Batch foaming of SAN/clay nanocomposites with scCO2: A very tunable way of controlling the cellular morphology

in Polymer (2010), 51(15), 3520-3531

This paper aims at elucidating some important parameters affecting the cellular morphology of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN)/clay nanocomposite foams prepared with the supercritical CO2 technology ... [more ▼]

This paper aims at elucidating some important parameters affecting the cellular morphology of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) (SAN)/clay nanocomposite foams prepared with the supercritical CO2 technology. Prior to foaming experiments, the SAN/CO2 system has first been studied. The effect of nanoclay on CO2 sorption/desorption rate into/from SAN is assessed with a gravimetric method. Ideal saturation conditions are then deduced in view of the foaming process. Nanocomposites foaming has first been performed with the one-step foaming process, also called depressurization foaming. Foams with different cellular morphology have been obtained depending on nanoclay dispersion level and foaming conditions. While foaming at low temperature (40 °C) leads to foams with the highest cell density (1012–1014 cells/cm3), the foam expansion is restricted (d0.7–0.8 g/cm3). This drawback has been overcome with the use of the two-step foaming process, also called solid-state foaming, where foam expansion occurs during sample dipping in a hot oil bath (d0.1–0.5 g/cm3). Different foaming parameters have been varied, and some schemes have been drawn to summarize the characteristics of the foams prepared – cell size, cell density, foam density – depending on both the foaming conditions and nanoclay addition. This result thus illustrates the huge flexibility of the supercritical CO2 batch foaming process for tuning the foam cellular morphology. [less ▲]

A green and refillable antibacterial coating for stainless steel

Poster (2010, June 29)

Because of its resistance to corrosion and chemicals, relevant mechanical and esthetical properties, stainless steel (SS) is widely used in the daily life (food industry, household appliances, surgery … ... [more ▼]

Because of its resistance to corrosion and chemicals, relevant mechanical and esthetical properties, stainless steel (SS) is widely used in the daily life (food industry, household appliances, surgery …). However, SS is unable to prevent bacteria from adhering, proliferating and forming a resistant biofilm when ageing. Therefore, surface modification is needed for providing durable antibacterial properties. We report here on an all-in-one approach to prepare refillable antimicrobial films using the layer-by-layer deposition of polyelectrolytes. Specifically designed biocidal multilayered polyelectrolyte films that bear 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), known as a promoter of adhesion to inorganic surfaces, were deposited onto SS. DOPA was incorporated in the polycationic chains by radical copolymerisation of N-methacrylated DOPA with the quaternary ammonium salt of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA+). In order to boost the antibacterial activity of the polycationic layer, AgNO3 was added to the aqueous solution of P(DOPA)-co-P(DMAEMA+), which resulted in the in-situ formation of silver based nanoparticles, sources of biocial Ag+. The layer-by-layer deposition of aqueous P(DOPA)-co-P(DMAEMA+)/AgCl/Ag0 suspension and aqueous solution of poly(styrene sulfonate) provides high antibacterial activity against Gram-negative E. Coli bacteria. Moreover, after silver depletion, films retain some antimicrobial activity, thanks to ammonium groups of the copolymer. We also show that the antibacterial activity of the films can then be easily re-boosted. [less ▲]

“One-pot” dispersion ATRP and alkyne-azide Huisgen’s 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in supercritical carbon dioxide: towards the formation of functional microspheres

in Journal of Supercritical Fluids (2010), 53(1-3), 151-155

Functional polymers were successfully prepared in scCO2 by combining alkyne-azide 1,3-dipolar Huisgen’s cycloaddition and dispersion ATRP in a “one pot” process using new perfluorinated polymeric amino ... [more ▼]

Functional polymers were successfully prepared in scCO2 by combining alkyne-azide 1,3-dipolar Huisgen’s cycloaddition and dispersion ATRP in a “one pot” process using new perfluorinated polymeric amino-based ligands that had a dual role, i.e. the complexation of the copper catalyst and the stabilization of growing particles. [less ▲]

Macromolecular engineering of polylactones and applications in drug delivery systems

Conference (2010, May 30)

Glucose-responsive layer-by-layer microcapsules: a potential route to self-regulated insulin delivery

Conference (2010, May 25)

Tailor-made polymers by cobalt-mediated radical polymerization

Poster (2010, May 25)

Locating carbon nanotubes (CNTS) at the suface of polymer microspheres using poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted CNTS as dispersion co-stabilizers

Poster (2010, May 25)

Synthèse enzymatique de surfactants sucrés en milieux organiques et dans le CO2 supercritique

Poster (2010, May 18)

Smart drug delivery systems based on pH-sensitive ABC block vs star copolymers

Conference (2010, May)

Locating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at the surface of polymer microspheres using poly(vinyl alcohol) grafted CNTs as dispersion co-stabilizers

in Chemical Communications (2010), 46(3330), 3332

