process (which is based on
solvent driven gelation) dehydration and high-temperature
annealing. The PVA gels containing PEG maintained
their opacity through annealing and showed large pores
under confocal imaging whereas the hydrogels which did
not contain PEG turned translucent and no pores were
visible. Thus the use of PEG during thermal annealing was
beneﬁcial in maintaining a high equilibrium water content.
These PVA-PEG hydrogels were potentially useful as
load-bearing cartilage substitutes. 2 refs.
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 39
Massachusetts General Hospital
USA
Accession no. 1012836
Item 60
Plastics Rubber and Composites
36, No.7-8, 2007, p.283
NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR THERMAL
PROCESSING OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Chen N; Li L; Wang Q
To improve the thermal processability of poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) the use of water and an (unspeciﬁed)
amido group-containing compound (Ac) that has a
complementary structure to PVA and can complex to
it through hydrogen bonding was examined. Water and
Ac can control the supramolecular structure of PVA
conﬁne its crystallisation and decrease its melting point
thereby widening the window for thermal processing of
PVA. In this way melt spinning of PVA ﬁbres extrusion
blowing of PVA ﬁlms and extrusion blow moulding of
PVA containers can be realised to give high-performance
PVA ﬁbres with a tensile strength of over 1.9 GPa blown
ﬁlms with good mechanical properties and transparency
and PVA containers with good gasoline-barrier properties
and thermal resistance. Compared with conventional
wet processing of PVA solution the thermal processing
technology adopted for modiﬁed PVA is much simpler
more effective and cheaper. 41 refs.
Sichuan University
CHINA
Accession no. 1012293
Item 61
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry
Edition
46, No.1, 2008, p.203
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
OF MONODISPERSE SUPERPARAMAGNETIC
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BEADS BY REVERSE
SPRAY SUSPENSION CROSSLINKING
Chengli Yang; Yueping Guan; Jianmin Xing; Guobin
Shan; Huizhou Liu
Magnetic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) beads were prepared
by a reverse spray suspension crosslinking process.
Hydrophilic nanoparticles of Fe
3
O
4
were mixed with PVA
glutaraldehyde and water to form an aqueous phase that
was sprayed into vegetable oil under nitrogen pressure to
form a water-in-oil emulsion that was then crosslinked by
addition of hydrochloric acid as a catalyst. The resulting
magnetic PVA beads showed good properties when the
PVA concentration was 10% and the oil phase temperature
was controlled at 40 degC. The magnetic PVA beads were
monodisperse and had a high saturation magnetisation.
Fourier transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy showed that proved that Cibacron Blue
molecules could be covalently immobilised on the surfaces
of the magnetic PVA beads. Protein afﬁnity separation
experiments showed that the magnetic PVA beads may
be useful as carriers for large-scale protein separation.
210 refs.
Beijing Chinese Academy of Sciences; Georgetown
University; Beijing University of Science & Technology
CHINA; USA
Accession no. 1011490
Item 62
European Polymer Journal
43, No.12, 2007, p.4882
MICROSTRUCTURE AND FREE VOLUME
EVALUATION OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
NANOCOMPOSITE HYDROGELS
Paranhos C M; Soares B G; Machado J C; Windmoller
D; Pessan L A
A new type of organic/inorganic nanocomposite hydrogel
was prepared by introducing small amount of natural
montmorillonite (MOM) into a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/
sulphonated polyester (PES) system. The crystalline
structure and crystallinity degree were determined by
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle
X-ray spectroscopy (WAXS). The presence of PES leads
to an increase in the crystallinity degree of the PVA matrix
and a signiﬁcant decrease in the melting temperature. The
addition of small amount of clay (1-5%) resulted in an
increase of the average crystallite dimension crystallinity
degree and melting temperature as compared to the
PVA/PES system. The presence of the clay resulted in a
substantial increase on the free volume size as suggesting
by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS).
This result suggests a lower packing efﬁciency of the PVA
chain and the formation of a PVA-MOM interfacial layer.
This interfacial layer and the increasing of the mobility of
the PVA chain by the presence of the clay reﬂects also in
a decrease of the glass transition temperature determined
by dynamic mechanical analysis. 42 refs.
Rio de Janeiro Universidade Federal; Minas Gerais
Universidade Federal; Sao Carlos Universidade Federal
BRAZIL
Accession no. 1011204
Item 63
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
107, No.4, 2008, p.2509
CYCLIC UREAS AS SOLVENTS FOR
ESTERIFICATION OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
AND VINYL ACETATE-VINYL ALCOHOL
COPOLYMERS WITH ACID CHLORIDES
Fernandez M D; Fernandez M J
Esteriﬁcation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVAl) or polyvinyl
acetate (PVAc) using dinitrobenzoyl chloride in a
dimethylpropyleneurea solvent resulted in the associated
vinyl nitrobenzoate copolymer. Copolymers were
characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
References and Abstracts
40 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
differential scanning calorimetry and determination of the
degree of alcoholysis by both nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy and titration. Whilst copolymers formed from
PVAc were blocky those from PVAl proved to be random.
Changes of glass transition temperature with composition
were linear in the case of the PVAC and PVAc derived
copolymers but displayed a negative deviation in the case
of the PVAl and PVAl copolymers. 29 refs.
Pais Vasco Universidad
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1010613
Item 64
Reactive and Functional Polymers
68, No.1, 2008, p.133
SWELLING AND VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES
OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) PHYSICAL GELS
SYNTHESIZED USING SODIUM SILICATE
Mitsumata T; Hasegawa C; Kawada H; Kaneko T;
Takimoto J I
A physically crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) gel
was synthesised from mixed aqueous solutions of PVA
and sodium silicate (SS) using freeze/thaw techniques. The
infrared spectroscopy swelling and viscoelastic properties
of the resultant gel have been investigated. The infrared
spectrum of the resultant gel was as in the spectrum of
PVA gel without SS. The resultant gel showed that the
absorbing band due to stretching of hydroxyl groups
shifted to a lower wave number indicating the enhancement
of hydrogen bonding between hydroxyl groups in PVA.
Dynamic viscoelastic measurements showed that the
storage modulus of the resultant gel was 1 order of
magnitude higher than that of PVA gel without SS. The
degree of swelling Q varied with the SS concentration cSS
as Q~CSS-v (0.12 < and < 0.37). The storage modulus at
1Hz E' changed by the degree of swelling Q satisfying with
a power low as E'~Q-3.8. Microphotographs of the gels in
a dry state showed that PVA network developed extensively
as increasing the SS concentration. These results obtained
strongly indicate that the resultant gel consists from only
PVA not composites of PVA and SS. It can be considered
that SS hastens the aggregation or crosslinking of PVA
chains; as a result physically crosslinked gels with close
network and high elasticity were obtained. Reswelling
experiment showed that the degree of swelling by the
reswelling for the resultant gel was approximately 10
which was less than 1/6 of the original value of the degree
of swelling. 13 refs. JAPAN
CREST; AIST; Yamagata University;
JAPAN
Accession no. 1010275
Item 65
Polymer International
57, No.1, 2008, p.35
THE EFFECT OF NANOSCALE VANADIUM
PENTOXIDE ON THE ELECTRICAL AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)
Mahmoud W E; Hafez M; El-Aal N A; El-Tantawy F
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) loaded with vanadium
pentoxide (V
2
O
5
) nanoparticles is successfully prepared
at room temperature and ambient pressure. Transmission
electron microscopy is used to characterise the final
product. It is found that V
2
O
5
nanoparticles are well
dispersed and uniform in shape and that the diameter of
the particles is conﬁned to within 8 nm. Addition of small
amounts (0.2-1 wt%) of nanoparticulate V
2
O
5
to PVA
increases the electrical conductivity as well as the elastic
modulus. The deformation behaviour after preparing the
nanocomposites irrespective of V
2
O
5
concentration is
similar to that of the unﬁlled elastomer implying that the
mechanism of large deformation is mainly governed by
the matrix. 22 refs.
Suez Canal University
EGYPT
Accession no. 1009328
Item 66
Macromolecules
40, No.24, 2007, p.8750
GELATION-INDUCED PHASE SEPARATION OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) IN MIXED SOLVENTS
OF DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE AND WATER
Takahashi N; Kanaya T; Nishida K; Kaji K
Time-resolved light-scattering measurements are
performed on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in mixed solvents
of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and water with various
mixing ratios after quenching from 100 to 25 deg.C to
examine the physical gelation process. A broad scattering
peak characteristic of phase separation appears in the
light-scattering proﬁles after a certain incubation time and
the peak position moves to higher values with annealing
time. The results contradict the theoretical predictions
and experimental observations for usual phase separation
systems. The growth kinetics signiﬁcantly depend on the
mixing ratio of DMSO and water showing that the solvent
quality is also a factor affecting the phase separation
kinetics during gelation. The unusual phase separation
kinetics is discussed in terms of gelation-induced phase
separation. 27 refs.
Japan Atomic Energy Agency; Kyoto University
JAPAN
Accession no. 1009316
Item 67
E-Polymers
No.141, 2007, p.1
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)-BORIC ACID BEADS
FROM PVA WITH SEVERAL HYDROLYSIS
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 41
DEGREES
De Melo A; Borges D L G; Debacher N A; Curtius A J
PVAl-boric acid beads were prepared by the dropwise
addition of PVAl aqueous solutions to a boric acid solution
under constant stirring and controlled temperature.
Different temperatures for bead formation as well as
PVAl with different degrees of hydrolysis were used and
tested. PVAl with several degrees of hydrolysis were
characterised with respect to molecular mass and intrinsic
viscosity while characterisation of PVAl-boric acid beads
was carried out using TGA and SEM. The results obtained
with TGA showed that structural changes occurred in
PVAl following the reaction with boric acid and that
the spheres formed were thermally stable whereas SEM
analysis demonstrated that symmetric sphere-like beads
were formed with signiﬁcant porosity which were suitable
for use as solid supports in efﬂuent treatment. Trace
element extraction tests were carried out using inductively-
coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Without the addition
of a chelating agent no signiﬁcant extraction occurred
from acidic solutions while after the addition of ethylene
diamine tetraacetate less than 10% of the trace element
content was extracted from the aqueous phase by the
PVAl-boric acid beads. After the addition of ammonium
OO-diethyldithiophosphate however over 10% of As Co
Cr Fe Sr and Zn and 40% of Cd and 70% of Pb were
extracted from acidic solutions even without any further
optimisation. The results showed that the PVAl-boric acid
beads synthesised were potential alternatives for trace
element extraction in efﬂuent treatment. 18 refs.
Santa Catarina Federal University
BRAZIL
Accession no. 1009211
Item 68
Macromolecules
40, No.22, 2007, p.8277
STRUCTURE MODEL OF A POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) FILM UNIAXIALLY STRETCHED IN
WATER AND THE ROLE OF CRYSTALLITES ON
THE STRESS-STRAIN RELATIONSHIP
Miyazaki T; Hoshiko A; Akasaka M; Sakai M; Takeda
Y; Sakurai S
A structure model of a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ﬁlm
during uniaxial stretching in water is proposed. It contains
the strain-induced crystallisation in the interfibrillar
extended amorphous regions formed with increasing
the strain. It is found that the lamellar stacks in the ﬁlm
contribute to the system hardening which is attributed
to the extension of the interﬁbrillar amorphous regions
as precursors of the microﬁbrils formed with increasing
the strain. As a result the system hardening induces the
effective molecular chain extension. This may contribute
to a high degree of orientation of PVA-iodine complexes
when the PVA ﬁlm is stretched in a KI/I
2
aqueous solution.
34 refs.
Nitto Denko Corp.; Kyoto Institute of Technology
JAPAN
Accession no. 1007588
Item 69
Iranian Polymer Journal
16, No.7, 2007, p.439
INVESTIGATION OF REACTION CONDITIONS
FOR PREPARATION OF MEDIUM MOLECULAR
WEIGHT POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AS
EMULSIFIER
Soltani S; Asempour H; Jamshidi H
The synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol) of medium molecular
weight by free radical polymerisation of vinyl acetate
using 22'-azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator followed
by saponiﬁcation of the resulting poly(vinyl acetate) is
described. The products were characterised by molecular
weight (intrinsic viscosity) degree of hydrolysis (titration)
pH and viscosity of aqueous solutions degree of branching
(proton NMR) and FTIR and the effects of different
polymerisation and saponiﬁcation reaction conditions
on the products are discussed in terms of emulsifier
applications. 23 refs.
Iran Polymer & Petrochemical Institute; Amirkabir
University of Technology
IRAN
Accession no. 1006728
Item 70
Composites
28, No.5, 2007, p.674
OPTIMIZATION OF WATER ABSORPTION OF
STARCH/PVA COMPOSITES
Zou G; Qu J; Zou X
The thermoplastic starch/PVA (SP) composites are
prepared by a single-screw extruder. This article presents
a study of the influence of the formulation on the
hydrophilicity of SP composites. An orthogonal array
and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed. The
results of ANOVA show that the water absorption (WA) of
the SP composites with increasing amount of starch but
glycerol and citric acid (CA) are useful in decreasing the
WA of the SP composites. Some interactions are come into
being between the factors and the most important one is
the interaction between WCA and WB. From the results
of experiment increasing the amount of CA and borax
can improve the mechanical properties of SP composites
and decrease the water absorption of SP composites by
crosslinking starch and PVA which was conﬁrmed by
thermal analysis. 24 refs.
South China University of Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 1004750
References and Abstracts
42 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Item 71
European Polymer Journal
43, No.9, 2007, p.3933
CRYSTALLIZATION KINETICS OF PHB/PVAC
BLENDS USING TIME RESOLVED DIELECTRIC
SPECTROSCOPY
Madbouly S A; Mansour A A; Abdou N Y
Crystallisation kinetics of poly(hydroxy butyrate) PHB
and its blends with poly(vinyl acetate) PVAc have been
thoroughly investigated using broadband dielectric
technique over a wide range of frequencies (10-2-105Hz)
as functions of crystallisation temperature and blend
composition. The dielectric strength of the amorphous
segments DELTAepsilon which is directly proportional
to the volume fraction of the mobile amorphous phase
in the blend decreases exponentially with increasing
the crystallisation time. However on the other hand the
dielectric strength of the rigid amorphous segments
DELTAepsilonalpha' which is related to the percentage
of crystallinity in the blend increases dramatically with
increasing crystallisation time. A great variation in
the dynamical constraints of relaxation segments with
increasing crystallisation time has been observed as a result
of different environments which would lead to a variation
in the consistency of the cooperative regions. The value
of the dielectric constant epsilon' decreases dramatically
with increasing crystallisation time after that it reaches an
equilibrium value at the end of the crystallisation process.
This dramatic decrease in the value of epsilon' as a result of
crystallisation at a given crystallisation temperature is taken
as an accurate evaluation for the amount of the amorphous
phase that has undergone crystallisation considering the
theoretical approach of Avrami. The Avrami exponent n
is found to be crystallisation temperature Tc independent
(n~3) indicating a three-dimensional crystal growth for
pure PHB. The crystallisation rate constant k increases
greatly with increasing Tc due to the high crystallisation
rate. In the blend the value of n is found to be concentration
dependent (n~1.8-3.2). The different values of n indicate
that the shapes of the growing crystals are affected by
blend concentration. For n~1.8 the crystals can either
grow sporadically as rods or instantaneously as disks
while for n~3 a three-dimensional crystal growth takes
place.58 refs.
Cairo University
EGYPT
Accession no. 1004524
Item 72
Polymer Preprints.
Papers are presented at the ACS meeting held
Washington, DC, August
2005, 46, No.2, p.389
REVERSIBLE ADDITION-FRAGMENTATION
CHAIN TRANSFER (RAFT) POLYMERIZATION
OF VNYL ACETATE USING XANTHATES
Shipp D A; Vercoe K; Tianxi Zhang; Thopasridharan M
RAFT polymerisation of vinyl acetate using two xanthates
is investigated. Kinetic data show that the appropriate
choice of RAFT agent can signiﬁcantly improve the control
of molecular weight growth and reduce induction times.
PVA with Mn greater than 40000 and Mw/Mn less than
1.5 are produced. 5 refs.
Clarkson University
USA
Accession no. 1004419
Item 73
Polymer Preprints.
Papers are presented at the ACS meeting held
Washington, DC, August
2005, 46, No.2, p.387
RECENT ADVANCES IN THE MADIX PROCESS
Destarac M; Zducha W; Zard S Z
Recent developments in the macromolecular design via the
interchange of xanthates (MADIX) process are discussed.
The removal of the xanthate terminal group the use of a
ﬂuorinated xanthate in ab initio emulsion polymerisation
and the synthesis of hybrid block copolymers are
highlighted. Results conﬁrm the versatility of the MADIX
process in producing a broad range of polymers with
controlled architectures in homogeneous and dispersed
media. 19 refs.
Rhodia Technical and Research Centre; Palaiseau Ecole
Polytechnique
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1004418
Item 74
Polymer Preprints.
Papers presented at the ACS meeting held Washington,
DC, August
2005, 46, No.2, p.313
A NEW SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROLLED
RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL
ACETATE
Debuigne A; Detrembleur C; Bryaskova R; Caille J-R;
Jerome R
An efﬁcient technique for controlling radical polymerisation
of vinyl acetate (VAc) in bulk suspension or miniemulsion
polymerisation systems to obtain high monomer conversions
and very high molecular weights was reported. The method
could be extended to the grafting of PVAc onto fullerenes
or carbon nanotubes and involved cobalt mediated radical
polymerisation. Polymers were characterised using nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy and size exclusion
chromatography. 21 refs.
Liege University; Solvay Research & Technology
BELGIUM; EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
ECONOMIC COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; WESTERN
EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 1003862
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 43
Item 75
Polymer Preprints.
Papers presented at the ACS meeting held Washington,
DC, August
2005, 46, No.2, p.225
THE EFFECT OF LIGAND AND COMONOMER
ON COBALT MEDIATED RADICAL
POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL ACETATE
Kaneyoshi H; Matyjaszewski K
The effect of the electron withdrawing group on a cobalt
complex in cobalt mediated radical polymerisation of vinyl
acetate compared to the effects of alternative triﬂuoro-
cobalt complexes was studied using nuclear magnetic
resonance spectroscopy gas chromatography and gel
permeation chromatography. Similar studies were made
on the polymerisation of butyl acrylate. It was shown
that the addition of vinyl acetate to the butyl acrylate
polymerisation system facilitates the reaction with the
cobalt complex which otherwise would not take place.
Coupling between the vinyl acetate radical and the cobalt
complex was the critical step in the preparation of the
dormant species in the reactions and allowed better control
of the reaction. 8 refs.
Carnegie-Mellon University
USA
Accession no. 1003832
Item 76
Express Polymer Letters
1, No.9, 2007, p.604
SYNTHESIS OF GOLD NANO-PLATES BY
MERCAPTIDE THERMOLYSIS IN POLY(VINYL
ACETATE)
Cardone G; Carotenuto G; Longo A; Perlo P; Ambrosio L
The synthesis of polymer-embedded triangular gold
nanocrystals by thermal decomposition of gold(I)
dodecylmercaptide dissolved in poly(vinyl acetate) and
their characterisation by TEM AFM XRD and UV-visible
spectroscopy is described. The effects on nanocrystal
shape of selective absorption of the polymer side-
groups on the faces of the growing gold nanocrystals are
discussed. 8 refs.
Napoli Universita Federico II; Naples Institute of
Composite & Biomedical Materials; Fiat Research
Center
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1003608
Item 77
Polymer Engineering and Science
47, No.9, 2007, p.1373
CONTROLLED DRUG RELEASE THROUGH
CARBOXYMETHYL-CHITOSAN/POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) BLEND FILMS
Wang L; Chen X; Yu L; Li P
Carboxymethyl-chitosan (CMCS)/poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) blend ﬁlm was studied for an application as a
coating material in the site-speciﬁc drug delivery system.
Films were prepared by blending varying amounts of 4
wt% CMCS with 4 wt% PVA casting and drying at 50
degree C for 24 h. The cross-sectional SEM micrograph
of the ﬁlm revealed that an increase in the amount of
CMCS in the blend resulted in the ﬁlm surface less smooth
in the dry state and the network less uniform and more
porous in the hydrated state which became appreciable at
50%. The inclusion of CMCS in the blend also made the
swelling of the ﬁlms pH-dependent and lead to an increase
in the degree of swelling with pH increase. When the
permeation of three model drugs salicylic acid theophyline
and ornidazole was studied using a static diffusion vessel
it followed a zero-order kinetics and increased with an
increase in the CMCS content in the blend a decrease in the
molecular weight of drug an increase in the pH of medium
and a decrease in the ﬁlm thickness. 33 refs.
Qingdao Ocean University
CHINA
Accession no. 1003549
Item 78
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
106, No.1, 2007, p.60
FORMATION OF THE FIRST INJECTABLE
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL HYDROGEL BY
MIXING OF FUNCTIONAL PVA PRECURSORS
Ossipov D A; Brannvall K; Forsberg-Nilsson K; Hilborn J
Details are given of the preparation of crosslinkable
PVAL hydrogel by mixing aqueous solutions of two
PVAL components derivatised with hydrazide and
aldehyde pendant groups. Hydrogel formation was
based on the chemoselective crosslinking reaction.
In vitro cytocompatibility was assessed using murine
neuroblastoma N2a cells. 29 refs.
Uppsala University
EUROPEAN UNION; SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no. 1002878
Item 79
Composites Part A
38, No.9, 2007, p.2041
MORPHOLOGICAL AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF BILE SALT MODIFIED MULTI-
WALLED CARBON NANOTUBE/POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) NANOCOMPOSITES
Mi Y; Zhang X; Zhou S; Cheng J; Liu F; Zhu H; Dong
X; Jiao Z
Non-covalently functionalised carbon nanotubes are more
attractive for multifunction composites because they
preserve nearly all the nanotubes' intrinsic properties and
enhance the electroconductivity of polymer composites.
However It is seldom reported that they make dramatic
References and Abstracts
44 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
improvement in mechanical properties. In this paper we
have successfully prepared a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
nanocomposite with a non-covalently functionalised
carbon nanotube (DOC-MWNTs) using a simple method
which achieve a signiﬁcant enhancement in mechanical
properties. The tensile modulus and tensile yield strength
of the PVA composite film containing 5wt% DOC-
MWNTs increased by 140% and 65% respectively
comparing to the pure PVA ﬁlm. FT-IR TEM SEM and
DSC were used to investigate the MWNTs and PVA/
MWNTs nanocomposites. The results show that the
separately dispersed DOC-MWNTs ﬁller throughout the
PVA matrix and the strong adhesion between the DOC-
MWNTs ﬁller and the PVA matrix are responsible for the
signiﬁcant reinforcement of the mechanical properties of
the composite prepared. 42 refs.
Zhejiang University; Fuzhou University
CHINA
Accession no. 1002445
Item 80
Polymer Bulletin
59, No.2, 2007, p.289
PERVAPORATION PERFORMANCE AND
TRANSPORT PHENOMENON OF PVA BLEND
MEMBRANES FOR THE SEPARATION OF THF/
WATER AZEOTROPIC MIXTURES
Rao P S; Sridhar S; Ming Yen Wey; Krishnaiah A
Dense pol ymer membranes were prepared by
mixing aqueous solutions of hydrophilic PVAl and
polyethylenimine in different ratios and the effect of
blend ratio on the separation performance of the blends
investigated. Diffusion swelling sorption and permeability
coefﬁcients of the membranes in the presence of THF and
water were determined by sorption measurements at 30
degrees C. Polyvinyl alcohol/polyethylenimine blends
with a blend ratio of 5:1 possessed the highest separation
factor and a ﬂux of 1.28 kg/sq.m.h for THF. 30 refs.
Taiwan National Chung-Hsing University; Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology; Sri Venkateswara
University
INDIA; TAIWAN
Accession no. 1001876
Item 81
JEC Composites
No.34, 2007, p.36
THICKENER ADDITION AND THE
MORPHOLOGY OF UPE/PVAC BLENDS
Montagne M; Bulliard X; Michaud V; Manson J-A E
The effects of the addition of thermoplastics such as acid-
modiﬁed poly(vinyl acetate) as low proﬁle additives and
thickeners such as magnesium oxide on the morphology
and shrinkage on curing of unsaturated polyester resins
derived from maleic anhydride and propylene glycol
were investigated. The results are discussed in terms of
phase separation before or during curing and dimensional
stability of the resins.
Prangins; Lausanne Ecole Polytechnique Federale
SWITZERLAND; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 1001674
Item 82
Polymer Preprints
Papers are presented at the ACS meeting held Chicago
I1, 25th-30th March
2007, 48, No.1, p.907
NANOSTRUCTURING POLYMERS WITH
CYCLODEXTRINS
Rusa M; Uyar T; Rusa C; Tonelli A E
The effects on the conformations morphologies and thermal
characteristics of polyethylene terephthalate samples
produced by coalescence from their gamma-cyclodextrin-
inclusion complex crystals are described. The formation
of inclusion compounds between block copolymers and
cyclodextrins is shown to enhance phase segregation of
blocks. Potential synthetic routes to polymer-cyclodextrin
inclusion compounds and their brushes ordered three-
dimensionally on surfaces are also proposed. The formation
of these materials on surfaces may permit fabrication of
new nanoscopic devices and should provide a means to
assessing mechanical electrical and optical properties of
ordered and highly extended polymer chains that are free
of interchain coupling. 10 refs.
North Carolina State University
USA
Accession no. 1001443
Item 83
European Polymer Journal
43, No.8, 2007, p.3277
BIREFRINGENCE CONTROL FOR BINARY
BLENDS OF CELLULOSE ACETATE
PROPIONATE AND POLY(VINYL ACETATE)
Yamaguchi M; Masuzawa K
Structure and optical properties for binary blends
composed of biomass-based cellulose acetate propionate
(CAP) and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) have been studied.
It is found that the blends exhibit high level of transparency
although the dynamic mechanical analysis in the solid
state suggests that phase separation occurs in the blend.
Furthermore the birefringence resulting from molecular
orientation decreases with increasing the content of PVAc.
In particular the blend with approximately 50 wt% of PVAc
exhibits no birefringence even after stretching. 21 refs.
Japan Advanced Institute of Science & Technology
JAPAN
Accession no. 1001388
Item 84
Polymer Degradation and Stability
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 45
92, No.8, 2007, p.1555
A NOVEL INTUMESCENT FLAME-RETARDANT
SYSTEM CONTAINING METAL CHELATES FOR
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
De-Long Wang; Ya Liu; De-Yi Wang; Chun-Xia Zhao;
Yu-Rong Mou; Yu-Zhong Wang
A novel ﬂame retardant containing phosphorous-nitrogen
structure the ammonium salt of 2-hydroxyl-55-dimethyl-
22-oxo-132-dioxapho sphorinane (PNOH) was synthesised
and its structure was characterized by
1
H NMR and FTIR
spectra. PNOH was used together with ammonium
polyphosphate (APP) to prepare a novel intumescent ﬂame
retardant (IFR) for polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). When a few
amounts (0.5%) of metal chelates were added the ﬂame
retardancy of the IFR-PVA systems was signiﬁcantly
improved having a high LOI value of 34.2 in a total IFR
loading of 15 wt%. In order to have an understanding of the
resulting ﬂame retardant effects the thermal degradation
behaviours of IFR-PVA systems were investigated by
thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the morphology
and structures of residues generated in different conditions
were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy
(SEM) and FTIR spectra. The results show that NiSAO
can promote the thermal stability of the IFR-PVA; the
residual char containing polyphosphoric or phosphoric
acid is formed during the combustion; the formation
of a continuous and dense char layer could inhibit the
transmission of heat during contacting with ﬂame and
shows good ﬂame retardancy. 32 refs.
Sichuan University
CHINA
Accession no. 1001332
Item 85
Polymer Preprints
Papers are presented at the ACS meeting held Chicago
I1, 25th-30th March
2007, 48, No.1, p.571
DEGRADATION MECHANISM AND KINETIC
MODELING OF INTUMESCENT FLAME
RETARDED POLY(VINYL ACETATE)
Bart R; Rahier H; Assche G V; Van Mele B
The degradation mechanism and decomposition kinetics of
poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and ﬂame-retarded composites
of EVA and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) were
examined in various atmospheres by thermogravimetry and
by solid-state NMR analysis of the degradation products.
A kinetic model was developed for the degradation of
PVAc-APP composites. The stability of the composites
is increased by mixing of APP into the PVAc matrix.
The optimal mixing ratio for crosslinking of PVAc-APP
composites while retaining maximum stability is 100:
20. 7 refs.
Brussels Vrije Universiteit
BELGIUM; EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
ECONOMIC COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; WESTERN
EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 1000551
Item 86
Reactive and Functional Polymers
67, No.8, 2007, p.708
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
HYBRID POLYMERIC NETWORKS (HPN)
BASED ON POLYVINYL ALCOHOL/CHITOSAN
Rodrigues I R; De Camargo Forte M M; Azambuja D S;
Castagno K R L
The aims of this study are the preparation of hybrid
polymer network (HPN) hydrogels with slight differences
in their hydrophilic balance and evaluate the inﬂuence of
the chemical composition on the HPN for application as
solid polymeric electrolytes (SPEs). A hydrogels series
of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CHI) were prepared
using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent. The hydrogels
were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC) swelling ratio (SR) and electrochemical impedance
spectroscopy (EIS). For sample with higher chitosan in the
HPN the PVA crystallisation was decreased and HPN with
higher PVA content presented an increased swelling ratio.
The electrochemical impedance studies demonstrated that
the ionic conductivity of PVA/CHI HPN ﬁlms depend on
their composition and it is higher as the PVA content in
hydrogel was diminished. 21 refs.
Rio Grande do Sul Universidade Federal
BRAZIL
Accession no. 1000405
Item 87
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
18, No.7, 2007, p.535
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) (PVA)/SULFONATED
POLYHEDRAL OLIGOSILSESQUIOXANE
(SPOSS) HYBRID MEMBRANES FOR DIRECT
METHANOL FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS
Young-Wook Chang; Erdong Wang; Geumsig Shin;
Jung-Eun Han; Mather P T
Organic/inorganic hybrid membranes based on polyvinyl
alcohol and sulphonated polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane
crosslinked by ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride
are prepared. Proton conductivity increases and methanol
permeability decreases with increasing silsesquioxane
content. A conductivity of 0.042 S/cm is achieved. It
is proposed that the polar sulphonic acid groups of the
silsesquioxane cages assemble to provide ion conduction
pathways while the hydrophobic portions combine to form
a barrier to methanol permeation with improved thermal
stability. These materials are possible candidates for direct
methanol fuel cell applications. 24 refs.
References and Abstracts
46 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Hanyang University; Case Western Reserve University
KOREA; USA
Accession no. 999640
Item 88
Polymers and Polymer Composites
15, No.5, 2007, p.371
MORPHOLOGY AND VISCOELASTIC
PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL CHLORIDE)/
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) INCOMPATIBLE
BLENDS
Takeuchi K; Kamaguchi A; Nabeta M; Fujii S;
Nakamura Y; Iida T
PVC/polyvinyl alcohol incompatible blends were
investigated with respect to the pre-mixing method used
and the degree of saponiﬁcation of polyvinyl alcohol
on the morphology and viscoelastic properties of the
blend. A powder method and an aqueous solution mixing
method were both used as methods of controlling the
domain size in the incompatible blend by relaxing the
strong intramolecular hydrogen boding of PVA and
enhancing intermolecular interaction. The effect of the
pre-mixing method on the domain size in the PVC/PVA
blend was investigated using PVA with different levels
of saponiﬁcation and polymerisation. Furthermore the
effect on the domain size by adding PMMA which has
good compatibility with PVC as a third component
was investigated. The interaction between the blend
components was determined by measuring the viscoelastic
properties. 18 refs.
Osaka Institute of Technology.
JAPAN
Accession no. 999526
Item 89
Plastics Science and Technology
35, No.6, 2007, p.56
THE EFFECT OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE
PROPERTIES OF PVA FILM
Liu Zhongke; Yoong Kuigang
Polyvinyl alcohol was heat treated and the effect of heat
treatment on the mechanical properties surface resistivity
optical properties and electrical properties investigated.
3 refs.
Dalian Plastics Research Institute Co.Ltd.
CHINA
Accession no. 999190
Item 90
Polymer
48, No.14, 2007, p.4068
THERMO-ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF PVA-
NANOTUBE COMPOSITE FIBERS
Miaudet P; Bartholome C; Derre A; Maugey M; Sigaud
G; Zakri C; Poulin P
We present in this work an experimental study of the
resistivity of composite nanotube ﬁbres made of polyvinyl
alcohol and multiwalled carbon nanotubes. These ﬁbres
which exhibit exceptional mechanical properties could be
used for new conductive and multifunctional textiles or
composites. We report on their electrical properties and
draw two main conclusions: (i) when the ﬁbres contain
a large fraction of amorphous polymer a substantial
decrease of the resistivity is observed in the vicinity of
the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the pure PVA.
On the basis of X-ray diffraction characterisations we
believe that this behaviour results from the relaxation of
stress in the polymer-nanotube composite. Slight structural
modiﬁcations and partial loss of nanotube alignment at Tg
could yield an increase of the density of intertube contacts
and thereby to a decrease of the electrical resistivity.
(ii) Annealing the ﬁbres at high temperature reduces
the fraction of amorphous PVA which becomes more
crystalline. As a result the conductivity becomes more
stable and does not exhibit any abrupt variation at Tg.
Instead the conductivity is non-metallic with an effective
semi-conductor type behaviour as observed in other
nanotube composites or even in pure nanotube assemblies.
25 refs. Copyright (c)
Bordeaux 1 Universite
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 999109
Item 91
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
312, No.2, 2007, p.201
RELAXATION PHENOMENA IN POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)/FUMED SILICA AFFECTED BY
INTERFACIAL WATER
Gun'ko V M; Pissis P; Spanoudaki A; Zarko V I;
Nychiporuk Y M; Andriyko L S; Goncharuk E V;
Leboda R; Skubiszewska-Zieba J; Osovskii V D;
Ptushinskii Y G
Interaction of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with fumed
silica was investigated in the gas phase and aqueous
media using adsorption broadband dielectric relaxation
spectroscopy (DRS) thermally stimulated depolarisation
current (TSDC) infrared spectroscopy thermal analysis
and one-pass temperature-programmed desorption
(OPTPD) mass-spectrometry (MS) methods. PVA
monolayer formation leads to certain textural changes
in the system (after suspension and drying) because of
strong hydrogen bonding of the polymer molecules to
silica nanoparticles preventing strong interaction between
silica particles themselves. This strong interaction
promotes associative desorption of water molecules
at lower temperatures than in the case of silica alone.
Interaction of PVA with silica and residual water leads
to depression of glass transition temperature (Tg). There
are three types of dipolar relaxations at temperatures
lower and higher than the Tg value. A small amount of
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 47
adsorbed water leads to signiﬁcant conductivity with
elevating temperature. 66 refs.
Ukraine Institute of Surface Chemistry; Athens National
Technical University; Lublin Maria Curie-Sklodowska
University; Ukraine Institute of Physics
EASTERN EUROPE; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
UNION; GREECE; POLAND; UKRAINE; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 999066
Item 92
Polymer Composites
28, No.3, 2007, p.365
ELASTIC RESPONSE OF NANOCOMPOSITE
POLY(VINYLACETATE)-HYDROXYAPATITE
WITH VARYING PARTICLE SHAPE
Kalfus J; Jancar J
The mechanisms by which hydroxyapatite nanofiller
promotes reinforcement in poly(vinylacetate) matrix is
investigated. Hydroxyapatite nanoﬁllers with spherical
and platelet particle shape were synthesised. Particle size
was in the range from 5 to 60 nm. Filler concentration in
composites was limited to maximum of 5 vol% to minimize
ﬁller networking. Effect of the nanoﬁller particle shape
on the elastic response of nanocomposite was examined
using dynamic-mechanical thermal spectroscopy. Attempt
to interpret the observed phenomena was based on the
molecular approach. 26 refs.
Brno University of Technology
CZECH REPUBLIC
Accession no. 998976
Item 93
European Polymer Journal
43, No.7, 2007, p.2809
BICOMPONENT ALIGNED NANOFIBERS
OF N-CARBOXYETHYLCHITOSAN AND
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Mincheva R; Manolova N; Rashkov I
Bicomponent nanofibres of N-carboxyethylchitosan
(CECh) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were obtained
by electrospinning of mixed aqueous solutions. The
electrospinning of CECh-containing nanofibres was
enabled by the ability of PVA to form an elastically
deformable entanglement network based on hydrogen
bonds. The average diameters of the bicomponent ﬁbres
were in the range 100-420nm. Water-resistant nanoﬁbrous
mats were obtained by thermal crosslinking at 100 deg.C
for 10h. Nanoﬁbrous materials with 1D- 1D-transversery
or 3D ﬁbre alignment were obtained depending on the type
of the collector used. 29 refs.
Soﬁa Institute of Polymers
BULGARIA; EASTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 998790
Item 94
Proceedings of the 65th SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC) held Cincinnati OH
6th-11th May, 2007, p.2647
PHYSICS OF AMORPHOUS POLYMERS
McKenna G B
Amorphous polymers are of continuing great fundamental
and practical interest. From the melt state through the
glass transition these materials exhibit highly nonlinear
properties that are readily interrogated using methods of
both linear and nonlinear rheology and mechanics. In this
paper several novel methods are examined which have been
developed by the author to investigate swelling in rubber
nonlinear behaviour of polymer glasses and the behaviour
of materials at the nanoscale 23 refs.
Lubbock Texas Tech University; Ecole Superieure de
Physique and Chimie Industrielles de la Ville de Paris
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 998492
Item 95
International Journal of Polymeric Materials
56, No.4-6, 2007, p.579
STRUCTURAL ELECTRICAL AND OPTICAL
CHARACTERIZATION OF PURE AND DOPED
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)(PVA) POLYMER
ELECTROLYTE FILMS
Bhargav P B; Mohan V M; Sharma A K; Rao V V R N
A sodium ion conducting polymer electrolyte based on
PVAl complexed with sodium iodide was prepared using
the solution casting technique. The structural properties of
composite PVAl polymer electrolyte ﬁlms were examined
by X-ray diffraction(XRD). The XRD results revealed that
the amorphous domains of PVAl polymer matrix increased
in size with the increase of NaI salt concentration. The
variation in ﬁlm morphology was examined by SEM.
FTIR spectra studies for pure PVAl and complexed ﬁlms
revealed the vibrational changes that occurred due to the
effect of dopant salt in the polymer. DC conductivity was
measured in the temperature range of 303-373 deg K and
the conductivity was found to increase with the increase
of dopant concentration as well as temperature. Optical
absorption studies were made in the wavelength range 200-
600 nm. The absorption edge direct band gap and indirect
band gap values were evaluated. 26 refs.
Sri Venkateswara University
INDIA
Accession no. 998323
Item 96
Polymer Bulletin
58, No.5-6, 2007, p.913
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
BIODEGRADATION AND WATER VAPOUR
PERMEABILITY OF BLEND FILMS OF
References and Abstracts
48 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE AND POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) COMPATIBILIZED BY GLYCEROL
Jun-Feng Su; Zhen Huang; Kai Liu; Ling-Ling Fu;
Hong-Ru Liu
Blend ﬁlms of soy protein isolate (SPI) and poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) compatibilised by glycerol were prepared by
casting from solution and their mechanical biodegradation
and water-vapour permeability products were examined.
The blended ﬁlm degraded more slowly than pure SPI.
The stress at yield point stress at break point and Young's
modulus of the SPI/PVA blend were decreased and the
percentage elongation at the yield point and at the break
point were increased compared with the corresponding
values for SPI. The water vapour permeability of SPI/PVA/
glycerol showed a minimum at an SPI/PVA ratio of 100:35
compatibilised with 3.5% of glycerol. 37 refs.
Tianjin University of Commerce
CHINA
Accession no. 997866
Item 97
Proceedings of the 65th SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC) held Cincinnati OH
2007, p.184
ADHESION PROMOTION USING FLAME
PLASMA SURFACE TREATMENT
DiGiacomo J Flynn
The converting industry uses a signiﬁcant amount of
polyolefins from polyethylene coated paper board to
metallised paper & ﬁlm as well as polyoleﬁn thin ﬁlms.
Plastics are composed of non-polar long chain molecules
with low surface energy. They are inert molecules. Unlike
materials with high surface energies like metals and
ceramics virgin plastics do not contain the available bond
sites provided by charged ions distributed over the surface.
These provide for Van der Waals bonding forces. Without
this molecular attraction (Van der Waals forces) liquids
fail to ôwet out or adhere to the surface resulting in poor
adhesion of an ink coating adhesive or lamination. As long
as solvent based coatings inks and adhesives were used
in converting processes surface modiﬁcation or surface
treatment was not usually required or if it was the level of
treatment was relatively low. As a general rule acceptable
adhesion is achieved if the surface energy of the substrate
that is the ability to attract a liquid is 10 dynes/cm higher
than the surface tension i.e. the resistance to spreading
of the coating ink etc. of the liquid. In this situation
the liquid is said to ôwet outö or adhere to the surface.
Surface tension is a measurement of surface energy a
property of liquids due to molecular forces by which all
liquids through contraction of the surface tend to bring the
contained volume into a shape having the minimal area.
A liquid placed on a ﬂat horizontal surface will either lay
ﬂat on the surface called ôwetting outö or form a spherical
drop know as ôdewettingö An in-between state can also
exist. The nomenclature is surface tension for solids it is
surface energy for solids. The units are force/unit length
or dynes/cm. The angle that the droplet or edge of the
liquid makes with the solid is called the contact angle.
Contact angles are both advancing (forward) and receding
(backward). The lower the contact bangle the better the
wettability. 2 refs.
Flynn Burner Corp.
USA
Accession no. 997416
Item 98
Proceedings of the 65th SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC) held Cincinnati OH
2007, p.138
NANOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
ULTRATHIN POLYMERS
Xu S; O'Connell P A; McKenna G B
A novel micro-bubble inﬂation method to measure the
viscoelastic properties of ultra-thin polymer ﬁlms over a
range of stresses and temperatures has been developed.
The method is capable of measuring the biaxial creep
compliance response of ﬁlms as thin as 13 nm. Some
prior experiments are summarised that show a dramatic
stiffening of both poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and
polystyrene (PS) in the rubbery regime at the reduced
thickness but a material speciﬁc degree of reduction in the
glass transition temperature. In addition preliminary results
of creep recovery experiments and thin ﬁlm rupture images
are shown that suggest that the method can be used for a
broader range of mechanical measurements than originally
anticipated. 10 refs.
Texas Technical University
USA
Accession no. 997408
Item 99
European Polymer Journal
43, No.6, 2007, p.2171
RADIOLYTIC SYNTHESIS AND
CHARACTERIZATION OF AG-PVA
NANOCOMPOSITES
Krkljes A N; Marinovic-Cincovic M T; Kacarevic-
Popovic Z M; Nedeljkovic J M
The Ag-PVA nanocomposites with different contents of
inorganic phase were prepared by reduction of Ag
+
ions
in aqueous PVA solution by gamma irradiation followed
by solvent evaporation. Optical properties of the colloidal
solutions and the nanocomposite ﬁlms were investigated
using UV-vis spectroscopy. Structural characterisation
of the Ag nanoparticles was performed by TEM and
XRD. Interaction of the Ag nanoparticles with polymer
matrix and the heat resistance of the nanocomposites were
followed by IR spectroscopy and DSC analysis. IR spectra
indicated that Ag nanoﬁller interact with PVA chain over
OH groups. The changes of heat resistance upon the
increase of the content of inorganic phase are correlated
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 49
to the adsorption of polymer chains on the surface of Ag
nanoparticles. 28 refs.
Belgrade Institute of Nuclear Sciences
SERBIA
Accession no. 996672
Item 100
Polymer
48, No.13, 2007, p.3850
SOLID-STATE 13C NMR INVESTIGATION OF
THE STRUCTURE AND HYDROGEN BONDING
FOR STEREOREGULAR POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) FILMS IN THE HYDRATED STATE
Ohgi H; Yang H; Sato T; Horii F
The structure and hydrogen bonding of the hydrated
stereoregular poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ﬁlms have been
investigated by high-resolution solid-state
13
C NMR
spectroscopy. It is found by the
13
C spin-lattice relaxation
analysis that there exist three components with different
T1C values assigned to the crystalline less mobile and
mobile components for the hydrated syndiotactic PVA
(S-PVA) and highly isotactic PVA (HI-PVA) films.
The line shape analysis indicates that the probability
of intramolecular hydrogen bonding is appreciably
increased in the crystalline region for the S-PVA ﬁlms
by the hydration but a slightly helical structure which
is probably allowed by the formation of the successive
intramolecular hydrogen bondings along the chains in the
crystalline region seems not to undergo any signiﬁcant
change by the hydration for HI-PVA. This fact indicates
that intramolecular hydrogen bonding is more stable in
the hydrated state in the crystalline region. As for the less
mobile component the line shape of the CH resonance
line for the hydrated S-PVA or HI-PVA ﬁlms is found
to be very similar to that of the corresponding crystalline
component probably being due to the successive formation
of intermolecular or intramolecular hydrogen bonding in
the interfacial region which mainly contributes to the less
mobile component for the S-PVA or HI-PVA ﬁlms even
in the hydrated state. The mole fractions of the mm mr and
rr sequences are also estimated for the mobile component
that is produced in each stereoregular PVA sample by
swelling with water and it is concluded that no prominent
preferential partitioning of the mm mr and rr sequences
occurs in the crystalline and noncrystalline regions for the
PVA ﬁlms with different tacticities. 30 refs.
Kuraray Co.Ltd.; Kyoto University
JAPAN
Accession no. 996664
Item 101
Chemical Week
169, No.20, 2007, p.41
VAM
Global demand for vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) reached
an all-time high of 4.8 million m.t. in 2006 but the addition
of nearly 700000 m.t/ of capacity in the last two years
dragged down global operating rates to 83% according to
SRI Consulting. Rising acetic acid and ethylene feedstock
prices have prompted Dow Chemical to announce price
increases which took effect May 24. The VAM market
shifted from balanced to tight in recent weeks due to
production problems in Europe and the US. Global VAM
demand is expected to grow at 3.3-3.8%/year through
2011. Most applications are mature including major end
uses such as polyvinyl acetates and polyvinyl alcohol. The
fastest-growing application sector will be EVOH resins
which are projected to grow by 6-7%/year for the next
ﬁve years. This is unlikely to have a signiﬁcant impact on
VAM demand however because EVOH accounts for only
minor quantities of VAM demand.
SRI Consulting
WORLD
Accession no. 996434
Item 102
Polymer Degradation and Stability
92, No.6, 2007, p.1061
A THERMAL DEGRADATION MECHANISM
OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL/SILICA
NANOCOMPOSITES
Zheng Peng; Ling Xue Kong
The thermal degradation mechanism of a novel polyvinyl
alcohol/silica (PVA/SiO
2
) nanocomposite prepared with
self-assembly and solution-compounding techniques is
presented. Due to the presence of SiO
2
nanoparticles the
thermal degradation of the nanocomposite compared to
that of pure PVA occurs at higher temperatures requires
more reaction activation energy (E) and possesses
higher reaction order (n). The PVA/SiO
2
nanocomposite
similar to the pure PVA thermally degrades as a two-
step-degradation in the temperature ranges of 300-450
deg.C and 450-550 deg.C respectively. However the
introduction of SiO
2
nanoparticles leads to a remarkable
change in the degradation mechanism. The degradation
products identified by Fourier transform infrared/
thermogravimetric analysis (FTIR/TGA) and pyrolysis-
gas chromatography/mass spectrometric analysis (Py-
GC/MS) suggests that the ﬁrst degradation step of the
nanocomposite mainly involves the elimination reactions
of H
2
O and residual acetate groups as well as quite a few
chain-scission reactions. The second degradation step is
dominated by chain-scission reactions and cyclisation
reactions and continual elimination of residual acetate
groups is also found in this step. 31 refs. Copyright (c)
2007 Elsevier Ltd.
Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences;
South Australia University
AUSTRALIA; CHINA
Accession no. 996422
References and Abstracts
50 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Item 103
Colloid and Polymer Science
285, No.2, 2006, p.185
INFLUENCE OF ADDITIVES ON MODEL
EMULSION POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL
ACETATE (VAC) USING POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) (PVA) AS A PROTECTIVE COLLOID
Suzuki A; Yano M; Kikuchi K; Okaya T
The inﬂuence of low molec.wt. alcohols such as isopropyl
alcohol and additives such as acetone acetic acid and
acetonitrile on the mechanism of particle nucleation
grafting of vinyl acetate onto PVAl during emulsion
polymerisation of vinyl acetate in a 1% aqueous solution
with ammonium persulphate and degree of polymerisation
of the resulting polymers. The addition of alcohols strongly
affected particle formation particularly grafting which was
attributed to competition between hydrogen abstraction
from PVAl and alcohol with a sulphate radical. Acetone
addition gave rise to a decrease in grafting and increases
in particle size and the number of polymer molecules in a
polymer particle. 19 refs.
Shiga Prefecture University
JAPAN
Accession no. 996049
Item 104
Materials Letters
61, No.16, 2007, p.3542
A NEW CRYSTAL MORPHOLOGY OF
STRAIGHT-STALK DENDRITES IN BLENDS
OF POLY(BUTYLENE ADIPATE) WITH
AMORPHOUS POLY(VINYL ACETATE)
Woo E M; Chao-Shun Chang; Ming Chien Wu
Discontinuity in crystallisation rates and a new and unusual
morphology consisting of thickened straight-stalks crystal
lamellae with also straight branches radiating out from a
common nucleus were observed in blends of poly(vinyl
acetate) (PVAc) with poly(14-butylene adipate) (PBA).
The discontinuity in the crystal growth and mechanisms
of straight-dendrite morphology of the PVAc/PBA blends
were analyzed using polarized-light optical microscopy
(POM) differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and
wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). The discontinuity
in crystallisation rate and dendritic morphology occurred
only at or near PVAc/PBA 10/90 blend composition upon
crystallisation at high-temperature regimes of Tc=30-33
deg.C. By comparison when crystallised at the same
temperatures PVAc/PBA blends of amorphous polymer
loading greater than 15% or the neat PBA (amorphous
polymer loading=0) developed no dendrites but only
typical Maltese-cross spherulites. Mechanism of straight
dendrites in the blends is preliminarily expounded.
Detailed interpretation requires further analyses. 12 refs.
Taiwan National Cheng Kung University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 995869
Item 105
Polymer
48, No.10, 2007, p.2939
NOVEL PVA-SILICA NANOCOMPOSITE
MEMBRANE FOR PERVAPORATIVE
DEHYDRATION OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL
AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Ruili Guo; Xiaocong Ma; Changlai Hu; Zhongyi Jiang
To effectively suppress the swelling of poly(vinyl
al cohol ) (PVA) membrane pol ymer-i norgani c
nanocomposite membranes composed of PVA and
gamma-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) were
prepared by in situ sol-gel technique for pervaporative
separation of water-ethylene glycol (EG) mixtures.
Effects of the types of catalyst for sol-gel process and
MPTMS content on the physical and chemical structure
of PVA-silica nanocomposite membranes (designated as
PVA-MPTMS hereafter) were investigated by 29Si NMR
FTIR SEM XRD and TGA-DTA. Due to the formation
of more compact crosslinked structure nanocomposite
membranes exhibited enhanced thermal stability. It was
found that when 50 wt% of MPTMS was incorporated
into PVA the nanocomposite membranes possessed
optimum pervaporation performance for 80 wt% EG
aqueous solution at 70 deg.C. Unexpectedly there was no
improvement in the pervaporation performance of PVA-
MPTMS nanocomposite membranes after mercapto group
was oxidised into sulphonic group. 24 refs. Copyright (c)
2007 Elsevier Ltd.
Tianjin University
CHINA
Accession no. 995484
Item 106
Macromolecular Symposia
No.249/250, 2007, p.456
THE EFFECTS OF MWD ON THE
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SHEAR-
INDUCED STRUCTURAL FORMATION FOR
PVA SOLUTIONS IN DMSO
Eun Jeoung Lee; Byoung Chul Kim
Pol yvi nyl al cohol sol ut i ons were prepared i n
dimethylsulphoxide and the effects of the molecular weight
distribution of the polymer on the shear induced structure
formation in the solution was studied using rheometric
methods. Dyad content of the polymer was determined
using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Time
dependence of rheological properties depended on
molecular weight distribution (MWD) at a particular
polymer molecular weight with dynamic viscosity lower
for a broad MWD on the ﬁrst rheometer sweep but higher
on the second sweep. Results were explained by the
formation of a gel structure through the solution that was
affected by shear conditions and MWD. 22 refs.
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 51
Hanyang University
KOREA
Accession no. 995000
Item 107
Materials Chemistry & Physics
103, No.1, 2007, p.118
POLY(VINYL ACETATE)-CLAY HYBRIDS
PREPARED VIA EMULSION POLYMERIZATION
ASSISTED BY A NONIONIC SURFACTANT
Corobea M C; Uricanu V; Donescu D; Radovici C;
Serban S; Garea S; Iovu H
Hybrid materials containing poly(vinyl acetate) and
montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared using an one-batch
emulsion polymerisation recipe assisted by a nonionic
surfactant. To explain the results of our experiments a
thorough investigation of the speciﬁc interactions between
the compounds was done in the wet as well as the dried
state of the end-products. In dispersion polymer-surfactant
interactions were found to be driven by hydrophobic
coupling into superficial (mixt) admicelles. Another
important finding is that the amount of clay used in
the recipes and its relative concentration with respect
to the other reaction partners inﬂuences drastically the
morphological units in the end-products. For low [MMT]
well-defined spherical particles are formed. At the
other extreme for high [MMT] production of polymeric
water-swollen aggregates is favoured. A small amount of
reformed MMT tactoids was detected in all casted hybrid
ﬁlms indicating that most of the inorganic is dispersed in
the organic phase. 86 refs.
Bucharest Chemical Research Institute; Twente
University; Bucharest Polytechnical University
EASTERN EUROPE; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
UNION; NETHERLANDS; RUMANIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 994395
Item 108
European Polymer Journal
43, No.5, 2007, p.2035
MORPHOLOGY ASSESSMENT OF
CHEMICALLY MODIFIED CRYOSTRUCTURED
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) HYDROGEL
El Fray M; Pilaszkiewicz A; Swieszkowski W;
Kurzydlowski K J
The morphology of hydrogels based on poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) in their frozen hydrated state modiﬁed
with biologically active di- and multifunctional molecules
was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with
cryo-attachment. The porosity of samples was found
to be more regular and ordered in the case of samples
containing difunctional and especially multifunctional
carboxylic acids as compared to the neat PVA hydrogel.
The morphology is dependent not only from the hydrogel
composition but also the number of freezing-thawing
cycles. Resulted highly porous and oriented structure
has signiﬁcant inﬂuence on materials properties such as
compressive stress and crosslinking density. 16 refs.
Szczecin University of Technology; Warsaw University
EASTERN EUROPE; POLAND
Accession no. 993627
Item 109
Polymer Preprints
2006, 49, No.2, p.926
ROLE OF THE DEGREE OF HYDROLYSIS
AND BLOCKINESS OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) (PVA) IN THE INITIAL STAGE OF
EMULSION POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL
METHACRYLATE (MMA) USING PVA AS A
PROTECTIVE COLLOID
Suzuki A; Nakajima A; Kikuchi K; Okaya T Shiga
The inﬂuence of the degree of hydrolysis and blockiness
of polyvinyl alcohol on model experiments of emulsion
polymerisation of methyl methacrylate in a 1% aqueous
solution is studied. The main reaction is hydrogen
abstraction from PVA yielding the particle nucleation by
grafting. The grafted chains form particles by coagulation.
A low degree of hydrolysis leads to the new particle
nucleation with an increase in grafting. A high degree
of hydrolysis strongly affects the mechanism of particle
growth with a decrease in grafting. 10 refs.
Prefecture University
JAPAN
ACCESSION NO. 993234
Item 110
Polymer Preprints
2006, 47, No.2, p.922
PREPARATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) NANOFIBERS
CONTAINING SILVER NANOPARTICLES
Wen-Ji Jin; Jeong Jeon; Eun Hwan Jeong; Ji Hye Hong;
Ji Ho Youk
Polyvinyl alcohol nanoﬁbres containing silver nanoparticles
are electrospun from solution for use in wound dressing
applications. The solutions are prepared by reﬂuxing PVA/
silver nitrate aqueous solutions. The thermal properties
of PVA nanoﬁbres are improved by introducing small
amounts of Ag. 5 refs.
Inha University
KOREA
Accession no. 993232
Item 111
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
104, No.3, 2007, p.1451
PH-CONTROLLED UPHILL TRANSPORT
OF BORIC ACID THROUGH A POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) (PVA) MEMBRANE
References and Abstracts
52 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Shimada T; Lizuka A; Shiojiri K; Yarnasaki A;
Yanagisawa Y
The effects of pH conditions either side of a polyvinyl
alcohol membrane on the transport of boric acid through
the membrane were examined and it was shown that uphill
transport of the boric acid would take place under certain
conditions. Normal permeation based on concentration
occurred under equal pH conditions but uphill transport
took place when the acid side was kept at pH 5 and the
base side at pH 10 and the concentration each side was
initially equal. Permeation rate differences of trivalent
and tetravalent boron hydroxide entities were used in the
explanation of the phenomenon. 17 refs.
Tokyo University; AIST
JAPAN
Accession no. 992319
Item 112
European Polymer Journal
43, No.4, 2007, p.1549
MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL-CO-VINYL ACETATE)-
G-EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE
Becquart F; Taha M; Zerroukhi A; Kaczun J; Llauro M F
Microstructural studies of Poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl
acetate)-g-polycaprolactone (PVA-Ac)-g-(PCL) were
realized principally using NMR. Initial PVA-Ac has
a rather blocky structure with an average sequence
length of PVA units equal to 12.5. During the synthesis
of the studied (PVA-Ac)-g-(PCL) alcoholysis and
transesteriﬁcation reactions led to PCL grafts with acetate
end groups. These reactions typically concern 2-5.5%
of the total acetate groups. The inﬂuence of the local
tacticity on the alcohol triad reactivity was evidenced
and explained the incomplete functionalisation of the
PVA-Ac hydroxyl groups. Alcoholysis reactions were also
evidenced but with a very low rate in the tested conditions.
Caprolactone homopolymerisation was not observed.
Other properties of the ﬁnal synthesised copolymers were
also presented. Crystallinity totally disappeared in the
(PVA-Ac)-g-(PCL). The glass transition temperature was
perfectly adjustable by the Fox law without signiﬁcant
modiﬁcation of the viscoelastic properties characterized
by dynamic rheology. 9 refs.
St.Etienne Universite Jean Monnet; BASF AG;
Federation des Polymeristes Lyonnais
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 992089
Item 113
European Polymer Journal
43, No.4, 2007, p.1123
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES
OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/SILICA
NANOCOMPOSITES DERIVED FROM
COPOLYMERIZATION OF VINYL SILICA
NANOPARTICLES AND VINYL ACETATE
Xin Jia; Yanfeng Li; Qiong Cheng; Shujiang Zhang; Bo
Zhang
Nanocomposi t es of pol y(vi nyl al cohol )/ si l i ca
nanoparticles (PVA-SNs) were prepared by in-situ
radical copolymerisation of vinyl silica nanoparticles
functionalised by vinyltriethoxysilane (VTEOS) and
vinyl acetate with benzoyl peroxide (BPO i.e. initiator)
subsequently saponiﬁed via direct hydrolysis with NaOH
solution. The resulting vinyl silica nanoparticles PVA-SNs
were characterized by means of Fourier transformation
spectroscopy (FTIR) transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and the elemental analysis method. Effects of silica
nanoparticles on viscosity and alcoholysis of PVA-SNs
were studied by a ubbelohode capillary viscometer and
the back titration method. The morphological structure
of PVA-SN ﬁlms was investigated by scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). Differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC) thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile
test were used to determine the thermal and mechanical
properties of PVA-SN ﬁlms. The results indicated that
the content of vinyl groups on the surface of the vinyl
silica nanoparticles was up to 3.02 mmol/g and vinyl
silica nanoparticles had been successfully copolymerized
with vinyl acetate. Furthermore compared to pure PVA
silica nanoparticles bonded with polymer matrix in a low
concentration affected the viscosity and alcoholysis of the
PVA-SNs materials. At the same time it resulted in the
improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties
of the PVA-SN materials due to a strong interaction
between silica nanoparticles and the polymer matrix via
a covalent bond. It could be found that the optical clarity
of the membrane was changed through UV-Vis absorption
spectrum due to the introduction of silica nanoparticles.
30 refs.
Lanzhou University; Hexi University
CHINA
Accession no. 992048
Item 114
Composites Part A
38, No.5, 2007, p.1403
STRUCTURAL BIOCOMPOSITES FROM
FLAX - PART II: THE USE OF PEG AND PVA AS
INTERFACIAL COMPATIBILISING AGENTS
Liu Q; Stuart T; Hughes M; Sharma H S S; Lyons G
Flax ﬁbre pre-treated in a 2-step process with a chelating
agent for calcium followed by a commercial pectinolytic
enzyme preparation was modified with either PVA
(poly(vinyl acetate)) or PEG (poly(ethylene glycol)). After
treatment the ﬁbres were found to have undergone surface
and bulk chemical changes identiﬁed through near infra-
red spectroscopy (NIR) and differential thermo gravimetry
(DTG). Changes to the linear density of the ﬁbre were also
found to have occurred. Modiﬁcation with PVA and PEG
did not result in any change in the ﬁbre Young's modulus
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 53
but did result in a loss in tensile strength of about 15%
accompanied by an increase in the coefﬁcient of variation
from around 10% to 25% indicating structural change to
the ﬁbre. When used as reinforcement in an epoxy matrix
composite an increase in the composite's Young's modulus
from ~4.5 GPa to 5.5 GPa was observed accompanied by
a reduction in tensile strength strain to failure and work-
of-fracture. It is believed that the PVA and PEG modify
the interfacial behaviour in these systems improving ﬁbre
and matrix adhesion. 31 refs.
Wales University; Belfast Queen's University; Helsinki
University of Technology; Northern Ireland Department
of Agriculture
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FINLAND;
SCANDINAVIA; UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 992011
Item 115
Materials Letters
61, No.10, 2007, p.2015
ONE-STEP PREPARATION OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)-PROTECTED PT NANOPARTICLES
THROUGH A HEAT-TREATMENT METHOD
Luo Y; Sun X
A heat-treatment method for the preparation of well-
stable polymer-protected Pt nanoparticles in the range of
2-7 nm in diameter is demonstrated. The formation of Pt
nanoparticles occurs in a single step process carried out
by heating an aqueous solution containing a poly(vinyl
alcohol) polymer and H
2
PtCl
6
with the use of PVA to
serve as both a reducing reagent and a protective reagent.
The Pt nanoparticles were characterized by UV-vis
absorption spectra transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and the
Pt nanoparticle formation process was further investigated
by in situ UV-vis experiment. 19 refs.
China West Normal University
CHINA
Accession no. 991977
Item 116
Polymer Preprints
2006, 47, No.2, p.124
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
OF BIODEGRADABLE NANOPARTICLES FOR
TARGETED CANCER THERAPY
Ozturk E; Denkbas E B; Berestein G L
Nanoparticles of poly(L-lactide) (PLA) and chitosan
were prepared with a view to using these in targeted
cancer therapy. The PLA nanoparticles were prepared
by a double emulsion method. Chitosan nanoparticles
formed spontaneously when an aqueous tripolyphosphate
(TPP) solution was added to chitosan solution under
magnetic stirring. The size of the PLA nanoparticles was
230-350 nm and depended on the polymer and surfactant
concentration. The chitosan particle size depended on the
polymer and TPP concentration and was between 280 and
730 nm. Studies were under way on the modiﬁcation of
the nanoparticles and ligand coating for active targeting
of cancer cells. 6 refs.
HacettepeUniversity; TexasUniversity
TURKEY; USA
Accession no. 991827
Item 117
E-Polymers
No.33, 2007, p.1
CHARACTERIZATION OF GENIPIN
CROSSLINKED HYDROGELS COMPOSED OF
CHITOSAN AND PARTIALLY HYDROLYZED
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Nand A V; Rohindra D R; Khurma J R
The synthesis of hydrogels based on semi-interpenetrating
networks of chitosan and partially hydrolysed poly(vinyl
alcohol)(PVA) in various proportions crosslinked with
genipin a naturally occurring non-toxic crosslinking agent
is described. The effects of temperature pH and proportion
of PVA in the gel on swelling properties were investigated
and the states of water in the swollen hydrogels were
studied using DSC. 18 refs.
South Paciﬁc University
FIJI
Accession no. 991423
Item 118
Polymer Preprints
2006, 47, No.2, p.837
DIFFUSIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF
NANOPARTICLES IN A POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) HYDROGEL
Tester C C; DiCiccio A M; Chen W
The diffusion characteristics of rhodamine B a model
reagent and gold nanoparticles in a poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVOH) hydrogel were examined. In the case of
rhodamine B the diffusion and partition coefﬁcients were
6 x 10
-7
cm
2
/s and 1.8 respectively: these values were
independent of the size and shape of the gels as well as the
direction of diffusion. These results indicate that diffusion
in the gel is much slower than that in solution and there are
favourable interactions between rhodamine B and PVOH.
Initial studies of the gold nanoparticles suggest that there
are problems in determining the diffusive characteristics
of a reactive species. 5 refs.
Mount Holyoke College
USA
Accession no. 991334
Item 119
Brittle Matrix Composites 8: Proceedings of a
conference held Warsaw Poland 2006, Eds., A.M.
Brandt; V.C. Liv; I.H. Marshall, Woodhead Publishing
References and Abstracts
54 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
2006, p.65
INFLUENCE OF WATER-SOLUBLE POLYMERS
ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF CEMENT
MORTARS
Knapen E; Van Gemert D; KU Leuven
In this paper the inﬂuence of water-soluble polymers
on the microstructure of cement mortars is discussed.
Cement hydration and polymer ﬁlm formation are studied
by means of SEM investigation and thermal analysis.
The water-soluble polymers used were polyvinyl alcohol
polyvinyl acetate methyl cellulose and hydroxy cellulose.
Unmodified mortar beams did not show any well-
developed morphology of calcium hydroxide crystals at
the air void surfaces. Modiﬁcation with small amounts of
the water-soluble polymers resulted in the formation of
needle-like C-S-H and calcium hydroxide crystals at those
surfaces. Mortars modiﬁed with 1% methylcellulose were
characterised by an abundant efﬂorescence of calcium
hydroxide crystals. Between the closely packed layers
of calcium hydroxide polymer bridges were detected
forming additional bridges between the crystals. Thermal
analyses showed a smaller amount of calcium hydroxide
In cement pastes modiﬁed with water-soluble polymers
but a higher total amount of bound water when compared
to the unmodiﬁed pastes. 14 refs.
BELGIUM; EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY;
EUROPEAN UNION; WESTERN EUROPE;
WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 991053
Item 120
Polymer Preprints.
2006, 47, No.2, p.693
SYNTHESIS OF HIGHLY ISOTACTIC
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BY LIVING CATIONIC
POLYMERIZATION
Hyun Jeong Jeon; Ji Hye Hong; Eun Hwan Jeong; Ji Ho
Youk; Souk Il Mah
Synthesis of poly(tert-butyl vinyl ether) using living
cationic polymerisation catalysed by iodine at a temperature
of -78 degrees centigrade and its subsequent conversion
to isotactic polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) by hydrolysis
using hydrogen bromide gas is described. The inﬂuence
of various reaction features on the tacticity of the PVOH
was discussed. Polymers were characterised using nuclear
magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel permeation
chromatography. 5 refs.
KOREA
Accession no. 990357
Item 121
Polymer Preprints
2006, 47, No.2, p.665
SYNTHESIS AND LUMINESCENCE STUDIES
OF POLY(VINYL ACETATE)-EUROPIUM(III)
COORDINATION COMPOUND
Zhichuan Wu; Xueqian Wang; Tingxian Tao; Yudong
Zhang; Yi Liu; Hao Fong
Synthesis of coordination compounds consisting of
polyvinyl acetate and europium ions and which could
be used as adhesive paints or in fabrics with unique
luminescent properties is described. Coordination
compounds were characterised using Fourier transform
infrared Raman ﬂuorescence and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopies. It was shown that luminescence emanated
from both europium ions and polymer ligands and that
ﬂuorescence was approximately 3 times stronger than that
from europium chloride solution. 4 refs.
CHINA; USA
Accession no. 990344
Item 122
Macromolecular Research
15, No.1, 2007, p.22
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF
WATERBORNE POLYURETHANE-UREA/
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BLENDS FOR HIGH
WATER VAPOUR PERMEABLE COATING
MATERIALS
Jong-Kook Yun; Hye-Jin Yoo; Han-Do Kim
Blending of aqueous polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) solution
and a waterborne polyurethane prepared by reacting
dihydroxymethyl propionic acid methyl pyrrolidone and
polytetramethylene oxide glycol was used to prepare high
water vapour permeable coating materials for polyamide
fabrics. The water soluble PVOH was dissolved out of the
coating to give the microporosity. The effect of PVOH
content on microporosity and permeability of the membrane
was evaluated and as PVOH content increased so did pore
size and permeability. Effects of dissolution time and
temperature were considered. Coatings were characterised
by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy gravimetric
analysis viscosity measurements thermogravimetric
analysis dynamic mechanical thermal analysis stress-strain
properties scanning electron microscopy and water vapour
permeability measurements. 23 refs
Korea Institute of Footwear & Leather Technology;
Pusan National University
KOREA
Accession no. 990314
Item 123
ICIS Chemical Business Americas
271, No.12, 2007, p.31
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
Kirschner M
A proﬁle of polyvinyl alcohol is presented including US
production capacities demand growth price uses market
perspective and outlook. The largest application sector for
PVAL in the US is the manufacture of polyvinyl butyral
presently growing 2% annually. Polyvinyl butyral is used
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 55
in laminated safety glass for automotive windshields and
load-resistant architectural glass applications. PVAL is
used as a modiﬁer in PVA emulsion adhesives that are
used to bind wood and paper products and comprise many
consumer glues as well. Annual growth in adhesives is
slightly less at 1.7%. Demand for PVAL in paper coatings
is expected to grow at 2.2% driven by increasing use of
recycled ﬁbres in printing stock. PVAL as a polymerisation
aid in emulsiﬁed PVA and PVC is also doing well with
growth projected at 2.5% annually.
Innovation Group
USA
Accession no. 990188
Item 124
Polymer Preprints
2006, 47, No.2, p.578
NOVEL COPOLYMERS OF VINYL ACETATE
AND ALKOXY RING-SUBSTITUTED 2-PHENYL-
11-DICYENOETHYLENES
Kharas G B; Russell S M; Diener C A; Johnson E A;
McCreary K E; Chlupsa E; Nguyen V A T; O'Brien M
R; Ogden-Schuette M E; Oliver J A; Walia N
Novel trisubstituted ethylenes ring substituted methyl
2-cyano-3-phenyl-2-propenoates are prepared via a
base catalysed condensation of appropriate substituted
benzaldehyde and malononitrile. The copolymerisation
of the monomers with vinyl acetate results in equimolar
alternating copolymers. The copolymers are characterised
by nitrogen analysis IR spectroscopy and NMR
spectroscopy. High glass transition temperatures indicates
a substantial decrease in chain mobility in comparison with
polyvinyl acetate due to the high dipolar character of the
trisubstituted monomer unit. Copolymers decompose in the
range 210-290 deg.C and occurs in two steps. 9 refs.
USA
Accession no. 990104
Item 125
European Polymer Journal
43, No.3, 2007, p.802
PREPARATION AND STUDY OF PPV/PVA
NANOFIBERS VIA ELECTROSPINNING PPV
PRECURSOR ALCOHOL SOLUTION
Wen Zhang; Eryun Yan; Zonghao Huang; Cheng Wang;
Yi Xin; Qiang Zhao; Yanbin Tong
We have found a simple method to prepare poly(phenylene
vinylene) (PPV) nanofibres via electrospinning PPV
precursor alcohol solution under annealed at 180 deg.C in
a N
2
atmosphere. The nanoﬁbres are uniform in diameter
and long in decimetre magnitudes with resistance in
decay which makes them have potential applications
in optical and electronic devices. The morphology can
be better controlled by blend PPV precursor solution
with poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) aqueous solution. The
ﬂuorescence spectrum of PPV/PVA nanoﬁbres exhibited
appreciable blue shift which made it possible to fabricate
nanoﬁbres with ﬂuorescence from yellow-green to blue.
14 refs. Copyright (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd.
China Northeast Normal University; Jimei Middle
School; Heilongjiang University
CHINA
Accession no. 989957
Item 126
Polymer Preprints
2006, 47, No.2, p.313
PROGRESS IN CLAY AEROGEL/POLYMER
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Schiraldi D A; Bandi S A; Gawryla M D
The preparation of composites containing clay aerogels
as nano-structured ﬁllers was examined. Low-density
aerogels can be produced from layered clays by using a
simple and robust freeze-drying process. These materials
possess a house-of-cards structure that can be ﬁlled or
partially ﬁlled with an organic polymer by using a variety
of simple processes to give interpenetrating structures
that exhibit synergistic thermal mechanical and chemical
properties are produced. For example polymerisation
of N-isopropylacrylamide in toluene in the presence
of a montmorillonite-derived aerogel gave composites
containing up to 98 wt% of polymer. Poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA)-aerogel composites were prepared by immersing
aerogel monoliths in a solution of the polymer or by
incorporating PVA in the clay gel used to produce the
aerogel. Reinforcement effects are evident at lower ﬁller
levels than are required with conventional exfoliated clays
resulting in lower overall densities in structural materials.
17 refs.
USA
Accession no. 989099
Item 127
Polymer Engineering and Science
47, No.1, 2007, p.43
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF
ELECTROSPUN POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/
SILVER FIBER WEB AS WOUND DRESSINGS
Hong K H
A novel wound dressing material was prepared by
electrospinning poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/AgNO
3

aqueous solution into nonwoven webs and then treating
the webs by heat or UV radiation. Through SEM TEM
and XPS analyses it was observed that the silver (Ag)
nanoparticles were generated and existed in the near
surface of the electrospun nanoﬁbres. It was found that
heat treatment as well as UV radiation reduced the Ag
3+

ions in the electrospun PVA/AgNO
3
ﬁbre web into the
Ag nanoparticles. Also the heat treatment improved the
crystallinity of the electrospun PVA ﬁbre web and so it
made the web unsolved in moisture environment. Therefore
it was concluded that the only heat treated electrospun
References and Abstracts
56 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
PVA/AgNO
3
ﬁbre web was a good material as wound
dressings because it had structural stability in moisture
environment as well as excellent antimicrobial ability
and quick and continuous release of the effectiveness.
13 refs.
California University at Davis
USA
Accession no. 987889
Item 128
Macromolecular Symposia
No.243, 2006, p.190
SYNTHESIS OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
AND/OR POLY(VINYL ACETATE) PARTICLES
WITH SPHERICAL MORPHOLOGY AND
CORE-SHELL STRUCTURE AND ITS USE IN
VASCULAR EMBOLIZATION
Peixoto L S; Silva F M; Niemeyer M A L; Espinosa G;
Melo P A; Nele M; Pinto J C
During vascular embolisation a ﬁne material is injected
through a catheter in the blood vessel next to a tumoral
region in order to interrupt the supply of nutrients to
the lesioned area. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is the most
frequently used material due to its low toxicity good
biocompatibility and desirable physical properties. Its
synthesis is performed by the suspension polymerisation of
vinyl acetate to produce polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) followed
by the saponiﬁcation of the PVAc particles. In this work
it is shown that by using the suspension polymerisation
technique it is possible to obtain spherical particles
with a core-shell structure of PVA/PVAc with a regular
morphology instead of particles with irregular shapes and
sizes as usually found in many commercial embolisation
products. This work presents details of the production of
PVA/PVAc spherical particles that can be used to occlude
blood vessels. 21 refs.
Rio de Janeiro Cidade Universitaria; Rio de Janeiro
Universidade Federal
BRAZIL
Accession no. 987658
Item 129
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineerin,
Fall Meeting
95, 2006, p.913
EFFECT OF PREPARATION METHODS ON
PROPERTIES OF CHITOSAN/POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) HYDROGELS
Guanghua He; Hua Zheng
Hydrogels based on blends of chitosan (CS) with
poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by chemical
crosslinking with glutaraldehyde by a freeze-thaw method
or by a combination of the two techniques. The hydrogels
showed a good miscibility between the CS and PVA phases
as a result of intermolecular hydrogen bonding but the
network structures were dependent on with the method
of preparation. Studies of the swelling kinetics at pH 1.0
and pH 7.4 showed that CS/PVA hydrogels prepared by
the freeze-thaw method had a higher swelling ratio but
gradually dissolved at pH 1.0. The introduction of a large
proportion of glutaraldehyde chemical crosslink led to
a decrease in residual free sensitive amino groups and
a decrease in the swelling ratio. Hydrogels made by a
combination of the two methods were relatively stable at
pH 1.0 and pH 7.4. 8 refs.
CHINA
Accession no. 987001
Item 130
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Fall Meeting
95, 2006, p.883
HIGH FLUX ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANES
BASED ON POLY(ACRYLONITRILE)
NANOFIBROUS SCAFFOLDS AND
CROSSLINKED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
COATING
Yoon K; Hsiao B S; Chu B
A new nanofibrous thin film composite ultrafiltration
(UF) membrane based on an electrospun membrane of
poly(acrylonitrile) with a cross-linked coating of poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) was prepared. The properties of the
membrane could be altered by controlling the diameter
of the electrospun ﬁbre the membrane thickness and the
molecular weights of the polymers in the coating. The
highest molecular weight of crosslinked PVA (PVA235)
gave a high and stable permeate ﬂux at pressures of 50-
130 psi. Compared with commercial high-ﬂux PAN UF
membranes in long-term (190 h) ﬁltration the PVA/PAN
composite membranes showed a much higher ﬂux combined
with a good rejection efﬁciency (99.5%). 4 refs.
USA
Accession no. 986988
Item 131
Composites Part B
38, No.3, 2007, p.398
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
NOVEL POLY-(VINYL ALCOHOL)-ZOSTERA
FLAKES COMPOSITES FOR PACKAGING
APPLICATIONS
Sapalidis A A; Katsaros F K; Romanos G E; Kakizis N
K; Kanellopoulos N K
Composite films consisting of poly-(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) and Zostera ﬂakes were prepared via ﬁlm casting
and their properties were investigated using a variety of
techniques. The composites exhibit better mechanical and
thermal properties than pure PVA while the optimum algal
content is about 20% w/w. Although the water sorption
capacity of the ﬁlms is similar the measurements of mass
transport properties on composites reveal improved gas
barrier behaviour. This can be attributed to the resistance
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 57
in ﬂow caused by impermeable algal particles. Based
on their potential biodegradability and their low cost it
can be concluded that the produced samples may offer
a very promising bio-composite material for packaging
applications. 40 refs.
NRCS Demokritos
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GREECE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 986838
Item 132
European Polymer Journal
43, No.2, 2007, p.460
EFFECT OF NON-ASSOCIATED ELECTROLYTE
SOLUTIONS ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)-BASED HYDROGELS
Patachia S; Valente A J M; Baciu C
The aim of this paper is to present the behaviour of the
poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels [PVA-HG] in sodium
and potassium chlorides aqueous solutions due to
their interactions. The tested [PVA-HG]-s have been
obtained by repeated freezing and thawing cycles. White
heterogeneous hydrogels have been obtained. These
hydrogels exhibit a mechanical active behaviour at their
contact with electrolytes aqueous solutions manifested
by important changing in mass volume and density of the
hydrogel samples. These modiﬁcations could be explained
by water elimination from the hydrogels that initially
reached the equilibrium of swelling. The kinetic of the
water desorption and the reversibility of this process have
been studied and some of the factors that inﬂuence this
behaviour have been evidenced. The sensitivity of PVA
hydrogels to electrolyte nature and concentration could
be used in sensors design and also could explain some
aspects of electrolytes diffusion through PVA membranes
and targeted drugs delivery. 43 refs.
Brasov Transilvania University; Coimbra University
EASTERN EUROPE; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
UNION; PORTUGAL; RUMANIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 986789
Item 133
Construction and Building Materials
21, No.3, 2007, p.583
IMPROVING THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTHS
OF COLD-MIX ASPHALT USING ASPHALT
EMULSION MODIFIED BY POLYVINYL
ACETATE
Chavez-Valencia L E; Alonso E; Manzano A; Perez J;
Contreras M E; Signoret C
Rut is the type of flexible pavement distress mostly
occurring in Mexico generally caused by exceedingly
heavy axle loads. Therefore the compressive strengths of
cold-mix asphalt (CMA) must be improved for this reason
a polyvinyl acetate emulsion (PVAC-E) was added to a
cationic quick set emulsiﬁed asphalt to obtain a modiﬁed
asphalt emulsion that was mixed with a local aggregate
in order to prepare two types of CMA. In the type I mix
aggregates were coated by a ﬁlm of asphalt-polyvinyl
acetate (A-PVAC) binder. In the type II mix before the
A-PVAC binder was layered the aggregate was covered
with the polymer by mixing the aggregate in a diluted
PVAC-E. Since the microparticles of the polyvinyl acetate
were well dispersed in the asphalt paving mixture matrix
for modiﬁed CMA type II the compressive strengths of test
specimens were improved by 31% compared to the values
obtained with the unmodiﬁed CMA. 21 refs.
Michoacana Universidad; Yucatan Centro de
Investigacion y Estudios Avanzados del IPN; Monterrey
Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores
MEXICO
Accession no. 985740
Item 134
Reactive and Functional Polymers
66, No.12, 2006, p.1559
ELECTROSPUN POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/
GLUCOSE OXIDASE BIOCOMPOSITE
MEMBRANES FOR BIOSENSOR APPLICATIONS
Guanglei Ren; Xinhua Xu; Qiang Liu; Juan Cheng;
Xiaoyan Yuan; Lili Wu; Yizao Wan
A novel technique for enzyme immobilisation on the
surface of the Au electrode for designing amperometric
biosensor by electrospinning poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
and glucose oxidase (GOD) is presented in this paper. The
immobilised GOD remained active inside the electrospun
PVA ﬁbrous membranes. The membranes are promising
candidates for immobilisation of enzymes because of
their high speciﬁc surface area and porous structure. The
infrared spectrum the UV-Vis spectrum and the scanning
electronic microscopy of the membranes showed that the
enzyme had been immobilised inside the PVA membranes.
Chronoamperometric measurements demonstrated that
electrospun fibrous enzymatic electrodes exhibited a
rapid response (1 s) and a higher response current (muA
level) to glucose in the normal and diabetic level. The
linear response range (from 1 to 10 mM) and the lower
detection limit (0.05 mM) of the sensor are satisfying. The
electrospun method makes it convenient and efﬁcient to
prepare the enzymatic electrode for biosensors. 12 refs.
Tianjin University
CHINA
Accession no. 985674
Item 135
Macromolecular Symposia
No.242, 2006, p.146
CHARACTERIZATION OF PVA AND
CHITOSAN/PVA BLENDS PREPARED FROM
AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF VARIOUS NA
2
SO
4

CONCENTRATIONS
Drambei P; Nakano Y; Yuezhen Bin; Okuno T; Matsuo M
References and Abstracts
58 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
A study was made of uniplanar orientation of a particular
crystal plane along the surface of a PVAl ﬁlm prepared by
coagulation in a concentrated aqueous solution containing
Na
2
SO
4
and the orientation distribution functions of
the crystallographic principal axes of the dried ﬁlms
determined by X-ray diffraction. Films were also prepared
by biaxially stretching a fresh gel blend and a blend of
chitosan and PVAl and the morphological properties of
the ﬁlm surfaces analysed by ESCA and contact angle
measurements. 21 refs. (Polychar-14 World Forum on
Advanced Materials Nara City Japan April 17-21 2006)
NARA WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY; MUKOGAWA WOMEN'S
UNIVERSITY
JAPAN
Accession no. 985054
Item 136
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Fall Meeting
95, 2006, p.754
SELF-STRATIFICATION OF POLYMETHYL
METHACRYLATE/BUTYL ACRYLATE
COLLOIDAL DISPERSIONS CONTAINING
PVOH. A SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY
Rhudy K L; Su S; Howell H S; Urban M W
Details are given of the formation of methyl methacrylate-
butyl acrylate copolymer particles in the presence of
PVOH and ﬁlm formation processes. Molecular level
interactions of copolymer colloidal dispersions containing
ionic species used to stabilise the particles were examined.
Characterisation was undertaken using FTIR. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no. 984972
Item 137
Journal of Biomaterials Science: Polymer Edition
17, No.6, 2006, p.669
CELL GROWTH ON TISSUE-ENGINEERING
SCAFFOLDS PREPARED BY GAMMA
IRRADIATION GRAFTING OF VINYL
PYRROLIDONE ONTO POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
Shariatpanahi R E; Orang F; Emami S H; Naimi T
Details are given of the grafting of vinyl pyrrolidone onto
PVAL by gamma irradiation. PVA scaffolds were prepared
by freeze-thaw and progen methods. The effect of cell
attachment and growth was investigated using mouse
ﬁbroblast L-929 cells. 23 refs.
Tehran Amir Kabir University
IRAN
Accession no. 984913
Item 138
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
103, No.3, 2007, p.1664
EFFECT OF PVAC BONDING ON FINGER-JOINT
STRENGTH OF STEAMED AND UNSTEAMED
BEECH WOOD (FAGUS SYLVATICA)
Vassiliou V; Barboutis I; Karastergiou S
The effects of bonding by poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)
[EN 204 (2001) durability classes D1 D2 and D3] ﬁnger
length (4 and 10 mm) and ﬁnger orientation on the bending
strength of ﬁnger-jointed steamed and unsteamed beech
wood (Fagus sylvatica) were examined. Specimens were
prepared according to EN 385 (2001) and the modulus of
rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) of the
samples were determined by the methods stipulated in
the ISO 10983 (1999) and DIN 52186 (1978) standards.
The MOR of unsteamed wood joints ranged from 33.51
to 82.24 N/mm
2
whereas the MOR of the steamed wood
joints varied from 34.9 to 80.27 N/mm
2
. Specimens with
a ﬁnger length of 10 mm showed higher values of MOR
than specimens with a ﬁnger length of 4 mm for both
steamed and unsteamed wood. The MOE of the unsteamed
specimens was not affected by ﬁnger jointing whereas
the MOE of the steamed specimens increased slightly
compared with solid wood. It is best to use a 10-mm ﬁnger
length and D3-durability class PVAc adhesives to produce
ﬁnger-jointed furniture lumber. 11 refs.
Thessaloniki Aristotle University; Larissa Technological
Educational Institute
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GREECE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 984621
Item 139
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
103, No.2, 2007, p.848
SOLID-STATE GRAFTING OF SUCCINIC
ANHYDRIDE ONTO POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Zheng-Fa Zhou; Wei-bing Xu; Dian He; Ji-xian Fan;
Feng Yu; Feng-Mei Ren
The grafting of succinic anhydride onto poly(vinyl alcohol)
catalysed by p-toluene sulphonic acid is described. The
inﬂuence of reaction temperature reaction time amount
of succinic anhydride and amount of catalyst on the graft
reaction is studied. Uncrosslinked PVA graft copolymers
with grafting degree up to 6.5% can be achieved at low
reaction temperature short reaction time and low catalyst
content. Crosslinked PVA with high gel content is obtained
at high reaction temperature long reaction time and high
catalyst content. 15 refs.
Hefei University of Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 984467
Item 140
Polymer Degradation and Stability
91, No.12, 2006, p.3397
OXO-BIODEGRADABLE POLYMERS -
EFFECT OF HYDROLYSIS DEGREE ON
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 59
BIODEGRADATION BEHAVIOUR OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Chiellini E; Corti A; Del Sarto G; D'Antone S
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is considered to be one
of the very few vinyl polymers soluble in water and
susceptible to biodegradation in aqueous media by
speciﬁc microorganisms implying oxidation of the carbon
backbone followed by a random endocleavage of the
polymer chains. The overall process does not appear to
be appreciably affected by either degree of polymerisation
(DPn) or degree of hydrolysis (HD) of PVA at least in the
100-1000 and 80-100% ranges respectively. In order to
assess the effect of HD on the biodegradation propensity
of PVA different PVA samples having similar DPn and
noticeably different HD values were synthesised by
controlled acetylation of commercial PVA (HD=99%)
and submitted to biodegradation tests in aqueous
medium mature compost and soil by using respirometric
procedures. Re-acetylated PVA samples characterized
by HD of between 25 and 75% underwent extensive
mineralisation when buried in solid media whilst PVA
(HD=99%) showed recalcitrance to biodegradation under
those conditions. An opposite trend was indeed observed in
aqueous solution thus suggesting that biodegradation is not
an absolute attribute directly related to structural features
of the substrate under investigation. Boundary conditions
related to the framework under which the biodegradation
assessment is undertaken have to be taken into account
and speciﬁcally well deﬁned. 39 refs.
Pisa University
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 984355
Item 141
Electrochimica Acta
52, No.4, 2006, p.1549
DECOUPLED ION CONDUCTION MECHANISM
OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BASED
MG-CONDUCTING SOLID POLYMER
ELECTROLYTE
Jeong S K; Jo Y K; Jo N J
Investigation on solid state rechargeable magnesium
batteries are considered important similar to lithium
batteries. In view of negligible hazard and less reactivity
of the magnesium in comparison with lithium studies
on rechargeable magnesium batteries are expected to
have a wide scope in future. In the present investigations
decoupled ion conduction of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-
based Mg-conducting solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is
essential component of the studies. In common SPEs ion
transport has mostly been associated with the segmental
motion of the polymer so signiﬁcant conductivity is only
observed above the glass transition temperature of the
system. But the results of ac impedance spectroscopy
FT-IR XRD and AFM indicated that prepared PVA-based
Mg-conducting SPE shows ionic transport decoupled from
polymer segmental motion and high ionic conductivity at
room temperature. 27 refs.
Pusan National University
KOREA
Accession no. 983470
Item 142
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.6, 2006, p.5789
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
POLYACRYLIC ACID-POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)-
BASED INTERPENETRATING HYDROGELS
Hernandez R; Lopez D; Mijangos C
Rheological measurements to determine viscoelastic
properties and swelling measurements were used to
examine the structural features of interpenetrating
hydrogels prepared from polyacrylic acid (PAA) and
polyvinyl alcohol (PVAl) where the PAA is crosslinked
to different degrees. Methylenebisacrylamide was used
to crosslink the PAA in the presence of PVAl and freeze-
thaw techniques result in the PVA hydrogel being retained
within the PAA crosslinked hydrogel. Properties were
examined with respect to the amount of crosslinking agent
used in a single freeze-thaw cycle. 23 refs.
CSIC
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 982902
Item 143
Proceedings of the 64th SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC 2006) held Charlotte, NC
p.1510
SHAPE MEMORY BINARY BLENDS:
COMPOSITIONALLY TAILORED FIXING AND
RECOVERY
Campo C J; Mather P T
Semi-crystalline-amorphous blends exhibit shape memory
due to (1) the elastomeric nature imparted by crystallites
that act as physical crosslinks and (2) temporary shape
ﬁxing made possible by the vitriﬁcation of a continuous
miscible amorphous phase. PVDF containing binary
blends were studied using calorimetry and rheology in
order to characterize the morphological control afforded by
subjecting such materials to different thermal histories. The
sensitivity of the aforementioned techniques to changes in
blend morphology will also be discussed. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no. 982364
Item 144
Proceedings of the 64th SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC 2006) held Charlotte, NC
p.1494
References and Abstracts
60 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
ULTRA-THIN POLYMER FILMS: ELASTIC
RESPONSE IN THE RUBBERY REGIME
O'Connell P A; McKenna G B
Using a novel micro-bubble inﬂation technique developed
within our laboratory we are able to measure the absolute
biaxial compliance of polymer ﬁlms as thin as 13 nm.
Experiments performed on both poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)
and polystyrene (PS) ﬁlms show that large reductions
in the glass transition temperature at the nano-scale are
non-universal viz. the PVAc shows no reduction even
for the thinnest ﬁlms while the PS shows a signiﬁcant
reduction at a thickness below approximately 80 nm.
More surprisingly the rubbery plateau region for both
materials shows dramatic stiffening (>300 times) perhaps
due to surface pinning of the entanglement network. The
compliance increases as approximately the square of ﬁlm
thickness. 10 refs.
USA
Accession no. 982360
Item 145
Proceedings of the 64th SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC 2006) held Charlotte,
NC p.1366
ELECTROSPUN PVA FIBERS AS PRECURSOR
TO SYNTHESIZE HYDROXYAPATITE
Dai X; Shivkumar S
PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol) with various molecular weights
(Mw) were electrospun with a Calcium Phosphate based
sol. Fibres on the order of 2 mum with uniformly distributed
sol particles were obtained. Electrospinning process may
be facilitated with high molecular weight polymers.
The distribution of sol in the electrospun structure may
depend on polymer/sol ratio. XRD results indicate that
the ﬁbres after calcination consisted predominantly of
hydroxyapatite. 20 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 982337
Item 146
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering.
Spring Meeting
94, 2006, p.685
MODIFICATION OF CEMENT MORTARS BY
DIFFERENT POLYMER LATEXES AND CURING
PROCESSES
Bing Geng; Shuxiang Zhang; Pandeng Xia; Xiang Z
Kong
Cement mortars were prepared with three different
polymer latices. Latices were prepared by emulsion
polymerisation from vinyl acetate vinyl acetate and
acrylic acid and chlorotriﬂuoroethylene (CTFE) and vinyl
acetate. Polymer mortars were compared for their ﬂexural
and compression strengths and were examined using
scanning electron microscopy. The ﬂuorinated polymer
gave the best reinforcement. Further mortars with different
ﬂuoropolymer contents were prepared and cured in air and
in water. The air cured product proved to have the best
performance. 8 refs.
CHINA
Accession no. 981986
Item 147
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.5, 2006, p.4831
PREPARATION OF HIGH-MOLECULAR-
WEIGHT POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) WITH HIGH
YIELD BY SOLUTION POLYMERIZATION OF
VINYL ACETATE IN METHANOL USING 44'-
AZOBIS(4-CYANOVALERIC ACID
Lyoo W S; Song D H; Lee W C; Han S S; Noh S K
The effects of polymerisation temperature and initiator
concentration on the polymerisation of vinyl acetate
(VAc) was in methanol solution at 40 deg.C and 50
deg.C using 4,4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) (ACVA) as
an initiator. The lower rate of polymerisation obtained
by using ACVA and the lower viscosity of methanolic
solutions resulted in the production of linear high-
molecular weight (HMW) poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)
with a high conversion. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with
a maximum number-average degree of polymerisation
(Pn) of 4300 could be prepared by saponiﬁcation of PVAc
with a maximum Pn of 7900 obtained by polymerisation
at an ACVA concentration of 2 x 10
-5
mol/mol of VAc
at 40 deg.C. Moreover a degree of branching of below
1 could be obtained by using the ACVA system at 40
or 50 deg.C. This suggests an easy way for producing
HMW PVA with a high yield by conventional solution
polymerisation without the use of special methods such
as low-temperature cooling or irradiation. 13 refs.
Yeungnam University; Kyungil University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 981789
Item 148
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.5, 2006, p.4665
SWELLING OF PH-SENSITIVE CHITOSAN-
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) HYDROGELS
Gunasekaran S; Wang T; Chai C
The swelling properties of chitosan-poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) hydrogels were investigated as functions of the pH
and salt concentration of the medium. Maximum swelling
of the hydrogels occurred at a buffer pH of approximately
3 regardless of the PVA content in the hydrogels. The
maximum mass of the swollen hydrogels was about 13
times that of the contracted counterparts. Cyclic swelling
and contraction between pH 3 and pH 7 buffers and
between pH 3 buffer and pH 3 buffer plus salt conﬁrmed
that the hydrogels swell by a Donnan mechanism. The
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 61
swelling mechanism involves transfer of water molecules
driven by a concentration gradient. The effective mass-
transfer coefﬁcient of water molecules during swelling
estimated by means of a model gradually decreased with
increasing PVA content in the hydrogels. 20 refs.
Madison University of Wisconsin; Tianjin University
CHINA; USA
Accession no. 981768
Item 149
Journal of Power Sources
162, No.1, 2006, p.21
DEVELOPMENT OF ALKALINE DIRECT
METHANOL FUEL CELLS BASED ON
CROSSLINKED PVA POLYMER MEMBRANES
Chun-Chen Yang; Shwu-Jer Chiu; Wen-Chen Chien
A novel crosslinked PVA/SSA (10 wt% sulphosuccinic
acid) solid polymer membrane was obtained by a solution
casting technique. An alkaline direct methanol fuel cell
(DMFC) is composed of an air cathode with a mixture
of Mn O
2
/BP2000+CNT binary carbon inks a Ti-based
anode electrode with PtRu black inks (varied from 0.25 to
4.50 mgcm-2) and an alkaline crosslinked PVA/SSA solid
polymer membrane. The electrochemical characteristics
of the anode and cathode electrodes were investigated
by the linear polarisation method cyclic voltammetry
(CV) analysis potentiostatic method and AC impedance
spectroscopy. A Ti-mesh (Delker) with a thickness of
0.1 mm was used as a current collector on the anode
electrode without a diffusion layer which greatly reduced
the mass transfer resistance for the electrode reaction.
It was demonstrated that the alkaline DMFC using this
novel crosslinked PVA/SSA solid polymer membrane
showed excellent electrochemical performance at ambient
temperature and pressure. The maximum peak current
density of the DMFC was about 4.13 mW/cm
2
at 60 deg.C
and 1 atm in 2M KOH+2M CH
3
OH solution. 38 refs.
Mingchi University of Technology
TAIWAN
Accession no. 981558
Item 150
Journal of Adhesion Science and Technology
20, No.12, 2006, p.1273
VISCOMETRIC STUDY OF AQUEOUS
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) (PVA) SOLUTIONS AS
A BINDER IN ADHESIVE FORMULATIONS
Mohsen-Nia M; Modarress H
The viscosities of aqueous PVAl solutions were measured
using an Ostwald viscometer and the data obtained ﬁtted to
a modiﬁed version of Eyring's viscosity model developed
by the authors. The densities of the PVAl solutions and
average molec.wts. of the PVAl required for viscosity
calculations were determined and the densities expressed
by a simple linear equation in terms of PVAl weight
fraction. 20 refs.
Kashan University; Amirkabir University
IRAN
Accession no. 981096
Item 151
Chemical Engineering Science
61, No.10, 2006, p.3149
GROWTH CONTROL OF ICE CRYSTALS BY
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AND ANTIFREEZE
PROTEIN IN ICE SLURRIES
Inada T; Modak P R
Effect of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in inhibiting an
increase in ice crystal size in isothermal ice slurries was
investigated and then compared with the effect of an
antifreeze protein (AFP) NaCl and three other polymers
namely poly(ethylene glycol) poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) and
poly(acrylic acid). First ice slurries in which the initial size
distribution of ice crystals was known were isothermally
preserved for given periods of time (typically 300min) in
the presence of PVA AFP type I NaCl or the other three
polymers. Then the average size of the ice crystals was
measured using image processing. Both the PVA and AFP
type I completely inhibited the increase in ice crystal size
at such low concentrations that the melting temperature of
the solution was -0.010 deg.C whereas NaCl and the other
three polymers clearly increased the ice crystal size due to
Ostwald ripening. This inhibition effect of PVA and AFP
type I was caused by thermal hysteresis which is often
taken as the primary manifestation of non-equilibrium
antifreeze activity of these additives and deﬁned as the
difference between the melting temperature and non-
equilibrium freezing temperature at which ice crystals start
to grow in solution. The increase in ice crystal size was
inhibited when the thermal hysteresis surpassed the driving
potential for Ostwald ripening. Using PVA which exhibits
thermal hysteresis is a novel technique to completely
inhibit the increase in ice crystal size in isothermal ice
slurries. 36 refs.
AIST
JAPAN
Accession no. 980482
Item 152
Journal of Membrane Science
276, No.1-2, 2006, p.42
CERAMIC-SUPPORTED THIN PVA
PERVAPORATION MEMBRANES COMBINING
HIGH FLUX AND HIGH SELECTIVITY;
CONTRADICTING THE FLUX-SELECTIVITY
PARADIGM
Peters T A; Poeth C H S; Benes N E; Buijs H C W M;
Vercauteren F F; Keurentjes J T F
Thin high flux and highly selective cross-linked
poly(vinyl)alcohol water selective layers have been
prepared on top of hollow ﬁbre ceramic supports. The
supports consist of an alpha-Al
2
O
3
hollow ﬁbre substrate
References and Abstracts
62 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
and an intermediate gamma-Al
2
O
3
layer which provides
a sufﬁciently smooth surface for the deposition of ultra-
thin PVA layers. Membranes have been characterised
by SEM and pervaporation experiments. The thickness
of the PVA layer formed on top of the gamma-Al
2
O
3

intermediate layer is in the order of 0.3-0.8μm. No
significant infiltration of PVA into the intermediate
gamma-Al
2
O
3
layer can be observed. In the dehydration
of 1-butanol (80 deg.C 5wt.% water) the membranes
exhibit a high water ﬂux (0.8-2.6kg/m
2
/h) combined
with a high separation factor (500-10000). The values
for the ﬂux and separation factor exceed typical values
obtained for cross-linked PVA membranes on polymeric
supports. In the dehydration of 2-propanol and 1-butanol
a simultaneous increase in both water ﬂux and separation
factor is observed with increasing temperature or water
concentration. This remarkable behaviour is in contrast to
the trade-off generally observed for polymer membranes
i.e. an increase in ﬂux is typically combined with a
decrease in separation factor. A possible explanation
for this behaviour is a low degree of three-dimensional
swelling in the vicinity of the gamma-Al
2
O
3
-PVA
interface due to an enhanced structural stability. In the
dehydration of ethanol and 1-propanol the traditional
trade-off between ﬂux and selectivity was observed. 21
refs.
Eindhoven University of Technology; TNO Science and
Industry
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
NETHERLANDS; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 980457
Item 153
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.4, 2006, p.3934
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH
MOLECULAR WEIGHT (HMW) SYNDIOTACTIC
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) (PVA)/HMW ATACTIC
PVA BLEND SOLUTIONS
Lyoo W S; Yeum J H; Kwon O W; Shin D S; Han S S;
Kim B C; Jeon H Y; Noh S K
Water-soluble syndiotactic-poly(vinyl alcohol) (s-PVA)
and atactic-PVA with syndiotactic diad contents of 58.5 and
54.0% respectively were prepared by bulk copolymerisation
of vinyl pivalate and vinyl acetate (VAc) and by solution
polymerisation of VAc to give poly(vinyl pivalate-co-vinyl
acetate) and poly(vinyl acetate) respectively which were
then subjected to saponiﬁcation. At frequencies of 10-1 to
102 rad/s s-PVA/a-PVA blend solutions with larger s-PVA
contents showed more shear thinning suggesting that PVA
molecules become more readily oriented as the s-PVA
content is increased. The yield stress was also higher for
s-PVA/a-PVA blend solutions with larger s-PVA contents
suggesting that more domains with an internal order are
produced at higher s-PVA contents in the s-PVA/a-PVA
blend solutions. 25 refs.
Yeungnam University; Kyungpook National University;
Hanyang University; Inha University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 979602
Item 154
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.4, 2006, p.3273
RED EMISSION FROM EU3+: PVA POLYMER FILM
Raju G S R; Buddhudu S; Rajulu A V
Bright-red luminescent ﬁlms of Eu
3+
-doped poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) were produced by solution casting.
The emission performance of these ﬁlms was studied
by measurements of excitation emission and lifetimes.
The doped ﬁlms emitted bright-red light on irradiation
with a UV source. Emission processes in the system was
explained by an energy-level scheme. 25 refs.
Anantapur S.K.University
INDIA
Accession no. 979521
Item 155
Journal of Membrane Science
283, No.1-2, 2006, p.281
CORRELATION OF PHYSICOCHEMICAL
CHARACTERISTICS WITH PERVAPORATION
PERFORMANCE OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
MEMBRANES
Hyder M N; Huang R Y M; Chen P
In this research hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA
membranes were prepared and its surface and bulk
properties e.g. surface roughness and crosslinking were
characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
spectroscopy atomic force microscopy (AFM) and
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and contact angle
measurements. The PVA membranes were crosslinked
in two ways: by heating at 125 deg.C or by chemical
reaction with glutaraldehyde at room temperature. They
were used for pervaporation applications and dehydration
of ethanol-water mixture was demonstrated in this paper.
Compared to non-crosslinked membranes the crosslinked
membranes were shown to change in chemical structure
by FTIR and become less hydrophilic by water contact
angle measurement. The contact angle of the membranes
increases with increasing the glutaraldehyde concentration
used in crosslinking solution. AFM surface scans showed
that the membrane surfaces are rough in nanometer
scale and affected by the crosslinking treatment on the
membranes. DSC measurements showed an increase in
melting temperature of the polymer membranes after
crosslinking. Dehydration of ethanol-water mixture was
conducted over a range of ethanol concentrations (10-
70wt.%) in feed solution and at varied temperatures (from
25 to 50 deg.C). The dehydration results are presented
and correlated with the results of the physicochemical
measurements of the membranes. 35 refs.
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 63
Waterloo University
CANADA
Accession no. 979273
Item 156
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.3, 2006, p.2315
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
PVA/OMMT COMPOSITES
Yurudu C; Isci S; Unlu C; Atici O; Ece O I; Gungor N
Composites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with organically
modiﬁed montmorillonite (MMT) were prepared and
characterised. MMT dispersions were modiﬁed by the
addition of various concentrations of hexadecylamine
(HDA) to a 2 wt% montmorillonite dispersion. The basal
spacing of the resulting organoclay was studied by X-ray
diffraction. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of
characteristic absorbencies after treatment with HDA. The
HDA/MMT/PVA composites were prepared by treatment
of a 1 wt% PVA solution with the MMT/HAD organoclay
complex and characterised by a range of techniques. The
effect of the solids content on the rheological behaviour of
aqueous MMT dispersions was also examined. 21 refs.
Istanbul Technical University
TURKEY
Accession no. 978405
Item 157
Polymers and Polymer Composites
14, No.6, 2006, p.577
NEW BIODEGRADABLE BLENDS FROM
ALIPHATIC POLYCARBONATE AND
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Cao Y X; Du F G; Wang X L; Meng Y Z
Blends of biodegradable polymers based on polypropylene
carbonate and polyvinyl alcohol were prepared by
solution casting. Various blend ratios were investigated
with reference to thermal and mechanical properties and
morphology. Thermogravimetric analysis DSC static
mechanical measurements SEM and FTIR techniques were
used to characterise the blends. Polypropylene carbonate/
polyvinyl alcohol blends (PPC/PVA) with a 10% PVA and
40% PVA ratio were found to be miscible systems but
PPC/20% PVA and PPC/30% PVA blends were found to
be two-phase systems. Both tensile strength and modulus
increased with increasing PVA content due to a strong
interaction between the PPC and PVA phases through
hydrogen bonding. Blending PVA with PPC was shown
to provide an effective way to increase both the thermal
stability and mechanical properties of polypropylene
carbonate. 16 refs
Sun Yat-Sen University
CHINA
Accession no. 977958
Item 158
Materials Research
9, No.2, 2006, p.185
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) HYDROGELS AND
HYBRIDS FOR RMPB70 PROTEIN ADSORPTION
Dos Reis E F; Campos F S; Lage A P; Leite R C; Heneine
L G; Vasconcelos W L; Lobato Z I P; Mansur H S
The synthesis of hydrogels of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)
crosslinked with glutaraldehyde with or without the
addition of tetraethylorthosilicate and their hybrids with
recombinant MPB70 protein and their characterisation by
FTIR is described. The application of the PVA hydrogels
and hybrids for immunological assay using enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques and the results
are discussed in terms of protein adsorption. 26 refs.
Minas GeraisUniversidade Federal; Minas
GeraisFundacao Ezequiel Dias
BRAZIL
Accession no. 977263
Item 159
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.2, 2006, p.1553
ALGINATE-POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) CORE-
SHELL MICROSPHERES FOR LIPASE
IMMOBILIZATION
De Queiroz A A A; Passos E D; Alves S De B; Silva G
S; Higa O Z; Vitolo M
Triacylglycerol ester hydrolase (EC 3.1.1.3) was
encapsulated in microspheres of sodium alginate (AlgNa)
and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Spherical AlgNa/PVA
beads with an average diameter of 400 microns were
prepared by ionotropic gelation of an AlgNa/PVA blend
in the presence of calcium tetraborate. The increased
glass-transition temperature of the microspheres indicated
speciﬁc crosslinking of the component polymers. The
water diffusion coefﬁcients increased with increasing
PVA content in the microspheres indicating a decrease
in the resistance to mass transfer through the AlgNa/
PVA microsphere wall. The Michaelis constant and the
maximum reaction velocity for the free and immobilised
lipase showed that afﬁnity of the enzyme for the substrate
remained high after immobilisation in the microspheres.
33 refs.
Itajuba Universidade Federal; BrazilInstituto de
Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares; Sao Paulo University
BRAZIL
Accession no. 977109
Item 160
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.2, 2006, p.1152
References and Abstracts
64 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
DEHYDRATION OF TETRAHYDROFURAN BY
PERVAPORATION USING CROSSLINKED PVA/
PEI BLEND MEMBRANES
Rao P S; Sridhar S; Krishnaiah A
Dense membranes suitable for the dehydration of
tetrahydrofuran (THF) by pervaporation were prepared
by blending hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
and poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and crosslinking with
glutaraldehyde (GA) in a mixture of solvents containing
hydrochloric acid as a catalyst. The membranes were
potentially useful for separating the THF/water azeotrope
(94 wt%) and produced ﬂuxes of 1.072 and 0.376 kg/m
2
h
and selectivities of 156 and 579 for plain and crosslinked
PVA/PEI respectively. The selectivity improved with
decreasing water concentration in the feed and with
increasing membrane thickness whereas the ﬂux decreased
correspondingly. A high permeate pressure produced a
reduction in both the ﬂux and selectivity. These effects
were explained in terms of known relationships between
the plasticisation effect degree of swelling permeate
pressure and feed water concentration. 43 refs.
Sri Venkateswara University; Indian Institute of
Chemical Technology
INDIA
Accession no. 977058
Item 161
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.2, 2006, p.1129
ELECTRON BEAM SYNTHESIS AND
CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Abd Alla S G; El-Din H M N; El-Naggar A W M
Nanocomposites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and
montmorillonite clay (MMT) in the form of ﬁlms were
prepared by means of electron-beam irradiation. A 20-
kGy dose electron beam irradiation was optimal for
producing homogeneous nanocomposites ﬁlms with the
highest degree of gel formation. The introduction of up
to 4 wt% of MMT resulted in an improvement in the
tensile strength elongation at break and thermal stability
of the PVA matrix. The intercalation of PVA with the
MMT also led to a markedly improved water resistance
indicating that the clay was well dispersed in the polymer
matrix. The intercalation had no effect on the metal uptake
capability of PVA. X-ray diffraction patterns and scanning
electron micrographs showed the coexistence of exfoliated
intercalated MMT layers over the range of MMT contents
studied. DSC thermograms showed that intercalation of
the PVA polymer with these levels of MMT had no effect
on melting transitions but the glass transition temperature
for PVA completely vanished even at low contents of
MMT. 24 refs.
Egypt National Centre for Radiation Res.& Technol.
EGYPT
Accession no. 977055
Item 162
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
102, No.2, 2006, p.1014
EFFECT OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT ON
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL FILMS
Joshi G; Pawde S M
Impedance analysis was performed on ﬁlms prepared
from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ﬁlms with two different
molecular weights. The dielectric polarisation of PVA
ﬁlm was measured at normal temperatures and pressures
over the frequency range 20 Hz to 1 MHz. The effects of
simultaneous application of DC bias potential from 0 to
40 V with AC signal for measurement of over all electrical
parameters were examined. The dielectric constant of
low-molecular weight PVA ﬁlm were higher than those
for high-molecular weight PVA in agreement with the
Maxwell-Wagner theory. 12 refs.
Mumbai Watumull Institute of Technology; Mumbai
University Institute of Chemical Technology
INDIA
Accession no. 977041
Item 163
Plastic Packaging Innovation News
2, No.16, 2006, p.6
TYPICAL PROPERTIES OF PVOH FILMS
COMPARED TO OTHER TRADITIONAL FILM
MATERIALS
A table is presented listing properties of PVAL cellophane
PVC and PE ﬁlms including clarity gloss water vapour
transmission tear strength tensile strength and elongation
at break.
WORLD
Accession no. 977005
Item 164
Polymer
47, No.19, 2006, p.6868
PURE SHEAR DEFORMATION OF PHYSICAL
AND CHEMICAL GELS OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)
Urayama K; Ogasawara S; Takigawa T
Pure shear deformation reveals the signiﬁcant differences
in elastic properties of the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
gels with almost identical initial modulus but with
different types of crosslinks physical crosslinks formed
by microcrystallites and chemical crosslinks made of
covalent bonds. The ratio of the two principal stresses
steeply increases with elongation in the physical gels while
that remains almost constant independently of stretching
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 65
in the chemical gels. The marked growth of the stress ratio
with elongation in the physical gels leads to the negative
values of the derivative of the elastic free energy (W2) with
respect to the second invariant of the deformation tensor in
the whole range of deformation which is ﬁrstly observed
for elastomeric materials. By contrast the chemical gels
exhibit the positive values of W2 like most chemically
crosslinked rubbers. Among the existing theories of rubber
elasticity the classical non-Gaussian three-chain model
considering the effect of ﬁnite chain-length is qualitatively
successful in accounting for the steep increase of the stress
ratio and the negative values of W2 in the physical gels
although it fails to reproduce the large difference in the
stress-strain behaviour among uniaxial pure shear and
equi-biaxial deformations. These features of the physical
gels are expected to stem from the structural characteristics
such as fewer amounts of slippery-trapped entanglement
along network strands compared to the chemical PVA
gels. 27 refs.
Kyoto University
JAPAN
Accession no. 976860
Item 165
European Polymer Journal
42, No.9, 2006, p.2013
A NANOFIBROUS COMPOSITE MEMBRANE
OF PLGA-CHITOSAN/PVA PREPARED BY
ELECTROSPINNING
Duan B; Yuan X; Zhu Y; Zhang Y; Li X; Zhang Y; Yao K
Tissue engineering scaffolds produced by electrospinning
feature a structural similarity to the natural extracellular
matrix. In this study poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and
chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were simultaneously
electrospun from two different syringes and mixed on
the rotating drum to prepare the nanoﬁbrous composite
membrane. The composite membrane was crosslinked
by glutaraldehyde vapour to maintain its mechanical
properties and ﬁbre morphology in wet stage. Morphology
shrinkage absorption in phosphate buffered solution (PBS)
and mechanical properties of the electrospun membranes
were characterized. Fibroblast viability on electrospun
membranes was discussed by MTT [3-(45-dimethylthiazol-
2-yl)-25-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay and cell
morphology after 7days of culture. Results indicated
that the PBS absorption of the composite membranes no
matter crosslinked or not was higher than the electrospun
PLGA membrane due to the introduction of hydrophilic
components chitosan and PVA. After crosslinking the
composite membrane had a little shrinkage after incubating
in PBS. The crosslinked composite membrane also showed
moderate tensile properties. Cell culture suggested that
electrospun PLGA-chitosan/PVA membrane tended to
promote ﬁbroblast attachment and proliferation. It was
assumed that the nanoﬁbrous composite membrane of
electrospun PLGA-chitosan/PVA could be potentially used
for skin reconstruction. 36 refs.
Tianjin University; Tianjin Hospital
CHINA
Accession no. 976782
Item 166
Journal of Membrane Science
280, No.1-2, 2006, p.802
ALKALINE ZN-AIR AND AL-AIR CELLS
BASED ON NOVEL SOLID PVA/PAA POLYMER
ELECTROLYTE MEMBRANES
Wu G M; Lin S J; Yang C C
High ionic conducting solid polymer electrolyte membranes
(SPEM) had been successfully prepared from poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The solution
casting method yielded highly hydrophilic membranes with
uniform structure that were suitable for electrochemical
applications. The room temperature ionic conductivity of
the alkaline PVA/PAA polymer electrolyte membranes
was in the range of 0.142-0.301S/cm-1 depending on
the composition. The cyclic voltammetry analysis was
carried out using Zn|SPEM|Zn and Al|SPEM|Al cells.
The analysis results revealed the excellent electrochemical
stability of these newly developed alkaline solid PVA/
PAA polymer electrolyte membranes. Metal-air fuel cells
were also prepared from the alkaline solid PVA/PAA
polymer electrolyte membranes. The electrochemical cell
performance was evaluated based on Zn-air and Al-air cells
at C/10 and C/5 discharge rates. The experimental results
exhibited high percent of utilisation for metal powders at
room temperature. It was up to 90% for Zn-air cell when
assembled with PVA:PAA=10:7.5 polymer electrolyte
membrane and discharged at C/10 rate. The power density
could be as high as 50mMW/cm
2
at room temperature.
However the cell percent utilisation was reduced to 73%
with the same composition electrolyte membrane when
C/5 discharge rate was tested. 16 refs. TAIWAN
Taiwan Chang Gung University; Taipei Ming Chi
University of Technology
TAIWAN
Accession no. 975661
Item 167
Polymer Preprints
2005, 46, No.1, p.632
EFFECT OF PLASTICIZER ON PVAC-D3
DYNAMICS USING DEUTERIUM SOLID STATE
NMR
Nambiar R R; Blum F D
The effect of dipropylene glycol dibenzoate plasticiser
on the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of poly(vinyl
acetate) was studied by deuterium solid-state NMR. The
Tg of various plasticised samples was determined as the
temperature where the NMR spectra collapsed into a broad
single peak. For an unplasticised sample this occurred at
between 65 and 70 deg.C and was roughly centred at 68
deg.C. The Tg of the plasticised polymer decreased with
References and Abstracts
66 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
increasing plasticiser content and was 49 deg.C for a
sample containing 20% plasticiser. 7 refs.
USA
Accession no. 974688
Item 168
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
101, No.5, 2006, p.3493
PREPARATION AND ELECTRORESPONSIVE
PROPERTY OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/
SODIUM ALGINATE COMPOSITE HYDROGEL
Li R X; Zhang X Z; Zhao J S; Wu J M; Guo Y; Guan J
A composite hydrogel of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and
sodium alginate was prepared repeatedly freezing and
thawing mixed solutions of PVA and sodium alginate.
The composite hydrogel in aqueous NaCl solution
showed swelling contraction and bending behaviour in
the presence of a dc electric ﬁeld. The bending speed and
maximum degree of bending increased with increasing
electric ﬁeld intensity and NaCl solution concentration.
The maximum degree of bending increased with increasing
sodium alginate content in the composite hydrogel. 18
refs.TAIWAN
Tianjin Institute of Medical Equipment; Tianjin
Polytechnic University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 972860
Item 169
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
101, No.5, 2006, p.3040
THERMALLY STIMULATED DEPOLARIZATION
CURRENT BEHAVIOR OF POLYETHYLENE/
POLY(VINYL ACETATE) BLENDS: EFFECT OF
BLENDING
Choure C; Keller J M; Bajpai R
Thermally stimulated depolarisation currents (TSDCs) in
polyethylene/poly(vinyl acetate) blends were examined as
a function of the polarizing temperature applied ﬁeld and
proportion of poly(vinyl acetate) in the blend. The peak
TSDC current decreased and the its position shifted toward
to a lower temperature as with increasing proportions of
the poly(vinyl acetate) in the blends. The tendency of
the current to ﬂow in the same direction as the charging
current also increased. Blending with poly(vinyl acetate)
modiﬁes increases the proportion of amorphous material
in the polyethylene blends. The carriers with a mobility
enhanced by hopping centres related to carbonyl groups in
the amorphous portion were mainly localised in shallow
traps. 32 refs.
Rani Durgavati University
INDIA
Accession no. 972800
Item 170
Polymer
47, No.10, 2006, p.3591
MICROSTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON BACL2
DOPED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Bhajantri R F; Ravindrachary V; Harisha A; Crasta V;
Nayak S P; Poojary B
We have studied the effect of BaCl2 dopant on the optical
and microstructural properties of a polymer poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVAl). Pure and BaCl2 doped PVA ﬁlms were
prepared using solvent casting method. These ﬁlms were
characterized using FTIR UV-visible XRD and DSC
techniques. The observed peaks around 3425 cm
-1
at 1733
cm
-1
and 1640 cm
-1
in the FTIR spectra were assigned to
O-H C=C stretching and acetyle C=O group vibrations
respectively. In the doped PVAl shift in these bands can be
understood on the basis of intra/inter molecular hydrogen
bonding with the adjacent OH group of PVA. The UV-
visible spectra shows the absorption bands around 196 nm
and shoulders around 208 nm with different absorption
intensities for doped PVAl which are assigned to
n->pi*transition. This indicates the presence of unsaturated
bonds mainly in the tail-head of the polymer. Optical
band energy gap is estimated using UV-visible spectra
and it decreases with increasing dopant concentration.
The powder XRD shows an increase in crystallinity in the
doped PVAl which arises due to the interaction of dopant
with PVAl causing a molecular rearrangement within the
amorphous phase of polymer. These modiﬁcations also
inﬂuence the optical property of the doped polymer. The
DSC study also supports increasing crystalline thickness
and degree of crystallinity due to doping. 17 refs.
Mangalore University
INDIA
Accession no. 972463
Item 171
International Journal of Plastics Technology
9, No.1-2, 2005, p.539
CROSSLINKED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)(PVA)
MEMBRANES WITH PHOSPHOMOLYBDIC
ACID(PMA) FOR DIRECT METHANOL FUEL
CELLS
Anis A; Banthia A K
A composite membrane based on crosslinked PVAl
and phosphomolybdic acid was prepared and its proton
conductivity and methanol diffusivity were studied. The
highest proton conductivity of 0.0101 S/cm was measured
at room temperature. A diffusion cell was constructed
and used to evaluate the methanol diffusivity of these
composite electrolyte membranes in an aqueous methanol
solution of 50% v/v. The methanol diffusion coefﬁcients
for these composite membranes ranged from 2.11 x 10
-7

to 3.1 x 10
-6
cm
2
/s. 13 refs.
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 67
Indian Institute of Technology
INDIA
Accession no. 972168
Item 172
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Fall Meeting
93, 2005, p.1037
CUTINASES CATALYZE THE DEACETYLATION
OF POLYVINYL ACETATE
Ronkvist A; Shah V; Kudasheva D; Gross R
The use of two different cutinises as enzymatic catalysts in
the deacetylation of polyvinyl acetate deposited on silica
beads was evaluated using nuclear magnetic resonance
spectroscopy to determine the percentage deacetylation.
The effect of the pH of the aqueous medium on the cutinise
activity was examined. Up to 60 percent deacetylation
was achieved within 24 hours and enzyme catalysis was
proven. 10 refs.
USA
Accession no. 971621
Item 173
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Fall Meeting
93, 2005, p.981
MULTILAYER FABRICATION USING
HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTIONS
Shaw J K; Hsu L; McCarthy T J
Multilayer assembly of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) on a
hydrophobic surface by chemical modiﬁcation of a PVOH
layer followed by hydrophobic interaction with unmodiﬁed
PVOH was demonstrated. Reaction of the hydroxyl groups
in the surface layer of PVOH with heptaﬂuorobutyryl
chloride resulted in making the polymer hydrophobic.
Surfaces were characterised by X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy atomic force microscopy ellipsometry
and contact angle measurements. Coatings up to several
nanometers thickness could be obtained in a controlled
manner using this technique. 14 refs.
USA
Accession no. 971592
Item 174
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Fall Meeting
93, 2005, p.771
TRIBOLOGY STUDY OF PVA CONTACT LENS
IN IONIC AQUEOUS ENVIRONMENTS
Jinping Dong; Haugstad G D
The surface mechanical behaviour of daily disposable
PVAl contact lenses in ionic aqueous environments was
investigated by scanning probe microscopy. Friction force
images at particular loads were acquired and analysed as
histograms to obtain a spectroscopic lineshape of friction
comparable between saline types. Surface roughness
adhesion and stiffness values extracted from volume
spectroscopy measurements recorded under different
conditions were also obtained and the surface behaviour of
the lenses in different saline conditions compared. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no. 970774
Item 175
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
44, No.13, 2006, p.1813
EFFECT OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
FINE PARTICLES AS A NOVEL
BIODEGRADABLE NUCLEATING AGENT
ON THE CRYSTALLIZATION OF POLY(3-
HYDROXYBUTYRATE)
Alata H; Hexig B; Inoue Y
The effects of ﬁne particles of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)
as biodegradable nucleating agent on the crystallisation
of bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) were
investigated using DSC WAXD and polarised optical
microscopy. The results are discussed in comparison with
the crystallisation of blends of PVA with PHB and with
the effects of conventional non-biodegradable nucleating
agents such as talc. 30 refs.
Tokyo Institute of Technology
JAPAN
Accession no. 970627
Item 176
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Fall Meeting
93, 2005, p.619
PHOTOLUMINESCENCE STUDIES OF
TIN OXIDE NANOFIBERS PREPARED BY
ELECTROSPINNING
Hak-Yong Kim; Nallasamy D; Kwan-Woo Kim;
Myung-Seob Khil; Chi-Hun Kim
Calcination of a composite of polyvinyl acetate and tin
oxide nanoﬁbres prepared by electrospinning resulted
in pure tin oxide nanoﬁbres. These pure nanoﬁbres were
characterised by scanning electron microscopy tapping
mode atomic force microscopy X-ray diffraction Raman
spectroscopy and room temperature photoluminescence
spectroscopy. Fibre diameter was seen to shrink during
calcinations and photoluminescence emission decreased
with increasing calcinations temperatures. These
observations were discussed. 4 refs.
INDIA; SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 969631
Item 177
Polymer Testing
25, No.3, 2006, p.377
References and Abstracts
68 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
ADDITION OF METHACRYLOYL GROUPS TO
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) IN DMSO CATALYZED
BY TEMED: OPTIMIZATION THROUGH
RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Crispim E G; Piai J F; Rubira A F; Muniz E C
The addition of methacryloyl groups from glycidyl
methacrylate (GMA) to poly(vinyl alcohol) PVA was
investigated in the former paper of this series. In this
report this reaction was optimized by response surface
methodology (RSM). In the ﬁrst step the main and the
interaction effects of reaction time temperature and
environment (either room atmosphere or N2 bubbling) on
the degree of substitution (DS) were investigated through a
23 factorial design and by keeping the feed solution molar
ratio (-OH(PVA)/GMA) equal to 1/0.05. DS was calculated
from the respective 1H NMR spectrum. The results showed
that the reaction time and temperature inputs are signiﬁcant
(P= less than 0.05) for the incorporation of methacryloyl
groups into PVA chains. In the second step maximum
DS was achieved by the use of RSM at 62 deg.C and
reaction time of 6h. In these optimized conditions molar
ratios (-OH(PVA)/GMA) equal to 1/0.10 1/0.25 1/0.50
1/0.75 and 1/1 were investigated and the respective yield
ranged from 91 to 93% when DS was up to 25 mol%.
It is difﬁcult to obtain more than 50 mol% substitution
of PVA hydroxyl by methacryloyl groups even in these
optimized conditions due to increased steric hindrance
by the large number of the methacryloyl groups inserted
into PVA. The response surface was based on the model
DS=-19.70+6.09x10-1T+1.93t-3.89x10-3T2-5.21x10-2t2-
2.14x10-2T*t where T is the temperature ( deg.C) and t
the reaction time (hours). This model explained 99.2 of
the 99.6% explainable statistical data. 22 refs.
Maringa Universidade Estadual
BRAZIL
Accession no. 969434
Item 178
Polymer Degradation and Stability
91, No.5, 2006, p.1192
THERMAL AND PHOTOCHEMICAL STABILITY
OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/MODIFIED
LIGNIN BLENDS
Fernandes D M; Winkler Hechenleitner A A; Job A E;
Radovanocic E; Gomez Pineda E A
A kraft lignin derivative (KLD) obtained by reaction with
p-aminobenzoic acid/phthalic anhydride was blended
with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by solution casting from
DMSO. PVA and PVA/KLD films were exposed to
ultraviolet radiation (24, 48 and 96 h) and analyzed by
thermogravimetry (TG) differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC) infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) hydrogen nuclear
magnetic resonance (
1
H-NMR) spectroscopy and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM). PVA ﬁlms show a loss of
thermal stability due to irradiation. PVA/KLD reveals
greater thermal stability than PVA and an increase in
thermal stability after irradiation. These results suggest
that the incorporation of KLD into PVA provides a gain
in thermal and photochemical stability. FTIR 1H NMR
DSC and TG results obtained for the blends suggest that
intermolecular interactions between PVA and KLD chains
are present. SEM micrographs revealed blend miscibility
for a KLD blend content of up to 15 wt% as observed at
magniﬁcation of 1000 times. 20 refs. Copyright (c) 2006
Elsevier Ltd.
Maringa Universidade Estadual; Paulista Universidade
Estadual
BRAZIL
Accession no. 969400
Item 179
Polymer Degradation and Stability
91, No.5, 2006, p.1147
FOAMED ARTICLES BASED ON POTATO
STARCH CORN FIBERS AND POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)
Cinelli P; Chiellini E; Lawton J W; Imam S H
Single-use packaging materials made of expanded
polystyrene (EPS) have been identiﬁed as suitable items
to be replaced by biodegradable materials. Plates made
with EPS represent a source of non-degradable waste
that is difﬁcult to collect and to recycle. Potato starch
based foamed plates have been prepared by a baking
process. Presently foam plates have been prepared by
baking aqueous mixtures of potato starch corn ﬁbres
and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) inside a hot mould. The
effects of the addition of corn ﬁbres a co-product of
bio-ethanol production on mechanical properties and
moisture resistance of potato starch based foamed plates
were investigated. The addition of corn ﬁbre to potato
starch batter increased baking time and an increased batter
volume is needed to form a complete tray. The mechanical
properties of the trays decreased with added corn ﬁbre. In
previous studies PVA has been added as aqueous solution
to improve strength ﬂexibility and water resistance of
baked starch trays. In this study 88% hydrolyzed PVA
was added as a powder in the mixture avoiding the time
consuming and costly step of pre-dissolving the PVA. The
addition of PVA to potato starch batters containing corn
ﬁbre mitigated the reduction in tensile properties seen in
trays with added corn ﬁbre. Starch-based trays produced
with a high ﬁbre ratio and PVA showed improved water
resistance. 27 refs.
Pisa University; US Dept. of Agriculture
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 969396
Item 180
Polymer Plastics Technology and Engineering
45, No.1-3, 2006, p.341
SYNTHESIS CHARACTERIZATION AND
APPLICATION OF POLY(ACRYLAMIDE)/
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) POLYBLENDS
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 69
Ibrahim N A; Hebeish A; Fahmy H M; Abo-Shosha M H
Free radical polymerisation of acrylamide(Aam) in the
presence of aqueous solutions of three commercial grades
of PVAl i.e. Vinarol FV (containing very few acetyl
groups) Mowiol 4-80 (low viscosity-partially hydrolysed)
and Vinarol STH (medium viscosity-partially hydrolysed)
using ammonium persulphate(AP) initiator was shown
to result in three corresponding PVAl/Aam polyblends.
Optimum polymerisation conditions were PVAl and
AP concentrations of 10% and 0.05 mol/L respectively
Aam concentration 50% based on the weight of PVA
polymerisation temperature 70C polymerisation time 20
min and rate of stirring 200 rpm. Under these conditions
the three polyblends were prepared at very high degrees of
polymerisation ranging from 98.2 to 99.9%. Rheological
properties of 10% aqueous solutions of the polyblends
at 80C were studied. The extent of ﬁlm resolubility of
PVAls and their polyblends was determined. Sizing
of gauzy cotton fabric with the polyblends and PVAls
was studied with reference to tensile properties and
desizability. 47 refs.
Egypt National Research Centre
EGYPT
Accession no. 969122
Item 181
Polymer Plastics Technology and Engineering
45, No.1-3, 2006, p.213
EFFECT OF ACCELERATED AGING ON
PROPERTIES OF KENAF (HIBISCUS
CANNABINUS) PAPER SIZED WITH VARIOUS
POLYMERS
Ashori A; Harun J; Raverty W D; Yusoff M N M
The effect of ageing on the properties of paper sized with
chitosan cationic starch and PVA was investigated under
accelerated conditions (90C and 50% RH). The results
of this study demonstrated that the brightness and pH of
papers decreased with an increase in ageing time. At each
ageing time paper sized with chitosan showed the highest
reduction in brightness whereas decreases in brightness in
papers sized with PVA and cationic starch did not show
much difference. The results demonstrated that paper
sized with any of the polymers gave higher levels of tear
index tensile index and folding endurance than the control
sheet. Statistical analysis indicated that the polymers used
in this experiment had a statistically-signiﬁcant effect on
the folding endurance of sized paper that was highest in
the cases of PVA and chitosan. 12 refs.
Iranian Research Organization of Science &
Technology; Commonwealth Scientiﬁc & Industrial
Research Organisation; Putra Malaysia Universiti;
Forest Research Institute of Malaysia
AUSTRALIA; IRAN; MALAYSIA
Accession no. 969106
Item 182
Designed Monomers and Polymers
9, NO.3, 2006, P.303
SYNTHESIS OF ULTRA-HIGH-MOLECULAR-
WEIGHT PVA USING TWO-STAGE PHOTO-
CONCENTRATED EMULSION POLYMERIZATION
OF VINYL ACETATE
Lin C-A; Wu C-R; Tsai H-C
The synthesis of ultra-high molecular weight poly(vinyl
alcohol) by a two-stage photo-concentrated emulsion
polymerisation of vinyl acetate in the presence of
poly(oxyethylene) nonyl phenyl ether sodium sulphate
as emulsiﬁer and in the absence of initiators followed by
hydrolysis is described. The polymer was characterised by
proton NMR and degree of polymerisation and the results
are discussed in comparison with those for the products
of emulsion polymerisation carried out in the presence of
potassium persulphate as initiator. 17 refs.
Taiwan Feng Chia University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 968491
Item 183
Polymer Degradation and Stability
91, No.8, 2006, p.1740
THE NEGATIVE BIODEGRADATION OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) MODIFIED BY
ALDEHYDES
Hui Zhen Zhang; Bai Ling Liu; Rong Luo; Yongzhong
Wu; Desong Lei
Due to the wide application of PVA acetals the
biodegradation of PVA modified by formaldehyde
n-butyraldehyde glyoxaldehyde and glutaraldehyde was
conducted in an intensive biodegradation environment.
Spectrophotometric analysis and weight loss were used
to determine the biodegradation of PVA and the changes
of the mechanical properties of PVA acetals were also
studied. An obvious decrease in biodegradation levels
of all the modiﬁed samples was found and a decrease in
biodegradation level with increasing degree of acetals
of PVA. The biodegradation of poly(vinyl formal) is
better than poly(vinyl butyral) with the same degree of
acetals whereas the biodegradation levels of poly(vinyl
glyoxal) are lower than poly(vinyl glutaral) which has
the same degree of crosslinking. The difference between
the FT-IR of the samples before and after biodegradation
indicated scission of residual PVA chain during the
process. 30 refs.
Chinese Academy of Sciences
CHINA
Accession no. 968361
Item 184
Analytica Chimica Acta
566, No.1, 2006, p.271
NOVEL NANOSTRUCTURED MATERIALS TO
References and Abstracts
70 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
DEVELOP OXYGEN-SENSITIVE FILMS FOR
OPTICAL SENSORS
Fernandez-Sanchez J F; Cannas R; Spichiger S; Steiger
R; Spichiger-Keller U E
The development of optical oxygen-sensitive sensors by
incorporation of organometallic compounds into a matrix
of poly(vinyl acetate) containing nanostructured materials
such as aluminium oxide silicon oxide or zirconium oxide
was investigated. The photostability and the effects of
sterilisation by autoclaving and gamma irradiation on the
performance of the optodes are discussed in comparison
with other types of oxygen sensors.
Granada University; ETH Zurich
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
SWITZERLAND; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 967740
Item 185
Polymer
47, No.4, 2006, p.1324
HIGHLY ISOTACTIC POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
DERIVED FROM TERT-BUTYL VINYL ETHER.
PART IV. SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
STRUCTURE AND HYDROGEN BONDING OF
HIGHLY ISOTACTIC POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
FILMS
Ohgi H; Sato T; Hu S; Horii F
Fundamental physical properties of films of various
stereoregular poly(vinyl alcohol) samples including highly
isotactic PVA (HI-PVA) derived from tert-butyl vinyl
ether were examined. The melting temperature degree of
crystallinity and carbon-13 spin-lattice relaxation time of
the crystalline component showed and distinct minima at
an mm fraction of about 0.4-0.5 suggesting that structural
disordering associated with the decrease in crystallinity
may be most strongly induced at this mm fraction. The
formation of a new crystal form of PVA was reconﬁrmed
for HI-PVA samples with mm fractions of more than
about 0.55 and the structure and hydrogen bonding were
investigated in detail by solid-state carbon-13 NMR. All
OH groups can form successive intramolecular hydrogen
bonds along their respective chains in the crystalline region
for HI-PVA samples with mm fractions of more than about
0.7. These chains may adopt a slightly helical structure
with a very long period. The appearance of minima in
physical values may be related to the introduction of
disordered units mainly as a result of hydrogen bonding
to syndiotactic or isotactic sequences. 43 refs.
Kuraray Co.Ltd.; Kyoto University
JAPAN
Accession no. 967514
Item 186
Polymer
47, No.4, 2006, p.1308
MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL AND
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF ORIENTED
PVA-VGCF AND PVA-MWNT COMPOSITES
Bin Y; Mine M; Koganemaru A; Jiang X; Matsuo M
Composites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with vapour-
grown carbon ﬁbres (VGCFs) and multi-wall carbon
nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared by gelation/
crystallisation from aqueous dimethyl sulphoxide. The
composite ﬁlms were uniaxially elongated to ﬁve- to
ten-fold. The mechanical properties of PVA composites
were improved signiﬁcantly as a result of the introduction
of VGCFs and MWNTs and by the orientation of the
ﬁllers. Because of their network structure MWNTs were
more effective than VGCFs in improving the electrical
conductivity of the composites. The change in the electrical
conductivity of PVA/MWNT composites containing 5
wt% of MWNTs was independent of the draw ratio up
to eight-fold indicating that there was no disruption of
network formation. 26 refs.
Nara Women's University
JAPAN
Accession no. 967512
Item 187
Polymer
47, No.4, 2006, p.1073
SYNTHESIS OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
COMBS VIA MADIX/RAFT POLYMERIZATION
Bernard J; Favier A; Davis T P; Barner-Kowollik C;
Stenzel M H
Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) combs were prepared by
xanthate (MADIX)/reversible addition-fragmentation
chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerisation using xanthate-
functionalised polymer cores. The comb backbones
were prepared by using well-defined poly(vinyl
alcohol) samples with degrees of polymerisation of
20 100 and 170. Functionalisation with xanthates
through the R-group or Z-group approaches resulted
in the formation of macromolecular MADIX agents.
Whereas Z-group-containing macromolecular xanthate
agents appeared to inhibit the polymerisation of vinyl
acetate R-group-containing agents effectively mediated
the bulk polymerisation of VAc to give PVAc combs.
However the growth of the combs was accompanied
at low conversions by the formation of linear polymer
chains and shoulders as a result of the constant initiation
and intermolecular coupling reactions respectively. The
proportions of single chains and termination products
increased with increasing degree of polymerisation of
the macromolecular MADIX agents. The stable ester link
between the branches and the PVA backbone permitted
the branched PVAc architectures to be hydrolyzed to give
poly(vinyl alcohol) combs. 35 refs.
New South Wales University
AUSTRALIA
Accession no. 967487
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 71
Item 188
Macromolecules
39, No.8, 2006, p.2921
SAXS STUDIES ON STRUCTURAL CHANGES
IN A POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) FILM DURING
UNIAXIAL STRETCHING IN WATER
Miyazaki T; Hoshiko A; Akasaka M; Shintani T; Sakurai S
Structural changes in a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ﬁlm
during uniaxial stretching in water were examined by
simultaneous tensile stress-strain measurements and
small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) studies. At strains
of less than 70% the crystalline lamellae orient in the
direction perpendicular to the stretching direction and the
intervening amorphous regions are elastically expanded
with film drawing in proportion to the macroscopic
deformation. At strains of more than 70% the molecular
chains in the intermediate amorphous region are relaxed
with lamellar break-up. Above 180% strain a structural
transition of the lamellar structure to a microﬁbrillar
structure occurs as suggested by the appearance of a
transversal streak with an intensity maximum on each
streak and a mechanical transition. In the ﬁnal stage
of deformation there is networking with a long-range
connectivity composed of the microfibrils and the
interﬁbrillar extended amorphous chains. The network of
the interﬁbrillar extended amorphous region is considered
to lead to strain-induced hardening which occurs at strains
from 180% up to the break. 45 refs.
Nitto Denko Corp.; KyotoInstitute of Technology
JAPAN
Accession no. 966401
Item 189
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
100, No.3, 2006, p.2409
PREPARATION OF POLYSTYRENE/
POLY(VINYL ACETATE) NANOCOMPOSITES
WITH A CORE-SHELL STRUCTURE
VIA EMULSIFIER-FREE EMULSION
POLYMERIZATION
Soltan-Dehghan M; Shariﬁ-Sanlani N; Naderi N
Nanoparticles with a core-shell morphology were
prepared by using a two-stage emulsiﬁer-free emulsion
polymerisation of styrene and vinyl acetate using azo
bisaminopropane dihydrochloride as both initiator and
emulsiﬁer. The resulting latex particles were characterised
using scanning electron microscopy transmission electron
microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Effects
of different volume ratios of monomers reaction time and
monomer addition method to the reaction medium were
evaluated. 18 refs.
Tehran University
IRAN
Accession no. 965894
Item 190
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry
Edition
44, No.9, 2006, p.3083
COPOLYMERIZATION OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)-GRAFT-POLY(14-DIOXAN-2-
ONE) WITH DESIGNATED MOLECULAR
STRUCTURE BY A SOLID-STATE
POLYMERIZATION METHOD
Si-Chong Chen; Xiu-Li Wang; Ke-Ke Yang; Gang Wu;
Yu-Zhong Wang
The solid state copolymerisation of poly(vinyl alcohol)-
g-poly(14-dioxan-2-one) with designed molecular
structure is described. The solid state copolymerisation is
preceded by a higher temperature graft copolymerisation
of poly(14-dioxan-2-one) with PVA as a multifunctional
initiator. Polymers are characterised by NMR spectroscopy
and DSC and compared with those synthesised in the
homogeneous molten state. 34 refs.
Sichuan University
CHINA
Accession no. 965341
Item 191
Materials Science and Engineering
21, No.6, 2005, p.77
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PVA
SIDE-CHAIN LIQUID CRYSTALLINE
Jiu-Fen Wang; Hong-Yan Xu; Li Chang
The synthesis of a side-chain liquid crystalline PVAl
using PVAl as electron donor and 4-stibazole as electron
acceptor through molecular recognition is described. The
thermotropic liquid crystalline behaviour phase transition
temperature and ﬂexibility of the liquid crystalline PVAl are
discussed and the relationship between the liquid crystalline
group and polymer backbone examined. 9 refs.
North China Institute of Technology Polymer
CHINA
Accession no. 964609
Item 192
Macromolecules
39, No.5, 2006, p.1709
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)-BASED HYDROGELS
FORMED BY CLICK CHEMISTRY
Ossipov D A; Hilborn J
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was functionalised with pendant
acetylene and azide groups by carbonyldiimidazole-
mediated coupling with amines terminated with functional
groups (1-azido-2-aminoethane propargylamine and
N-methylpropargylamine). Azide-modified PVA and
alkyne-modiﬁed PVA crosslinked when mixed in solution
with Cu(I) catalyst. Chemoselective coupling between
the functional groups resulted in multiple crosslinking
and hydrogel formation. PVA-based hydrogels were
References and Abstracts
72 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
also prepared by crosslinking alkyne-modified PVA
with telechelic bifunctional poly(ethylene glycol)-
diazide crosslinker. The hydrogels were characterised by
measurements of swelling in water viscoelastic properties
in the swollen state and of the soluble fraction. The
network properties were crosslinking-dependent. The use
of polyfunctional PVA crosslinkers gave higher gelation
capacity than the bifunctional PEG crosslinker. 50 refs.
Uppsala University
EUROPEAN UNION; SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no. 964470
Item 193
CSIC Revista de Plasticos Modernos
91, No.596, 2006, p.153
PVA CRYOGELS; MECHANISMS FOR
FORMATION STRUCTURE AND APPLICATIONS
Hernandez R; Lopez D; Mijangos C
A review is presented on the structure and applications
particularly biomedical applications of PVAl cryogels
and the preparation and characterisation of PVAl/gamma-
cyclodextrin inclusion compounds and their inﬂuence on
PVAl gelation by freeze-thawing. 50 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
SPAIN; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 963997
Item 194
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
99, No.5, 2006, p.2233
MECHANISM OF AIR/OXYGEN/HELIUM
ATMOSPHERIC PLASMA ACTION ON PVA
Cai Z; Qiu Y
The effect of the air/oxygen/helium atmospheric plasma
treatment on desizing PVAL on cotton fabric is discussed
and compared with the conventional peroxide desizing.
Possible changes of PVAL during atmospheric plasma
exposure was induced through a combination of weight
loss of PVAL after plasma PVAL dissolving rate in water
at room temperature X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
and FTIR. 15 refs.
Donghua University
CHINA
Accession no. 963889
Item 195
Macromolecules
39, No.3, 2006, p.1160
INFLUENCES OF INTRAMOLECULAR
CYCLIZATION ON STRUCTURE AND CROSS-
LINKING REACTION PROCESSES OF PVA
HYDROGELS
Dacheng Zhao; Guangzhi Liao; Ge Gao; Fengqi Liu
Preparation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVAlc) hydrogels
in solutions of different concentrations and using
glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent was studied by
measurement of intrinsic viscosity of PVAlc solutions
determination of gel fraction and by gel swelling
measurements. Effects of intramolecular cyclisation were
calculated according to the molecular tree model. Gel
growth was controlled by polymer concentration with
no bulk gels formed below a particular concentration.
Equilibrium swelling ratio reduces as polymer concentration
increases. 25 refs.
Jilin University; Petro China Co.Ltd.
CHINA
Accession no. 961989
Item 196
China Chemical Reporter
17, No.4-5, 2006, p.17
NEW HYDROPHILIC PRESSURE-SENSITIVE
ADHESIVE
It is brieﬂy reported that Tianjin University Chemical
Industry School has developed a new gel-type pressure-
sensitive adhesive used in skin drug application systems.
The hydrophilic PSA has good adhesion and low
sensitisation and irritation. It has good compatibility
with extracts and micro powders of traditional Chinese
medicines. The PSA gels developed include PVP/PEG/
gelatin PVP/polyester/glycerin and PVP/PVA/glycerin
varieties.
Tianjin University
CHINA
Accession no. 960276
Item 197
Polymers and Polymer Composites
14, No.1, 2006, p.39
RELEASE BEHAVIOUR OF BOVINE SERUM
ALBUMIN IN SYNDIOTACTIC POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) HYDROGEL PREPARED BY
FREEZING-THAWING
Won Seok Lyoo; Dong Soo Shin; Sung Soo Han; Seok
Kyun Noh; Jung Ae Kim; Han Gon Choi; Chul Soon
Yong; Jae-Ryong Kim; Jung Hye Kim
The release behaviour of bovine serum albumin (BSA)
in syndiotactic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels was
studied with respect to the effect of some molecular
parameters. The hydrogels were prepared by freezing-
thawing. Various syndiotactic PVAs were prepared by
copolymerisation of vinyl pivalate and vinyl acetate and
subsequent saponiﬁcation. The effect on the release rate
of factors such as stereoregularity degree of saponiﬁcation
and molecular weight of the syndiotacticity-rich PVA
hydrogels was studied. Both the release rate and the
amount of residual BSA was investigated with varying
degrees of syndiotacticity. It was found that s-PVA
hydrogels having various kinds of release behaviours could
be prepared by control of the molecular and processing
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 73
parameters of PVA and these could be successfully used
in various biomedical applications. 23 refs.
Yeungnam University
KOREA
Accession no. 958892
Item 198
Macromolecules
38, No.23, 2005, p.9488
SYNTHESIS OF POLY(VINYL ACETATE)
AND POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) CONTAINING
BLOCK COPOLYMERS BY COMBINATION
OF COBALT-MEDIATED RADICAL
POLYMERIZATION AND ATRP
Debuigne A; Caille J; Willet N; Jerome R
Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) chains of a low polydispersity
(Mw/Mn = 1.1-1.2) were prepared by cobalt-mediated
radical polymerisation of vinyl acetate (VAc). The
polymers were end-capped by an activated bromide by the
addition of an alpha-bromo ester or an alpha-bromo ketone
containing a nitroxide to form effective macroinitiators
for the atom-transfer radical polymerisation of styrene
(S) ethyl acrylate or methyl methacrylate. Because each
block is formed by a controlled process well-deﬁned
PVAc-containing diblock copolymers can be readily
prepared. The PVAc-b-PS copolymers synthesised from
alpha-bromo ketone end-capped PVAc can be converted
into well-defined poly(vinyl alcohol)-b-polystyrene
amphiphiles by methanolysis of the poly(vinyl acetate)
block. Self-association of an amphiphilic poly(vinyl
alcohol)-b-polystyrene in a water/tetrahydrofuran mixture
results in the formation of vesicles. 22 refs.
Solvay Research & Technology; Liege University
BELGIUM; EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 957899
Item 199
Polymers and Polymer Composites
13, No.8, 2005, p.839
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
OF NI+-MONTMORILLONITE/POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL WATER-SOLUBLE NANOCOMPOSITE
FILM
Li-Ping Wang; Yun-Pu Wang; Fa-Ai Zhang
This paper describes the preparation of a new type of
water-soluble nanocomposite ﬁlm from polyvinyl alcohol
Ni+2montmorillonite (Ni+2MMT) a defoaming agent a
levelling agent and a plasticiser. Its thermal characteristics
were studied by DSC and the intermolecular interactions
were measured by FTIR and XPS. The tensile strength and
elongation at break were also measured. The microstructures
were studied by XRD and AFM. FTIR and XPS spectra
indicated that crosslinking had taken place between PVA and
Ni+2MMT. XRD and AFM indicated that the PVA molecules
had inserted themselves into the silicate layers of MMT
exfoliating them and dispersing them randomly into the PVA
matrix. Compared to pure PVA ﬁlm the tensile strength of the
ﬁlms increased and the elongation at break decreased when
the Ni+2MMT was added and the dissolution temperature
of the ﬁlm was also reduced. 23 refs.
Lanzhou Northwest Normal University; Guilin University
of Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 956570
Item 200
China Synthetic Fiber Industry
28, No.5, 2005, p.1/7
STUDY ON SUPERABSORBENT BLEND FIBER
OF COPOLY(ACRYLIC ACID-ACRYLAMIDE) AND
PVA
Ding Yuanrong; Xiao Changfa; An Shulin; Jia Guangxia
2-Hydroxypropyl acrylate a potential crosslinking agent
was incorporated into an acrylic acid-acrylamide copolymer
which was blended with PVAl and spun into ﬁbres. The water
absorption behaviour of the ﬁbres following post-curing was
investigated and the effects of post-curing on the structure and
properties of the ﬁbres investigated. 6 refs.
Tianjin Polytechnic University
CHINA
Accession no. 955290
Item 201
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
98, No.5, 2005, p.2290
BIOCOMPATIBLE POLYMER BLENDS:
EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL PROCESSING ON THE
MOLECULAR INTERACTION OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) AND POLY(VINYL PYRROLIDONE)
Jones S A; Martin G P; Royall P G; Brown M B
The rapid removal of a solvent by spray drying of
partially hydrolysed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(vinyl
pyrrolidone) (PVP) altered the solid-state properties of the
material compared with the case of casting the blend to form
a ﬁlm. Although thermal analysis showed that PVP functions
as a plasticiser (reducing the melting point of PVA) spray
drying the product rather than using a ﬁlm-casting procedure
improved its solid-state stability and resulted in the formation
of a second crystalline phase within the material. Variations in
the solid-state properties of manufactured PVA/PVP blends
arose from structural differences in the composite produced
by differences in the processing method used to form the
blend. The solid-state properties of blended products can
be altered by careful manipulation of the manufacturing
process. 35 refs.
London University King's College
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no. 954815
References and Abstracts
74 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Item 202
China Chemical Reporter
16, No.32, 2005, p.23
POLYMER EMULSION ADHESIVES ENTER
SOUND DEVELOPMENT STAGE
Beifan G
The annual output growth of polymer emulsion adhesives in
China was 20% from 2001 to 2004 the highest level in the
world. Output in China was 1.483 million tons in 2004 an
increase of 16.6% over 2003. It is expected that the annual
output growth will be 12-15% reaching 3.0 million tons in
2010. Polymer emulsion adhesives include polyacrylate
emulsion polyvinyl acetate emulsion vinyl acetate-ethylene
copolymer emulsion and PU emulsion. Output of these major
polymer emulsion adhesives in China is outlined.
CHINA
Accession no. 954715
Item 203
Polymer
46, No.21, 2005, p.9170
MISCIBILITY AND INTERACTIONS IN POLY(N-
PROPYL METHACRYLATE)/POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) BLENDS
Yi J Z; Goh S H
Blends of poly(propyl methacrylate) (PPMA) and poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) were prepared over the whole composition
range by mixing DMF solutions of each polymer and
evaporating the mixture to dryness. The blends were
characterised by DSC FTIR and high-resolution solid-state
carbon-
13
C-NMR using CP/MAS experiments. All blends
were transparent and showed a single glass transition
temperature indicating complete miscibility. The spectral
changes upon blending indicated that the PVA hydroxyl
groups were interacting with the PPMA carbonyl groups.
The blends were homogeneous on a scale of 20-30 nm
but not 1-3 nm. The results were discussed in relation to
published work for PVA and poly(p-vinylphenol) blends
with poly(methylthiomethyl methacrylate) and the inﬂuence
of the sulphur atom. 29 refs.
Sun Yat-Sen University; Singapore National University
CHINA; SINGAPORE
Accession no. 954174
Item 204
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
98, No.6, 2005, p.2339
DEVELOPMENT OF POTENTIALLY
BIODEGRADABLE POLYAMIDE-6 AND
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL BLENDS: PHYSICO-
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES THERMAL
PROPERTIES AND SOIL TEST
Ramaraj B; Poomalai P
Different blends of polyamide-6 with polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA) are prepared in a twin-screw extruder and the
extrudate injection moulded to make test specimens.
The biodegradation properties are evaluated. In soil
tests all blends show enhanced biodegradability water
absorption and density. However introduction of PVA into
the polyamide-6 matrix gives considerable reduction in
tensile strength heat distortion temperature vicat softening
point and hardness initially but this reduction is absent on
subsequent addition because of the enhanced interaction
between amide and hydroxyl groups. 34 refs.
Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology
INDIA
Accession no. 953666
Item 205
International Polymer Science and Technology
32, No.6, 2005, p.T/42-4
CALORIMETRIC STUDY OF BLENDS
BASED ON POLYVINYL ALCOHOL AND
POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE
Ol'khov A A; Iordanskii A L; Fel'dshtein M M
A calorimetric study is described of blends based on
polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
The polymers were mixed in PVA/PHB ratios (wt%)
of 90:10 80:20 70:30 and 50:50. Films were produced
from the blends by extrusion of the melt through a plane
slit head using a single-screw extruder. Calorimetric
studies of the ﬁlms were carried out using a differential
scanning calorimeter. It was seen that ﬁlms based on
PVA were characterised by the presence of two types of
crystal structure and one glass transition. In composites
based on PVA and PHB the same picture is observed
but the melting peak of the crystalline phase of PHB is
superimposed on the high-temperature peak of melting
of the PVA. It was concluded that the components of the
blends were partially compatible indicated by an increase
in the Tg and a reduction in the speciﬁc heat of the PVA
phase. Other conclusions reached were that the degree of
crystallinity of the PVA falls considerably with an increase
in the PHB content of the blend and that the parameters
of the crystallites in the mixed polymers hardly change
as a function of the composition of the composites. 10
refs. (Article translated from Plasticheskie Massy No.10
2004 p.25-6)
Lomonosov M.V.Academy of Fine Chemical
Technology; Russian Academy of Sciences
RUSSIA
Accession no. 953438
Item 206
Proceedings of the 63rd SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC 2005) held Boston, MA
pp.5
EFFECT OF NANOCLAY ON EFFICIENCY
OF LOW PROFILE ADDITIVES (LPAS) ON
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 75
SHRINKAGE CONTROL OF UNSATURATED
POLYESTER (UP) RESIN
Xia Cao; Lee L J
The addition of a small quantity of nanoclay (3 wt %)
can greatly enhance the efﬁciency of low proﬁle additives
(LPAs) for volume shrinkage control of low profile
unsaturated polyester(UP)/styrene/LPA systems. In this
study the effect of nanoclay on volume shrinkage of
low proﬁle UP resins containing PS PMMA and PVAc
respectively was investigated by an integrated approach
of static phase characteristics of uncured resin mixture
morphology of the cured samples reaction kinetics and
shrinkage measurement. The results revealed that nanoclay
greatly increased the fraction of LPA-rich phase leading
to more micro-cracking in the LPA-rich phase or at the
interface of the LPA-rich and UP-rich phases and therefore
to a marked improvement of volume shrinkage control.
The effects of structure/properties of LPAs and surface
property of nanoclay on shrinkage of UP resin were also
investigated. 14 refs
USA
Accession no. 953369
Item 207
EP 1593726 A1 20051109
WATER-BASED VULCANIZABLE ADHESIVE
COMPOSITION
Fukasawa K; Abe K
Disclosed is an aqueous vulcanisable adhesive composition
which comprises a phenol resin emulsion prepared from
a water-insoluble phenol resin solution in methyl ethyl
ketone and an aqueous water-soluble polymeric substance
solution and a curing agent for the phenol resin. It uses
a partially water-miscible methyl ethyl ketone in place
of a completely water-miscible organic solvent. PVA
preferably aceto-acetyl-modiﬁed PVA is used as the water-
soluble polymeric substance. The adhesive composition
is suitably used for vulcanisation bonding of a metal to
(hydrogenated) NBR or acrylic rubber.
Accession no. 953008
Item 208
Macromolecular Research
13, No.5, 2005, p.385
CHARACTERIZATION OF PVOH NONWOVEN
MATS PREPARED FROM SURFACTANT-
POLYMER SYSTEM VIA ELECTROSPINNING
Jung Y H; Kim H Y; Lee D R; Park S Y; Khil M Y
The fabrication of poly(vinyl alcohol) non-woven mats
by electrospinning polymer solutions containing various
concentrations of cationic anionic amphoteric and non-
ionic surfactants characterised by surface tension viscosity
and conductivity was investigated by SEM tensile strength
and elongation at break measurements. The effects of
polymer-surfactant interactions on the morphological
and mechanical properties of the non-woven mats are
discussed. 23 refs.
Chonbuk National University
KOREA
Accession no. 952902
Item 209
Journal of Macromolecular Science B
B44, No.5, 2005, p.779
PREPARATION AND PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES OF CARBON NANOTUBES-PVA
NANOCOMPOSITES
Ciambelli P; Sarno M; Gorrasi G; Sannino D; Tortora
M; Vittoria V
The preparation of nanocomposites of poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) with various proportions of oxidised multiwall
carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) under different processing
conditions and their characterisation by FESEM TEM
DSC TGA FTIR Raman spectroscopy and DMTA is
described. The results were compared with those for PVA
itself and the effects of MWNTs on structural mechanical
and thermal properties are discussed. 53 refs.
Salerno University
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY;
WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 952824
Item 210
E-Polymers
24, No.72, 2005, p.1
DRUG-LOADED ULTRAFINE POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) FIBRE MATS PREPARED BY
ELECTROSPINNING
Chunxue Zhang; Xiaoyan Yuan; Lili Wu; Jing Sheng
The preparation of submicron polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) ﬁbre
mats embedded with Aspirin and bovine serum albumin
from electrospun aqueous solutions is described. SEM
is used to investigate the ﬁbre morphology and the ﬁbre
mat composition is characterised by FTIR spectroscopy
and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The in vitro drug
release is investigated by immersing the ﬁbre mats in
phosphate buffer solution. The ﬁbre mat morphology is
inﬂuenced by the amount of drug in the mats with more
irregular shaped ﬁbres found for higher drug content. The
drugs are released more quickly from PVA mats than from
PVA cast ﬁlms because of the large surface area and high
porosity of the ﬁbres. 15 refs.
Tianjin University
CHINA
Accession no. 952706
Item 211
Journal of Polymers and the Environment
13, No.3, 2005, p.267
References and Abstracts
76 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/COMPOST
COMPOSITES FOR BIOFILTRATION OF SWINE
WASTE VOLATILES
Wu-Chung Chan; Rui-Xiang Zheng
The preparation of a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/compost
composite bead for bioﬁltration is reported. The composite
bead is prepared by blending PVA with swine manure
compost and ﬁxing with boric acid and phosphate. The
moisture absorption/holding capacity compressive strength
nutrient content and density of the bead are characterised.
The ethyl acetate removal efﬁciency pH and head loss of
the composite bead and swine manure compost beds are
also reported during bioﬁlter operation. 18 refs.
Chung-Hua University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 951579
Item 212
Journal of Polymers and the Environment
13, No.3, 2005, p.253
MOISTURE SORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF
MICROBIALLY PRODUCED POLYSACCHARIDE
AND POLYVINYL ALCOHOL BLENDS
Sudhamani S R; Raj A E; Raj B; Prasad M S
The moisture sorption characteristics of microbial
polysaccharide from Pseudomonas caryophilli and
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blends are reported for water
activity from 0.1 to 0.9 at 27C. The sorption data is used
to ﬁt six different sorption isotherm models. The ranges
of applicability of water activity for isotherm models lie
between 0.1 and 0.4 for a BET model and between 0.2 and
0.9 for other models. 28 refs.
India Central Food Technological Research Inst.
INDIA
Accession no. 951577
Item 213
Journal of Cellular Plastics
41, No.5, 2005, p.437
EFFECTS OF DIE SHAPES AND ADDITIVES
ON THE PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES AND CELLULAR STRUCTURE OF
BIODEGRADABLE CUSHIONING EXTRUDED
FOAMS
Lui W-B; Peng J
The effects of die shape poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) ratio and
additives (sodium bicarbonate calcium carbonate calcium
hydroxide) on the physical mechanical and morphological
properties of corn-PVA composite extruded foams were
investigated by longitudinal expansion bulk density
compressibility spring index and SEM. The experimental
data was subjected to statistical analysis and the results
are discussed. 37 refs.
Taiwan National Chung-Hsing University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 950853
Item 214
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
43, No.17, 2005, p.2399
POLYMER-FILLER INTERACTIONS IN SOL-
GEL DERIVED POLYMER/SILICA HYBRID
NANOCOMPOSITES
Bandyopadhyay A; De Sarkar M; Bhowmick A K
The effect of polymer-filler interactions on swelling
and dynamic mechanical properties of the sol-gel
derived acrylic rubber (ACM)/silica epoxidised natural
rubber (ENR)/silica and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/
silica hybrid nanocomposites is described. The Kraus
constants determined from the swelling measurements
are substantially higher than that of carbon black ﬁlled
conventional rubber composites. To understand the
polymer-filler interaction the dynamic mechanical
properties of the hybrid nanocomposites are studied at
two temperatures. The drop in storage modulus with
dynamic strain is found to be greatest for ACM/silica. For
all systems the effect is higher at the higher temperature.
The observations are due to the strength of polymer-ﬁller
interactions and the additional effects of higher thermal
energy at the higher temperature. 34 refs.
Kharagpur Indian Institute of Technology
INDIA
Accession no. 950590
Item 215
Polymer Materials Science and Engineering
21, No.3, 2005, p.212
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF PVA
POLARIZING FILM
Ya-Man Zuo; Wan-Qi Qiu; Zheng-Yi Liu; Jian-Xun
Gong
Polarising films containing iodine and iodine nickel
and cobalt were fabricated and their optical properties
investigated. 5 refs.
South China University of Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 948126
Item 216
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
43, No.15, 2005, p.1944
STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) CONCENTRATION ON THE
GELATION POINT OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
POLY(ACRYLIC ACID) SEMI-IPN SYSTEMS
AS DETERMINED BY VISCOELASTIC
MEASUREMENTS
Henandez R; Mijangos C; Lopez D
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 77
The effects of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) concentration
on the gelation point of PVA/poly(acrylic acid) semi-
interpenetrating network (semi-IPNs) systems prepared
by a sequential method and crosslinked with N,N'-
methylenebisacrylamide were investigated by viscoelastic
measurements. The molecular structures of the semi-
IPNs are discussed in terms of loosely crosslinked gels
composed of swollen clusters. 22 refs.
Madrid Instituto de Ciencia y Tec.de Polim
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 947761
Item 217
Macromolecular Research
13, No.4, 2005, p.314
PREPARATION OF ION EXCHANGE
MEMBRANES FOR FUEL CELL BASED ON
CROSSLINKED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) WITH
POLY(ACRYLIC ACID-CO-MALEIC ACID)
Dae Sik Kim; Ho Bum Park; Chang Hyun Lee; Young
Moo Lee; Go Young Moon; Sang Yong Nam; Ho Sang
Hwang; Tae II Yun; Ji Won Rhim
Crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes are
prepared at various crosslinking temperatures using
poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) (PAM) with differing
PAM content. The proton conductivity and methanol
permeability are investigated for PVA/PAM membranes
with 3-13 wt% in the temperature range 25-80C. Both
properties are very dependent of the PAM content
and decrease with increasing PAM content. Ambient
temperature proton conductivity is in the range 0.001-
0.001 S/cm and the methanol permeability in the range 10
-7

to 10
-6
cm
2
/s. The effects of crosslinking and concentration
of ionomer groups are discussed in terms of water content
ion exchange capacity and ﬁxed ion concentration. 18
refs.
Hanyang University; LG Chem; Gyeongsang National
University; Hannam University
KOREA
Accession no. 947678
Item 218
Journal of Membrane Science
259, No.1-2, 2005, p.65
SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF PERMEATION
FLUX AND SELECTIVITY OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) MEMBRANES BY
INCORPORATION OF CRYSTALLINE FLAKE
GRAPHITE
Peng F; Lu L; Hu C; Wu H; Jiang Z
The preparation of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) membranes
incorporating crystalline flake graphite and their
characterisation by positron lifetime spectroscopy and
degree of swelling is described. The effects of graphite
content feed composition and operating temperature on
the pervaporation properties of the composite membranes
for separating benzene/cyclohexane mixtures were
investigated and the results are discussed in comparison
with those for PVA and crosslinked PVA membranes.
Tianjin University
CHINA
Accession no. 945711
Item 219
Macromolecules
38, No.13, 2005, p.5475
POLY(VINYL ESTER) STAR POLYMERS VIA
XANTHATE-MEDIATED LIVING RADICAL
POLYMERIZATION: FROM POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) TO GLYCOPOLYMER STARS
Bernard J; Favier A; Ling Zhang; Nilasaroya A; Davis T
P; Barner-Kowollik C; Stenzel M H
Xanthate interchange reversible addition fragmentation
polymerisation with Xanthate attachment to the core by
either a fragmenting or non-fragmenting covalent bond
was used to prepare polyvinyl ester stars polymers. Using
the fragmenting covalent bond approach resulted in well-
deﬁned star polymers of vinyl acetate vinyl pivalate or
vinyl neodecanoate with narrow polydispersity. Polymers
of wider polydispersity were obtained at medium to high
conversions with the non-fragmenting covalent bond
method probably due to congestion around the xanthate
functionality. Conversion by hydrolysis of the polyvinyl
esters to polyvinyl alcohol resulted in destruction of the
star architecture due to cleavage of the xanthate linkage.
Early experiments in the preparation of star shaped
glycopolymers using the fragmenting covalent bond
approach is described and discussed but further work in
this area is still required 34 refs.
New South Wales University
AUSTRALIA
Accession no. 944734
Item 220
Journal of Membrane Science
255, No.1-2, 2005, p.181
SEPARATION OF AZEOTROPIC MIXTURE
USING MODIFIED PVA MEMBRANE
Upadhyay D J; Bhat N V
PVAl membrane (4 wt %) was modified with 0.05
to 0.2 wt % lithium chloride in order to investigate
the effect of addition of alkali salt on separation of
water-isopropyl alcohol mixture. The surface of cast
membranes was crosslinked by exposure to low-pressure
nitrogen plasma. The separation performance of modiﬁed
membrane was analysed by pervaporation technique at
25C and improvements in the ﬂux and the selectivity
for puriﬁcation of water molecules were demonstrated.
Characterisation of modiﬁed membranes was performed
using FTIR spectroscopy DSC and wide-angle X-ray
diffraction techniques. It was found that the membrane
References and Abstracts
78 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
became semicrystalline to amorphous on addition of
lithium chloride to PVAl which affected the separation
performance.
Randox Laboratories Ltd.; Bombay Textile Research
Assn.
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; INDIA;
UK; WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 943160
Item 221
Journal of Membrane Science
250, No.1-2, 2005, p.167
IMMOBILIZATION OF CELLULASE IN
NANOFIBROUS PVA MEMBRANES BY
ELECTROSPINNING
Lili Wu; Xiaoyan Yuan; Jing Sheng
The immobilisation of the enzyme cellulase in nanoﬁbrous
poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membranes was investigated by
electrospinning from an acetic acid solution of PVA and
cellulase and crosslinking by glutaraldehyde vapour. The
catalytic activity of the immobilised enzyme was compared
to that of the free enzyme and the effects of enzyme loading
efﬁciency and crosslinking time on catalytic activity are
discussed.
Tianjin University
CHINA
Accession no. 941320
Item 222
Polymer International
54, No.5, 2005, p.796
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
OF SPONGY CRYOGELS OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)-CASEIN SYSTEM: WATER
SORPTION AND BLOOD COMPATIBILITY
STUDY
Bajpai A; Saini R
Novel blend hydrogels of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and
casein were prepared by repeated freeze-thaw cycles of
aqueous solutions. The dried gel pieces were characterised
by FTIR spectroscopy DSC and SEM. The water sorption
capacities of the gels were determined and the effects of
the PVA and casein components the number of freeze-thaw
cycles pH temperature salts and swelling bath temperature
were estimated. The hydrogels showed a good degree of
blood capacity during tests for bovine serum albumin
adsorption blood clot formation and haemolytic activity.
40 refs.
Jabalpur Government Autonomous Science College
INDIA
Accession no. 940919
Item 223
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
96, No.3, 2005, p.808
PROPERTIES OF CHITOSAN/POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) FILMS FOR DRUG-CONTROLLED
RELEASE
Qun Wang; Yu-min Du; Li-hong Fan
Combination crosslinked polymer ﬁlms of chitosan and
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) crosslinked and loaded with
bovine serum albumin as a model drug were prepared by
casting and solvent evaporation. They were characterised
using X-ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and their drug
release properties were determined. Drug release was
affected by component ratio of the ﬁlms loading of model
drug and pH and ionic strength of the release solution.
Highest drug release rates were obtained at low drug levels
high PVA levels in the ﬁlm low pH levels in the release
solution and high ionic strength of the release solution.
Crosslinking of the ﬁlms reduced release rates. 24 refs.
Wuhan University
CHINA
Accession no. 940699
Item 224
Molecular Crystals and Liquid Crystals
426, 2005, p.205
NEW OPTICAL NONLINEAR MATERIAL
BASED UPON PVA WITH PBS QUANTUM DOTS
Lyakhovetsky V R; Volkov V I; Borshch A A; Brodyn M
S; Strashnikova M I; Reznichenko V Y; Kutsenko A S;
Maloletov S M; Kuchmy S Y; Kajzar F
The preparation of nanocomposite ﬁlms of poly(vinyl
alcohol) with nanocrystals of the semiconductor
lead sulphide and their characterisation by XRD
microinterferometry (film thickness) and UV-visible
spectroscopy is described. The third order nonlinear optical
susceptibility of the nanocomposites was investigated in the
visible region by refractive index dispersion measurements
and the results are discussed. 17 refs.
Ukraine Institute of Physics; Kiev Institute of Physical
Chemistry; CEA-Saclay
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
UKRAINE; WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 940437
Item 225
Macromolecular Symposia
No.222, 2005, p.163
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
INTERPENETRATING POLYMER HYDROGELS
BASED ON POLY(ACRYLIC ACID) AND
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Hernandez R; Lopez D; Perez E; Mijangos C
The synthesis of interpenetrating polymer hydrogels
of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic acid)
(PAA) by a sequential process involving firstly
crosslinking copolymerisation of acrylic acid and NN'-
methylenebisacrylamide in the presence of PVA followed
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 79
by a freeze-thaw procedure to form the PVA hydrogel
within the PAA hydrogel is described. The products were
characterised by swelling viscoelastic properties and
carbon-13 NMR and the results are discussed. 7 refs.
Madrid Instituto de Ciencia y Tec.de Polim.
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 940406
Item 226
International Polymer Science and Technology
31, No.9, 2004, p.T/47-50
ACID HYDROLYSIS OF VINYL ACETATE IN
AN AQUEOUS MEDIUM IN THE PRESENCE
OF NON-IONOGENIC SURFACTANTS AND
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
Karamyan D R; Sergeeva C N; Beileryan N M;
Voskanyan P S; Eritsyan V K; Gevorkyan L A
This article considers the use of emulsion polymerisation
for the production of vinyl acetate copolymers and the
incorporation of non-ionogenic surfactants for the initiation
of polymerisation. In order to ensure an acceptable rate
of decomposition of the initiating system use is made of
additives and in particular acids to regulate the pH value
of the reaction mixture. It is known that vinyl acetate
undergoes hydrolysis in an aqueous medium with the
formation of acetaldehyde and acetic acids which have
a negative effect both on the polymerisation process and
on the quality of the polyvinyl acetate formed. Work was
carried out to study the hydrolysis of vinyl acetate in an
aqueous medium under the conditions of polymerisation
and the effect on hydrolysis of the components of the
reaction system at working concentrations. Results are
given of an investigation of the rates of acid hydrolysis
of vinyl acetate in an aqueous medium in the presence of
non-ionogenic surfactants. 5 refs. (Article translated from
Plasticheskie Massy No.1 2004 pp.22).
RUSSIA
Accession no. 937776
Item 227
Proceedings of the 62nd SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC 2004) held Chicago Il
p.2437
CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE
OF STARCH-POLY-(VINYL ALCOHOL) (PVA)
BLENDS WITH AGRICULTURAL WASTE FIBER
Imam S H; Glenn G M; Shey J; Clamczynski A; Wood
D; Nguyen T; Cornish K; Orts W J
The renewable polymers are environmentally friendly and
naturally biodegradable and could serve as an inexpensive
source of raw material for single-use engineered products.
Efforts are underway to develop ecocompatible consumer
plastics by incorporating renewable polymers as an
alternative to petroleum-derived chemicals. Therefore
gaining fundamental understanding of biobased polymers
is critical for the design and development of consumer
products. The research efforts at the USDA laboratory
pertaining to the development of biopolymer blends
polymer processing characterisation and lifetime
evaluation are presented. 14 refs.
USA
Accession no. 937601
Item 228
Polymer
45, No.26, 2004, p.8801
GEL SPINNING OF PVA/SWNT COMPOSITE
FIBER
Zhang X; Liu T; Sreekumar T V; Kumar S; Hu X;
Smith K
An optically homogeneous dispersion of single wall
carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA) was prepared in DMSO/water by stirring and
sonication. The dispersion was extruded into composite
ﬁbres into methanol via gel spinning and the tensile and
dynamic mechanical properties of the dried ﬁbres were
determined. UV visible and Raman spectroscopy wide-
angle X-ray diffraction and SEM were also carried out.
The modulus of the PVA/SWNT (3 wt%) composite ﬁbre
was 40% higher than that of a control ﬁbre spun from
PVA gel. PVA orientation in the control and composite
ﬁbres was similar but the composite ﬁbres exhibited lower
crystallinity. 39 refs.
Georgia Institute of Technology; Carbon
Nanotechnologies Inc.
USA
Accession no. 937376
Item 229
Polymer
45, No.26, 2004, p.8779
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) HYDROGEL
FIXATION ON POLY(ETHYLENE
TEREPHTHALATE) SURFACE FOR
BIOMEDICAL APPLICATION
Li Y; Neoh K G; Kang E T
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel was immobilised
onto a surface-functionalised poly(ethylene terephthalate)
(PET) ﬁlm to improve the ﬁlm biocompatibility. The
ﬁlm was subjected to an argon plasma glow discharge
then graft copolymerised with poly(ethylene glycol)
monomethacrylate in the presence of ethylene glycol
dimethacrylate as crosslinker before oxidisation with acetic
anhydride-DMSO to produce aldehyde groups on the PET
surface. ATR FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
were used to study the surface at each stage. The aqueous
PVA solution containing formaldehyde as crosslinker
was covalently immobilised on the ﬁlm by heating at
50 degC for eight hours. SEM was used to conﬁrm the
strong attachment. Heparin was immobilised on the
PVA-covered PET by physical entrapment or covalent
References and Abstracts
80 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
bonding to improve the biocompatibility of the ﬁlm. The
biocompatibilities of the various surface-modiﬁed PET
ﬁlms were evaluated by plasma recalciﬁcation time and
blood platelet adhesion measurements. 41 refs.
Singapore National University
SINGAPORE
Accession no. 937374
Item 230
Proceedings of the 62nd SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC 2004) held Chicago Il
p.1451
INFLUENCE OF NANOPARTICLES ON THE
SHRINKAGE CONTROL OF LOW PROFILE
UNSATURATED POLYESTER COMPOSITES
Liqun Xu; Lee L J
Unsaturated polyester(UP) resins are one of the most
widely used materials in fabricated composites. However
a number of problems caused by their high polymerisation
shrinkage have limited their growth in many new markets.
The authors' research results showed that 1 to 3 wt % of
nanoclay can provide excellent volume shrinkage control
of UP resin systems containing polyvinyl acetate as a
low proﬁle additive(LPA) in room temperature moulding
processes. Nanoclay residing in the LPA-rich phase led to
a higher reaction rate and earlier onset of micro-cracking
in the resin system. Consequently an earlier volume
expansion during curing was observed in the reactive
dilatometry experiment resulting in better shrinkage
control. 8 Refs.
USA
Accession no. 935598
Item 231
Proceedings of the 62nd SPE Annual conference
(ANTEC 2004) held Chicago Il
p.1810
SOME STUDIES ON
MONTMORILLONITE(MMT) FILLED
POLYPROPYLENE COMPOSITE SYSTEMS
Li R K Y; Shi D
Two aspects of PP/MMT composite systems are
considered. In the ﬁrst part the effect of using MMT
particles as the initiator carrier in the melt grafting reaction
of maleic anhydride(MAH) onto PP backbone is presented.
It was found that using this method the degradation of
the PP molecular chains can be signiﬁcantly reduced. In
the second part a method of improving the dispersion of
MMT particles in PP/MMT nanocomposites is presented.
This new method involves the pretreatment of MMT
particles with PVA and the results show that the method
is effective in improving the dispersion of MMT particles
in PP matrix. 9 refs.
CHINA; HONG KONG
Accession no. 935460
Item 232
Journal of Materials Science
40, No.3, 2005, p.777
NONLINEAR REFRACTION OF COOMASSIE
BRILLIANT BLUE DYE IN PVA MATRIX
Valsalamilka B; Sreekumar G; Muneera C I; Sendhil K;
Vijayan C
The organic chromophore Coomassie Brilliant Blue R-250
was prepared in solid ﬁlm form in a PVAl matrix and
investigated by the Z-scan technique using a laser beam.
The chromophore exhibited a negative refractive non-
linearity and a non-linear coefﬁcient of refractive index at
a wavelength of 632.8 mm of 2.45 times 10 to the power
12 sq.m
2
/w. 11 refs.
Kerala University; Indian Institute of Technology
INDIA
Accession no. 935244
Item 233
Polymer
46, No.4, 2005, p.1379
GRAFTING AND ADSORPTION OF
POLY(VINYL) ALCOHOL IN VINYL ACETATE
EMULSION POLYMERIZATION
Carra S; Sliepcevich A; Canevarolo A; Carra S
The role of PVAl as a protective colloid in the emulsion
polymerisation of vinyl acetate was investigated using
various polyvinyl alcohols. The effect of PVAl blockiness
on emulsion polymerisation and latex properties was
examined and the rheological properties of the various
latices obtained determined. Fractions of PVAl in the
ﬁnal latex were separated using a selective solubilisation
procedure and the results obtained compared with those
for the adsorption of PVAl onto emulsiﬁer-free PVAc
dispersions. 12 refs.
Mapei SpA; Milano Politecnico
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY;
WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 934216
Item 234
Chemistry of Materials
17, No.1, 2005, p.9
NANOPARTICLE-EMBEDDED POLYMER: IN
SITU SYNTHESIS FREE-STANDING FILMS
WITH HIGHLY MONODISPERSE SILVER
NANOPARTICLES AND OPTICAL LIMITING
Porel S; Singh S; Harsha S S; Rao D N;
Radhakrishnan T P
The fabrication of free-standing ﬁlms of silver nanoparticle-
embedded poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) by spin-coating an
aqueous solution containing silver nitrate and PVA onto
quartz or polystyrene-coated glass substrates followed
by thermal treatment is described. The films were
characterised by TEM plasmon absorption and nonlinear
optical properties and the results are discussed. 19 refs.
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 81
Hyderabad University; Hyderabad Centre for Cellular
and Molecular Biology
INDIA
Accession no. 933909
Item 235
Polymers and Polymer Composites
12, No.7, 2004, p.561
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF HIGH
MOLECULAR WEIGHT POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)/DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE/WATER
CONCENTRATED SOLUTIONS
Sung Jun Lee; Jin Woo Kwak; Hyo Dae Kim; Han Yong
Jeon; Joon Ho Kim; Won Sik Yoon; Won Seok Lyoo
Before carrying out gel spinning of polyvinyl acetate
(PVA) to prepare high-performance PVA fibres the
rheological properties of solutions of high molecular
weight PVA in dimethyl sulphoxide(DMSO)/water
mixtures was studied with various polymer concentrations
at various temperatures. Polymer concentration and
solution temperature was shown to play a signiﬁcant role
in the rheological behaviour of high molecular weight
PVA solutions. Over the frequency range examined
PVA solutions showed shear thinning behaviour at lower
temperatures and as the polymer concentration was
increased the extent of shear thinning also increased. In the
plot of storage modulus of PVA solution with loss modulus
the slope was less than 2 indicating that the phase of PVA
solutions in DMSO/water is heterogeneous. 21 refs.
Yeungnam University; Kolon Industries Inc.; Chonnam
National University
KOREA
Accession no. 933607
Item 236
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Spring Meeting
90, 2004, p.746
ULTRASONIC INITIALLY CATALYZED
EMULSION POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL
ACETATE BY USING REDOX INITIATOR
Bahattab M A Saudi
Ultrasonic energy was used to initiate emulsion
polymerisation of vinyl acetate at room temperature
and using a non-thermal redox initiator in the absence
of inert gas. The initiator was a mixture of ferrous
sulphate heptahydrate sodium persulphate and sodium
metabisulphite. A combination of ultrasonic energy and
redox initiator was shown to result in higher conversion
and higher rate of polymer production compared with
using redox initiator alone. 12 refs.
SAUDI ARABIA
Accession no. 933337
Item 237
European Polymer Journal
41, No.2, 2005, p.329
STUDIES ON THE VISCOSITY BEHAVIOR
OF POLYMER SOLUTIONS AT LOW
CONCENTRATIONS
Haiyang Yang; Yunfei Yan; Pingping Zhu; Hao Li;
Qingren Zhu; Chenggao Fan
The viscosities of solutions of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(ethylene
oxide) (PEO) were measured down to low concentrations.
The ﬂow time of the pure solvent in ideal conditions
(t0(asterisk)) obtained by extrapolating the ﬂow time
of polymer solution t to zero concentration was not
equal to the flow time of the pure solvent (t0). The
reduced viscosity calculated as (t/t0 - 1)/C (where C is
the concentration) exhibited either a marked increase
or a significant decrease with dilution depending on
the polymer solution investigated. On the other hand
the reduced viscosity calculated as (t/t0(asterisk) - 1)/C
was proportional to C even at low concentrations. The
anomalous viscosity behaviour of neutral polymer
solutions at low concentrations is therefore a result of an
incorrect method for calculating the reduced viscosity.
The effective diameter of the viscometer capillary the
surface properties of the capillary wall and the additional
pressure corresponding to the measurement of t and t0
were different for PVA PVP and PEO solutions. By taking
into account the contact angle and the surface tension of
the liquid together with the geometric parameters for the
viscometer the effect of the additional pressure on the ﬂow-
time measurement could be studied quantitatively. The
thickness of the adsorbed polymer layers on the capillary
walls was markedly affected by the nature of the solvent
in which the polymer molecules were dissolved whereas
molecular weight of the polymer had little or no effect
on the thickness of the adsorbed layers of polymer on the
walls of the viscometer capillary. 45 refs.
China University of Science & Technology
CHINA
Accession no. 932585
Item 238
CSIC Macromolecules
37, No.25, 2004, p.9620
CONTROLLING PVA HYDROGELS WITH
GAMMA-CYCLODEXTRIN
Hernandez R; Rusa M; Rusa C C; Lopez D; Mijangos
C; Tonelli A E
Details are given of the preparation and characterisation
of PVAL hydrogels formed during freeze-thaw cycles of
their aqueous solutions containing gamma-cyclodextrin.
Conﬁrmation of the existence of the channel structure for
gamma-cyclodextrin was achieved by characterising the
dried hydrogels with solid-state DSC TGA wide-angle
X-ray diffraction and carbon
13
C-NMR. Swelling and
rheological responses are discussed. 20 refs.
References and Abstracts
82 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
North Carolina State University;
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
USA; WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 931773
Item 239
Polymer International
53, No.12, 2004, p.2138
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
COPOLYMERS OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
WITH THIOPHENE SIDE-GROUPS AND
PYRROLE
Sahmetlioglu E; Yuruk H; Toppare L; Canga I; Yagci Y
Graft copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol with thiophene
side-groups and pyrrole are synthesised by electrochemical
polymerisation methods. Polyvinyl alcohol with thiophene
side-groups (PVATh) is obtained from the reaction
between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and thiophene-3-acetic
acid. The syntheses of copolymers of PVATh and pyrrole
are achieved electrochemically by using three different
supporting electrolytes p-toluene sulphonic acid (PTSA)
sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and tetrabutylammonium
tetraﬂuoroborate (TBAFB). Characterisation of PVATh
and graft copolymers is performed by a combination of
techniques including cyclic voltammetry scanning electron
microscopy thermal gravimetry differential scanning
calorimetry size exclusion chromatography
1
H-NMR and
FT-IR. The conductivities are measured by the four-probe
technique. 11 refs.
Turkey Nigde University; Ankara Middle East Technical
University; Istanbul Technical University
TURKEY
Accession no. 931499
Item 240
Colloid and Polymer Science
283, No.1, 2004, p.24
HYDROGELS IN AQUEOUS PHASES OF
POLYVINYLALCOHOL(PVA) SURFACTANTS
AND CLAY MINERALS
Jing Liu; Hoffmann H
Aqueous dispersions of a synthetic clay mineral were
shown to be transformed by amphiphilic water-soluble
polymers such as PVAl into soft gels. The polymer bonded
onto the clay mineral and the adsorbed coils acted like
crosslinking agents between the clay mineral particles.
The resulting gels had a yield stress value and a frequency-
independent storage modulus. Under saturation the clay
mineral particles could adsorb ﬁve times their own weight
of PVAl. Anionic surfactant adsorbed on PVAl and rendered
it hydrophilic. As a consequence PVAl could no longer
bind to the clay mineral and the gels were transformed
into low viscosity aqueous solutions. 21 refs.
Bayreuth University
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-
GENERAL
Accession no. 931069
Item 241
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry
Edition
42, No.24, 2004, p.6331
ULTRAFINE HYDROGEL FIBERS WITH
DUAL TEMPERATURE- AND PH-RESPONSIVE
SWELLING BEHAVIORS
Hong Chen; You-Lo Hsieh
Ultraﬁne hydrogel ﬁbres responsive to both temperature
and pH signals were prepared by electrospinning of
mixtures of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)
and poly(acrylic acid) in DMF. Both the diameters and
packing of the ﬁbres could be controlled by changing
the polymer compositions and the molecular weights of
PNIPAAm. These ﬁbres were rendered water-insoluble by
the addition of either disodium phosphate or poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) to the solution followed by heat curing of
the ﬁbres. The ﬁbres crosslinked with disodium phosphate
swelled to 30-120 times in water; this was signiﬁcantly
more than the swelling of ﬁbres crosslinked with PVA. The
PVA-crosslinked hydrogel ﬁbres however showed more
rapid swelling reaching equilibrium in less than 5 min at
25 deg C. They were also more stable after 1 week of water
exposure. All the hydrogel ﬁbres showed a marked increase
in swelling between pH 4 and 5. The PVA-crosslinked
hydrogel ﬁbres exhibited distinct temperature-responsive
phase-transition behaviour of PNIPAAm whereas the
disodium phosphate-crosslinked hydrogel ﬁbres showed
altered two-stage phase transitions that reﬂected side-chain
modiﬁcation of PNIPAAm. 27 refs.
California University at Davis
USA
Accession no. 930384
Item 242
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Fall Meeting
89, 2003, p.774
EFFECTS OF REACTIVE VINYL ACETATE-
BASED BLOCK COPOLYMERS ON
THE SHRINKAGE AND INTERNAL
PIGMENTABILITY FOR LOW-TEMPERATURE
CURE OF UNSATURATED POLYESTER
Huang Y-J; Dong J-P; Chiu S-G; Hsu M-W
Details are given of the effects of reactive vinyl acetate-
based block copolymer types of low proﬁle additives
on the volume shrinkage characteristics and internal
pigmentability for styrene/unsaturated polyester/additive
ternary systems cured at low temperatures. Cure kinetics
were determined by DSC and morphology of fractured
surfaces were examined using SEM. Volume shrinkage
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 83
and colour depth were measured by density measurements
and by using a chromameter. 13 refs.
CHINA
Accession no. 929526
Item 243
E-Polymers
No.78, 2004, p.1
ELECTROSPUN POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/
POLY(ACRYLIC ACID) FIBRES WITH
EXCELLENT WATER-STABILITY
Zeng J; Hou H; Wendorff J H; Greiner A
The effects of annealing with poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)
on the water stability of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) nanoﬁbres were investigated by measurement of
the swelling of solution-cast PVA/PAA ﬁlms. The results
are discussed in terms of the effects of reaction conditions
including PVA/PAA ratio annealing temperature and time
PAA molecular weight and use of an esteriﬁcation catalyst
on the water stability of electrospun PVA/PAA composite
nanoﬁbres. 11 refs.
Marburg Philipps University
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-
GENERAL
Accession no. 929436
Item 244
Polymer Bulletin
52, No.3-4, 2004, p.201
PREPARATION OF MECHANICALLY CROSS-
LINKED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Kubo M; Hayakawa N; Minami Y; Tamura M; Uno T;
Itoh T
A novel cyclic macromonomer based on a cyclic PS is
prepared. Its radical copolymerisation with vinyl acetate
is carried out to give a mechanically crosslinked polyvinyl
acetate which is converted to a mechanically crosslinked
polyvinyl alcohol with high swellability. 9 refs.
Mie University
JAPAN
Accession no. 929313
Item 245
T3 Technical Textile Technology
3, No.3, 2004, p.20
NEW DOORS OPEN FOR COPOLYESTER
ELASTOMER IN PADS AND COATINGS
Dusaj S; Karandikar A
Market needs are reported to have opened the door to new
applications for copolyester elastomer. In one case this
involves a call for reusable incontinence pads that cost less
to maintain. Here a new pad construction having a barrier
layer of Riteﬂex copolyester thermoplastic elastomer
(COPE/TPE) lowers washing costs compared with the
predominant pads having PVC barriers. Another case
involves the need for non-skid surfaces coated on fabrics
that withstand industrial washing. Here Riteﬂex COPE/
TPE provides an alternative this time by replacing PVOH
and EVA. Details are given.
Precision Custom Coating; Ticona Corp.
USA
Accession no. 929306
Item 246
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
94, No.6, 2004, p.2356
PREPARATION OF HIGH MOLECULAR
WEIGHT POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) WITH HIGH
YIELD BY EMULSION POLYMERIZATION
OF VINYL ACETATE USING 2,2'-AZOBIS(2-
AMIDINOPROPANE) DIHYDROCHLORIDE
Won Seok Lyoo; Jin Woo Kwak; Kyu Ha Choi; Seok
Kyun Noh
Preparation of high molecular weight polyvinyl alcohol
PVAl and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) shell/PVAl core
microspheres by saponification of PVAc previously
emulsion polymerised with an azo-initiator 2,2'-azobis(2-
amidinopropane) dihydrochloride is described. Polymers
prepared using this route were of higher molecular weight
than those prepared using potassium persulphate as
initiator. Characterisation of molecular weight was carried
out by determination of intrinsic viscosity and calculation
and morphology of microspheres by scanning electron
microscopy. 32 refs.
Yeungnam University
KOREA
Accession no. 928530
Item 247
Plastics Technology
50, No.10, 2004, p.32
PVOH FOR BLOWN FILM AND INJECTION
MOLDING
A. Schulman Inc. of the USA has formulated a new
extrudable polyvinyl-alcohol compound especially for
blown films to be used in the place of solution-cast
polyvinyl-alcohol films. The waster-soluble polymer
known as AquaSol is also undergoing injection moulding
ﬁeld trials in applications where LDPE is typically used
and there is a need for a biodegradable material.
SCHULMAN A.INC.
USA
Accession no. 928021
Item 248
Polymer
45, No.24, 2004, p.8201
DEGREE OF CROSSLINKING AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
References and Abstracts
84 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
CROSSLINKED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
BEADS FOR USE IN SOLID-PHASE ORGANIC
SYNTHESIS
Gauthier M A; Luo J; Calvet D; Ni C; Zhu X X; Garon
M; Buschmann M D
The degree of crosslinking of swellable hydrophilic gel
beads of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) prepared with different
quantities of epichlorohydrin (EP) crosslinker in the feed
were examined by spectroscopic and chemical methods.
Raman spectroscopy showed that the vast majority of
EP crosslinks were monomolecular and doubly bonded
to PVA. This allowed the degree of crosslinking to be
determined by NMR spectroscopy and by titrating the
functional group loading of the polymer before and after
crosslinking. Single-bead unconﬁned compression studies
showed that PVA with a 1:1 PVA/EPA ratio had a higher
shear modulus than that with a 1:2 PVA/EPA ratio as a
result of the increased cross-link density. PVA-EP beads
swollen in water and DMF had signiﬁcantly lower shear
moduli than the model polystyrene-divinylbenzene beads
as a result of their considerable degree of swelling in
aqueous or polar media. 37 refs.
Montreal University; Montreal Ecole Polytechnique
CANADA
Accession no. 927301
Item 249
ASTM D 4317. SPECIFICATION FOR POLYVINYL
ACETATE-BASED EMULSION ADHESIVES Version
98 (R2004).
Photocopies and loans of this document are not available
from Rapra.
USA
Accession no. 925234
Item 250
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
93, No.4, 2004, p.1638
ROLE OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT OF
ATACTIC POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) (PVA)
IN THE STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES
OF PVA NANOFABRIC PREPARED BY
ELECTROSPINNING
Joon Seok Lee; Kyu Ha Choi; Han Do Ghim; Sam Soo
Kim; Du Hwan Chun; Hak Yong Kim; Won Seok Lyoo
Two different atactic PVAL nanofabrics prepared by
electrospinning from two atactic PVALs with number-
average degrees of polymerisation of 1700 or 4000. The
process parameters such as electrical ﬁeld tip-to-collector
distance and solution concentration were varied and
optimum electrospinning conditions were determined by
morphological investigations. The nanofabric produced
from the atactic PVAL of higher molecular weight showed
superior crystalline properties thermal stability and
mechanical properties. 29 refs.
Yeungnam University; Chonbuk National University
KOREA
Accession no. 924441
Item 251
Polymer
45, No.21, 2004, p.7193
CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)/POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)
HYDROGELS AND PVA-DERIVED HYBRIDS BY
SMALL-ANGLE X-RAY SCATTERING AND FTIR
SPECTROSCOPY
Mansur H S; Oreﬁce R L; Mansur A A P
Novel poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(ethylene glycol)
(PEG) hydrogel blends and PVA-derived organic-inorganic
hybrid materials were prepared and nanostructurally
characterised. PVA and PEG hydrogels were prepared
treating aqueous solutions of the polymer with
glutaraldehyde (GA) as a chemical crosslinker. Hybrids
were prepared by treating aqueous solutions of PVA with
tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). PVA/TEOS hybrids were also
modiﬁed on the nanometer scale by crosslinking with GA
during the synthesis reaction. Small-angle X-ray scattering
studies indicated different nano-ordered disperse phases
for hydrogels made of PVA PEG PVA/GA and PVA/PEG.
PVA/TEOS and PVA/TEOS/GA hybrids also showed
different X-ray scattering patterns. 24 refs.
Minas Gerais Universidade Federal
BRAZIL
Accession no. 924049
Item 252
Polymer
45, No.21, 2004, p.7129
PREPARATION AND MAGNETOMETRIC
CHARACTERIZATION OF IRON OXIDE-
CONTAINING ALGINATE/POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) NETWORKS
Nishio Y; Yamada A; Ezaki K; Miyashita Y; Furukawa
H; Horie K
Alginate-based magnetic gels were prepared by sequential
crosslinking of alginate in aqueous ferrous salt solution
immersion of the resulting gels in a solution of an alkaline
earth metal and treatment of the partially cation-exchanged
gels with hydrogen peroxide. Magnetometry measurements
showed that the lyophilised gels had superparamagnetism
or ferromagnetism at room temperature depending on
the type of metallic cation used in the alkali treatment.
Interpenetrating network (IPN)-type alginate/poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) gels containing iron oxides were also
prepared from mixed polymer solutions by a modiﬁed
preparation method in which the gelation and alkali
treatment were performed by using a metallic borate.
The viscoelasticity of the magnetic IPN composites in
the gelatinous state could be controlled by changing the
ratio of alginate to the PVA. The magnetic characteristics
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 85
of the IPN varied on changing the alginate/PVA ratio the
alkaline reagent and the temperature. 24 refs.
Kyoto University; Tokyo University of Agriculture &
Technology
JAPAN
Accession no. 924041
Item 253
China Synthetic Fiber Industry
27, No.4, 2004, p.31
DISCUSSION ON PROCESS TECHNOLOGY
OF WATER-SOLUBLE PVA FIBER VIA WET
SPINNING
Yun H
The preparation of water-soluble PVAl ﬁbre feedstock
selection spinning solution preparation spinning and post-
treatment conditions are discussed. Conditions for the
production of water-soluble PVAl ﬁbres having a dissolution
temperature higher than 60C are described. 1 ref.
SINOPEC; Sichuan Vinylon Works
CHINA
Accession no. 923428
Item 254
Analytica Chimica Acta
519, No.2, 2004, p.147
POLYMERIC PH INDICATORS IMMOBILIZED
PVA MEMBRANES FOR OPTICAL SENSORS FO
HIGH BASICITY BASED ON KINETIC PROCESS
Liu Z; Luo F; Chen T
Two kinds of polymeric pH indicators PPF (phenolphthalein-
formaldehyde product) and CPF (ortho-cresolphthalein-
formaldehyde product) immobilised crosslinked polyvinyl
alcohol membranes (PPF-PVA and CPF-PVA) for optical
intermittent determination of high basicity ((OH) = 1-8 M)
based on a kinetic process are developed. It has previously
been demonstrated that PPF-PVA and CPF-PVA can
perform the determination of high pH values from pH 10
to 14. The discolouring kinetic behaviours of PPF-PVA and
CPF-PVA are compared with those of free phenolphthalein
ortho-cresolphthalein and thymolphthalein. Experimental
results and theoretical analysis indicate that the response
behaviours of the optodes' membranes in concentrated
NaOH solutions are diffusion independent and still comply
with the pseudo-ﬁrst-order kinetics. In addition two data
analysis methods for determination are presented. One
is directly based on the reduced absorbance; the other is
based on the discolouring kinetic constant. It is found that
the latter can perform a rapid (60 s) and reliable (relative
standard deviation: 2.6%) determination for high basicity.
These kinds of optodes can be used repeatedly when they
are immersed in low-pH solutions to regain the protonated
form after each determination.
Chinese Academy of Sciences
CHINA
Accession no. 923177
Item 255
Polymer
45, No.17, 2004, p.5863
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
HYDROPHOBICALLY MODIFIED POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) HYDROGEL MEMBRANE
Gholap S G; Jog J P; Badiger M V
A series of hydrophobically modiﬁed poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) samples were synthesised by graft copolymerisation
of N-tert-butylacrylamide [NTBA] onto PVA by free-
radical polymerisation. Membranes were cast from
solutions of the copolymers in dimethyl sulphoxide.
The increase in hydrophobicity with increasing NTBA
content was investigated by contact-angle measurements.
The swelling behaviour of membranes was studied as a
function of temperature hydrophobic content annealing
temperature and period. The permeability of solutes
through the membranes was investigated as a function of
solute size membrane hydrophobicity and temperature.
The swelling behaviour of the copolymer membranes
showed that a lower content of NTBA gives discontinuous
volume transition with respect to temperature whereas the
presence of higher amounts of NTBA produced a decrease
in the swelling ratios. The permeabilities of solutes through
these membranes were strongly dependent on the size of
the solute the solution temperature and hydrophobicity of
the membrane. 29 refs.
Pune National Chemical Laboratory
INDIA
Accession no. 922416
Item 256
Polymer
45, No.7, 2004, p.2381
CHARACTERISTIC RHEOLOGICAL FEATURES
OF PVA SOLUTIONS IN WATER-CONTAINING
SOLVENTS WITH DIFFERENT HYDRATION
STATES
Song S I; Kim B C
The rheological properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)
solutions of different concentrations in mixtures of
water with dimethyl sulphoxide or N-methylmorpholine
N-oxide were investigated and compared using parallel-
plate rheometry. The results are discussed in terms of the
effects of the hydration state of the solvents ie the degree
of association of the water content on the rheological and
other physical properties such as gelation of the PVA
solutions. 22 refs.
Hanyang University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 921477
Item 257
CNIC Polymer
45, No.16, 2004, p.5543
References and Abstracts
86 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) HYDROGELS AND FERROGELS
OBTAINED THROUGH FREEZING-THAWING
CYCLES
Hernandez R; Saraﬁan A; Lopez D; Mijangos C
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were prepared by
freezing-thawing cycles and their viscoelastic properties in
the parallel-plate shear mode were evaluated as a function
of temperature time degree of swelling concentration
and the number of freezing-thawing cycles. The storage
modulus was analysed in relation to a theoretical model
based on the scaling approach. The results conﬁrm the
noncrystalline nature of PVA cryogels. PVA ferrogels
were also prepared from aqueous solutions of PVA and
a ferroﬂuid through freezing-thawing cycles and their
viscoelastic properties were examined. The variation of the
storage modulus with the ferroﬂuid concentration cannot
be ﬁtted by using classical theories. This was attributed to
the small dimensions of the particles in the ferrogels and to
the magnetic interactions between the particles. 28 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
SPAIN; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 920495
Item 258
Polymer
45, No.16, 2004, p.5407
SPECTROSCOPIC INVESTIGATIONS OF MN2+
IONS DOPED POLYVINYLALCOHOL FILMS
Kumar G N H; Rao J K; Gopal N O; Narasimhulu K V;
Chakradhar R P S; Rajulu A V
Mn
2+
ions doped in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ﬁlms
were examined by electron paramagnetic resonance
(EPR) luminescence and infrared spectral studies. The
room-temperature EPR spectra exhibit sextet hyperﬁne
structure centred at an effective g factor of approximately
2.0 characteristic of Mn(2
+
) ions in octahedral symmetry.
The zero-ﬁeld splitting parameter at room temperature
was evaluated from the intensities of allowed hyperﬁne
lines. The EPR spectra exhibit a marked concentration
dependence. The paramagnetic susceptibility (chi) was
calculated from the EPR data at various temperatures. The
Curie constant and Curie temperature were evaluated from
a plot of 1/chit. The emission spectrum of Mn(2
+
) ions
doped PVA ﬁlm exhibited three bands centred at 390 448
and 465 nm. The bands at 390 and 465 nm were attributed
to recombination of free charge carriers whereas the band
at 448 nm was attributed to the 4T1g to 6A1g transition of
Mn(2
+
) ions. The excitation spectrum showed two bands
at 250 and 216 nm attributed to host lattice absorption
bands. 31 refs.
Sri Venkateswara University; Weizmann Institute
of Science; Indian Institute of Science; Anantapur
S.K.University
INDIA; ISRAEL
Accession no. 920480
Item 259
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
93, No.3, 2004, p.1264
BITHIAZOLE-CONTAINING POLYMERIC
COMPLEX AND PVA COMPOSITE FILM:
PREPARATION AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
Lin C; Sun W; Jiang L; Wang L; Shen Z
The synthesis of bisthiazole-containing amide polymers
and their corresponding metal complexes and the
preparation of solution-cast composite films of the
complexes with poly(vinyl alcohol) in various proportions
and their characterisation by FTIR is described. The
magnetic properties of the complexes and composite ﬁlms
were investigated and the results are discussed. 17 refs.
Zhejiang University
CHINA
Accession no. 919946
Item 260
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
93, No.3, 2004, p.1151
THERMAL PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)-SOLUTE BLENDS STUDIED BY
TMDSC
Stavropoulou A; Papadokostaki K G; Sanopoulou M
The thermal properties of blends of semi-crystalline
poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with a drug substance buﬂomedil
pyridoxal phosphate (BPP) in various proportions were
investigated by temperature-modulated DSC and TGA.
The effects of the dispersion of BPP in the PVA matrix
on glass transition temperature melting temperature
crystallinity and thermal stability of the blends is discussed
in terms of speciﬁc interactions between the polar groups
of the two components. 16 refs.
Athens Democritos National Research Center
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GREECE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 919932
Item 261
Macromolecules
37, No.9, 2004, p.3180
GRAFTING OF PVA IN MINIEMULSION
COPOLYMERIZATIONS OF N-BUTYL
ACRYLATE AND METHYL METHACRYLATE
USING WATER-SOLUBLE PARTIALLY WATER-
SOLUBLE AND OIL-SOLUBLE INITIATORS
Kim N; Sudol E D; Dimonie V L; El-Aasser M
Mini-emulsion copolymerisations of methyl methacrylate
and n-butyl acrylate initiated with water-soluble (hydrogen
peroxide HPO) partially water soluble (tert-butyl peroxide
TBHP) and oil soluble (tert-butyl peroctoate TBPO)
initiators were carried out to study the grafting of PVAL
at the oil/water interface. The amounts of grafted PVAL
produced in the mini-emulsion copolymerisations initiated
with TBHP and TBPO were considerably less than
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 87
those produced in the corresponding seeded emulsion
polymerisations. The amount of grafted PVAL in seeded
emulsion polymerisations initiated with TBHP decreased
with increasing monomer/polymer ratio. In mini-emulsion
polymerisations initiated with TBPO the grafting occurred
mainly in the later stages of the polymerisation. These
results supported the idea that the different internal
viscosities at the interface may affect the termination
reactions between primary radicals and PVAL macro
radicals thus resulting in different degrees of grafting. In
mini-emulsion polymerisation it was found that aqueous
phase and interface grafting occurred in the HPO system
but that interface grafting dominated in the TBHP system.
Also the grafted PVAL in the TBHP system was still
soluble which indicated that the grafted chains were short.
The results were discussed. 16 refs.
Lehigh University
USA
Accession no. 919431
Item 262
Proceedings of the 61st SPE Annual Conference
(ANTEC 2003) held Nashville, TN
p.1962
THERMOMECHANICAL CHARACTERIZATION
OF BLENDS OF POLY(VINYL ACETATE) WITH
SEMICRYSTALLINE POLYMERS FOR SHAPE
MEMORY APPLICATIONS
Liu C; Mether P T
Miscible blends of amorphous poly(vinyl acetate)
(PVAc) and semicrystalline polylactide were prepared
by melt mixing and pressed into ﬁlms. The blends were
characterised by thermogravimetric analysis wide-angle
X-ray scattering and dynamic mechanical studies. Shape
recovery was studied by bending samples into a helical
shape at 65 C then ﬁxing the shape by quenching in iced
water. Shape recovery was recorded by video camera
when the deformed sample was immersed in warm water.
Each blend exhibited a single glass transition temperature
indicating miscibility. The degree of crystallinity
decreased monotonically with increasing PVAc content.
This controlled the rubbery moduli by acting as physical
crosslinking points. 11 refs.
USA
Accession no. 918089
Item 263
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
93, No.1, 2004, p.122
STUDIES OF SURFACE TENSION OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL): EFFECT OF
CONCENTRATION TEMPERATURE AND
ADDITION OF CHAOTROPIC AGENTS
Bhattacharya A; Ray P
It is generally considered that the H-bonds are responsible
for the stabilisation of network of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
in water. The major types of intermolecular interactions
from inorganic salts are responsible for the network of PVA
and water which ruptures the multiple H-bonds between
the OH groups of the polymer chains; therefore various
ions possessing abilities to affect these bonds result in
salting out. It has been suggested that water molecules
in the region of ionic hydration spheres must have strong
orientation preferences which could considerably restrict
their ability to reorient and form hydration shells around
nearby non-polar solutes and thus affect the microstructure.
The primary objective is to study the variation of surface
tension as it reﬂects the change in short-range forces.
The surface tension behaviour with the variation of
concentration and temperature for different molecular
weights of PVA is also studied. 17 refs.
India Central Salt & Marine Chem.Res.Inst.
INDIA
Accession no. 917919
Item 264
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
93, No.1, 2004, p.41
EFFECT OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT ON
THE RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF
ATACTIC POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/
DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE/WATER SOLUTION
Lyoo W S; Lee S J; Kim J H; Noh S K; Ji B C; Kim B C
The molecular weight effect of atactic polyvinyl alcohol
(a-PVA) on the rheological properties of 7.5 10.0 and 12.5
g/dL solutions of (a-PVA) with number-average degrees
of polymerisation (Pn) of 4000 and 1700 in dimethyl
sulphoxide/water mixture is described. a-PVA with a
Pn of 1700 solutions exhibits almost Newtonian ﬂow
behaviour whereas high molecular weight a-PVA with a
Pn of 4000 solutions exhibits shear-thinning behaviour.
On the plot of storage and loss moduli of a-PVA with
a Pn of 1700 solutions the dynamic storage modulus
of PVA with a Pn of 1700 solutions is smaller than the
dynamic loss modulus over the frequency range of 10
-1

to 10
2
rad/s. However the dynamic storage modulus of
PVA with a Pn of 4000 solutions ia smaller than the
dynamic loss modulus in the sol state and in the post-gel
state the dynamic storage modulus becomes larger than
the dynamic loss modulus indicating the evolution of
viscoelastic solid properties. 18 refs.
Yeungnam University; Kyungpook National University;
Hangyang University
KOREA
Accession no. 917911
Item 265
Polymer
45, No.10, 2004, p.3305
References and Abstracts
88 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
THE MECHANICAL PROPERTY AND PHASE
STRUCTURES OF WHEAT PROTEINS/
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL BLENDS STUDIED BY
HIGH-RESOLUTION SOLID-STATE NMR
Zhang X; Burgar I; Lourbakos E; Beh H
The effects of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVOH) content on
the phase structures and mechanical properties of blends
of wheat proteins thermally processed with glycerol and
water as plasticisers and PVOH were investigated using
solid-state proton and carbon-
13
C-NMR DMA (loss
modulus storage modulus) and tensile testing (tensile
strength elongation at break Young's modulus). The results
are discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions
between blend components. 47 refs.
CSIRO Manufacturing and Infrastructure Technology
AUSTRALIA
Accession no. 917116
Item 266
Journal of Membrane Science
240, No.1-2, 2004, p.37
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
OF CROSSLINKED PVA/SIO2 HYBRID
MEMBRANES CONTAINING SULFONIC ACID
GROUPS FOR DIRECT METHANOL FUEL
CELL APPLICATIONS
Kim D A; Park H B; Rhim J W; Lee Y M
Organic-inorganic hybrids based on polyvinyl alcohol
(PVOH)/SiO
2
hybrid membranes containing sulphonic
acid groups are prepared using the sol-gel process under
acidic conditions. The PVOH/sulphosuccinic acid (SSA)/
silica hybrid membranes are fabricated from different
SSA contents. The proton conductivity and methanol
permeability of the hybrid membranes are studied with
changing SSA content from 5 to 25 wt.%. It is found that
the proton conductivity and the methanol permeability are
dependent on the SSA content both as a crosslinking agent
and as a donor of the hydrophilic SO
3
H group. Up to an
SSA content of about 20 wt.% both of these properties
decrease and above this SSA content they begin to increase
with increasing SSA content. The proton conductivities of
the PVOH/SSA/silica membranes are in the range of 10
3

to 10
2
S/cm and methanol permeabilities range between
10
8
and 10
7
cm
2
/s. The presence of silica particles in the
organic polymer matrix which reduce the free water ratio
of the membranes results in hybrids with markedly reduced
methanol permeabilities. These characteristics of the PVA/
SSA/silica hybrid membranes are desirable for future
applications related to direct methanol fuel cells.
Hanyang University; Hannam University
KOREA
Accession no. 916931
Item 267
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
42, No.8, 2004, p.1451
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF SOLUTIONS
OF GENERAL-PURPOSE POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) IN DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE
Lee E J; Kim N H; Dan K S; Kim B C
The rheological properties of solutions of atactic poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) in dimethyl sulphoxide were studied as a
function of concentration and molecular weight. The
syndiotactic dyad content and weight-average molecular
weight of PVA were 52% and 85000-186000 respectively.
The molecular weight had a minor effect on the rheological
behaviour for 10-14 wt.% solutions but the concentration
had a major inﬂuence indicating the importance of polar
interactions through the hydroxyl groups. On a modiﬁed
Cole-Cole plot the solutions gave various curves with
slopes of less than 2 rather than a single master plot the
slope decreasing marginally with increasing concentration.
The deviation from the master curve indicated that the
solutions were rheologically heterogeneous despite optical
transparency. For 14 wt.% PVA solutions the loss tangent
varied with the shear rate and produced three distinct
regions which indicated a shear-induced double sol-gel
transition as the shear rate increased over 0.05-500 rad/s.
24 refs.
Sungshin Women's University; Hanyang University
KOREA
Accession no. 916809
Item 268
Pharmaceutical Technology Europe
16, No.4, 2004, p.37/46
DEVELOPMENT OF PVA COPOLYMER
CAPSULES
Hoshi N; Ogura T; Shimamoto T; Uramatsu S
The properties of a new copolymer polyvinyl alcohol
acrylic acid methyl methacrylate copolymer and its
suitability for the manufacture of capsules for drugs are
examined. Copolymer properties considered include
dissolution in various ﬂuids ﬁlm strength gas permeability
moisture absorption and desorption. Capsule properties
considered include dissolution disintegration hardness
ﬁlling dissolution absorption of indomethacin in rats and
tolerance. A comparison is also made of these capsules
with conventional capsules. 9 refs.
Nisshin Kasei Co.Ltd.; Daido Chemical Corp.
JAPAN
Accession no. 916786
Item 269
Journal of Membrane Science
239, No.2, 2004, p.255
PERVAPORATION STUDIES OF GASEOUS
PLASMA TREATED PVA MEMBRANE
Upadhyay D J; Bhat N V
A non-porous PVAl membrane was subjected to air
nitrogen and oxygen plasma treatment to improve the
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 89
separation efﬁciency for azeotropic water-isopropanol
mixtures and the permselectivity of the treated membrane
investigated. Treatment time was optimised and used to
study pervaporation performance over a selected water-
isopropanol concentration range. The modiﬁed membranes
were analysed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy DSC and wide
angle X-ray diffraction. Nitrogen plasma treatment was
found to induce crosslinking on the membrane surface
and to enhance separation performance.
Ulster University; Bombay Textile Research Assn.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; INDIA; UK;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 916603
Item 270
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
30, No.1, 2004, p.49
PREPARATION OF MACROPOROUS SOL-GEL
BIOGLASS USING PVA PARTICLES AS PORE
FORMER
Jie Q; Lin K; Zhong J; Shi S; Li Q; Chang J; Wang R
The synthesis of macroporous sol-gel bioglass by the
addition of poly(vinyl alcohol) particles as pore former to
the aqueous sol derived from tetraethoxysilane followed
by heat treatment of the gel is described. The bioglass
was characterised by SEM (morphology) surface area and
porosity and its in vitro bioactivity was investigated by
apatite layer formation in simulated body ﬂuid using FTIR
x-ray diffraction and ﬁeld emission SEM. 25 refs.
Shanghai Institute of Ceramics
CHINA
Accession no. 916441
Item 271
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
29, No.2, 2004, p.107
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL (PVA)/SILICA HYBRID
COMPOSITES DERIVED THROUGH THE SOL-
GEL METHOD IN AQUEOUS MEDIUM: EFFECT
OF ACID CONTENT SILICA CONTENT AND
VISCOSITY OF PVA ON THE DISPERSION
CHARACTERISTICS OF SILICA AND THE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE COMPOSITES
Kotoky T; Dolui S K
The synthesis of poly(vinyl alcohol)/silica hybrid
composites of various compositions in aqueous medium
using the sol-gel process by the initial formation of a
stable colloidal sol from sodium silicate is described.
Composite ﬁlms obtained by gelation were characterised
by FTIR SEM TGA tensile strength elongation at break
and water uptake measurements and the results are
discussed. 22 refs.
Napaam Tezpur University
INDIA
Accession no. 916439
Item 272
Polymer International
53, No.7, 2004, p.911
SELECTED PROPERTIES OF PH-SENSITIVE
BIODEGRADABLE CHITOSAN-POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) HYDROGEL
Wang T; Turhan M; Gunasekaran S
The properties of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks
derived from chitosan and poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA) with
glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent in various proportions
were investigated by FTIR and fracture tests before and
after swelling at different pH values. The effects of longer
swelling times in acidic media on the leaching out of PVA
are discussed in terms of the hydrolysis of the Schiff's base
groups of the hydrogel. 25 refs.
Wisconsin-Madison University; Mersin University
TURKEY; USA
Accession no. 915601
Item 273
Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering
81, No.3-4, 2003, p.566
GAS-LIQUID-SOLID REACTIONS OF
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL ON OXIDATION
TREATMENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL
POLLUTION REMEDIATION
Silva A M T; Vaz R N P; Quinta-Ferreira R M; Levec J
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) oxidation in liquid-phase is
studied in a batch high-pressure reactor at 140 to 240
deg.C and 0.7 MPa oxygen partial pressure. The two-phase
(gas-liquid) non-catalytic wet oxidation is compared with
a three-phase system (gas-liquid-solid) using CuO-ZnO/
Al
2
O
3
and Mn-Ce-O oxides catalysts. Oxidation processes
are shown to be quite promising technologies for industrial
efﬂuents containing PVA leading to high reductions in
PVA and total organic carbon levels. Catalysts show
high activity at 180 deg.C and carbon adsorption is not
observed; Mn-Ce-O shows signiﬁcant leaching to the
liquid-phase compared with CuO-ZnO/Al
2
O
3
. Acetic
and formic acids are detected as refractory compounds
for oxidation. 24 refs.
Coimbra University; Ljubljana University
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; PORTUGAL;
SLOVENIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 915304
Item 274
Macplas International
May, 2004, p.21
DEGRADABLE FILMS - THE ADEPT
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL BINDING TAPE
Katco and Environmental Polymers are reported in this
concise article to have jointly developed a polyvinyl
alcohol binding tape for thermal moulding in the
automotive sector. Brief details of the new tape which is
known as Adept are given here.
References and Abstracts
90 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Katco; Environmental Polymers
EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no. 914709
Item 275
Polymer
45, No.12, 2004, p.4037
EFFECT OF SYNDIOTACTICITY ON
THE MORPHOLOGY OF WATER-
SOLUBLE LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BY SOLUTION
COPOLYMERIZATION OF VINYL PIVALATE/
VINYL ACETATE IN TETRAHYDROFURAN AND
SAPONIFICATION
Yeum J H; Ji B C; Noh S K; Jeon H Y; Kwak J W;
Lyoo W S
The synthesis of low molecular weight poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) by solution copolymerisation of vinyl
pivalate and vinyl acetate in various monomer ratios
using 2,2'-azobis(2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) as initiator
with subsequent hydrolysis of the copolymer is described.
The resulting PVA was characterised by molecular
weight (viscosity) proton NMR (syndiotacticity) surface
morphology (optical microscopy) and solubility and the
results are discussed. 16 refs.
Kyungpook National University; Yeungnam University;
Chonnam National University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 914518
Item 276
Plastics and Rubber Weekly
2004, p.1
STANELCO BANKS ON ECO BUBBLE WRAP
Cundy C
Stanelco is poised to make commercial breakthroughs
with an environmentally friendly bubble wrap and a
completely water-soluble adhesive tape. The water-soluble
and biodegradable bubble wrap material is a 50:50 mix
of starch and PVOH. It is said to be close in cost to
conventional plastics less abrasive and holds air in the
bubbles for longer. Stanelco is presently ﬁling patents for
its new adhesive tape that is claimed to be 100% water-
soluble and leaves no residue. It uses a PVOH ﬁlm and
a soluble adhesive which subsidiary Adept Polymers has
spent seven years developing.
Stanelco Products Ltd.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no. 914377
Item 277
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
92, No.3, 2004, p.1984
RAMAN SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF CDS PVA
COMPOSITE FILMS
Badr Y A; El-Kader K M A; Khafagy R M
The preparation of composite ﬁlms of poly(vinyl alcohol)
with the semi-conducting material cadmium sulphide in
varying proportions and their characterisation by FT-
Raman spectroscopy UV-visible-IR spectroscopy x-ray
diffraction and current-voltage characteristics is described.
The results are interpreted in terms of the formation of new
bonds and the potential application of the material to the
production of solar cells is discussed. 52 refs.
Cairo University; Suez Canal University; Cairo Ain
Shams University
EGYPT
Accession no. 914026
Item 278
Polymers and Polymer Composites
12, No.3, 2004, p.235
A ZONE DRAWING METHOD TO DETERMINE
OPTIMUM INITIAL CONCENTRATION
OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) TO MAKE
FILMS WITH DIFFERENT DEGREES OF
SAPONIFICATION
Joon Ho Kim; Won Sik Yoon; Jeong Hyun Yeum; Byung
Chul Ji; Hee Sam Kim; Han-Yong Jeon; Won Seok Lyoo
The optimum preparation conditions for atactic polyvinyl
alcohol ﬁlms were investigated by measuring the polymer
concentration draw ratio and degree of saponiﬁcation.
Atactic PVA ﬁlms were prepared by casting in water
with different polymer concentrations. The a-PVA ﬁlms
were zone-drawn under various conditions. Using the
optimum polymer concentration of the a-PVA/water
solutions caused signiﬁcant changes in the draw ratio of
the ﬁlms which were maximised at the initial polymer
concentration but which gradually decreased at higher or
lower concentrations. The birefringence degree of crystal
orientation and tensile properties of a-PVA ﬁlms having the
same draw ratios were the highest at these optimum polymer
concentrations. Optimum concentrations were reconﬁrmed
by viscometry. Optimum conditions of the ﬁlm casting of
atactic PVA with various degrees of saponiﬁcation were
established by the zone drawing method. The agreement
between the optimum concentration values obtained by
zone drawing and viscometry suggests that the zone
drawing method is an appropriate and convenient way to
establish the optimum concentration for maximum draw
ration birefringence degree of crystal orientation and
tensile properties. 18 refs.
Yeungnam University; Kyungpook National University;
Chonnam National University
KOREA
Accession no. 913441
Item 279
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Spring Meeting
88, 2003, p.414
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 91
STUDY ON STABILITY CU NANOPARTICLE IN
PVA NANOFIBER
Wang C; Li Z; Yang Q; Hong Y
Hybrid materials were prepared from PVAl nanoﬁbre and
copper nanoparticles in the presence of sodium bisulphite
deoxidant by electrospinning and the stability of the copper
nanoparticles in the nanoﬁbre investigated under a high
voltage. It was found that the structure and properties of
the nanoparticles were not affected by the high voltage and
their stability in air was greatly increased. 1 ref
CHINA
Accession no. 912160
Item 280
Polymer
45, No.6, 2004, p.1895
FABRICATION OF BLEND BIODEGRADABLE
NANOFIBROUS NONWOVEN MATS VIA MULTI-
JET ELECTROSPINNING
Ding B; Kimura E; Sato T; Fujita S; Shiratori S
A series of blend biodegradable nanofibrous mats
comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and cellulose acetate
(CA) were prepared via multi-jet electrospinning using a
relatively high voltage supply (20 kV). The weight ratio
of PVA/CA in blend nanoﬁbrous mats was controlled by
changing the number of jets for each polymer solution. The
composition of PVA and CA in the mats was determined
by immersing them in water to remove the PVA component
and measuring the weight loss. Morphology dispersibility
and mechanical properties of the mats were examined by
ﬁeld emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM)
FTIR spectroscopy wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD)
and tensile testing. The blend nanoﬁbrous mats have good
dispersibility and uniform properties for each sample.
Their mechanical properties were largely inﬂuenced by
the weight ratio of PVA/CA in the blends. 26 refs.
Yokohama Keio University; Shiratori Nanotechnology
Co.Ltd.
JAPAN
Accession no. 910844
Item 281
Journal of Materials Science. Materials in Medicine
15, No.3, 2004, p.297
EFFECTS OF PVA SPONGE CONTAINING
CHITOOLIGOSACCHARIDE IN THE EARLY
STAGE OF WOUND HEALING
You Y; Park W H; Ko B M; Min B-M
Details are given of the preparation of PVAL sponges with
different chitooligosaccharide content for wound-dressing
applications. Morphologies were examined using SEM.
The accelerating effect of the chitooligosaccharide-loaded
PVAL sponge on open wound healing was investigated
by macroscopic examination and measurement of wound
area. 12 refs.
Chungnam National University; Kyung Hee University;
Seoul National University
KOREA
Accession no. 910708
Item 282
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
42, No.5, 2004, p.800
VISCOELASTIC BEHAVIORS AND
MOLECULAR MOTIONS OF HIGHLY
SYNDIOTACTIC POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
FIBERS
Gotoh Y; Nagara Y; Nakano T; Okamoto Y; Ohkoshi Y;
Nagura M
The viscoelastic behaviour and molecular motion of
highly syndiotactic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ﬁbres were
investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and
wide-angle x-ray diffraction in comparison with those for
atactic PVA ﬁbres. The results are discussed in terms of
differences in intermolecular hydrogen bonding leading to
the formation of hydrogels with high water resistance and
large modulus from syndiotactic PVA without chemical
crosslinking. 40 refs.
Shinshu University; Nagoya University; Nara Institute
of Science & Technology
JAPAN
Accession no. 910263
Item 283
International Polymer Science and Technology
30, No.8, 2003, p.T/47-50
BLENDS BASED ON POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
AND POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE
Ol'khov A A; Iordanskii A L; Shatalova O V
This work reports on the use of blending techniques to
modify the properties of materials based on polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA). The structural features and properties
were investigated of composites based on PVA and
polyhydroxybutyrate by different methods of structural
analysis. The composite blend was obtained by melt
extrusion. The structure of the films was studied by
differential scanning calorimetry the tensile properties of
the ﬁlm specimens were also tested and steam permeability
was studied using special membrane cells by measuring
the weight loss by the cell. Results of X-ray diffraction
analysis indicate that each of the components of the
blend is capable of forming an independent crystalline
phase. Details are given of optimum blend ratios. 15 refs.
(Article translated from Plasticheskie Massy No. 12 2002
pp.20-2).
Lomonosov M.V.Academy of Fine Chemical
Technology; Russian Academy of Sciences
RUSSIA
Accession no. 908735
References and Abstracts
92 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Item 284
Polymer
45, No.5, 2004, p.1599
OXYGEN BARRIER PROPERTIES OF
BIAXIALLY ORIENTED POLYPROPYLENE/
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL BLEND FILMS
Jang J; Lee D K
A biaxially oriented polypropylene/poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PP/PVA) blend ﬁlm was prepared that had an oxygen-
barrier property that was about 130 times that of biaxially
oriented PP (BOPP) ﬁlm. When the PVA-PP viscosity ratio
decreased the dispersed PVA phase developed into platelets
during the stretching process. The oxygen permeability
depended on the number and size of the PVA platelets.
Optimal amounts of plasticiser and initiator were required
to give the best barrier properties. An initiator played the
role of a compatibiliser. The oxygen barrier was enhanced
by increasing the viscosity of the PP and the draw ratio. A
higher viscosity of PP was advantageous for preventing
delamination of the blend ﬁlm and the moisture vapour
permeability was unaffected by the laminar structure.
Biaxially oriented PP/PVA blend film is a potential
substitute for PVDC-coated BOPP ﬁlm. 18 refs.
Seoul National University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 908133
Item 285
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
91, No.3, 2004, p.1612
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION BY
RADIATION OF HYDROGELS OF PVA AND PVP
CONTAINING ALOE VERA
K R Park; Y C Nho
Gelation gel strength water absorption and degree of
water evaporation from hydrogels prepared from a blend
of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyridine mixed with
Aloe vera were examined to determine the relative value
of the various materials for use in wound dressings.
Polymerisation methods for the hydrogels included freeze-
thaw gamma-ray irradiation or a two-step combination of
these. Gel content and strength was inversely affected by
increasing amounts of Aloe vera and increasing radiation
dose. Degree of swelling reduced with increasing gel
strength and content. Wound healing properties were
evaluated and found to be improved compared to
commercial products. 10 refs.
Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
KOREA
Accession no. 907415
Item 286
Paint and Coatings Industry
20, No.3, 2004, p.70/7
PHOTOCURING OF WATERBORNE LATEX
PAINTS UNDER SUN AND VISIBLE-LIGHT
SOURCES
Burget D; Bibaut-Renauld C; Fouassier J P; Varelas C
G; Charalambopoulou G Ch; Ryrfors L O; Karlsson O J
By using alpha-diketones and especially camphorquinone
white pigmented waterborne latex formulations based on
acrylates or vinyl acetate for outdoor/indoor paints can
be cured under visible light including sunlight. The cured
paint showed an excellent solvent resistance towards THF
and the light-cured paints exhibit a hardness up to 30%
higher than comparable VOC-containing paints. The light-
curable paints can be produced by simply replacing the
VOC by a photocurable composition which will simplify
their industrial acceptance. 3 refs.
Mulhouse Ecole Nationale Superieure de Chimie;
Interchem Hellas SA; Celanese Emulsions Norden AB
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
GREECE; SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 907154
Item 287
Air Products Polymers
LP, 2003
WET ADHESION MONOMER AND DERIVED
COPOLYMERS FOR LATEX PAINTS
Pinschmidt J R K; Yacoub K; Daniels C L; Phung K V
The reaction of unsaturated carbonates such as vinyl
ethylene carbonate with N-aminoethylimidazolidone
(TAM) under mild conditions generates a mixture of two
vinyl and hydroxy functional imidazolidone carbamates
which polymerise readily to acrylate or vinyl acetate
based emulsion polymers. The polymers show enhanced
wet adhesion (wet scrubbability) in latex paints and
coatings.
USA
Accession no. 906259
Item 288
Polymer Testing
23, No.1, 2004, p.17
PREPARATION SURFACE MODIFICATION AND
CHARACTERISATION OF SOLUTION CAST
STARCH PVA BLENDED FILMS
Jayasekara R; Harding I; Bowater I; Christie G B Y;
Lonergan G T
Details are given of the preparation of PVAL starch and
glycerol blends. The blend containing 20% PVAL was
modiﬁed by the application of chitosan to the surface. The
blend and its modiﬁed form were characterised by atomic
force microscopy X-ray diffraction FTIR contact angle
measurements carbon-
13
C-NMR and SEM. 23 refs.
Swinburne University of Technology
AUSTRALIA
Accession no. 905987
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 93
Item 289
Polymer
44, No.26, 2003, p.8139
PLASTICIZER EFFECT ON THE MELTING
AND CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR OF
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
Jyongsik Jang; Dong Kweon Lee
The effect on melting and crystallisation behaviour of the
addition of glycerol as a plasticiser to four different grades
of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was studied using differential
scanning calorimetry. PVA samples were either fully or
partially hydrolysed and of different viscosities. At higher
hydrolysis levels crystallisation peak temperature was
reduced crystallisation rate slowed and crystallite size
distribution widened with plasticiser addition but effects on
crystallisation behaviour of partially hydrolysed PVA were
minimal. In contrast the thermal history was seen to affect
partially hydrolysed materials but not the fully hydrolysed
samples. Melting point reduction with increasing plasticiser
levels was observed in all cases. Effects of plasticiser
addition were much reduced when phase separation
occurred between glycerol and PVA. Blend systems of
fully and partially hydrolysed PVA polymers were also
examined and were seen to have twin melting temperatures
and concurrent crystallisation. 20 refs.
Seoul National University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 905465
Item 290
Chemical Engineering Research and Design
81, No.A10, 2003, p.1385
EFFECTS OF DEGREE OF FORMALDEHYDE
ACETAL TREATMENT AND MALEIC ACID
CROSSLINKING ON SOLUBILITY AND
DIFFUSIVITY OF WATER IN PVA MEMBRANES
Han B; Li J; Chen C; Xu C; Wickramasinghe S R
The sorption desorption and solubility of water vapour
and liquid in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) membranes
treated by formaldehyde were compared with those for
PVA membranes with various degrees of maleic acid
crosslinking and the results discussed in terms of the
effects of structural differences on the diffusivity and
solubility of water molecules. Experimental results are
considered in terms of the common pervaporation models.
28 refs.
Tsing Hua University; Colorado State University
CHINA; USA
Accession no. 904677
Item 291
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
90, No.14, 2003, p.3912
EFFECT OF MEMBRANE MORPHOLOGY
IN PERVAPORATIVE SEPARATION OF
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL-AROMATIC
MIXTURES: A THERMODYNAMIC APPROACH
TO MEMBRANE SELECTION
Mandal S; Pangarkar VP
The separation of isopropyl alcohol (IPA)-benzene
and IPA-toluene azeotropic mixtures by pervaporation
through several polymeric hydrophilic membranes
of various solubility parameters such as regenerated
cellulose poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) cellulose acetate
(CA) cellulose diacetate (CDA) and cellulose triacetate
(CTA) was studied over the entire composition range at
30 deg C. Some of these membranes gave a gradual shift
in the azeotropic point which depended on the solubility
parameter and the solute-polymer interaction parameter.
Regenerated cellulose ﬁlm gave the best pervaporation
performance in terms of selectivity to IPA and durability.
PVA showed a high selectivity with a reasonable ﬂux.
Poly(dimethylsiloxane) was also studied as an aromatic
selective membrane. 41 refs.
Mumbai University
INDIA
Accession no. 904587
Item 292
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
90, No.14, 2003, p.3848
INFLUENCES OF INDIVIDUAL AND
COMPOSED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
SUSPENDING AGENTS ON PARTICLE
MORPHOLOGY OF SUSPENSION POLY(VINYL
CHLORIDE) RESIN
Yong-Zhong Bao; Jian-Gang Liao; Zhi-Ming Huang;
Zhi-Xue Weng
Effects of individual and composite poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) suspending agents on the particle morphology
of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) resins were investigated
and discussed in relation to PVA absorption at the oil/
water interface and interfacial behaviour. The percentage
and surface coverage of PVA at the oil/water interface
decreased with increasing degree of hydrolysis (DH) of
PVA in the DH range 70-98 mol % whereas the interfacial
tension of VC/PVA aqueous solution increased linearly
with increasing DH of the PVA. PVC resin with more-
regular particle shape increased agglomeration and
fusion of primary particles lower porosity and higher
bulk density was prepared by using PVA with a higher
DH as a suspending agent. This was caused by drop
coalescence at the very early stages of VC polymerisation
an increase in particle shrinkage and a lower colloidal
protection to primary particles. The interfacial tension
of VC/water varied linearly with the weight composition
of the composite PVA suspending agents. The particle
properties of PVC resin prepared by using the composite
PVC suspending agents were usually intermediate
between the properties of PVC resins prepared by using
the corresponding individual PVA suspending agent. The
particle morphology and properties of PVC resin could
be controlled by a suitable choice of the composite PVA
References and Abstracts
94 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
suspending agents. 21 refs.
Zhejiang University
CHINA
Accession no. 904579
Item 293
Synthetic Metals
135-6, 2003, p.447
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF PVA/PPY
BLENDS
de Oliveira H P; dos Santos M N B; dos Santos C G; de
Melo C P
A dielectric study of polymeric blends composed by
polypyrrole (PPY) incorporated into a matrix a polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA) containing ferric chloride (FeCl
3
) is
presented. The PPY conducting regions are formed
inside the matrix by in situ polymerisation after the
(PVA+FeCl
3
) matrix is exposed to the vapour of the
monomer. The mixed dielectric/conducting characteristics
of the resulting blend are conveniently characterised by
dielectric spectroscopy and in this manner both the charge
transport and charge storing processes can be followed.
The ways in which the temperature variation in the 300-24
K range affects the electrical behaviour of the material
are also examined. 4 refs.
Pernambuco Universidade Federal
BRAZIL
Accession no. 904082
Item 294
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
24, No.12, 2003, p.715
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)-ENCAPSULATED
HYDROPHILIC CARBON BLACK
NANOPARTICLES FREE FROM AGGREGATION
Li H-Y; Chen H-Z; Sun J-Z; Cao J; Yang Z-L; Wang M
Carbon black (CB) nanoparticles are encapsulated
by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by a simple method
of coacervation. Transmission electron microscopy
(TEM) images clearly demonstrate that the successful
encapsulation of PVA happens at the surfaces of CB
nanoparticles. Particle size distribution measurements
indicate that the diameters of the obtained PVA-
encapsulated CB (CB at PVA) nanoparticles are distributed
within the nanoscale dimension. This strategy avoids
the complicated polymerisation process involved in the
counterpart of polymer-coating approaches. 7 refs.
Accession no. 903875
Item 295
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
89, No.5, 2003, 890
ELECTROACTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF
INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORK
HYDROGELS COMPOSED OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) AND POLY
(N-ISOPROPYLACRYLAMIDE)
Seon Jeong Kim; Sang Jun Park; Sang Min Lee; Young
Moo Lee; Hee Chan Kim; Sun I Kim
An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composed of
poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
(PNIPAAm) was prepared by the sequential IPN method.
The equilibrium swelling ratio and bending behaviour
under an electric ﬁelds were measured in aqueous NaCl.
The IPN exhibited a high equilibrium swelling ratio in the
range 280-380%. When the IPN in aqueous NaCl solution
was subjected to an electric ﬁeld the IPN showed signiﬁcant
and rapid bending toward the cathode. The IPN hydrogel
also showed stepwise bending behaviour depending on the
electric stimulus. In addition the ionic conductivity of the
IPN hydrogel was measured using dielectric analysis and
its conductive behaviour followed the Arrhenius equation.
The conductivity of the IPN hydrogel and the activation
energy for the form of the IPN were 0.0000168 S/cm at
36C and 61.0 kJ/mol respectively. 22 refs.
Hanyang University; Seoul National University
KOREA
Accession no. 903720
Item 296
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
41, No.23, 2003, p.3127
INFLUENCE OF THE SURFACE CHEMISTRY
ON THE STRUCTURAL AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF SILICA-POLYMER
COMPOSITES
Boisvert J-P; Persello J; Guyard A
Composite ﬁlms of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ﬁlled with
nanometric monodisperse or spherical silica particles
were prepared by the mixing an aqueous PVA solution
with a colloidal suspension of silica and then evaporating
the solvent. The interaction between the PVA and the
silica was controlled by adjusting the solution pH to 5
or 9. Adsorption isotherms showed a higher PVA/surface
afﬁnity at the lower pH. This interaction affected the
structure of the composite and the particle distribution
within the polymer matrix: this was investigated by small-
angle neutron scattering electron microscopy and swelling
measurements. Most of the mechanical properties could be
related to the distribution of clusters within the polymer
matrix. The progressive creation of a cluster network
within the polymeric matrix with increasing silica volume
fraction reduced the extensibility or swelling capacity of
the composite. The effect was more acute at a higher pH
where the surface interaction with PVA was weaker and
promoted interconnection of clusters. refs.
QUEBEC UNIVERSITE A TROIS-RIVIERES;
FRANCHE-COMTE UNIVERSITE
CANADA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
FRANCE; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 902007
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 95
Item 297
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
84, No.6, 2002, p.1295
CUT-OUT FILTER FOR ULTRAVIOLET
RADIATION FROM POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Abd El-Kader K M; El-Lawindy Y M; Mansour A F;
Abdel Hamied S F
The effects of UV radiation and thermal annealing on the
optical and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA) were studied. Pure PVA samples were prepared by
casting and a xenon arc lamp used to irradiate the sample.
The irradiated PVA sample was heated at 150C for 2
hours. The optical and mechanical properties of original
irradiated and irradiated and then heated samples were
measured. The irradiated and then heated sample showed
lower transmission in the wavelength range from 190 to
320 nm and the transmission was higher in the visible
region than the original and irradiated samples. Stress-
strain measurements were performed. The modulus of
elasticity of the double-treated sample was approximately
four times higher than that of the original sample and the
results showed that this sample could be used as a cut-out
ﬁlter for UV radiation. 21 refs.
Suez Canal University; Zagazig University
EGYPT
Accession no. 901879
Item 298
Polymer Preprints.
2003, 44, No.1, p.402
WHEAT PROTEIN AND ITS POLYMER
BLENDS STUDIED BY SOLID-STATE HIGH-
RESOLUTION NMR SPECTROSCOPY
Xiaoqing Zhang; Burgar I; My Dieu Do; Lourbakos E;
Beh H
High resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
was used to investigate the chemical structures
intermolecular interactions and molecular motions
concerned with the miscibility of blends of wheat protein
and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) with between 0 and 25
percent PVOH content. Both solution casting and thermal
processing methods were used to prepare blends of
PVOH and wheat protein plasticised using glycerol and
water. Semi miscible blends were formed using solution
casting methods when PVOH content was less than 20
percent but thermally processed blends showed greater
heterogeneity. Examination on the nanometre scale also
indicated heterogeneity. 8 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no. 901105
Item 299
Polymer Bulletin
50, No.5-6, 2003, p.367
WATER-SOLUBLE TEMPERATURE-
RESPONSIVE POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL-CO-
VINYL ACETAL)S
Christova D; Ivanova S; Ivanova G
In order to obtain novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is
chemically modified by introducing cyclic acetal
functionalities in the polymer chain. The acetalisation
reaction is carried out with acetaldehyde in water. The
degree of acetalisation is controlled in the range 10-25%
by the initial aldehyde concentration. The copolymers
obtained are characterised by 1D (1H 13C DEPT) and 2D
(COSY) NMR techniques as well as by viscometry. The
thermo-responsive properties are evaluated by measuring
the cloud point temperature (Tcp) of the aqueous
copolymer solutions. 15 refs.
Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
BULGARIA; EASTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 901098
Item 300
Flexible
2, No.4, 2003, p.16
EXPLOSIVE PLASTICS
Anyadike N
Ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) and polyvinyl alcohol
(PVOH) are the two main water-soluble polymer types
commercially available. Films cast from water solutions
of PVOH and plasticiser are transparent tough tear- and
puncture-resistant. Such ﬁlms are used for hospital laundry
bags that can be loaded directly into the washing machine
without the need for contents handling. EVOH acts by
completely blocking the permeable barrier unlike many
other traditional plastic materials which allow oxygen
ingress. It is able to extend the shelf life of food items
with EVOH copolymers characterised by their outstanding
gas barrier properties resistance to solvents chemicals
and hydrocarbons and excellent barrier to odour and
ﬂavour permeance. Nippon Gohsei is constructing a new
EVOH facility in the UK. The 15000 t/y plant which will
produce Soarnol is expected to be fully operational in early
2004. EVAL Europe has also undertaken steps to expand
production capacity at its site at the Antwerp Chemical
complex from 12000 to 24000 t/y.
WORLD
Accession no. 900984
Item 301
Journal of Materials Science Letters
22, No.18, 2003, p.1291
EFFECT OF DEGREE OF POLYMERIZATION
ON SYNTHESIS OF ANORTHITE-TYPE
POWDER BY WET-CHEMICAL METHOD
EMPLOYING PVA
Lee S J; Lee M H
References and Abstracts
96 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Anorthite powder was synthesised from calcium
nitrate aluminium nitrate and silica sol by the PVAl
steric entrapment route. The effects of the degree of
polymerisation and content of PVAl on the crystallisation
behaviour speciﬁc surface area particle size distribution
and primary crystalline size of the powder were
examined. Both polyvinyl alcohol content and degree of
polymerisation were found to have a marked inﬂuence on
the synthesis and properties of the powder. 14 refs.
Mokpo National University; Korea Institute of Ceramic
Engineering & Technology
KOREA
Accession no. 899920
Item 302
International Journal of Polymer Analysis and
Characterization
8, No.5, 2003, p.339
SYNTHESIS CHARACTERIZATION AND
SOLUTION PROPERTIES OF ACRYLIC ESTER
POLYMERS
Mathakiya I; Rakshit A K; Rao P V C
Homopolymers of vinyl acetate and various acrylates
and copolymers thereof were synthesised by free-radical
solution polymerisation and copolymerisation and
characterised by FTIR spectroscopy NMR spectroscopy
TGA GPC and viscosity measurements. Reactivity ratios
of monomers in the vinyl acetate-acrylate copolymers
were computed from NMR spectroscopic data using
the Fineman-Ross and Kelen-Tudos methods. The
voluminosity shape factor activation parameters of viscous
flow root-mean-square end-to-end distance radius of
diffusing particle and diffusion coefﬁcients were also
computed at various temperatures to establish the solution
properties of the polymers and copolymers. 31 refs.
Baroda MS University; Indian Petrochemical Corp.Ltd.
INDIA
Accession no. 899907
Item 303
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
90, No.6, 2003, p.1477
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION BY
RADIATION OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AND
POLY(N-VINYLPYRROLIDONE) HYDROGELS
CONTAINING ALOE VERA
Kyoung Ran Park; Young Chang Nho
Hydrogels for wound dressings were made from a mixture
of Aloe vera and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(N-
vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) by freezing and thawing gamma-
ray irradiation or a two-step process of freezing and
thawing and gamma-ray irradiation. Physical properties
were measured including gelation water absorptivity gel
strength and degree of water evaporation to evaluate the
applicability of these hydrogels for wound dressings. The
PVA:PVP ratio was 6:4 the dry weight of Aloe vera was
in the range 0.4-1.2wt% and the solid concentration of
the PVA/PVP/Aloe vera solution was 15wt%. Mixtures
of PVA/PVP/Aloe vera were exposed to gamma radiation
doses of 25 35 and 50 kGy to evaluate the effect of
radiation dose on the physical properties of the hydrogels.
Gel content and gel strength increased as the concentration
of Aloe vera in the PVA/PVP/Aloe vera gels decreased and
as radiation dose increased and the number of freeze thaw
cycles was increased. The swelling degree was inversely
proportional to the gel content and gel strength. The PVA/
PVP/Aloe vera hydrogel had a better curing effect than no
dressing an a commercial urethane membrane. 13 refs.
Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
KOREA
Accession no. 899622
Item 304
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
90, No.6, 2003, p.1471
WATER TRANSPORT STRUCTURE FEATURES
AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF
BIODEGRADABLE PHB/PVA BLENDS
Olkhov A A; Vlasov S V; Iordanskii A L; Zaikov G E;
Lobo V M M\
Blends of biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)
with biocompatible and water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) were prepared by extrusion. The structure of the
blends was studied by wide angle X-ray diffraction and
DSC. Water vapour permeation and tensile properties of
the blends were measured. The materials appeared to be
partially miscible up to PHB contents of between 20-30%
by weight above which a phase inversion takes place and
mechanical properties drop to values characteristic of
pure PHB. Water permeability goes through a maximum
at PHB contents around 40% by weight. These materials
are of interest as novel biodegradable ﬁlms and coatings
for biomedical agricultural and packaging applications.
22 refs.
Moscow Institute Of Chemical Physics; Coimbra
University
RUSSIA
Accession no. 899621
Item 305
Macromolecular Symposia
No.197, 2003, p.143
CHARACTERISTICS AND DEGRADATION OF
HYBRID COMPOSITE FILMS PREPARED FROM
PVA STARCH AND LIGNOCELLULOSICS
Cinelli P; Chiellini E; Gordon S H; Imam S H
Details are given of the preparation of cast ﬁlms by blending
orange ﬁbres and PVAL with and without corn starch.
Films were also prepared by crosslinking PVAL starch
and orange ﬁbres with hexamethoxymethylmelamine.
Films were evaluated for their thermal stability water
permeability and biodegradation. A possible stimulating
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 97
effect of lignocelluloses ﬁllers on the biodegradation of
PVAL in blends was observed. 21 refs.
Pisa University; US Dept. of Agriculture
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 897890
Item 306
EP 1347107 A1 20030924
POLYVALENT INSULATING ANTI-VIBRATORY
ADHESIVE AND FIREPROOF PRODUCT FOR
VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL SECTORS ESPECIALLY
THE BUILDING INDUSTRY
Bonacini V
The product is suitable for use in cladding facades
weatherproofing for roofing thermal and/or acoustic
insulation preventing damp and efﬂorescence of salts
absorbing vibration encapsulating elements protecting
structures and elements against fire as a means of
coating backings for making carpets preventing ﬁltration
elasticising and binding loose carrier materials lining
gutters conduits and piping adhesives for solid materials
and expansion joints. It comprises 10 to 49% acrylic resin
20 to 28% polyvinyl acetate 1 to 8% vegetable 10 to 20%
water 0 to 12% cork particles 1 to 4% sodium hydroxide
0 to 58% pigment and 0 to 5 % cellulose glue.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
SPAIN; WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN EUROPE-
GENERAL
Accession no. 897360
Item 307
Polymer Degradation and Stability
81, No.3, 2003, p.393
NUMERICAL SIMULATION FOR ENZYMATIC
DEGRADATION OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Watanabe M; Kawai F
The enzymatic degradation of polymeric compounds is
studied. A mathematical model is proposed that governs
the temporal change of the weight distribution with respect
to the molecular weight. A particular case is investigated
in which the molecules are degraded randomly and a
technique to solve the inverse problem to determine the
degradation rate numerically is developed. The technique
is illustrated with an example in which GPC proﬁles
of polyvinyl alcohol are introduced into the numerical
computation. PVA is degraded by random oxidation of
hydroxyl groups and following cleavage of carbon-carbon
chain between two carbonyl groups/a carbonyl group and
an adjacent hydroxymethine group either by hydrolase or
aldolase. 10 refs.
Okayama University
JAPAN
Accession no. 896991
Item 308
International Journal of Polymeric Materials
52, No.7, 2003, p.623
EFFECT OF CHEMICAL CROSSLINKING ON
SWELLING PARAMETERS OF MODIFIED
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) HYDROGEL
Atta A M; El-Ghazawy R A M
Graft copolymerisation of maleic anhydride (MA) onto
partially and fully hydrolysed polyvinyl alcohol PVA is
carried out in presence and in absence of an initiator. The
structural features of these grafts are conﬁrmed by
1
H-NMR
analysis.
1
H-NMR analysis is also used to determine the
percentage of grafting. These grafts are crosslinked using
different concentrations of either 111-trimethylolpropane
trimethacrylate (TPT) or methylene bisacrylamide (MBA)
as hexa- or tetra-functional crosslinker respectively. The
crosslinkers concentrations range from 1 to 30% (wt.%)
based on the total weight of grafts. The ﬁnal water content
volume fraction of the polymer and swelling capacity
are determined for all grafts. The effect of MBA and
TPT crosslinkers structure on swelling properties of
both partially and fully hydrolysed PVA grafts are also
determined. 30 refs.
Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute
EGYPT
Accession no. 896962
Item 309
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Fall Meeting
87, 2002, p.502
POLYMER PARTICLES STABILIZED IN THE
PRESENCE OF POLY VINYL ALCOHOL
Zecha H
The effect of grafted or adsorbed surface layers of polyvinyl
alcohol (PVOH) on the stability of polymer latices is
investigated and the results are brieﬂy described. An
equation is presented to calculate delta the hydrodynamic
effective thickness of the PVOH layer in dilute latices from
the viscosity total particle volume fraction adsorbed/grafted
PVOH fraction and PVOH volume fraction with respect
to the particles. The equation was in good accordance
with empirical results. Delta was shown to increase with
the molecular weight of PVOH. Delta was also observed
to be greater in styrene-acrylic copolymer latices than in
polyvinyl acetate (PVAC) latices. It is reported that in more
concentrated latices the assumption that that the fraction
of adsorbed/grafted PVOH is independent of the latex
concentration is untrue and that in PVAC latices the PVOH
fraction is strongly dependent on the latex concentration. It
is argued that all of these results imply that the stabilisation
of latices by PVOH is not simply a steric effect and that
the concentration dependence of latex viscosity cannot be
described solely on the basis of effective hydrodynamic
volume fraction. 14 refs.
References and Abstracts
98 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GERMANY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 896836
Item 310
International Polymer Science and Technology
30, No.6, 2003, p.T/44
INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
ON THE STRUCTURE AND PHYSICO-
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF FILLED GELS
OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
Ukhartseva I Y
An investigation is reported that shows that ﬁlled PVA
gels formed under different production conditions
can be used as the basis for creating materials with
controllable properties. Such materials can be applied to
drug-containing therapeutic systems that are capable of
controlled release of the medicine into the surrounding
medium. The inﬂuence is examined of the schedules
for forming filled PVA gels on their structure and
physicomechanical characteristics. The investigation was
carried out on PVA medical gelatin proteolytic enzyme
papain medical collagen and sodium salt of carboxymethyl
cellulose. Films were obtained from the composites by
casting and were formed at a temperature of 293 K and
under low-temperature conditions at a temperature of
267 K for 24 hours. Specimens prepared in this way were
used to study physicomechanical characteristics and to
determine structural parameters. 21 refs. (Article translated
from Plasticheskie Massy No.8 2002 pp.15-7).
Belarus Academy of Sciences
BELARUS; BELORUSSIA
Accession no. 896786
Item 311
Polymer
44, No.15, 2003, p.4075
EFFECTS OF CONONSOLVENCY ON
GELATION OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) IN
MIXED SOLVENTS OF DIMETHYL SULFOXIDE
AND WATER
Takahashi N; Kanaya T; Nishida K; Kaji K
The rates of gelation and phase separation of polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA) solutions in mixtures of dimethyl
sulphoxide (DMSO) and water at 25 deg.C are studied and
it is found that both the rates show a maximum at a volume
fraction of DMSO thetaDMSO = 0.60 while gelation is not
observed either in pure DMSO or pure water suggesting
that water-DMSO is a cononsolvent system for PVA. On
the basis of the data by Cowie it is concluded that the 1:2
stable complex between one DMSO molecule and two
water molecules is the main cause of this cononsolvency.
19 refs.
Kyoto University
JAPAN
Accession no. 895244
Item 312
JIS K6808. POLYVINYL ACETATE EMULSION
ADHESIVES FOR WOODS Version 94 (R2001).
Japanese Standards Association
JAPAN
Accession no. 895201
Item 313
JIS K6725. TESTING METHOD FOR POLYVINYL
ACETATE Version 77(R2002).
Japanese Standards Association Photocopies and loans of
this document are not available from Rapra.
JAPAN
Accession no. 895190
Item 314
Iranian Journal of Polymer Science and Technology
16, No.1, 2003, p.13
STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF ACETIC ACID AND
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL ON MORPHOLOGY
AND PERFORMANCE OF POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL MEMBRANE
Madaeni S S; Semsarzadeh M A; Moghaddasi S P;
Nomani H
The effects of acetic acid and polyethylene glycol
(PEG) on morphology and characteristics studies of
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane are investigated. The
membranes are prepared using phase inversion technique.
For membrane manufacture a dope containing PVA water
and either acetic acid or PEG is prepared. The dope is
moulded by casting and ﬂoated in a precipitation bath
containing Na
2
SO
4
/NaOH/H
2
O. The results show that
addition of acetic acid or PEG to PVA will change the
mechanism of membrane preparation leading to changes
in the membrane's morphology and characteristics.
Increasing the acetic acid concentration results in reduction
in skin layer thickness and increase of its sub-layer
thickness porosity and pore size. Reduction in skin layer
thickness and porosity results in higher permeability and
better membrane performance. This may be explained
due to the higher concentration of H
3
O
+
in polymer dope
resulting from an increase in acetic acid concentration.
Higher concentrations of positive ions facilitate the non-
solvent entrance from precipitation bath to polymer dope
resulting in a higher rate for acid-base equilibrium. PEG
is a polar and hydrophilic polymer which performs as
an electrolyte in polymer solution. Higher concentration
of PEG results in a higher rate of non-solvent entrance
from precipitation bath to polymer dope. In comparison
with acetic acid PEG shows lower effect on membrane
performance (permeability) reduction of skin layer
thickness and increase in sub-layer thickness.
Razi University; Tarbiat Modarres University;
Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 99
IRAN
Accession no. 895024
Item 315
Iranian Polymer Journal
12, No.2, 2003, p.139
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)-CHITOSAN BLENDS:
PREPARATION MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL
PROPERTIES
Bahrami S B; Kordestani S S; Mirzadeh H; Mansoori P
Polyvinyl alcohol-chitosan blend films are prepared
by casting the respective polymer solutions. The
glutaraldehyde is used as a crosslinking agent. A series
of PVA-chitosan blends is prepared by varying the ratio
of the constituents. Mechanical and physical properties
of blended ﬁlms such as tensile properties in the dry and
wet states water uptake surface tension and contact angle
are characterised. Blending PVA and chitosan improves
strength and ﬂexibility of the ﬁlms in the dry and wet
states. Crosslinking with glutaraldehyde improves tensile
strength and decreases elongation of the ﬁlms. PVA content
in the blends increases water uptake while crosslinking
the ﬁlms with glutaraldehyde causes less hydrophilicity.
Water uptake in PVA-chitosan blends can be controlled by
variation of their contents crosslinking agent and the pH
of solution. Blending of PVA and chitosan improves bulk
and surface hydrophilicity of blended ﬁlms. 29 refs.
Amirkabir University; Tehran University of Medical
Science
IRAN
Accession no. 895021
Item 316
Journal of Polymers and the Environment
11, No.1, 2003, p.7
STARCH POLY(LACTIC ACID) AND
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BLENDS
Ke T; Sun X S
Research on biogradable materials has been stimulated
due to concern regarding the persistence of plastic wastes.
Blending starch with polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the
most promising efforts because starch is an abundant and
cheap biopolymer and PLA is biodegradable with good
mechanical properties. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) contains
unhydrolytic residual groups of acetate and also has good
compatibility with starch. It is added to a starch and PLA
blend (50:50 w/w) to enhance compatibility and improve
mechanical properties. PVOH (Mw 6000) at 10% 20%
30% 40% 50% (by weight) based on the total weight of
starch and PLA and 30% PVOH at various molecular
weights (mw 6000. 25000 78000 and 125000 daltons) are
added to starch/PLA blends. PVOH interacts with starch.
At proportions greater than 30% PVOH form a continuous
phase with starch. Tensile strength of the starch/PLA
blends increases as PVOH concentration increases up to
40% and decreases as PVOH molecular weight increased.
The increasing molecular weight of PVOH slightly affects
water absorption. Effects of moisture contents on the
starch/PLA/PVOH blend are also explored. The blend
containing gelatinised starch has higher tensile strength.
However gelatinised starch also results in increased water
absorption. 21 refs.
Kansas State University
USA
Accession no. 894980
Item 317
ACS Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering,
Spring Meeting
86, 2002, p.263
EFFECTS OF DISSOLVING TEMPERATURE
AND CONCENTRATION ON THE
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)(PVA) SOLUTIONS IN DIMETHYL
SULFOXIDE(DMSO)
Hak Sung Kim; Dong Wook Chae; Byoung Chul Kim
Studies of the above effects were conducted in order to
determine the optimal conditions for solution spinning of
PVAl. The PVAl solution was found to be signiﬁcantly
affected by the concentration and dissolving temperature.
With increasing concentration intermolecular hydrogen
bonding and entanglement were increased. PVAl solutions
of high concentrations had long relaxation time and could
form an oriented structure at low frequency. It was however
difﬁcult to obtain fully extended chain of high modulus and
strength PVAl ﬁbre due to the high density of hydrogen
bonding and entanglements. A PVAl solution dissolved at
120C had higher viscosity and stronger elastic properties
than that dissolved at below 100C. 4 refs.
KOREA
Accession no. 893206
Item 318
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
89, No.2, 2003, p.349
SYNTHETIC ABSORBENT FOR DYESTUFFS
BASED ON GAMMA CROSSLINKED
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) (PVA)
Ibrahim S M
The characterisation and uses of gamma radiation-
crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) ﬁlms as absorbents for
different classes of dyestuffs normally released from textile
factors are reported. Dye stuffs are selected from different
producers. These dyestuffs are Remacryl Blue (basic dye)
Remazol Golden Orange (reactive dye) Solar Orange
(direct dye) and Sandolan (acid dye). The percentage dye
sorption by PVA is determined by spectroscopic and colour-
strength measurements of the PVA ﬁlms after absorbing the
different dyestuffs. The results show that the concentration
of dimethylbisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent has a
great effect on the gel fraction and percentage swelling
in water of the PVA polymer. In general crosslinked PVA
References and Abstracts
100 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
shows a low tendency to absorb the different dyestuffs
under investigation at room temperature. This tendency
is shown to increase with an increasing temperature of
the dye solution from room temperature to 70 deg.C.
Meanwhile the highest percentage of dye sorption is found
in the case of the basic dye and the lowest one in the case
of the reactive dye depending on the active groups on
the dyes. The percentage dye sorption by PVA is slightly
higher in the acid medium rather than in the alkaline one.
12 refs.
Egypt National Centre for Radiation Res.& Technol.
EGYPT
Accession no. 892896
Item 319
US 6590013 B1 20030708
HARDENER FOR USE IN-UREA-
FORMALDEHYDE AND UREA-MELAMINE-
FORMALDEHYDE BASED ADHESIVES
Andersen B; Brehmer B G
A hardener for use in urea-formaldehyde and urea-
melamine-formaldehyde based adhesives comprises a
polyvinyl acetate emulsion together with a metal chloride
and an ammonium salt. The adhesive composition
comprises a urea-formaldehyde or urea-melamine-
formaldehyde resin and the hardener provides an increased
cure rate an acceptable viscosity better adhesion and
greater tolerance towards substrate type.
DENMARK; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
SCANDINAVIA; USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 892875
Item 320
Colloid and Polymer Science
281, No.6, 2003, p.580
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/POLY(N-ISOPROPYL-
ACRYLAMIDE) SEMI-INTERPENETRATING
POLYMER NETWORK HYDROGELS WITH
RAPID RESPONSE TO TEMPERATURE
CHANGES
Zhang J-T; Cheng S-X; Zhuo R-X
A series of thermosensitive and fast-response polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA)/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPA)
hydrogels are prepared by incorporating PVA into
crosslinked PNIPA to form a semi-interpenetrating
polymeric network (semi-IPN). Compared to the
conventional PNIPA hydrogel the semi-IPN hydrogels
thus prepared exhibit signiﬁcantly faster response rates
and undergo full de-swelling in 1 min (lose about 95%
water within 1 min) when the temperature is raised above
their lower critical solution temperature and have larger
equilibrium swelling ratios at room temperature. These
improved properties are attributed to the incorporation of
PVA which forms water-releasing channels and results
in increased hydrophilicity into the PNIPA hydrogel
networks. 20 refs.
Wuhan University
CHINA
Accession no. 892810
Item 321
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
89, No.6, 2003, p.1573
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION
OF MOLYBDOSILICIC ACID/POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) FIBER MATS PRODUCED BY AN
ELECTROSPINNING METHOD
Jian Gong; Xiang-Dan Li; Bin Ding; Douk-Rae Lee;
Hak-Yong Kim
The preparation of high percentage (20-80 percent)
molybdosilicic acid/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) ﬁbre mats
using the electrospinning technique is described. The ﬁbre
mats were characterised by IR XRD SEM and DSC and the
results show that the PVA changes from a semicrystalline
to an amorphous state with increasing molybdosilicic acid.
The swelling properties of the ﬁbre mats in water were
investigated and the results are discussed. 25 refs.
Changchun Northeast Normal University; Chonbuk
National University
CHINA; SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 891935
Item 322
ACS Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering,
Spring Meeting
86, 2002, p.167
EFFECTS OF PVA ON THE PROPERTIES OF
CELLULOSE/OVA SOLUTION BLENDS IN
NMMO HYDRATE
Seong Y-J; Kim B-C
The effect of PVAL on the properties of cellulose/PVAL
blend solutions was investigated in methylmorpholine
oxide hydrate. Characterisation was undertaken using DSC
X-ray diffraction and rheological measurements. 15 refs.
KOREA
Accession no. 891632
Item 323
Proceedings of the TECH XXVI: LEARN TO
SUCCEED held Washington, DC
2003, p.197
POLYMERIZATION REACTION MONITORING
FOR PSA PRODUCTION USING AN ATR-FTIR
PROBE
Jovanovic R
ATR-FTIR spectrometry was applied to the off-
line monitoring of solution polymerisations and
copolymerisations of butyl acrylate and vinyl acetate and the
data obtained used to establish real time in-situ monitoring
of emulsion and mini-emulsion polymerisations. The
performance of the analytical technique was compared
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 101
with traditional monitoring techniques namely gravimetry
and PMR spectroscopy and limitations of the technique
indicated. 7 refs.
CANADA; USA
Accession no. 891642
Item 324
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
14, No.6, 2003, p.422
PROPERTIES OF LOW-TEMPERATURE
SWELLING HYDROGELS PREPARED WITH
PARTIALLY SAPONIFIED PVA AND DRUG
RELEASE USING THE HYDROGELS
Horiike S; Yumoto K; Matsuzawa S; Yamaura K
The preparation of low-temperature swelling hydrogels
using partially saponiﬁed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with
glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent for use as drug
delivery systems were investigated. The block copolymer
character of the partially saponiﬁed PVAs was estimated
by carbon-
13
C-NMR. The hydrogels showed repeatable
temperature-dependent swelling-shrinking behaviour. The
dependence of drug absorption and release on the degree of
polymerisation was studied using various drugs including
para-acetamidophenol and insulin. 11 refs.
Shinshu University
JAPAN
Accession no. 891115
Item 325
US 6569801 B2 20030527
ADHESIVE MADE FROM CROSS-LINKING
LIQUID CATALYST WITH AMINO RESIN
Berube S; Cutt J
The liquid catalyst has improved ﬂexibility and adhesive
properties which are imparted to the adhesive. The
adhesive is composed of a crosslinkable polyvinyl acetate
an acid and an ammonium salt.
USA
Accession no. 890843
Item 326
Iranian Journal of Polymer Science and Technology
15, No.5, Dec.2002-Jan.2003, p.3011
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN FOR
POLYMERISATION REACTION AND
HYDROLYSIS OF POLYVINYL ACETATE
Semsarzadeh M A; Gangi H
Statistical empirical design is based on the statistical
modelling of non-linear polynomial equation and coding
of these equations in the solution polymerisation of vinyl
acetate in a factorial design. The surface calculation
considers time temperature and percent conversion as
important factors in this polymerisation reaction. In
response the inﬂuence of these factors is determined from
the polynomial equations. Non-linear regression is also
used to model the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. Variance
analysis is used in the study of dispersion of experimental
data. The conﬁdence level in this design is reported from
total sum of the square and statistical calculations.
Tarbiat Modarres University
IRAN
Accession no. 890222
Item 327
Journal of Industrial Textiles
32, No.3, 2003, p.223
USE OF ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE PLASMA
TREATMENT IN DESIZING PVA ON VISCOSE
FABRICS
Cai Z; Qiu Y; Hwang Y J; Zhang C; McCord M
Both air-oxygen-helium and air-helium atmospheric
pressure plasma treatments are employed to desize PVA
on a rayon (viscose) fabric. Both plasma treatments are
able to remove some of the PVA on the rayon fabric and
increase PVA solubility in cold water resulting in a higher
weight loss in cold washing. The effect of the atmospheric
pressure plasmas becomes greater as the treatment time
increases. Plasma treatment followed by one cold and one
hot washing has the same effect as conventional chemical
treatments followed by two cycles of cold and hot washing.
The atmospheric plasma treatment does not have negative
effect on rayon fabric tensile strength. 13 refs.
Shanghai Donghua University; North Carolina State
University
CHINA; USA
Accession no. 890213
Item 328
Proceedings of the conference held San Francisco,
CA, 163rd ACS Rubber Division Meeting, Spring
2003, Paper 19
REINFORCEMENT AND NONLINEAR
VISCOELASTICITY OF POLYMER MELTS
CONTAINING MIXTURES OF NANOFILLERS
Sternstein S S; Ramorino G; Jiang B; Ai-Jun Zhu
The reinforcement of composites of poly(vinyl acetate)
with binary ﬁller pairs prepared by solution blending was
studied experimentally by determining storage modulus
loss modulus and loss factor and comparing the results
with the predictions of a simple mixing rule model. It
was found that an interaction term speciﬁc to each binary
ﬁller/matrix system was needed to predict storage moduli.
Possible mechanisms by which the secondary ﬁller affects
reinforcement by the primary ﬁller are discussed. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no. 889974
Item 329
Colloid and Polymer Science
281, No.4, 2003, p.337
References and Abstracts
102 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
STUDY ON THE INITIAL STAGE OF EMULSION
POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL ACETATE USING
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AS A PROTECTIVE
COLLOID
Suzuki A; Yano M; Saiga T; Kikuchi K; Okaya T
A model experiment of emulsion polymerisation of vinyl
acetate (VAc) is carried out using polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA) as a protective colloid where a small amount of
VAc (1 ml/100 ml water) is employed. This corresponds
to the initial stage of the emulsion polymerisation. In the
presence of the large amounts of PVA the number of new
particles smaller than 80 nm continues to increase during
the polymerisation while there is not much increase in
the particle diameter. In contrast in the absence of PVA
the particles formed at the very early stage continue to
grow and the number of particles does not increase by so
many. The fractionation of the polymers in the emulsion
reveals that more than 90% of polymerised VAc and more
than 70% of the PVA used are grafted. To realise these
results the reaction times of three elemental reactions
are calculated i.e. the initiation reaction of the sulphate
radical with Vac the propagation of the PVAc radical and
the hydrogen abstraction from the PVA with the sulphate
radical. The time of the entry of the sulphate radical into
a particle is 10
-4
s. Hydrogen abstraction from PVA with
the sulphate radical is the fastest reaction which results in
the grafting onto PVA while the initiation reaction which
results mainly in homopolymer is slower. The propagation
of the PVAc radical in the aqueous phase is a much slower
reaction. The grafted molecules coagulate with each other
to become a particle. 12 refs.
Shiga Prefecture University
JAPAN
Accession no. 889407
Item 330
Journal of Macromolecular Science A
A40, No.3, 2003, p.211
GRAFT COPOLYMERISATION OF
METHYL ACRYLATE ONTO POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) INITIATED BY POTASSIUM
DIPERIODATOCUPRATE(III)
Liu Y; Liu X; Deng K; Liu Z; Yang L
A novel redox system potassium diperiodatocuprate(III)
(Cu(III))-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) redox system is
employed to initiate the graft copolymerisation of methyl
acrylate (MA) onto PVA in alkaline medium. The grafting
parameters vary with concentrations of monomer initiator
macromolecular backbone (DP = 1750 M = 80000) and
temperature. The formation of the graft copolymer is
conﬁrmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
scanning electron microscopy X-ray diffraction and
thermogravimetric analysis. It is found that (Cu(III))-
PVA system is an efﬁcient redox initiator for this graft
copolymerisation. A mechanism is introduced to explain
the formation of radicals and the initiation. At the same time
the other acrylate monomers such as methyl methacrylate
ethyl acrylate and n-butyl acrylate are used as reductant to
produce graft copolymerisation. It is deﬁnitely observed
that these reactions can occur in some degree. Thermal
stabilities are checked by TGA and this indicates that graft
copolymer is resistant to moisture absorption. 24 refs.
Hebei University
CHINA
Accession no. 889260
Item 331
Polymer Preprints
2002, 43, No.2, p.289
INFLUENCE OF NITROXYL RADICAL
STRUCTURE ON CONTROLLED RADICAL
HOMO- AND COPOLYMERIZATION
OF DIFFERENT VINYL MONOMERS:
EXPERIMENTAL AND QUANTITATIVE
INVESTIGATIONS
Grishin D F; Kolyakina E V; Pavlovskaya M V;
Semionycheva L L; Razuvaev A G
2-Methyl-2-nitrosopropane phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone
and 1-tert-butyl-3-phenyl-1-oxytriazene were evaluated
as alternatives to the use of 2266-tetramethylpiperidinyl-
1-oxy/benzoyl peroxide for the controlled radical
polymerisation of vinyl monomers (methyl methacrylate
butyl methacrylate butyl acrylate styrene vinyl chloride
and vinyl acetate) at temperatures in the range 50-70
C. From considerations of the polymerisation kinetics
and molecular weight of the resulting polymers it was
concluded that sterically hindered higher molecular
weight nitroxyl macroradicals produced in the course of
polymerisation were more effective in controlling chain
growth over the temperature range 50-70 C than their
low molecular weight analogues. This observation was
supported by quantum chemical calculations. 10 refs.
RUSSIA
Accession no. 889150
Item 332
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry
Edition
41, No.8, 2003, p.1107
NOVEL APPROACH TO THE CHEMICAL
MODIFICATION OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL):
PHOSPHORYLATION
Liu Y-L; Chiu Y-C
The chemical modiﬁcation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
is performed through oxidation followed by nucleophilic
addition. PVA is oxidised by KMnO
4
to form vinyl
ketone units along the polymer backbone. The chemical
modification of PVA is then conducted through the
reaction of the carbonyl group of the vinyl ketone unit
with 910-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-
oxide (DOPO) as a nucleophile. Through this approach the
phosphorous DOPO group is attached onto the carbon atom
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 103
of the polymer main chain rather than onto the pendent
hydroxyl groups of PVA. The formed DOPO-containing
PVA shows improved thermal stability organosolubility
and ﬂame retardance. 29 refs.
Chung Yuan Christian University
CHINA
Accession no. 87877
Item 333
Reactive and Functional Polymers
55, No.1, 2003, p.61
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERISTICS
OF INTERPENETRATING POLYMER
NETWORK HYDROGELS COMPOSED OF
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AND POLY(N-
ISOPROPYLACRYLAMIDE)
Seon Jeong Kim; Sang Jun Park; Sun I Kim
The characteristics of this interpenetrating polymer network
(IPN) were investigated using FT-IR and differential
scanning calorimetry. A hydrogel IPN combining
polyvinyl alcohol and poly(n-isopropylacrylamide) was
chosen for testing because of interesting response to
temperature swelling in water below the lower critical
solution temperature (LCST) and shrinking above the
LCST which could offer applications in biomedical
areas. Two sister papers published alongside this paper
investigated other IPN systems. The hydrogel IPNs used
in this case were synthesised using three different ratios
of polymers. Polymerisation was carried out using the
sequential IPN method. Firstly the PVA was polymerised
in the presence of the other monomer using glutaraldehyde
as a crosslinker and catalyst then the second monomer
was polymerised. Swelling in water was investigated at
varying pH and temperature and the proportion of free
and bound water was determined. The hydrogel with the
lowest proportion of PVA (50%) gave the highest swelling
ratio. 29 refs.
Hanyang University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 887742
Item 334
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
88, No.13, 2003, p.3026
NETWORK CHARACTERIZATION AND
SWELLING BEHAVIOUR OF CHEMICAL
HYDROGELS BASED ON ACID-CONTAINING
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Ruiz J; Mantecon A; Cadiz V
Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was modiﬁed with phthalic
and succinic anhydride to yield vinyl alcohol-vinyl
ester copolymers that contain carboxylate groups.
Crosslinking of these half-esters was then achieved by
using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 400 diglycidylether.
To obtain low degrees of crosslinking low crosslinker/
carboxylate ratios were used The capacity of the resulting
hydrogel to absorb water was therefore high. Water
absorption was determined gravimetrically as a function
of time at room temperature. Characterisation of the
equilibrium swelling ratio and compressive modulus was
carried out for all the resulting PVA hydrogels and these
were related to the network structure. 20 refs.
Tarragona Universitat Rovira I Virgili
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 887734
Item 335
Polymer Preprints
2002, 43, No.2, p.1085
SYNTHESIS OF HYDROXY TERMINATED
POLY(VINYL ACETATE) BY CHAIN TRANSFER
TO SOLVENT
Collins S; Rimmer S
Vinyl acetate was polymerised in two alcoholic solvents
capable of acting as chain transfer agents isopropanol and
2-isopropoxyethanol producing poly(vinyl acetate) with
hydroxy terminal groups. AIBN was used as the initiator.
The polymers were characterised by size exclusion
chromatography and vapour pressure osmometry. The
chain transfer coefﬁcient was derived by comparing the
degree of polymerisation with the solvent and monomer
concentrations according to the differentiated form of the
Mayo equation. The results followed the Mayo equation
when 2-isopropoxyethanol was used as a solvent but
some deviation was seen in the case of isopropanol. It was
suggested that this deviation was the result of multiple
transfers to solvent. 2 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no. 886541
Item 336
Polymer Preprints
2001, 42, No.2, p.653
VAPOR DETECTION USING ARRAYS OF
CONDUCTING POLYMER COMPOSITE
CHEMIRESISTORS
Lewis N S; Briglin S; Freund M S; Hopkins A
Vapour detection was performed using arrays of conducting
polymer composite chemiresistors. The polymers used as
sensors included poly(4-vinyl phenol) poly(styrene-co-
allyl alcohol) poly(methyl styrene) poly(vinyl chloride-co-
vinyl acetate) poly(vinyl acetate) poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone)
poly(ethylene oxide) poly(carbonate bisphenol A)
poly(styrene) and poly(caprolactone). It was found that
detector arrays fabricated from conducting polymer
composites provide a convenient low power flexible
implementation for vapour detection. Improved diversity in
the detector array can be obtained through a broad selection
of polymers polymer blends and plasticisers. These arrays
offer an opportunity for developing pattern-recognition
References and Abstracts
104 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
based approaches to vapour detection using combinatorial
chemistry techniques in polymer fabrication and sensor
preparation. 12 refs.
Accession no. 885754
Item 337
Polymer Testing
22, No.4, 2003, p.381
CHARACTERISATION OF BETA-CHITIN/
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) BLEND FILMS
Peesan M; Rujiravanit R; Supaphol P
Blend ﬁlms of beta-chitin (poly(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine))
and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL) of differing compositions
were prepared by solution-casting from solutions of
beta-chitin and PVA in concentrated formic acid. It was
observed that ﬁlms prepared from pure beta-chitin and
pure PVA were transparent but the ﬁlm having 50/50
composition was cloudy. The effect of blend composition
on physical thermal and mechanical properties morphology
and swelling behaviour was investigated and the results
compared to those for the pure components. For
example DSC measurements showed that glass transition
temperatures of the blend ﬁlms increased with increasing
beta-chitin content while melting temperatures tended to
decrease. 17 refs.
Chulalongkorn University
THAILAND
Accession no. 885416
Item 338
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
14, No.2, 2003, p.79
INFLUENCE OF A ZWITTERIONIC
SURFACTANT ON THE CHROMOGENIC
BEHAVIOR OF A DYE-CONTAINING AQUEOUS
PVA-POLYETHER GEL NETWORK
Kriwanek J; Lotzsch D; Vetter R; Seeboth A
The effect of the addition of a zwitterionic sulphobetaine
to a dye-containing polymer gel composed of two
polymers - polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyether - is
investigated. With increasing sulphobetaine content a
remarkable reduction of the UV-vis-absorption intensity
of the longest wavelength absorption band of Phenol Red
in the aqueous polymer network is observed even for
sulphobetaine concentrations below its critical micelle
concentration (cmc). It can be assumed that this effect is
based on the formation of ionic complexes dye molecules
and either single sulphobetaine molecules or aggregates
of sulphobetaine. Furthermore thermotropic behaviour
occurs in the investigated polymer gel even at a polyether
concentration as low as 0.8 wt.%. 10 refs.
Fraunhofer Institute For Applied Polymer Research
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GERMANY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 884388
Item 339
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
88, No.1, 2003, p.104
ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE AND
ULTRAVIOLET SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF
UV-IRRADIATED PVA FILMS FILLED WITH
MNCL2 AND CRF3
Zidan H M
PVAl ﬁlms containing various contents of chromium
fluoride and manganese chloride were prepared and
the structural modiﬁcation that occurred due to ﬁlling
with different levels and/or UV irradiation was studied
using ESR and UV-visible spectroscopies. The ESR
analysis revealed that the spin conﬁguration of chromium
ﬂuoride- manganese chloride- and cobalt bromide-ﬁlled
PVAl differed. The ﬁlling level dependence of the ESR
parameters was investigated. The UV-visible spectral
analysis for pure PVAl showed absorption bands at
265 and 280 nm which were assigned to the presence
of carbonyl groups. The addition of chromium ﬂuoride
led to the appearance of other bands at 418 and 596 nm.
The addition of manganese chloride led to a new band
at about 350 nm due to charge transfer transition. The
results indicated that the Cr
3+
or Mn
2+
were present in
the octahedral symmetrical form within the PVAl matrix.
SEM micrographs of chromium ﬂuoride-ﬁlled PVAl were
examined. 23 refs.
Mansoura University
EGYPT
Accession no. 883213
Item 340
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
13, No.10-12, 2002, p.938
BIODEGRADABLE COMB POLYESTERS
CONTAINING POLYELECTROLYTE
BACKBONES FACILITATE THE PREPARATION
OF NANOPARTICLES WITH DEFINED
SURFACE STRUCTURE AND BIOADHESIVE
PROPERTIES
Breitenbach A; Jubg T; Kamm W; Kissel
A major challenge in oral peptide and protein delivery
remains the search for suitable carrier systems. Therefore
a new concept is investigated combining a modiﬁed 3D
architecture increased hydrophilicity of polylactic co-
glycolic acid (PLGA) and charged groups in a single
polymer. Biodegradable comb PLGA synthesised by
grafting short PLgA chains onto different polyvinyl
alcohol-based backbone polyols poly(2-sulphobutyl-vinyl
alcohol) and polydiethylaminoethyl-vinyl alcohol. The
polyelectrolyte backbones are obtained by etheriﬁcation
of PVA with charge-containing pendent groups. The
comb polymer structure can be confirmed by NMR
IR spectroscopy differential scanning calorimetry
elemental analysis and measurement of intrinsic viscosity.
Nanoparticles (NP) as potential mucosal carriers systems
are prepared by controlled precipitation and investigated
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 105
as a function of polymer composition. The amphiphilic
character and the 3D architecture of the novel polyesters
allow the preparation of small nanoparticles even without
the use of surfactants. Surface NMR surface charge and
hydrophobicity determination indicate a core-corona-like
NP structure especially in the case of charged polyesters.
A structural model is proposed for the NP with an inner
polyester core and an outer charged-groups-containing
surface depending on polymer composition and backbone
charge density. The higher the polymer backbone
charge density the more pronounced its inﬂuence on the
nanoparticle surface properties. The possibility of preparing
NP without the use of a surfactant as well as of designing
the NP surface characteristics by polymer backbone charge
density and polymer hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance will
be a major or advantage in protein adsorption bioadhesion
and organ distribution. This makes these biodegradable
polymers promising candidates for colloidal protein and
peptide delivery. 31 refs.
Marburg Philipps Universitat
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GERMANY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 882548
Item 341
Journal of Polymers and the Environment
10, No.1-2, 2002, p.31
PROCESSING AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
OF PLASTICS MADE FROM SOY PROTEIN
POLYESTER BLENDS
Mungara P; Chang T; Zhu J; Jane J
Blends of soy protein and biodegradable polyesters
(Biomax and polycaprolactone) were prepared. The
blends were prepared in either a one-step or a two-step
compounding extrusion process. The compatibiliser used
in this study was polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) or polycaprolactone (PCL) were used to
plasticise the Biomax; glycerol was used as a plasticiser
for the soy formulations. The blend pellets formed were
then used to produce injection-moulded tensile bars. The
mechanical properties (ASTM D638-86) water absorption
(ASTM D 570) thermal properties (DMA) and structure
(SEM) were analysed. The blends demonstrated high
tensile strength (16 - 22 MPa for PVA blends; 27 - 33
MPa for PCL blends). PVA blends having the highest
percentages of the synthetic polymer had the greater
strengths. All the blends had high Young's moduli but
had brittle characteristics (elongation at break 1.8 - 3.1
percent). The blends showed low water absorption and
good stability under ambient conditions compared to
plastics made from soy protein alone. The lowest water
absorption was observed for blends made from soy protein
ﬂour. SEM micrographs for all the blends showed that
the synthetic polymers were dispersed homogeneously
throughout the protein matrix in each case. 15 refs.
Iowa State University
USA
Accession no. 880925
Item 342
Materiale Plastice
39, No.4, 2002, p.202
STUDY OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF
SOME COMPOSITE BASED ON GELLAN AND
ELECTROACTIVE SYNTHETIC POLYMERS
Strat M; Strat G; Gutlui S; Alupei C
The results of an investigation on the preparation
characterisation and determination of optical properties
of gellan-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gellan-poly(N-vinyl
pyrrolidone) (PVP) and gellan-poly(N-vinyl imidazole)
(PVI) composites are described; it represents part of
a major work dedicated to the development of a new
source of dielectric biomaterials for medical devices.
The choice of PVA PVP and PVI is based on the fact that
these materials polymers are good electroactive synthetic
polymers. 3 refs.
Jassy, Cuza Al.I.University; Asachi G.Technical
University
EASTERN EUROPE; RUMANIA
Accession no. 880370
Item 343
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Spring Meeting
84, 2001, p.798
CONTROLLING THE MORPHOLOGY OF
CALCIUM CARBONATE CRYSTALS USING
MULTIFUNCTIONAL MACROMOLECULAR
ADDITIVES
Valiyaveettil S; Lakshminarayanan R
Biological organisms have evolved strategies to control
the structure and morphology of the minerals using a wide
variety of proteins. They use the inorganic minerals for
different purposes. A number of synthetic templates such
as molecular ribbons surfactants Langmuir monolayers
self-assembled monolayers natural and synthetic
polymers in the form of ﬁbres and ﬁlms and hydrophilic
block copolymers have been used in recent years to
mimic biomineralisation which has many technological
advantages. The use of polyvinyl alcohol and sodium
silicate as template for the nucleation and morphology
control of calcium carbonate crystals is reported. The
use of multi functional polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and
sodium silicate (NaSi) as template for the studies is
motivated by their existing industrial applications. The
aim is to establish the inﬂuence of these water-soluble
additives in nucleating a speciﬁc polymorph and directing
the formation of a speciﬁc morphology of the calcium
carbonate crystals. Neutral organic polymeric additives
and anionic inorganic additives exhibiting complex
solution properties behave differently in the nucleation of
References and Abstracts
106 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
various polymorphs of calcium carbonate crystals. While
PVA additives favoured the nucleation of aragonite phase
the silicate additive induces an oriented nucleation of the
calcite crystals. In both cases it is believed that the self-
assembly of additives plays a major role in controlling
the nucleation and morphology of calcium carbonate
polymorphs. The role of molecular conformation of these
additives is currently being established in nucleation of
various polymorphs as well as in deciding the morphology
of the crystals. 14 refs.
SINGAPORE
Accession no. 880228
Item 344
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering,
Spring Meeting, Proceedings of a conference held San
Diego, CA
84, 2001, p.1057
DIALDEHYDES AS CROSSLINKING AGENTS
FOR IMPROVED PAPER WET STRENGTH
Xu G G; Yang C Q
Improvements in the wet strength and dry strength including
tensile strength and folding endurance of paper treated with
a combination of dialdehydes (glutaraldehyde or glyoxal)
with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were investigated. Effects
of cure time and temperature on the crosslinking reaction
with the cellulose were also examined. It was shown that
a combination of PVA with glutaraldehyde proved the
more efﬁcient at improving the wet and dry performance
of the paper. 9 refs.
USA
Accession no. 879390
Item 345
Proceedings of the 60th SPE Annual Technical
Conference (ANTEC 2002) held San Francisco, CA
Paper 505 Session T51-Flexible Plastics Packaging,
Barrier Packaging Materials and Applications
EFFECT OF HIGH BARRIER EMULSION
POLYMERS ON THE REDUCTION IN
WATER VAPOUR TRANSMISSION RATES OF
LAMINATED CARTON
Lendrum S; Ryan N M; McNally G M
Two ply laminated carton boards were prepared by
bonding 300 or 350 g/m
2
board using a variety of polymers
which acted as both adhesive and water vapour barrier. The
polymers were: commercially available emulsion grades of
ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer poly(vinylidene
chloride) tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-
vinylidene ﬂuoride terpolymer; and poly(vinyl alcohol)
commercial adhesives. The water vapour permeabilities
of the prepared boards were measured at 60% RH and 20
C. The permeability decreased with increasing polymer
layer thickness and it was possible to achieve the market
requirements for a permeability of 20-50 g/m
2
/24 h. EVOH
gave the lowest permeability. 6 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no. 879110
Item 346
High Performance Polymers
14, No.3, 2002, p.261
PROPERTIES OF THE INTERPENETRATION
POLYMER NETWORK HYDROGELS
COMPOSED OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
AND POLY(DIALLYLDIMETHYLAMMONIUM
CHLORIDE)
Kim S J; Yoon S G; Kim S L
Temperature- and pH-responsive interpenetrating polymer
network (IPN) hydrogels constructed with polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA) and polydiallyldimethylammonium
chloride (PDADMAC) using the sequential IPN method
are studied. The characterisations of IPN hydrogels are
investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
and differential scanning calorimetry. IPN hydrogels
exhibit a relatively high swelling ratio 180-360% at room
temperature. The swelling ratio for the hydrogels depend
on pH and temperature. DSC is used to determine the
amount of free water in IPN hydrogels. The amount of
free water increases with increasing PDADMAC content
in the IPN hydrogel. 19 refs.
Hanyang University
KOREA
Accession no. 877789
Item 347
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
87, No.8, 2003, p.1239
PREPARATION OF MAGNETIC POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL MATERIALS BY IN SITU
SYNTHESIS OF MAGNETITE IN A PVA MATRIX
Lin H; Watanabe Y; Kimura M; Hanabusa K; Shirai H
Nanosized magnetite particles were synthesized in situ
within PVAL solutions by precipitating ferrous ions or a
mixture of ferrous and ferric ions with sodium hydroxide
solution. Transparent ﬁlms were obtained by a casting
method and six kinds of magnetic PVAL ﬁbres were also
prepared by a wet-spinning method. Mechanical properties
were measured. 29 refs.
Shinshu University
JAPAN
Accession no. 876923
Item 348
Adhesion '02, Proceedings of EURADH 2002 held in
Glasgow
2002, p.49
FRACTURE ANALYSIS AND TESTING OF
WOOD-ADHESIVE BONDS FOR TIMBER
ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS
Serrano E; Gustafsson P J
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 107
The results are reported of an investigation of the fracture of
wood ﬁnger-joint specimens reinforced with either threaded
steel rods or smooth glass ﬁbre-reinforced polyester rods
and bonded with various adhesives. Adhesives employed
were phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde two-component
PU or polyvinyl acetate. The strength fracture energy and
shapes of the stress-slip relations for the specimens were
determined and a constitutive model which includes a
total of 4 independent material parameters (shear strength
and fracture energy in shearing (Mode II) and normal
strength and fracture energy in opening mode (Mode I))
developed to predict the behaviour of the wood-adhesive
joints. 5 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; UK; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 876553
Item 349
Journal of Membrane Science
209, No.1, 2002, p.271
FLAKE-FILLED REACTIVE MEMBRANES
Lape N K; Yang C; Cussler E L
Aligned mica ﬂakes and colloidal zinc oxide can combine
to reduce the acid permeability and increase the lag time in
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes. The permeability is
reduced up to ten times by the ﬂakes but is affected much
less by the zinc oxide. The lag times are increased by up
to 1000 times by a combination of ﬂakes and reaction. The
results can be estimated with theories for this transport
including variations with the square of the volume fraction
of ﬂakes and the ﬁrst power of zinc oxide concentration.
These estimates are successful only when the ﬂakes are
evenly distributed within the membrane. When they are
unevenly distributed the apparent membrane permeability
behaves differently. While the experiments use only PVA
as a polymer the same ﬂakes and reactants will give the
same relative permeability reductions with other less
permeable polymers. 40 refs.
Minnesota University
USA
Accession no. 873793
Item 350
Polymer Plastics Technology and Engineering
41, No.5, 2002, p.863
SYNTHESIS RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF GRAFT-TYPE
ACS RESIN
Gao J; Sun S; Li D; Yang L
Using suspension polymerisation synthesis of graft-type
ACS resin (acrylonitrile-chlorinated polyethylene-styrene
terpolymer) and alpha-methyl styrene-containing ACS was
carried out with particular attention paid to the effect of
concentration of initiator and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on
the reaction. With increasing concentration of initiator in
the ﬁrst stage the graft efﬁciency increased but it began
to fall when the initiator concentration exceeded 3.3-3.5
x 10
-4
mol/L. With increasing concentration of PVA the
graft efﬁciency gradually decreased. Studies were carried
out on the rheological behaviour mechanical properties
and morphological properties of resins. The rheological
behaviour deteriorated with increasing content of
chlorinated polyethylene and the melt was a pseudo-plastic
liquid. As the content of chlorinated polyethylene increased
the impact strength of graft-type ACS resin increased. The
rheological properties and impact characteristics of alpha-
methyl styrene-containing ACS resin improved because
of the introduction of alpha-methyl styrene and overall
properties were optimised at the 5% alpha-methyl styrene
content of ACS resin. 18 refs.
Hebei University
CHINA
Accession no. 873381
Item 351
ISO/DIS 15023-2. PLASTICS - POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) (PVAL) MATERIALS - PART 2:
DETERMINATION OF PROPERTIES Version
50.00 (2002).
SWITZERLAND; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 873105
Item 352
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
86, No.11, 2002, p.2854
PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) MEMBRANES PREPARED BY THE
GRAFTING OF NEW POLYELECTROLYTE
COPOLYMERS FOR WATER-ETHANOL
MIXTURE SEPARATION
Wen-Yen Chiang; Yi-Haw Lin
Graft copolymers were synthesised by the reaction of
PVAL with poly(sodium salt styrene sulphonic acid-co-
maleic acid) (PSStSA-co-MA). Membranes of PVAL-g-
PSStSA-co-MA formed a crosslinking network after heat
treatment. Crosslinking enhanced the water insolubility
and mechanical strength whilst retaining a high afﬁnity
towards water. The difference in the hydrogen bonding
interactions between the membrane and water and the
membrane and alcohol (methanol ethanol or isopropanol)
showed that the membrane showed selective permeability
towards water in a water-alcohol solution. The permeation
ﬂux decreased and the separation factor increased as the
PSStSA-co-MA (crosslinking agent) content increased.
17 refs.
Tatung University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 872968
Item 353
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
25, No.2, 2002, p.103
References and Abstracts
108 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION
OF POROUS FILMS BY A MODIFIED BASE-
CATALYSED SOL-GEL PROCESS CONTAINING
PVA; II. FILM PREPARATION
Liu Y; Chen H; Zhang L; Yao X
Porous SiO
2
ﬁlms are successfully deposited on silicon
substrates by a modiﬁed base-catalysed sol-gel process
(MBCP) containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The process
conditions such as gelation time synthesis temperature
stabilising agent of the precursor solution and spin coating
speed heat-treatment annealing temperature of the ﬁlm on
the microstructure and porosity of porous SiO
2
ﬁlms are
systematically investigated by SEM XRD and ellipsometry
techniques. A novel preparation technique for porous SiO
2

ﬁlm is presented. Using this process the resultant ﬁlm can
reach a thickness of 3.6 μm for one layer a porosity of 25-
50% a low thermal conductivity of 0.11 W/m.K. This ﬁlm
will be used as a low dielectric layer and thermal-insulating
layer and a low refractive index layer. 11 refs.
Canberra Australian National University; Xian Jiaotong
University; Tongji University
AUSTRALIA; CHINA
Accession no. 871889
Item 354
Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology
25, No.2, 2002, p.95
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF
POROUS SILICA FILMS BY A MODIFIED BASE-
CATALYSED SOL-GEL PROCESS CONTAINING
PVA. I. PRECURSOR SOLUTION SYNTHESIS
Liu Y; Chen H; Zhang L; Yao X
A novel modiﬁed base-catalysed sol-gel process containing
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is proposed to prepare the porous
SiO
2
ﬁlm. In this process the growth of the sol particles
is artiﬁcially broken off and controlled by acid-stabilising
agent and PVA. As a result a uniform and stable precursor
solution is obtained in which the size of sol particles
is stable. This new process efﬁciently overcomes the
shortcomings of the traditional base-catalysed sol-gel
process and can be employed to prepare porous SiO
2

ﬁlms with desired porosity and thickness. The inﬂuence
of catalyst reaction temperature pH value stabilising agent
and PVA additive on the size of the SiO
2
sol particles is
systematically studied. 22 refs.
Canberra Australian National University; Xian Jiaotong
University; Tongji University
AUSTRALIA; CHINA
Accession no. 871888
Item 355
Synthetic Metals
130, No.2, 2002, p.121
LUMINESCENCE INTENSITY ENHANCEMENT
INDUCED BY LASER IRRADIATION IN
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AND POLY
(3-THIOPHENEACETIC ACID)BLEND
De Souza J M; Dos Anjos P N M; Pereira E C
Photoluminescence (PL) of polymeric blends with
polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly(3-thiopheneacetic acid)
(PTAA) is investigated. An increase in the PL intensity
induced by laser irradiation is found. The PL quantum
efﬁciency is dependent on irradiation time laser intensity
and PTAA doping state (acid or salt). PL intensity increases
up to 200% for acid PTAA and 50% for salt PTAA. The
PL efﬁciency relative enhancement is 314% for acid PTAA
and 140% for salt PTAA. Using IR spectroscopy this effect
is related to hydrogen bond interaction between PTAA and
PVA excited states induced by laser irradiation that reduce
the non-radiative decay rate. 25 refs.
Sao Carlos Universidade Federal
BRAZIL
Accession no. 870543
Item 356
US 6440259 B1 20020827
ONE-PART STORAGE-STABLE WATER-BASED
CONTACT ADHESIVE COMPOSITION WITH AN
INTERNAL COAGULANT
Patel V
The contact adhesives comprises an adhesive component
comprising polychloroprene rubber and an internal
coagulant. They may also contain a resinous component
selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl
acetate copolymer polyvinyl acetate homopolymer
polyvinyl acetate copolymer acrylic copolymer polyvinyl
acetate acrylic copolymer and combinations thereof. The
internal coagulant may be hygroscopic salt amino acid or
a combination thereof.
USA
Accession no. 870289
Item 357
Kobunshi Ronbunshu
59, No.9, 2002, p.511
PREPARATION OF COMPOSITE FILM USING
WASTE PULP
Hadano S; Onimura K; Yamasaki H; Tsutsumi O
Treated waste pulp (pulp) is used as a cellulosic material.
Water-soluble cellulose (PSAAc) is synthesised by
acetylation of cellulose succinate. Composite ﬁlms are
prepared from PSAAc and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
by a casting method and crosslinked by heating or
reacting with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). These
ﬁlms are homogeneous and transparent. Three types of
homogeneous ﬁlms - non-treated ﬁlm HDI-treated ﬁlm
and heat-treated ﬁlm and heterogeneous ﬁlm obtained
from pulp and PVA are used for tensile strength and
biodegradation tests. HDI-treated ﬁlm shows the highest
elongation (592%). On the other hand the heat-treated ﬁlm
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 109
and the heterogeneous ﬁlm are fragile. The biodegradation
test in soil gives the following order of weight loss for
composite ﬁlms: heterogeneous ﬁlm greater than non-
treated ﬁlm greater than HDI-treated ﬁlm greater than
heat-treated ﬁlm. 8 refs.
Yamaguchi University; Ube National College of
Technology
JAPAN
Accession no. 869594
Item 358
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
86, No.3, 2002, p.622
PREPARATION PHYSICO-CHEMICAL
CHARACTERIZATION AND OPTICAL
ANALYSIS OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL-
BASED FILMS SUITABLE FOR PROTECTED
CULTIVATION
De Prisco N; Immirzi B; Malinconico M; Mormile P;
Petti L; Gatta G
A subject of considerable interest from the environmental
perspective is the use of biodegradable ﬁlms for mulching.
This is also of interest in terms of the intrinsic properties
that such ﬁlms might have when appropriately designed.
Starting with existing biodegradable polymers a synthetic
approach has been developed that leads to a new material
characterised by a time-controlled biodegradation. The
concept was to bridge polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) chains
through polycaprolactone (PC) crosslinks. In this manner
PVOH loses its water sensitivity and can stand on the
ground for the time required for mulching to occur while
the PCL crosslinks being sensitive to a slow fungal
attack will undergo cleavage followed by the complete
bio-assimilation of the residual PVOH chains. Time
of biodegradation can be controlled by the number of
crosslinks introduced. The polymers were characterised
for their intrinsic chemical-physical properties while a
preliminary evaluation of their efﬁciency as mulches was
achieved through the analysis of their thermal behaviour
when deposited on an irrigated soil. The results were
compared with a model approach capable of predicting
the thermal behaviour of a ﬁlm in particular environments.
13 refs.
Instituto Di Ricerca e Tecnologia Delle Materie
Plastiche; Basilicata University; Italy National Research
Council
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 868951
Item 359
Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics
203, No.10-11, 2002, p.1526
BIODEGRADATION OF POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) IN SOIL ENVIRONMENT:
INFLUENCE OF NATURAL ORGANIC FILLERS
AND STRUCTURAL PARAMETERS
Corti A; Cinelli P; D'Antone S; Kenawy E-R; Solaro R
Biodegradation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) ﬁlms in blends
with natural polymers such as gelatin and lignocellulose
by-products and with polyvinyl acetate was studied under
simulated soil burial conditions by determination of
evolved carbon dioxide. The inﬂuence of residual acetyl
groups in the PVA was also examined and appeared to have
a positive inﬂuence on biodegradation. The effect of each
blend component on the biodegradation was considered
and it was determined that biodegradation of PVA and
PVA blends under soil burial conditions is quite limited.
The PVA appears to depress biodegradability of the other
components of the blend compared to that of the pure
component although an increase in hydrophobic character
of the blend component appears beneﬁcial. 27 refs.
Pisa University
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 868920
Item 360
Polymer Preprints
2000, 41, No.1, p.66
INVESTIGATION OF LATEX COPOLYMERS
AND TERPOLYMERS CONTAINING NEO VINYL
ESTERS FOR ARCHITECTURAL COATING
APPLICATIONS
Yang H W; Swarup V; Ellis P S; Subramanian R; Smith
O W; Thames S F
The performance of branched neo vinyl esters (formed
from neo acids - for example trialkyl substituted acetic
acid) in improving the resistance to hydrolysis of vinyl
acetate and vinyl acrylic based latices was examined
using several different monomer feed compositions. The
long alkyl groups on the neo esters provide umbrella
protection of the ester group and improve the hydrophobic
behaviour of the coating. Samples were characterised for
particle size minimum ﬁlming temperature and water
absorption and were compared to typical commercial
coating formulations for scrub resistance and external
weathering performance. 4 refs.
USA
Accession no. 868884
Item 361
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
40, No.17, 2002, p.1949
THERMAL LENSING IN POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)/POLYANILINE BLENDS
Pilla V; Catunda T; Balogh D T; Faria R M; Zilio S C
Non-linear optical properties of polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA)/polyaniline (PAni) blends are measured with the
single-beam Z-scan technique with Fourier analysis. The
results obtained with continuous wave (cw) excitation
indicate that the self-phase modulation has a thermal
origin. Besides the Z-scan technique the time-resolved
References and Abstracts
110 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
mode-mismatched thermal lens (TL) technique employed
to obtain the temperature coefﬁcient of the optical path
length ds/dT and the thermal diffusivity coefﬁcient D
for the speciﬁc concentrations used in our blends. ds/
dT varies between -0.8 and -1.0 x 10
-4
/K-1 whereas the
thermal diffusivity varied between 1.0 and 1.3 x 10
-3
cm
2
.
The TL technique is further used to study the ageing of the
blends as they are heated to 90 deg.C. Unlike the electrical
conductivity of PAni films which presents a strong
dependence on the doping level the thermooptic properties
present only a slight variation with doping. This feature
indicates that the PVA/glutaraldehyde network made the
main contribution to the thermooptic properties (D and ds/
dT) in the PAni blends. Similarly dimethyl sulphoxide as
a solvent determined the thermooptic properties of PAni
solutions. 24 refs.
Sao PauloUniversity
BRAZIL
Accession no. 866638
Item 362
Polymer International
51, No.8, 2002, p.715
GELATION OF A NEW HYDROGEL SYSTEM OF
ATACTIC-POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)/NACL/H2O
Dai L; Ukai K; Shaheen S M; Yamaura K
a-P/VA/NaCl/H
2
O hydrogels are prepared by gelation
of aqueous atactic-polyvinyl alcohol (a-PVA) solutions
in the presence of NaCl. The gelling temperature melt
temperature and the preservation of water of the hydrogels
are measured. The effect of the addition of NaCl to the
hydrogels on gelling temperature and melting temperature
is marked when the NaCl concentration is over a certain
value. High NaCl concentration favours high-melting-
point hydrogels. When the NaCl concentration is high
enough (such as 11%) high-melting-point and white turbid
opaque a-PVA/NaCl/H
2
O hydrogels can be prepared
regardless of the PVA concentration. Similarly the
low gelling temperature of a-PVA/NaCl/H
2
O solutions
comes from low NaCl concentration while high gelling
temperature ranges from 50 to 70 deg.C when the NaCl
concentration is 11%. In appearance the types of syneresis
of a-PVA/NaCl/H
2
O are X-type or a mixture of X- and
n-types; water release of the hydrogels is slowed down by
the addition of NaCl. 16 refs.
Soochow University; Shinshu University
CHINA; JAPAN
Accession no. 863757
Item 363
Polymer International
51, No.8, 2002, p.687
MOLECULAR SELECTIVITY OF TYROSINE-
IMPRINTED POLYMERS PREPARED
BY SEED SWELLING AND SUSPENSION
POLYMERISATION
Zhang L; Cheng G; Fu C
Tyrosine-imprinted microspheres are prepared in
an aqueous system by seed swelling and suspension
polymerisation using trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate
(TRIM) acrylamide (AM) as well as methacrylic acid
(MAA) linear polystyrene and toluene as crosslinker
functional monomers seeds and porogens respectively. The
size distribution proves to be greatly inﬂuenced by the ratio
of water:TRIM (W/T) and the concentration of dispersant.
When W/T is 46:1 (v/v) 4.6% (by mass) of poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) was used as dispersant the molar ratios of
tyrosine MAA AM and TRIM are 1:8:8:17 the polymer
beads have the better size monodispersity and the average
size is 135 mu m while the sizes of the pores on the beads
surfaces ranged from 1.25 to 9.0 μm. The adsorption
behaviour and molecular selectivity of the beads are
analysed using liquid chromatography; the results show
that the adsorption behaviour of the beads follow the rule
of Langmuir and the value of saturated absorption is 0.197
mmol g/1. The tyrosine-imprinted polymers exhibit an
inherent selectivity for tyrosine; when phenylalanine is
used as the competing molecule the separation factor alpha
is up to 1.91. However the control polymers do not have
this special molecule-selection capability and the relative
separation factor beta is about 1.82 compared with the
imprinted polymers. 21 refs.
Tianjin University
CHINA
Accession no. 863754
Item 364
Proceedings of Tech XXV, 25 Years of Tape
Innovations.held Atlanta, GA
2002, p.83
FATE OF RESIDUAL SOLVENT IN DRYING
COATINGS: CAN IT GET TRAPPED AND HOW?
Cairncross R A
A common goal in industrial drying of polymer solution
coatings is to reduce the residual solvent content (RSC)
to a speciﬁed level. Industrial dryers consist of a series of
zones operated at different air temperatures and airﬂow
rates to meet the RSC speciﬁcations and to produce defect-
free coatings. A common observation is that when drying
at a constant temperature the residual solvent content
plateaus and the drying rate effectively drops to zero.
Often the RSC can be reduced by further increasing the
temperature. In homogeneous polymer solutions above the
glass transition temperature of the polymer the observed
plateau in RSC is accurately predicted by Fickian diffusion
with a concentration-dependent diffusion coefﬁcient. A
simple model is developed which predicts the dependence
of RSC on temperature coating thickness and the diffusion
properties of the solution. In this case solvent is retained
by the diffusional resistance to mass transfer and the
diffusional resistance can be lowered by increasing
temperature. However there are numerous claims that the
RSC can also be reduced by using milder drying conditions
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 111
e.g. lowering airﬂow lowering temperature or partially
saturating the air with solvent vapour. Such behaviour is
anomalous and cannot be predicted by Fickian diffusion;
this behaviour is termed anomalous skinning. Anomalous
skinning in PMMA/acetone coatings is measured and
a non-Fickian model is developed which predicts the
anomalous behaviour. 23 refs.
USA
Accession no. 863696
Item 365
Polymer Preprints
2001, 42, No.1, p.248
SYNTHESIS OF VINYLOXY ACETATE/
SILOXANE COPOLYMERS FOR USE ON E
GLASS FIBERS
Ma R P; Le-Huy C; Britcher L G; Matisons J G
A vinyloxy acetate monomer was hydrosilated with
triethoxysilane and applied to glass fibres where it
condensed to form a siloxane polymer. The polymerised
form of the vinyloxy acetate was also hydrosilated with a
polysiloxane to form a polyvinyl acetate silicone and the
hydrosilated products analysed by NMR spectroscopy.
Surface characterisation of the glass ﬁbres using DRIFT
and SEM revealed that the silane acetate adsorbed strongly
on the surface of the glass ﬁbres. 3 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no. 862495
Item 366
Polymer Preprints
2002, 43, No.1, p.358
EFFECT OF ION-INCORPORATION ON
SEGMENTAL ORIENTATION OF POLYMER
CHAINS AND GUEST/HOST INTERACTIONS IN
ORIENTED POLYMER/DYE SYSTEMS
Pan B; Moore R B
There has been much research focused on using polymers
as matrices for dichroic polarisers which are often
employed in thin-ﬁlm-transistor liquid crystal displays
(TFT LCD) sunglasses and spectroscopic instruments.
These materials are typically semicrystalline polymers
such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PE with incorporated
dichroic chromophore. EVOH and is ionomer version
carboxylated EVOH (EVOH-COOH) are employed as
the host polymers for cationic dyes. The orientation of the
dyes in the two polymers is correlated to the orientation of
polymer chains. The dye uptake rates for EVOH and the
sodium form carboxylated EVOH (EVOH-COONa) are
determined and rationalised with respect to ionic effects.
The incorporation of the ionic groups into EVOH enhances
the orientation of the dye molecules although the segmental
orientation of polymer chains is not inﬂuenced. This
enhancement may be attributed to the ionic interactions
between dye molecules and the ionic groups on polymer
chains. The small amount of ionic groups also changes
the morphology of the polymer with a reduction in the
crystallinity which results in higher dye uptake rate in
carboxylated EVOH comparing to the pristine EVOH.
10 refs.
USA
Accession no. 860867
Item 367
Iranian Polymer Journal
11, No.2, 2002, p.123
CROSS-LINKED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
HYDROGEL: STUDY OF SWELLING AND DRUG
RELEASE BEHAVIOUR
Varshosaz J; Koopaie N
Crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a prolonged-
release micromatrix a hydrophilic polymer and a
potentially interesting hydrogel which is useful for drug
delivery applications. As a part of drug development
procedure the aim is to investigate the effect of structural
changes on drug release (theophylline) from this polymeric
network. The parameters studied include: crosslinking
agent (glutaraldehyde) concentration PVA content of the
ﬁlms theophylline percentage and their overall effect on
swelling of the hydrogels drug loading efﬁciency diffusion
and release characteristics of theophylline from PVA ﬁlms.
Changes in glutaraldehyde percentage (or crosslink density)
affect the swelling of the ﬁlms. However increasing PVA
percentage causes more swelling. Drug loading efﬁciency
is higher in gels with higher glutaraldehyde PVA and
theophylline percentages. Increasing contents of PVA and
theophylline promote the diffusion coefﬁcient and drug
release rate but glutaraldehyde has a reverse effect. The pH
does not affect the swelling and diffusion coefﬁcient. Water
transport and drug release mechanism predominantly
follow a Fickian model. It may be concluded that by
changing the PVA structural parameters a rate-controlled
drug release is obtained. 23 refs.
Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
IRAN
Accession no. 860513
Item 368
Iranian Polymer Journal
11, No.2, 2002, p.93
OBSERVATION OF NEWTONIAN RINGS ON
PVA POLYMER DURING HF LASER-INDUCED
PHYSICAL MODIFICATION USING AN
OPTICAL FIBRE
Khosroshahi M E
The ablation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with a multi-
line 2.6-3.0 μm HF laser shows a strong interaction due
to its relatively high absorption coefﬁcient 7 x 10
4
cm
-1

particularly hydrogen bands at 3597 cm
-1
. By using the
expression heat diffusion limit surface temperature (Ts) of
340 K and 449 K are calculated for ﬂuences of 0.3 and 1
J/cm
2
respectively. The Ts values are well consistent with
References and Abstracts
112 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
the PVA melting point of 531 K and SEM photographs.
With the average activation energy of 188 kh/mol-1 and
rate constant of 6 x 10
7
/s a value of K=6 x 10
-6
/s for
T=(146-230) K is obtained. The thermal degradation
effect in short pulse duration is evident by Newtonian
rings which basically is an interference pattern created by
light reﬂects off the boiling ablated material and the solid
material underneath. 18 refs.
Tehran Amir Kabir University
IRAN
Accession no. 860510
Item 369
Adhesive Technology
19, No.3, 2002, p.24
AUTOMOTIVE BINDING TAPE
A new PVOH binding tape for automotive thermal moulding
techniques launched by Katco and Environmental Polymers
is capable of perming at 190 deg.C which cuts moulding
time and boosts productivity. Traditional cellulose tapes
are not as strong as the PVOH tape as it cannot be used at
above 160 deg.C and is likely to break when applied under
stress. The new PVOH tape is also more thermally stable
than existing forms. These old forms tend to expand at high
temperatures which can result in parts being incorrectly
formed says the company. Derek Hindson commercial
director of Katco said 'an additional beneﬁt of the new tape
is that it leaves a glossy ﬁnish on the exterior of moulded
rubber parts when the tape is removed. This gives parts a
more professional and customer-friendly appearance and
improves under-bonnet presentation.' The new PVOH
automotive binding tapes are made from polymer pellets
manufactured at Environmental Polymers' factory in Irlam
near Manchester. This abstract includes all the information
contained in the original article.
Katco; Environmental Polymers Gropup Plc.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no. 859978
Item 370
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
85, No.5, 2002, p.957
SWOLLEN BEHAVIOR OF CROSSLINKED
NETWORK HYDROGELS BASED
ON POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AND
POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE A
Mi-Seon Shin; Seon Jeong Kim; In Young Kim; Nam
Gyun Kim; Chul Gyu Song; Sun I Kim
10 wt.% aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
and a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) 1 wt.%
2, 2-dimethyl-2-phenylacetophenone and 0.5 mole%
methylenebis acrylamide in isopropanol were prepared.
The mixture was added to the PVA solution and heated at
90 deg.C over 7 hours. A number of crosslinked networks
were obtained at 1:1 1:3 and 3:1 PVA/PDMS molar ratio
and were characterised by FTIR DSC mechanical testing
and from the equilibrium water content (EWC). The DSC
melting endotherms showed a sharp PVA peak 219.49
deg.C and the PVA/PDMS crosslinked networks had
melting peaks close to this temperature. The EWC values
were directly related to the PVA content of the crosslinked
networks and were also dependent on temperature. 18
refs.
Hanyang University; Chonbuk National University
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no. 859712
Item 371
Proceedings of GPEC 2002: Plastics Impact on the
Environment held Detroit, MI
2002, p.369
RECENT ADVANCES IN
THERMOPLASTICALLY-PROCESSABLE
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL-BASED MATERIALS
Cooper T A; Harrison P E; Wilkes T M
PVOH has traditionally be usable or processable only
in the form of aqueous solutions or films cast from
these rather than as a thermoplastic. Recent advances in
both PVOH formulating and processing technology are
described which have resulted in the creation of a family
of biodegradable and non-toxic PVOH-based materials to
be produced for many thermoplastics applications using
commercial melt processing methods without causing
thermal or shear degradation. Examples are reviewed
for biomedical waste management agricultural industrial
and packaging applications which take advantage of
uniquely advantageous PVOH properties in addition to
its biodegradability. These properties are described. The
products are claimed to represent viable environmentally
advantageous alternatives to present non-degradable
thermoplastics such as PE and PVC in which PVOH is
stable during its intended use but which can be disposed
of by dissolution and aqueous biodegradation composting
incineration or recycling. 6 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 859626
Item 372
International Journal of Polymeric Materials
51, No.5, 2002, p.413
THIN FILM DOSIMETERS BASED ON ROSE
BENGAL DYED POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Aabdel-Fattah A A; Hegazy E-S A; El-Ahdal M A; Ezz-
El-Din H
Dyed polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) ﬁlms are prepared by
casting the aqueous solutions of PVA incorporating Rose
Bengal (RB) dye with or without chloral hydrate on a
horizontal glass plate. Such ﬁlms are useful as routine high-
dose dosimeters. These ﬂexible plastic ﬁlm dosimeters
are bleached when exposed to gamma-ray photons. The
useful range of application of these ﬁlms depends on the
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 113
concentration of chloral hydrate. RB/PVA ﬁlm without
chloral hydrate is suitable for application in the range of
absorbed doses 10-150 kGy. The maximum range of RB/
PVA ﬁlms containing chloral hydrate ranges from 5 to 20
kGy depending on and inversely proportional to chloral
hydrate concentration in the ﬁlm. The radiation-chemical
yield (G-value) of ﬁlms is calculated to be in the range
from 0.272 to 10.3 mu mol/J where it increases with the
increase of both RB and chloral hydrate concentration in
the ﬁlm. The effects of temperature and relative humidity
during irradiation as well as pre- and post-irradiation
storage on the radiation response of ﬁlms are studied.
Although the response of these ﬁlms depends on relative
humidity during irradiation they are highly stable for long
times before and after irradiation when stored in dark and
they are not affected by temperature that range from 0 to
45 deg.C during irradiation. 21 refs.
Cairo National Center for Radiation Res.& Technol.
EGYPT
Accession no. 858773
Item 373
Environmental Polymers Ltd, Manchester
2002, pp.6
ENVIRONMENTAL POLYMERS PIONEERING
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS
A general introduction to depart biodegradable non-
toxic polymer products is presented. The material has
been developed and commercialised by Environmental
Polymers. The company has developed a patented
process for extruding the PVOH pellets which can then
be processed with minor modifications on existing
equipment. The material is characterised by multi-
dimensional strength and high puncture resistance. Its
non-toxicity and gas barrier properties make it suitable
for a wide range of food applications. It can also be used
in multilayer applications. Environmental Polymers has
developed the ability to customise the temperature at which
depart dissolves which allows it to be used in a range of
applications such as hospital laundry bags dosing pouches
and additive sachets.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no. 858091
Item 374
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
84, No.14, 2002, p.2591
CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROGELS
BASED ON CHITOSAN AND COPOLYMER
OF POLY(DIMETHYLSILOXANE) AND
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
Mi-Seon Shin; Kim S I; In Young Kim; Nam Gyun Kim;
Chul Gyu Song; Seon Jeong Kim
Copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and PDMS were
crosslinked with chitosan to produce semi-interpenetrating
polymer network hydrogels using UV irradiation.
Photocrosslinked hydrogels had an equilibrium water
content of 65-95%. The swelling behaviours of the
hydrogels were studied by immersing the gels in various
buffer solutions. The hydrogel with the highest chitosan
weight ratio showed the highest equilibrium water content
in time dependent and pH dependent swelling. These
hydrogels may have potential biomedical applications.
19 refs.
Korea Orthopedics & Rehabilitation Engineering
Center; Hanyang University; Chonbuk National
University
KOREA
Accession no. 857068
Item 375
Polymer International
51, No.6, 2002, p.502
BENDING BEHAVIOUR OF
ELECTRORESPONSIVE POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL/POLYACRYLIC ACID SEMI-
INTERPENETRATING NETWORK HYDROGEL
FIBRES UNDER AN ELECTRIC STIMULUS
Fei J; Zhang Z; Gu L
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyacrylic acid (PAA)
composite ﬁbres are prepared via solution spinning and
subsequently semi-interpenetrating networks (SIPN) are
obtained by crosslinking the ﬁbres with glutaraldehyde.
The hydrogel ﬁbres exhibit bending behaviour under DC
electric stimulation. The effects of a number of factors are
systematically studied including the PAA content within
the network electric voltage imposed across the ﬁbre the
ﬁbre diameter concentration of the crosslinking agent
pH and ionic strength of the bath solution. Experimental
results show a stable reversibility of bending behaviour
under the applied electric ﬁeld. The degree of bending at
equilibrium and the bending speed of the hydrogel ﬁbre
increase with the intensity of the applied electric voltage
and the PAA content having negatively charged ionic
groups within the SIPN. The electroresponsive behaviour
of the present SIPN hydrogel ﬁbre is also affected by the
aforementioned extrinsic factors. These observations are
interpreted in terms of ﬁbre stiffness ﬁxed charge density
and swelling pressure which depend on the hydrogel
equilibrium states in different pH and ionic environments
together with the electrochemical reactions under DC
electric ﬁeld. 35 refs.
Shanghai Donghua University
CHINA
Accession no. 856924
Item 376
Polymer
43, No.13, 2002, p.3653
References and Abstracts
114 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
MISCIBILITY ENHANCEMENT ON THE
IMMISCIBLE BINARY BLEND OF POLY(VINYL
ACETATE) AND POLY(VINYL PYRROLIDONE)
WITH BISPHENOL A
Shiao-Wei Kuo; Shih-Chi Chan; Feng-Chih Chang
The inﬂuence of additions of bisphenol A (BPA) on
the miscibility of blends of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc)
and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) was studied using
differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Binary blends of BPA
with PVAc and with PVP exhibited single glass transition
temperatures (Tg) conﬁrming miscibility over the entire
compositional range. Hydrogen bonding between the
hydroxyl group of BPA and the carbonyl group of PVAc
and PVP was studied using FTIR. Enhanced miscibility
of PVAc/PVP binary blends was observed with increasing
BPA additions with a single Tg conﬁrming full miscibility
at sufﬁciently high additions. 40 refs.
Taiwan National Chiao Tung University
TAIWAN
Accession no. 856034
Item 377
Journal of Membrane Science
202, No.1-2, 2002, p.89
MEMBRANE OF PVA COATED ON POROUS
CATALYTIC CERAMIC DISKS SUPPORTED
H3PW12O40
Qing-Lin Liu; Qing-Biao Li
Catalytic discs of porous ceramic plate-supported
H
3
PW
12
O
40
were prepared. Crosslinked PVAl composite
membranes using the catalytic discs as matrices were
obtained by spin coating. The dehydration reaction of
butanediol to form THF was used as a model reaction
to demonstrate the catalytic activity of the disc and the
latter was shown to be more effective than the original
H
3
PW
12
O
40
. The separation properties of the membrane
were also examined by pervaporation using the same
reacting mixture and the water content in the reactor was
much less than that of THF during the reaction coupled
pervaporation. 13 refs.
XiamenUniversity
CHINA
Accession no. 854753
Item 378
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
84, No.8, 2002, p.1572
ELABORATION OF ION-EXCHANGE
MEMBRANES WITH SEMI-
INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORKS
CONTAINING POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AS
POLYMER MATRIX
Lebrun L; Da Silva E; Metayer M
Ion-exchange membranes were obtained with semi-
interpenetrating networks (s-IPN) by mixing film-
forming polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for the
crosslinked matrix and a polyelectrolyte to give the speciﬁc
ion exchange property. The anionic polyelectrolytes
used were: poly(sodium styrenesulphonate)(PSSNa)
poly(styrenesulphonic acid)(PSS) polyacrylic acid
(PAA) polyethyleneimine (PEI) poly(11-dimethyl-
35-dimethylenepiperidinium chloride)(PDDPCl) and
poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)(PDDMACl)
as cationic polyelectrolytes. Membranes containing 60%
PVA and 40% polyelectrolyte showed the best compromise
of mechanical properties homogeneity and ion-exchange
properties. The crosslinking agent for the PVA network to
promote efﬁcient entrapment of the polyelectrolyte in the
membrane was gaseous dibromoethane. The crosslinking
time (tc) for each type of membrane was optimised and
its effect was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and
scanning electron microscopy. The best results i.e. high
ion-exchange capacity combined with small swelling
ratio were obtained with PVA/PAA and PVA/PSSNa/PSS
membranes. Of the anion exchange membranes PVA/PEI
gave the best permselectivity and the highest ion exchange
capacity. 20 refs.
Rouen University
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 853715
Item 379
JIS-K9550.
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
JAPAN
Accession no. 852709
Item 380
Polymer Preprints
2001, 42, No.2, p.328
ULTRA-THIN COATINGS OF POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL DEPOSITED ON ORGANIC
MONOLAYERS
Kozlov M; McCarthy T J
Surface modification of many organic and inorganic
substrates still represents a challenging problem. In
particular there are only a few reactions allowing chemical
modiﬁcation of the surface of hydrophobic polymers such as
polyoleﬁns and ﬂuoropolymers. It has recently been shown
that polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) possesses a unique property
of adsorption on the surface of polytetraﬂuoroethylene-
co-hexaﬂuoropropylene (FEP) from aqueous solution.
Such adsorption not only increases the surface energy of
the substrate rendering it hydrophilic but also introduces
hydroxyl groups to the surface that are readily reactive
towards a range of surface modifying agents. This makes
PVOH potentially a versatile tool for surface modiﬁcation
of many substrates. The adsorbed PVOH coatings are
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 115
presumably stabilised by intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
It has long been known that adsorption of fully hydrolysed
grades of PVOH at the air-water interface is accompanied
by a gain in enthalpy (unlike most other water-soluble
polymers) which is ascribed to formation of hydrogen
bonds. Several organic monolayers are prepared by surface
modiﬁcation of silicone wafers and the adsorption of
PVOH from aqueous solutions on these surfaces is studied.
Deposition of PVOH on organic monolayers is found to be
strongly dependent on the nature of the substrate and the
solution conditions. PVOH coatings are formed preferably
on more hydrophobic surfaces whereas hydrophilic
substrates such as PEO-terminated monolayers do not
support the formation of PVOH coatings. Salt content in
the solution is shown to have a two-fold effect enhancing
hydrophobic interactions and thus promoting adsorption
but at the same time impeding aggregation of adsorbed
polymer by means of hydrogen bonding. 7 refs.
USA
Accession no. 849815
Item 381
Polymer Preprints
2001, 42, No.2, p.17
DYNAMICS OF POLYVINYL ACETATE-D3 ON
SILICA
O'Connor R D; Xu G; Blum F D
PVAc is an important polymer in applications due to both
its bulk and surface characteristics. Its chain architecture
gives it a low Tg and generally good qualities for
processing and applications which include paints adhesives
thin ﬁlms and surface coatings. The surface dynamics of
PVAc absorbed onto silica are investigated with
2
H-NMR.
For dynamics studies
2
H-NMR is an excellent technique as
it uses an innocuous probe that can report on correlation
times (Tc) from approximately 10
-8
s to 10s. The use of
two-dimensional exchange NMR (2D-X) and a side-chain
methyl-d
3
probe to investigate surface dynamics with Tcs
in the range of 10
-6
to over 1 s is reported. 2D-X NMR
can be applied to very thin layers of polymers and yield
information about polymer reorientation. More thorough
analysis needs to be done to extract the motional note rates
and angular excursion from this data. However it is clear
from the spectra that the majority of surface PVAc species
are much less mobile than in bulk. 4 refs.
USA
Accession no. 847948
Item 382
Polymer Preprints
2001, 42, No.2, p.7
RELAXATION DYNAMICS IN THIN FILMS OF
POLYVINYL ACETATE AND POLYMETHYL
METHACRYLATE
Fukao K; Uno S; Miyamoto Y; Hoshino A; Miyaji H
Recent progress in theoretical and experimental studies
has clariﬁed many properties of glass transitions. However
the mechanism of the glass transition has not yet been
fully understood. The major problem to be achieved is the
experimental approach to the investigation of the length
scale of the glass transition and dynamics of the alpha-
process such as dynamical heterogeneity. For this purpose
the glass transition in thin ﬁlms of polymers especially
PS has widely been investigated by using different
experimental techniques and many interesting properties of
the thin ﬁlms have been observed. It is interesting to check
whether the results extracted from the investigations on PS
thin ﬁlms hold also for other polymers. The dynamics of
thin ﬁlms of polyvinyl acetate and PMMA are investigated
by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy in order to clarify
this question. 6 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no. 847943
Item 383
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
83, No.2, 2002, p.244
SYNTHESIS OF GRAFT COPOLYMERIC
MEMBRANES OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
AND POLYACRYLAMIDE FOR THE
PERVAPORATION SEPARATION OF WATER/
ACETIC ACID MIXTURES
Aminabhavi T M; Naik H G
Graft copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol with polyacrylamide
were synthesised and then membranes were prepared at 48
and 93 percent grafting of acrylamide. These membranes
were used in the pervaporation separation of water
and acetic acid. The separation characteristics of the
membranes were compared with neat PVA membrane at
25 35 and 45 degree C. The values of separation selectivity
diffusion coefﬁcient and permeation ﬂux were calculated.
These parameters were sensitive to the amount of water in
the feed mixture. The highest separation selectivity value
of 23 was observed for neat PVA at 25 degree C and the
lowest value of 2.2 for 93 percent acrylamide grafted PVA.
The temperature dependency of the permeation ﬂux as
well as diffusion followed an Arrhenius relationship. The
grafted copolymer membranes were found to be effective
in the selective separation of acetic acid from its aqueous
mixture. 23 refs.
Karnatak University
INDIA
Accession no. 846611
Item 384
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
82, No.1, 2001, p.143
PREPARATION OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
HYDROGEL THROUGH THE SELECTIVE
COMPLEXATION OF AMORPHOUS PHASE
Hari P R; Sreenivasan K
References and Abstracts
116 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
A highly elastic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel ﬁlm
was prepared using a new simple and mild complexation
reaction with phenyl boronic acid and its morphology
mechanical properties and cytotoxicity were investigated.
The changes in morphology and mechanical properties of
PVA on complexation were determined by comparison
with a reference sample of glutaraldehyde cross linked PVA
ﬁlm. The morphological changes were examined using
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) wide angle X-ray
diffraction (WAXD) and scanning electron microscopy
(SEM). DSC showed that the complexation reaction is
conﬁned in the amorphous region of the PVA. Investigation
by WAXD showed that the PVA hydrogel ﬁlm retains the
inherent crystalline property of the semi-crystalline PVA.
SEM found no change in the surface morphology of the
PVA ﬁlm resulting from this reaction. The PVA hydrogel
ﬁlm displays enhanced mechanical properties particularly
in the wet condition resulting from its intact crystallinity.
Also the inherent non-toxic characteristic property of PVA
is unaffected by this complexation reaction. Consequently
as the reaction can be performed under mild aqueous
conditions and does not leave behind a toxic residue
it may have very good potential in the biomedical and
pharmaceutical ﬁelds. 12 refs.
Sree Chitra Tirunal Inst.for Med.Sci.& Technology
INDIA
Accession no. 844693
Item 385
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
82, No.1, 2001, p.136
SORPTION OF DYE WASTES BY POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL)/POLY(CARBOXYMETHYL
CELLULOSE) BLEND GRAFTED THROUGH A
RADIATION METHOD
El-Salmawi K M; Abu Zaid M M; Ibraheim S M; El-
Naggar A M; Zahran A H
A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/CMC blend graft copolymer
was used as a sorbent for dye wastes normally released
from textile factories. The parameters that may affect the
sorption process for example time temperature weight
of the blend graft copolymer and volume of the dye
waste were investigated. The PVA/CMC blend graft
copolymer was prepared by radiation induced grafting
of a styrene monomer on a PVA/CMC blend which
improved its stability in water. The sorption of dyestuffs
by the blend was determined by a method based upon
spectrophotometric analysis. The blend graft copolymer
has a high afﬁnity for basic acid and reactive dyes. The
sorption of dyes depends on the weight of the copolymer
and not on the volume of the waste solution also it is more
effective at 70C. The sorption of dyestuffs by a PVA/CMC
graft copolymer could be used as a practical method to
remove organic pollutants. 6 refs.
Egypt National Centre for Radiation Res.& Technol.
EGYPT
Accession no. 844692
Item 386
Macromolecules
34, No.22, 2001, p.7894
SPINODAL DECOMPOSITION AND SYNERESIS
OF PVA GEL
Takeshita H; Kanaya T; Nishida K; Kaji K
Transparent gels of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were
prepared by quenching a homogeneous solution of PVA in
dimethyl sulphoxide/water (60:40) at 100 C to a temperature
of -40 C. Phase separation was studied by measurements
of UV transmittance time-resolved light scattering and
volume changes. There was a single light scattering
intensity peak which increased exponentially with time
indicating spinodal decomposition. Domain growth
was slowed in the later stages attributed to suppression
of surface tension forces by the elastic force of the gel.
Towards the end of the spinodal decomposition phase
during shrinkage the UV transmittance gradually increased
and the scattering intensity decreased corresponding to a
relaxation process of internal ﬂuctuations produced during
spinodal decomposition. 36 refs.
Kyoto University
JAPAN
Accession no. 843608
Item 387
Polymer Journal (Japan)
33, No.8, 2001, p.610
SYNTHESIS OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
GRAFT COPOLYMERS BY LIVING CATIONIC
POLYMERIZATION IN THE PRESENCE
OF ADDED BASES. PART 1. DESIGN AND
SYNTHESIS OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
GRAFT COPOLYMERS WITH WELL
CONTROLLED POLY(VINYL ETHER)GRAFTS
Aoshima S; Ikeda M; Nakayama K; Kobayashi E; Ohgi
H; Sato T
Partially hydrolysed polyvinyl acetate was employed as
a new coupling agent for synthesising polyvinyl alcohol
graft copolymers using living cationic polymerisation
of vinyl ethers. Size exclusion chromatography was
used to obtain the molecular weight distributions and
nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine
the molecular structure of the graft copolymers. The
resulting copolymers contained well controlled polyvinyl
ether grafts with a narrow molecular weight distribution
and good solubility. Graft copolymers with either
polymethoxyethyl vinyl ether or polyethoxy vinyl ether
chains exhibited thermosensitive phase separation in water.
Full details of the synthesis and test results is given with
detailed results discussion. 21 refs.
Osaka University; Tokyo Science University; Kuraray
Co.
JAPAN
Accession no. 843499
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 117
Item 388
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
82, No.13, 2001, p.3215
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL-BASED MAGNETIC
NANOCOMPOSITES. I. THERMAL AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Lopez D; Cendoya I; Torres F; Tejada J; Mijangos C
CoFe
2
O
4
magnetic nanoparticles are prepared by in
situ precipitation and oxidation of Co
2+
and Fe
2+
within
a sulphonated PS resin. The nanometric particles are
characterised by X-ray diffraction. A ferroﬂuid is prepared
from the CoFe
2
O
4
mineralised polymer resin and water.
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based nanocomposite materials
are obtained by mixing different amounts of ferroﬂuid
(compositions ranging within 0-51 wt.% of mineralised
resin) with an aqueous solution of the polymer. The PVA
composite materials are characterised by TGA DSC
and stress-strain testing. The thermal and mechanical
properties of PVA change with ﬁller content exhibiting
an initial increase in these properties due to polymer-ﬁller
interactions. After a maximum value at about 15 wt.%
of mineralised resin the mechanical properties decrease
probably due to particle aggregation which causes phase
separation. The results obtained show that the nanoparticles
are dispersed in the amorphous regions of the polymer the
crystalline zones remaining unaltered up to compositions
as high as 30 wt.%. 36 refs.
CSIC; Barcelona University
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no. 842144
Item 389
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
83, No.4, 2002, p.929
THERMAL AND MECHANICAL BEHAVIOURS
OF POLYVINYL ALCOHOL-LACTOSE BLENDS
Fan X-D; Hsieh Y-L; Krochta J M
Thermal and mechanical behaviours of polyvinyl alcohol
(PVA)-lactose blends are studied by differential scanning
calorimetry thermogravimetric analysis and stress-strain
analysis. The increase in glass transition temperature of
the PVA lactose blends with lactose contents suggests the
formation of hydrogen-bonded PVA lactose complex in
the PVA matrix. The hydrogen bonding interactions can
improve thermal and mechanical properties of the blends.
Results of this study demonstrate that lactose a by-product
of dairy industry can be used directly and in substantial
quantity as a modiﬁer to enforce the physical properties
of PVA. 24 refs.
Xian Northwestern Polytechnical University; California
University
CHINA; USA
Accession no. 842048
Item 390
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL - DEVELOPMENTS
Finch C A
This book is the second edition of a book titled 'Polyvinyl
alcohol: properties and applications' and the authors
contributing to this present volume have all written with the
understanding that the ﬁrst volume will be available to the
reader. The ﬁrst group of chapters describe progress within
particular topics described in the ﬁrst book namely: general
properties of the polymer; methods of preparation and
hydrolysis; modiﬁcations by copolymerisation. Further
chapters go on to discuss ethylene-vinyl copolymers
chemical reactions and stereochemistry and applications.
Applications discussed are relating to the following
ﬁelds: textile sizing ﬁlms paper manufacture adhesives
binder reprography and photoresists. Each chapter is well
referenced.
PENTAFIN ASSOCIATES; CHICHESTER JOHN WILEY & SONS
INC. 1992 PP.XX 850
Accession no. 841910
Item 391
Polymer
42, No.10, 2001, p.4687
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF THE
MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)
DRAWN FILMS PREPARED BY GELATION/
CRYSTALLIZATION FROM SOLUTIONS BY
X-RAY AND SOLID STATE 13C NMR
Matsuo M; Bin Y; Nakano M
The morphology and mechanical properties of PVA were
studied using atactic PVA (at-PVA) dry gel ﬁlms prepared
by crystallisation from solutions in dimethyl sulphoxide
and water mixtures in which the Me
2
SO/water composition
was set to be 60:40. The hot homogenised solution was
quenched by pouring it into an aluminium tray at -80C
thus generating a gel. The crystal lattice modulus along
the chain axis was measured by XRD. The values were
200-220 GPa independent of temperature up to 170C.
However the values became lower with further increase
in temperature and the value at 200C was 133 GPa. This
tendency differs from previous reports showing rapid
decrease in the crystal modulus at higher temperature
than 120C. The difference means that crystallites within
the specimens prepared by quenching the solution at -80C
are in much more stable state than those of the previous
specimens. In spite of the temperature independence
of the crystal modulus along the chain axis and the
crystallinity the storage modulus similar to Young's
modulus decreases gradually with increasing temperature.
To study the mechanical properties and molecular
orientation of the present specimens with the stable
crystallites the orientational behaviour of crystallites was
estimated in terms of the orientation distribution function
of crystallites and Young's modulus was calculated by
using the generalised orientation factors of crystallites and
References and Abstracts
118 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
amorphous chain segments estimated from the orientation
functions of crystallites and amorphous segments. In doing
so the theoretical calculation was carried out by using a
three-dimensional model in which the oriented crystalline
layers are surrounded by an anisotropic amorphous phase
and the strains of the two phases at the boundary are
identical. The theoretical values were in good agreement
with the experimental ones. The
13
C-NMR measurements
suggested that the intermolecular hydrogen bonds may
be broken by drawing and the intramolecular hydrogen
bonds are more preferably formed in the mm and mr
sequences with draw ratio but no marked difference in
the structure exists between the crystalline and non-
crystalline regions as judged from the hydrogen bonding
in the triad sequences. Even so the spin-lattice relaxation
time decreased drastically with increasing temperature
reﬂecting drastic activity of chain mobility. Accordingly
the drastic decrease in Young's modulus (the storage
modulus) is thought to be due to the fact that chain mobility
in the amorphous phase becomes more pronounced as
temperature increases. 49 refs.
Nara Women's University
Accession no. 841018
Item 392
Polymer Preprints
2000, 41, No.2, p.1685
ATTACHMENT OF PROTEINS TO POLYVINYL
ALCOHOL FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
Nuttelman C R; Anseth K S
The ability to covalently attach proteins and other
macromolecules to a polymer support material presents
numerous advantages for a wide range of biomedical
applications. For example attachment of water-soluble
polymers such as polyethylene glycol and dextran can
increase the solubility of the final macromolecular
structure and their overall biocompatibility. The naturally-
occurring polysaccharide dextran has been used to
transport anticancer drugs to turner sites in vivo and has
been used as a stabiliser of enzymes and other proteins.
Alternatively transport of macromolecules across cell
membranes can be made more efﬁcient by attaching them
to polyethylene glycol. In addition polyethylene glycol
can be used to prevent protein adsorption to surfaces. An
attempt is made to covalently incorporate biologically-
active macromolecules onto a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
macromer that can be photopolymerised to form a
hydrogel matrix. The abundant pendant hydroxyl groups
on PVA can be modiﬁed to attach drugs adhesion peptides
growth factors and other macromolecules to the polymer
backbone. Depending upon the chemistry of the polymer-
macromolecule attachment a variety of unique responses
can occur in a wide range of biomedical applications
including tissue engineering and drug delivery. 5 refs.
USA
Accession no. 839988
Item 393
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry
Edition
39, No.20, 2001, p.3633
ROLE OF GRAFTING IN THE EMULSION
POLYMERIZATION OF VINYL ACETATE WITH
POLY(VINYLALCOHOL) AS AN EMULSIFIER.
I. EFFECT OF THE DEGREE OF BLOCKINESS
ON THE KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF
GRAFTING
Budhlall B M; Sudol E D; Dimonie V L; Klein A; El-
Aasser M S
The role of grafting in particle nucleation during the
emulsion polymerisation of vinyl acetate with partially
hydrolysed polyvinyl alcohol (PVAl) as an emulsiﬁer and
potassium persulphate as an initiator was investigated.
The polymerisations were carried out in batch with a low
solids recipe. The kinetics of the emulsion polymerisations
were measured using three medium molecular weight
PVAls. The reaction kinetics particle number evolution
and development of grafting were followed. Rates of
polymerisation were found to be independent of the
PVAl type. The particle nucleation was continuous and
accompanied by extensive limited aggregation during the
particle growth stages. The PVAls had different degrees of
blockiness and the PVAl with a higher degree of blockiness
led to nucleation and stabilisation of more particles. At
higher conversions greater than 55% the total amount of
grafted PVAc was independent of the degree of blockiness
of the PVAl as seen by similar grafting efﬁciencies of PVAc
for both PVAls. The largest amount of grafting of the PVAl
stabiliser occurred early in the reactions contributing to the
stabilisation of the particles. Further nucleation without
measurable grafting indicates a homogeneous nucleation
mechanism with absorption of aqueous phase PVAl and
redistribution and previously adsorbed PVAl to particle
stability. 24 refs.
Lehigh University
USA
Accession no. 836791
Item 394
Polymer Preprints
2000, 41, No.2, p.1580
EFFECT OF DEGREE OF SAPONIFICATION ON
THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF
HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT SYNDIOTACTIC
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL SOLUTION
Lyoo W S; Choi J H
The tacticity of a polymer has a profound inﬂuence on
physical properties. Recently it was found that a polyvinyl
pivalate (PVPi) of high syndiotactic diad (s-diad) content
developed a well-oriented microﬁbrillar structure during
saponiﬁcation and gave rise to a ﬁbrous PVA product.
The in situ ﬁbrillation during saponiﬁcation was true only
for PVPi which has high s-diad content but not feasible
with polyvinyl acetate having relatively low s-diad
References and Abstracts
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 119
content suggesting that tacticity plays a signiﬁcant role
in the in situ ﬁbrillation process together with an increase
in rigidity of the polymer molecules by changing the
chemical structure of the polymer from PVPi to PVA. In
addition rheological characterisation of PVA solutions with
different syndiotactic diad contents reveals that PVAs of
s-diad content 63-65% gives rheological responses similar
to the liquid crystalline polymer while those of 52-53%
exhibit rheological properties typical of most ﬂexible
polymers. Among the molecular parameters of PVA
including stereoregularity degree of saponiﬁcation (DS) is
quite a notable one because residual ester groups on side
chains hinder hydrogen bonding interaction between the
chains. As pivaloyl groups change into hydroxyl ones i.e.
as DS increases during saponiﬁcation highly crystalline
and oriented PVA fibres are produced. Spontaneous
orientation of polymer molecules during saponiﬁcation
of PVPi is traced considering DS of the polymer on
rheological bases. 10 refs.
KOREA
Accession no. 836612
References and Abstracts
120 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
Subject Index
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 121
Subject Index
A
(ATR-FTIR) SPECTROSCOPY, 35
AC IMPEDANCE
SPECTROSCOPY, 61
ACID HYDROLYSIS, 79
ACRYLIC ESTER POLYMERS, 96
ACTIVE PACKAGING, 13 14
ADAM-GIBBS-SCHERER (AGS)
MODELS, 32
ADEPT POLYMERS, 90
ADSORPTION, 80
AEROGELS, 36
AFM, 73
AG-PVA NANOCOMPOSITES, 48
ALCOHOLYSIS, 52
ALDOLASE, 97
ALOE VERA, 96
AMORPHOUS POLYMERS, 47
ANAEROBIC
BIODEGRADATION
TESTING, 20
ANOMALOUS SKINNING, 111
ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE
PLASMA TREATMENT, 101
ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL
POLYMERISATION (ATRP), 25
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY
(AFM), 62
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY
HIGH RESOLUTION
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY, 29
ATOM-TRANSFER RADICAL
POLYMERISATION, 26 73
AUTOMOTIVE THERMAL
MOULDING TECHNIQUES,
112
AZEOTROPIC MIXTURE, 77
B
BIODEGRADABLE BONE
SUBSTITUTES, 29
BIODEGRADABLE
MATERIALS, 3
BIODEGRADABLE
PACKAGING, 13 15
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC, 18
19 21 22 23
BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS
DISPOSAL, 20
BIODEGRADATION TEST, 109
BIOFILTER OPERATION, 76
BIOMINERALISATION, 105
BIOPOLYMERS, 14 15 19 21
BIOSENSOR APPLICATIONS, 57
BLOW MOULDING, 11 13
C
CALORIMETRY, 59
CANCER THERAPY, 53
CAPROLACTONE
HOMOPOLYMERISATION, 52
CARBON NANOTUBES (CNTS),
27 43
CARBOXYMETHYL
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
(CMPVA), 28
CAST-HYBRID FILMS, 38
CELL CULTURE, 65
CELLULOSE BIOPOLYMERS, 16
CELLULOSE NANOFIBROUS
MAT (CNM), 27
CEMENT MORTARS, 54 60
CHEMIRESISTORS, 103
CHITIN, 16
CHITOOLIGOSACCHARIDE, 91
CHITOSAN, 31 32 56 58 69 78 89
99 113
CHROMAMETER, 83
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 42
CLAY AEROGELS, 55
COATING AGENT, 26
COBALT MEDIATED RADICAL
POLYMERISATION, 43 73
COLD-MIX ASPHALT (CMA), 57
COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC, 18
COMPOSTING, 22
CONONSOLVENCY, 98
CONTACT ANGLE
MEASUREMENTS, 62
COOMASSIE BRILLIANT BLUE
DYE, 80
COPOLYESTER ELASTOMER, 83
COPOLYMERISATION, 55 71 78
96 100 102 117
CORN STARCH ACETATES, 37
CRYOGELS, 78, 86
CRYSTALLISATION, 93 96 117
CUT-OUT FILTER, 95
CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRY (CV)
ANALYSIS, 61
CYCLIC VOLTAMMETRY
SCANNING ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY, 82
D
DEACETYLATION, 67
DEGRADABILITY, 18
DEGRADABLE PLASTIC, 18
DEGREE OF SAPONIFICATION
(DS), 119
DESORPTION, 93
DIELECTRIC RELAXATION
SPECTROSCOPY (DRS), 46
115
DIELECTRIC SPECTROSCOPY,
94
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING
CALORIMETER (DSC), 31 32
33 39 40 45 50 52 62 68 71 73
74 78 82 96 103 106 116
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING
CALORIMETRY
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY, 36
DIFFERENTIAL THERMO
GRAVIMETRY (DTG), 52
DYE SORPTION, 100
DYESTUFFS, 99 100
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
THERMAL ANALYSIS, 91
DYNAMIC-MECHANICAL
THERMAL SPECTROSCOPY,
47
E
ELECTROCHEMICAL
IMPEDANCE
SPECTROSCOPY (EIS), 45
ELECTRON IRRADIATION, 30
ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE,
104
ELECTROSPINNING, 10 31 55 57
60 65 67 75 78 82 84 91 100
ELLIPSOMETRY, 108
EMULSIFIER-FREE EMULSION
POLYMERISATION, 71
EMULSION POLYMERISATION,
29 60 69 79 80 81 83 102 118
ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION, 97
ENZYME CELLULASE, 78
ENZYME IMMOBILISATION, 57
ENZYME-LINKED
IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY
(ELISA) TECHNIQUES, 63
EXPLOSIVE PLASTICS, 95
Subject Index
122 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
EXTRUSION, 8 11 12
EYRING’S VISCOSITY, 61
F
FABRY-PEROT ETALON, 29
FE-SEM TEM SQUID
MAGNETOMETRY, 25
FICKIAN DIFFUSION, 111
FIELD EMISSION SCANNING
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
(FE-SEM), 38 91
FILM BLOWING, 8 11 13
FILM MOULDING, 12
FINEMAN-ROSS METHOD, 96
FLAME PLASMA SURFACE
TREATMENT, 48
FOURIER TRANSFORM
INFRARED RAMAN
FLUORESCENCE, 54
FOURIER TRANSFORM
INFRARED SECTROSCOPY,
28 29 31 33 35 38 39 45 52 58
62 63 68 72 73 75 78 84 86 89
103 106 114
FOURIER TRANSFORM
INFRARED/
THERMOGRAVIMETRIC
ANALYSIS (FTIR/TGA), 49
FOUR-PROBE TECHNIQUE, 82
FOX LAW, 52
FREE RADICAL
POLYMERISATION, 26 41
69 85
FREEZE-THAW CYCLE, 56 59
72 81 86
FUEL CELL, 77
FUJII T, 26
FURUYA Y, 26
G
GAMMA-CYCLODEXTRIN, 81
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY, 26
GASEOUS PLASMA
TREATMENT, 88
GEL, 92 99
GEL FORMATION, 64
GEL FRACTION, 72
GEL PERMEATION
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 43 54
GEL SPINNING, 79 81
GEL SWELLING, 72
GELATIN, 16 76 77 85 98 109 110
117
GELS, 64 77 82 98 116
GLUTARALDEHYDE
ACETALIZATION, 31
GRAFT COPOLYMERISATION,
71 85 97 102 115 116
GRAFTING, 50 51 58 80 86 87
107 118
GRAVIMETRY, 101
GREEN POLYMER, 3
H
HEAT-TREATMENT METHOD,
53
HOMOPOLYMERISATION, 25
HYBRID MATERIALS 51, 91
HYBRID POLYMERIC
NETWORKS (HPN), 45
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING, 28
HYDROGEL, 13 14 27 28 32 36 38
39 43 45 53 56 57 59 60 61 63
66 71 72 72 78 78 79 81 82 84
86 89 92 94 96 97 100 101 103
106 110 111 113 115
HYDROGEN NUCLEAR
MAGNETIC RESONANCE
(1H NMR), 68
HYDROLASE, 7 8 9 10 11 17 25
30 51 54 58 59 77 79 89 90 97,
101 109
HYDROLYTICALLY
DEGRADABLE PLASTIC, 18
HYDROPHILICITY, 85 99
HYDROXYAPATITE
NANOFILLERS, 47
HYGROSCOPY, 10
I
ICE SLURRIES, 61
INCINERATION, 22
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
SWELLING, 40
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
THERMAL ANALYSIS, 46
INJECTION MOULDING, 8 11 12
13 29 83
INTEGRATED PRODUCT
POLICY (IPP)
PROGRAMMES, 20
IR SPECTROSCOPY, 32 108
ISOTACTIC STAR-SHAPED
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL), 30
K
KELEN-TUDOS METHODS, 96
L
LANDFILLING, 23
LATEX PAINTS, 92
LATICES, 60
LIGNOCELLULOSES, 96 97
LIPASE IMMOBILIZATION, 63
LIPIDS, 16
LIVING CATIONIC
POLYMERISATION, 54 116
LIVING RADICAL
POLYMERISATION (LRP), 35
M
MACROMOLECULAR DESIGN
VIA THE INTERCHANGE
OF XANTHATES (MADIX)
PROCESS, 42
MACROPORES, 29 89
MADIX/RAFT
POLYMERIZATION, 70
MAGNETIC POLY(VINYL
ALCOHOL) (PVA) BEADS, 39
MAGNETOMETRY
MEASUREMENTS, 84
MASS-SPECTROMETRY (MS), 46
MAXWELL-WAGNER THEORY,
64
MELT GRAFTING, 80
MELT MIXING, 87
MELT PROCESSING, 11
MELT SPINNING, 4 11
MERCAPTIDE THERMOLYSIS,
43
MERCURY DILATOMETRY, 32
METHANOL FUEL CELL
APPLICATIONS, 45
METHYLENEBISACRYLAMIDE,
59
MICROSPHERES, 28
MINI-EMULSION
COPOLYMERISATIONS, 27
86 87
MODIFIED
MONTMORILLONITE
(MMT), 63 64
MOISTURE SORPTION, 76
MOONEY VISCOSITY, 36
MORPHOLOGY, 50 51 54 55 56
59 65 70 71 75 82 90 91 93 98
104 106 111 116 117
MULCHING, 109
MULTI-JET
ELECTROSPINNING, 91
MULTIWALL CARBON
NANOTUBES (MWNTS), 27 70
Subject Index
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 123
N
NANOCARBON MATERIALS,
25 26
NANOCLAY, 74 75
NANOFIBRE
ELECTROSPINNING, 31
NANOG, 29
NEAR INFRARED
SPECTROSCOPY (NIR), 52
NEWTONIAN RINGS, 112
NITROGEN PLASMA
TREATMENT, 89
NMR, 33 49 52 55 71 84 111
NOAMI M, 26
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC
RESONANCE
SPECTROSCOPY, 26 36 40 42
43 50 54 67 116
O
ONE-PASS TEMPERATURE-
PROGRAMMED
DESORPTION (OPTPD), 46
OSTWALD RIPENING, 61
OXIDATIVELY DEGRADABLE
PLASTIC, 18
OXYGEN-SENSITIVE FILMS, 70
P
PARALLELPLATE
RHEOMETRY, 85
PHASE INVERSION
TECHNIQUE, 98
PHENOL RESIN EMULSION, 75
PHOTOCURING, 92
PHOTODEGRADABLE
PLASTIC, 18 20
PHOTOINDUCED
LIVING RADICAL
POLYMERIZATION, 26
PHOTOLUMINESCENCE (PL),
108
PLASTICIZER, 65
PMR SPECTROSCOPY, 101
POLARISING FILMS, 76
POLARIZED-LIGHT OPTICAL
MICROSCOPY (POM), 50
POLY (VINYL ALCOHOL)
APPLICATION, 4
POLY (VINYL ALCOHOL)
MANUFACTURE, 6
POLYESTER (PES) SYSTEM, 39
82
POLYETHYLENE FILMS, 27
POLYMER EMULSION
ADHESIVES, 74
POLYMER HYDROPHOBIC, 67
POLYMER LATICES, 97
POLYMER MATRIX, 27 52 94 114
POLYMERISATION, 4 6 7 9 10 11
15 26 27 34 37 41 46 50 51 55
59 60 69 79 84 87 92 95 96 100
101 102 103 107 110
POLYPEPTIDES, 16
POLYSACCHARIDES, 16
POLYVINYL ACETATE
EMULSION (PVAC-E), 57
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
BINDING TAPE, 89
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL FILMS,
34
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL
HYDROGEL, 43
POSITRON ANNIHILATION, 30
POSITRON ANNIHILATION
LIFETIME SPECTROSCOPY
(PALS), 39 77
POTENTIOSTATIC METHOD, 61
PRECURSORS, 25
PVA COPOLYMER CAPSULES,
88
PVA CRYOGELS, 72
PVAL FILM PROPERTIES, 9
PVAL PROPERTIES, 11
PVAL/GELATIN BLENDS, 18
PVAL-STARCH BLENDS, 17 18
PYROLYSIS, 22 26
PYROLYSIS-GAS
CHROMATOGRAPHY/
MASS SPECTROMETRIC
ANALYSIS (PY-GC/MS), 49
PYRROLE, 82
R
RADIATION METHOD, 116
RADICAL
COPOLYMERISATION, 83
RADICAL POLYMERISATION,
27 42
RAFT POLYMERISATION, 42
RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY, 79 84
REDOX INITIATOR, 81
REFERENCES, 23
REPRESENTATIVE LIFE CYCLE
ANALYSIS (LCA), 15
RESPONSE SURFACE
METHODOLOGY (RSM), 68
REVERSIBLE ADDITION-
FRAGMENTATION
CHAIN TRANSFER (RAFT)
POLYMERISATION, 37
RHEOLOGY, 59
RITEFLEX COPOLYESTER
THERMOPLASTIC
ELASTOMER, 83
ROSE BENGAL (RB) DYE, 112
S
SAPONIFICATION, 41 46 72 90
118 119
SCANNING CALORIMETRY
X-RAY DIFFRACTION, 31
SCANNING ELECTRON
MICORSCOPY, 29 33 37 45 51
52 54 55 60 62 63 68 75 76 78
79 82 83 91 114 116
SCANNING PROBE
MICROSCOPY, 67
SCANNING TRANSMISSION
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY, 29
SEED SWELLING, 110
SEEDED EMULSION
POLYMERISATIONS, 87
SEMI INTERPENETRATING
NETWORKS (S-IPN), 113 114
SINGLE WALL CARBON
NANOTUBES (SWNT), 79
SINGLE-BEAM Z-SCAN
TECHNIQUE, 109
SINGLE-SCREW EXTRUDER,
41 74
SIZE EXCLUSION
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 82 103
116
SMALL-ANGLE X-RAY
SCATTERING (SAXS), 71 84
SOL-GEL PROCESS, 89 108
SOLID-STATE
POLYMERIZATION
METHOD, 71
SOLUTION
COPOLYMERISATION, 90
SOLUTION PROCESSING, 10
SOLVENT CASTING METHOD,
66
SORPTION, 93
SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE (SPI),
48
SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC
ANALYSIS, 116
STANELCO, 90
STERILISATION, 70
SULPHONATED POLYHEDRAL
OLIGOSILSESQUIOXANE
(SPOSS), 45
SURFACE MODIFICATION, 114
SUSPENSION
POLYMERISATION, 110
Subject Index
124 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
SWELLING, 60 61 62 64 72 76 77
81 82 84 85 86 89 92 94 96 97
101 103 104 106 111 113
SWELLING RATIO (SR), 45
SWINE MANURE, 76
SYNDIOTACTICITY, 90
SYNTHETIC BIOPOLYMERS, 16
SYNTHETIC POLYMERS, 23
T
TEM, 55
TENSILE STRESS-STRAIN
MEASUREMENTS, 71
THERMAL ESTERIFICATION, 28
THERMAL GRAVIMETRY
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING
CALORIMETRY, 82
THERMAL LENSING, 109
THERMAL MOULDING, 89
THERMALLY STIMULATED
DEPOLARISATION
CURRENTS (TSDCS), 46 66
THERMOFORMING, 11
THERMOGRAVIMETRIC
ANALYSIS (TGA), 31 37 45
52 63 68 114
THERMOPLASTIC STARCH
(TPS), 17
THIOPHENE SIDE-GROUPS, 82
TIMBER ENGINEERING, 106
TISSUE ENGINEERING, 38 58
118
TOMITA K, 26
TOOL-NARAYANASWAMY-
MOYNIHAN (TNM), 32
TRANSESTERIFICATION, 52
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY (TEM
IMAGES), 36 40 52 53 94
TWIN-SCREW EXTRUDER, 74
TWO-STEP COMPOUNDING
EXTRUSION PROCESS, 105
TWO-STEP SYNTHESIS, 27
U
ULTRA VIOLET SPECTRAL
ANALYSIS, 104
ULTRASONIC ENERGY, 81
ULTRATHIN POLYMERS, 48
UNSATURATED POLYESTER
(UP) RESINS, 80
UTRAFINE HYDROGEL
FIBRES, 82
UV RADIATION, 30
UV-VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY,
25 78
V
VAN DER WAALS BONDING
FORCES, 48
VAPOUR PRESSURE
OSMOMETRY, 103
VASCULAR EMBOLISATION, 56
VASCULAR GRAFTS, 25
VINYLON SPUN FIBRE, 4
VISCOSITY, 25
W
WATER-SOLUBLE POLYMERS,
8
WET ADHESION, 92
WET SPINNING, 85 106
WET-CHEMICAL METHOD, 95
WHEAT GLUTEN, 36
WIDE ANGLE X-RAY
DIFFRACTION (WAXD), 39
50 91 96 116
X
XANTHATE INTERCHANGE
REVERSIBLE ADDITION
FRAGMENTATION
POLYMERISATION, 77
XPS, 55 73
X-RAY DIFFRACTION (XRD), 25
29 46 47 58 60 63 66 78 91
X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON
SPECTROSCOPIES, 33 39 53
54 72 75 79
Y
YOUNG’S MODULUS, 27
Z
ZONE DRAWING METHOD, 90
ZOSTERA FLAKES, 56
Z-SCAN TECHNIQUE, 80
Company Index
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 125
Company Index
A
AIST, 61
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR
TESTING AND MATERIALS
(ASTM),19
AMIRKABIR UNIVERSITY, 61 99
AMIRKABIR UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 41
AMIR KABIR UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 34
ANANTAPUR S.K.UNIVERSITY,
62 86
ANKARA MIDDLE EAST
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, 82
ASACHI G.TECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY, 105
ATHENS DEMOCRITOS
NATIONAL RESEARCH
CENTER, 86
ATHENS NATIONAL
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, 47
B
BARCELONA UNIVERSITY, 117
BARODA MS UNIVERSITY, 96
BASF AG, 52
BASILICATA UNIVERSITY, 109
BASQUE COUNTRY
UNIVERSITY, 27
BAYREUTH UNIVERSITY, 82
BEIJING CHINESE ACADEMY
OF SCIENCES, 39
BEIJING UNIVERSITY OF
CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY,
38
BEIJING UNIVERSITY OF
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY,
39
BELARUS ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 98
BELFAST QUEEN'S
UNIVERSITY, 53
BELGRADE INSTITUTE OF
NUCLEAR SCIENCES, 49
BHABHA ATOMIC RESEARCH
CENTRE, 30
BOMBAY TEXTILE RESEARCH
ASSN., 78 89
BORDEAUX 1 UNIVERSITE, 46
BRASOV TRANSILVANIA
UNIVERSITY, 57
BRAZILINSTITUTO DE
PESQUISAS ENERGETICAS
E NUCLEARES, 63
BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS, 36
BRNO UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 47
BRUSSELS VRIJE
UNIVERSITEIT, 34 45
BUCHAREST CHEMICAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 51
BUCHAREST POLYTECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY, 51
BUENOS AIRES UNIVERSITY, 28
BULGARIAN ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 95
B.V. CHINA, 38
C
CAIRO AIN SHAMS
UNIVERSITY, 90
CAIRO NATIONAL CENTER
FOR RADIATION RES. &
TECHNOL., 113
CAIRO UNIVERSITY, 42 90
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY, 117
CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY AT
DAVIS, 56 82
CANBERRA AUSTRALIAN
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, 108
CARBON
NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC.,
79
CARNEGIE-MELLON
UNIVERSITY, 26 43
CASE WESTERN RESERVE
UNIVERSITY, 35 36 46
CEA-SACLAY, 78
CELANESE EMULSIONS
NORDEN AB, 92
CENTRAL ELECTROCHEMICAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 33
CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF
PLASTICS ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY, 74
CHANGCHUN NORTHEAST
NORMAL UNIVERSITY, 100
CHICHESTER JOHN WILEY &
SONS INC., 117
CHINA NORTHEAST NORMAL
UNIVERSITY, 55
CHINA UNIVERSITY OF
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY,
81
CHINA WEST NORMAL
UNIVERSITY, 53
CHINESE ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 69 85
CHINESE ACADEMY OF
TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL
SCIENCES, 49
CHONBUK NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 75 84 100 112
113
CHONNAM NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 81 90
CHULALONGKORN
UNIVERSITY, 104
CHUNG-HUA UNIVERSITY, 76
CHUNGNAM NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 91
CHUNG YUAN CHRISTIAN
UNIVERSITY, 103
CHUN-XIA ZHAO, 45
CLARKSON UNIVERSITY, 42
CLEVELAND LOUIS STOKES
DVA MEDICAL CENTER, 35
COIMBRA UNIVERSITY, 57 89 96
COLORADO STATE
UNIVERSITY, 93
COMMONWEALTH SCIENTIFIC
& INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
ORGANISATION, 69
CONNECTICUT UNIVERSITY, 36
CSIC, 59 117
CSIRO MANUFACTURING
AND INFRASTRUCTURE
TECHNOLOGY, 88
CUZA AL.I. UNIVERSITY, 29
CUZA AL.I.UNIVERSITY, 105
D
DAIDO CHEMICAL CORP., 88
DALIAN PLASTICS RESEARCH
INSTITUTE CO.LTD., 46
DE-LONG WANG, 45
DE-YI WANG, 45
DONGHUA UNIVERSITY, 72
Company Index
126 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
E
ECOLE SUPERIEURE DE
PHYSIQUE AND CHIMIE
INDUSTRIELLES DE LA
VILLE DE PARIS, 47
EGYPTIAN PETROLEUM
RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 97
EGYPT NATIONAL CENTRE
FOR RADIATION RES.&
TECHNOL., 64 100 116
EGYPT NATIONAL RESEARCH
CENTRE, 69
EINDHOVEN UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 62
ELSEVIER LTD, 31 50 68
ELSEVIER LTD., 55
ENVIRONMENTAL POLYMERS
GROPUP PLC., 112
ETH ZURICH, 70
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, 30
33 34 37 38 40 42 43 45 46 47
51 52 53 54 57 58 59 60 62 68
70 72 73 75 77 78 79 80 82 83
86 89 90 92 94 97 98 100 103
104 105 106 107 109 112 113
114 117
EUROPEAN ECONOMIC
COMMUNITY, 34 42 45
EUROPEAN UNION, 12 30 33 34
37 38 40 42 43 45 46 47 51 52
53 54 57 58 59 60 62 68 70 72
73 75 77 78 79 80 82 83 86 89
90 92 94 97 98 100 103 104 105
106 107 109 112 113 114 117
EUROPEAN UNION LANDFILL
DIRECTIVE, 23
EUROPEAN UNION
LEGISLATION, 20 23
F
FEDERATION DES
POLYMERISTES LYONNAIS,
52
FIAT RESEARCH CENTER, 43
FLYNN BURNER CORP., 48
FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
OF MALAYSIA, 69
FRANCHE-COMTE
UNIVERSITE, 94
FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE
FOR APPLIED POLYMER
RESEARCH, 104
FUJIAN NORMAL UNIVERSITY,
27
FUZHOU UNIVERSITY, 44
G
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY, 39
GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 37 79
GRANADA UNIVERSITY, 70
GRENOBLE INSTITUT
NATIONAL
POLYTECHNIQUE, 30
GUANGXI UNIVERSITY, 32
GUILIN UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 73
GUNG UNIVERSITY, 31
GYEONGSANG NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 77
H
HACETTEPEUNIVERSITY, 53
HANGYANG UNIVERSITY, 87
HANNAM UNIVERSITY, 77 88
HANYANG UNIVERSITY, 46 51
62 77 85 88 94 103 106 112 113
HEBEI UNIVERSITY, 102 107
HEFEI UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 58
HEILONGJIANG UNIVERSITY,
55
HELSINKI UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 53
HEXI UNIVERSITY, 52
HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC
UNIVERSITY, 38
HUAQIAO UNIVERSITY, 27
HYDERABAD CENTRE
FOR CELLULAR AND
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY, 81
HYDERABAD UNIVERSITY, 81
I
IDAHO NATIONAL
LABORATORY, 28
INDIA CENTRAL FOOD
TECHNOLOGICAL
RESEARCH INST., 76
INDIA CENTRAL SALT &
MARINE CHEM.RES.INST., 87
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF
CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY,
44 64
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF
SCIENCE, 33 86
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 33 67 80
INDIAN PETROCHEMICAL
CORP.LTD., 96
INHA UNIVERSITY, 30 51 62
INNOVATION GROUP, 55
INSTITUTO DI RICERCA E
TECNOLOGIA DELLE
MATERIE PLASTICHE, 109
INTERCHEM HELLAS SA, 92
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, 105
IRANIAN RESEARCH
ORGANIZATION OF SCIENCE
& TECHNOLOGY, 69
IRAN POLYMER &
PETROCHEMICAL
INSTITUTE, 41
ISFAHAN UNIVERSITY OF
MEDICAL SCIENCES, 111
ISTANBUL TECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY, 63 82
ITAJUBA UNIVERSIDADE
FEDERAL, 63
ITALY NATIONAL RESEARCH
COUNCIL, 109
IVERSITY, 58
J
JABALPUR GOVERNMENT
AUTONOMOUS SCIENCE
COLLEGE, 78
JAPAN ADVANCED
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE &
TECHNOLOGY, 44
JAPAN ATOMIC ENERGY
AGENCY, 40
JAPANESE STANDARDS
ASSOCIATION, 98
JAPAN NATIONAL INSTITUTES
OF NATURAL SCIENCES, 29
JASSY, 105
JASSY CUZA AL.I.
UNIVERSITY, 34
JILIN UNIVERSITY, 72
JIMEI MIDDLE SCHOOL, 55
K
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY,
99
KARNATAK UNIVERSITY, 115
KASHAN UNIVERSITY, 61
KATCO, 112
KERALA UNIVERSITY, 80
KERMANSHAH UNIVERSITY
OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, 98
KHARAGPUR INDIAN
INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 76
Company Index
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 127
KIEV INSTITUTE OF PHYSICAL
CHEMISTRY, 78
KOLON INDUSTRIES INC., 81
KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY
RESEARCH INSTITUTE, 92 96
KOREA INSTITUTE OF
CERAMIC ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY, 96
KOREA INSTITUTE OF
FOOTWEAR & LEATHER
TECHNOLOGY, 54
KOREA ORTHOPEDICS
& REHABILITATION
ENGINEERING CENTER, 113
KURARAY CO.LTD, 49 70 116
KUVEMPU UNIVERSITY, 32
KYOTO INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 41
KYOTOINSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 71
KYOTO UNIVERSITY, 40 49 65
70 85 98 116
KYUNG HEE UNIVERSITY, 91
KYUNGIL UNIVERSITY, 60
KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 62 87 90
L
LANZHOU NORTHWEST
NORMAL UNIVERSITY, 73
LANZHOU UNIVERSITY, 52
LARISSA TECHNOLOGICAL
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE,
58
LAUSANNE ECOLE
POLYTECHNIQUE
FEDERALE, 44
LEHIGH UNIVERSITY, 87 118
LG CHEM, 77
LIEGE UNIVERSITY, 42 73
LJUBLJANA UNIVERSITY, 89
LOMONOSOV M.V.ACADEMY
OF FINE CHEMICAL
TECHNOLOGY, 74 91
LONDON IMPERIAL COLLEGE
OF SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY
& MEDICINE, 37
LONDON UNIVERSITY KING'S
COLLEGE, 73
LOWELL MASSACHUSETTS
UNIVERSITY, 29
LUBBOCK TEXAS TECH
UNIVERSITY, 47
LUBLIN MARIA
CURIE-SKLODOWSKA
UNIVERSITY, 47
M
MACPLAS INTERNATIONAL, 89
MADISON UNIVERSITY OF
WISCONSIN, 61
MADRID INSTITUTO DE
CIENCIA Y TEC.DE POLIM, 77
MADRID INSTITUTO DE
CIENCIA Y TEC.DE POLIM.,
79
MANCHESTER UNIVERSITY, 37
MANGALORE UNIVERSITY,
30 66
MANSOURA UNIVERSITY, 104
MAPEI SPA, 80
MARBURG PHILIPPS
UNIVERSITAT, 105
MARBURG PHILIPPS
UNIVERSITY, 83
MARINGA UNIVERSIDADE
ESTADUAL, 28 68
MARYLAND UNIVERSITY, 37
MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL
HOSPITAL, 39
MASSACHUSETTS LAHEY
CLINIC MEDICAL CENTER,
29
MERSIN UNIVERSITY, 89
MICHOACANA UNIVERSIDAD,
57
MIE UNIVERSITY, 83
MILANO POLITECNICO, 80
MINAS GERAISFUNDACAO
EZEQUIEL DIAS, 63
MINAS GERAIS
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL,
39 84
MINAS GERAISUNIVERSIDADE
FEDERAL, 63
MINGCHI UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 61
MINNESOTA UNIVERSITY, 107
MOKPO NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 96
MONTERREY INSTITUTO
TECNOLOGICO Y DE
ESTUDIOS SUPERIORES, 57
MONTREAL ECOLE
POLYTECHNIQUE, 84
MONTREAL UNIVERSITY, 25 84
MOSCOW INSTITUTE OF
CHEMICAL PHYSICS, 96
MOUNT HOLYOKE COLLEGE,
53
MULHOUSE ECOLE
NATIONALE SUPERIEURE
DE CHIMIE, 92
MUMBAI UNIVERSITY, 93
MUMBAI UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL
TECHNOLOGY, 64
MUMBAI WATUMULL
INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 64
MYSORE UNIVERSITY, 32
N
NAGOYA UNIVERSITY, 26 91
NANJING UNIVERSITY, 25
NAPAAM TEZPUR
UNIVERSITY, 89
NAPLES INSTITUTE
OF COMPOSITE &
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS,
43
NAPOLI UNIVERSITA
FEDERICO II, 43
NARA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE
& TECHNOLOGY, 91
NARA WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY,
58 70 118
NEW BRUNSWICK
UNIVERSITY, 36
NEW SOUTH WALES
UNIVERSITY, 70 77
NISSHIN KASEI CO.LTD., 88
NITTO DENKO CORP., 41 71
NORTH CAROLINA STATE
UNIVERSITY, 44 82 101
NORTH CHINA INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY POLYMER, 71
NORTHERN IRELAND
DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE, 53
NRCS DEMOKRITOS, 57
O
OKAYAMA UNIVERSITY, 97
OSAKA INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 46
OSAKA UNIVERSITY, 116
P
PAIS VASCO UNIVERSIDAD, 40
PALAISEAU ECOLE
POLYTECHNIQUE, 42
PARDUBICE UNIVERSITY, 32
PARIS VII UNIVERSITE, 25
PARIS XIII UNIVERSITE, 25
PAULISTA UNIVERSIDADE
ESTADUAL, 68
Company Index
128 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
PENNSYLVANIA STATE
UNIVERSITY, 26
PENNSYLVANIA UNIVERSITY,
35
PENTAFIN ASSOCIATES, 117
PERNAMBUCO
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL,
94
PETRO CHINA CO.LTD., 72
PHARMACEUTICAL
TECHNOLOGY, 26
PHARMACEUTICAL
TECHNOLOGY EUROPE, 88
PISA UNIVERSITY, 59 68 97 109
PRECISION CUSTOM COATING,
83
PREFECTURE UNIVERSITY, 51
PRETORIA UNIVERSITY, 31
PUNE NATIONAL CHEMICAL
LABORATORY, 85
PUSAN NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 38 54 59
PUTRA MALAYSIA
UNIVERSITI, 69
PVAXX RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT LTD, 12
Q
QINGDAO OCEAN
UNIVERSITY, 28 43
QINGDAO UNIVERSITY, 28
QUEBEC UNIVERSITE A
TROIS-RIVIERES, 94
R
RANDOX LABORATORIES
LTD., 78
RANI DURGAVATI
UNIVERSITY, 66
RAZI UNIVERSITY, 98
RHODIA TECHNICAL AND
RESEARCH CENTRE, 42
RIO DE JANEIRO CIDADE
UNIVERSITARIA, 56
RIO DE JANEIRO
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL,
39 56
RIO GRANDE DO SUL
UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL,
45
ROUEN UNIVERSITY, 114
RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 74 91
S
SALERNO UNIVERSITY, 75
SANTA CATARINA FEDERAL
UNIVERSITY, 41
SAO CARLOS UNIVERSIDADE
FEDERAL, 39 108
SAO PAULO UNIVERSITY, 63
SAO PAULOUNIVERSITY, 110
SCANDINAVIA, 43
SCHULMAN A. INC., 83
SCIENCE MUSEUM, 12
SEOUL NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 35 91 92 93 94
SHANGHAI DONGHUA
UNIVERSITY, 33 38 101 113
SHANGHAI INSTITUTE OF
CERAMICS, 89
SHANGHAI JIAO TONG
UNIVERSITY, 27
SHANXI UNIVERSITY, 37
SHIGA PREFECTURE
UNIVERSITY, 29 50 102
SHIGA PREFECTURE
UNIVERSITY, 31
SHINSHU UNIVERSITY, 91 101
106 110
SHIONOGI AND CO.LTD., 26
SHIRATORI
NANOTECHNOLOGY
CO.LTD., 91
SICHUAN UNIVERSITY, 33 39
45 71
SICHUAN VINYLON WORKS,
85
SINGAPORE NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 74 80
SINOPEC, 85
SOFIA INSTITUTE OF
POLYMERS, 47
SOLVAY RESEARCH &
TECHNOLOGY, 42 73
SOOCHOW UNIVERSITY, 110
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
UNIVERSITY, 49
SOUTH CHINA UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 25 36 41 76
SOUTH PACIFIC UNIVERSITY,
53
SREE CHITRA TIRUNAL
INST.FOR MED.SCI.&
TECHNOLOGY, 116
SRI CONSULTING, 49
SRI VENKATESWARA
UNIVERSITY, 44 47 64 86
STANELCO PRODUCTS LTD.,
90
ST.ETIENNE UNIVERSITE JEAN
MONNET, 52
SUEZ CANAL UNIVERSITY, 40
90 95
SUNGSHIN WOMEN'S
UNIVERSITY, 88
SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY,
63 74
SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 92
SZCZECIN UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 51
T
TAIPEI MING CHI UNIVERSITY
OF TECHNOLOGY, 31
TAIWAN FENG CHIA
UNIVERSITY, 37 69
TAIWAN NATIONAL CHENG
KUNG UNIVERSITY, 50
TAIWAN NATIONAL CHIAO
TUNG UNIVERSITY, 25 114
TAIWAN NATIONAL CHUNG-
HSING UNIVERSITY, 44 76
TARBIAT MODARRES
UNIVERSITY, 26 98 101
TARRAGONA UNIVERSITAT
ROVIRA I VIRGILI, 103
TATUNG UNIVERSITY, 107
TECHNOLOGY, SZCZECIN
UNIVERSITY OF, 51
TEHRAN AMIR KABIR
UNIVERSITY, 58 112
TEHRAN UNIVERSITY, 30 71
TEHRAN UNIVERSITY OF
MEDICAL SCIENCE, 99
TEXAS TECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY, 48
TEXASUNIVERSITY, 53
THESSALONIKI ARISTOTLE
UNIVERSITY, 58
TIANJIN HOSPITAL, 65
TIANJIN INSTITUTE OF
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT, 66
TIANJIN POLYTECHNIC
UNIVERSITY, 31 36 66 73
TIANJIN UNIVERSITY, 50 57 61
65 72 75 77 78 110
TIANJIN UNIVERSITY OF
COMMERCE, 48
TICONA CORP., 83
TNO SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY,
62
TOHOKU UNIVERSITY, 29
TOKO UNIVERSITY, 37
TOKYO INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 67
Company Index
© Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology 129
TOKYO SCIENCE UNIVERSITY,
116
TOKYO UNIVERSITY, 52
TOKYO UNIVERSITY
OF AGRICULTURE &
TECHNOLOGY, 85
TONGJI UNIVERSITY, 108
TSING HUA UNIVERSITY, 93
TURKEY NIGDE UNIVERSITY,
82
TWENTE UNIVERSITY, 51
U
UBE NATIONAL COLLEGE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 109
UKRAINE INSTITUTE OF
PHYSICS, 47 78
UKRAINE INSTITUTE OF
SURFACE CHEMISTRY, 47
ULSTER UNIVERSITY, 89
UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 65
UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK'S,
12
UPPSALA UNIVERSITY, 43 72
US DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE,
68 97
US NAVAL RESEARCH
LABORATORY, 36
W
WALES UNIVERSITY, 53
WARSAW UNIVERSITY, 51
WARWICK MANUFACTURING
GROUP, 12
WATERLOO UNIVERSITY, 63
WEIZMANN INSTITUTE OF
SCIENCE, 86
WESTERN EUROPE-GENERAL,
54
WISCONSIN-MADISON
UNIVERSITY, 29 89
WUHAN UNIVERSITY, 32 38 78
100
WUHAN UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 32
X
XIAMENUNIVERSITY, 114
XIAN JIAOTONG UNIVERSITY,
108
XIAN NORTHWESTERN
POLYTECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY, 117
Y
YA LIU, 45
YAMAGATA UNIVERSITY, 40
YAMAGUCHI UNIVERSITY, 109
YEUNGNAM UNIVERSITY, 60
62 73 81 83 84 87 90
YOKOHAMA KEIO
UNIVERSITY, 91
YONSEI UNIVERSITY, 30
YUCATAN CENTRO DE
INVESTIGACION Y
ESTUDIOS AVANZADOS
DEL IPN, 57
YU-RONG MOU, 45
YU-ZHONG WANG, 45
Z
ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY, 95
ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, 44 86
94
ZHI-CHAO LAI
SHANXIUNIVERSITY, 37
Company Index
130 © Copyright 2008 Smithers Rapra Technology
DOCUMENTS DIRECT
(Document Delivery Service)
The Polymer Library (www.polymerlibrary.com) is the world’s most comprehensive collection of information on
the rubber, plastics, composites and adhesives industries. The fully searchable database covers approximately 500
regular journals as well as conference proceedings, reports, books, company brochures and data sheets.
Almost all the articles selected for the database can be ordered in full text through our document delivery department.
Non-patent requests are usually despatched within 24 hours of receipt (Monday to Friday).
L We have a large collection of literature directly related to the industries we serve and can offer a personal service
with minimal bureaucracy, based on detailed knowledge of our stock.
L Many of the documents held at Smithers Rapra are not available via other services. This is particularly the case
for our extensive and unique collection of company literature and data sheets.
L We offer a fast turnaround service (within one working day) combined with a range of delivery options. Some
full text documents are available as PDF ﬁles which can be downloaded immediately
SPEED OF DELIVERY
Non-patent documents are despatched from Smithers Rapra within 24 hours of receipt (Monday - Friday) of request
using ﬁrst class mail within the UK, and airmail for the rest of the world. If you request e-mail or fax service, delivery
will be within hours anywhere in the world.
HOW TO ORDER
Orders can be made by post, fax, telephone, e-mail, on-line via the website database (http://www.polymerlibrary.
com), or through an online host.
When ordering please include your full company details and which documents you require, quoting one of the
following:
1. Accession Number or Copyquest number or,
2. Full Bibliographic Details
Please include which payment method you wish to use and how you wish to receive the article (i.e. e-mail,
post, fax, etc.)
Documents can be ordered from Smithers Rapra online using the appropriate command of your online host. In this
case we will issue you with an invoice and statement every three months.
For further information, please see www.rapra.net/absdocs/copyquest.htm or contact Sheila Cheese or Elaine Cooper
on +44 (0)1939 250383 or e-mail [email protected].

Polyvinyl Alcohol Materials

Comments

Content

Sponsor Documents

Recommended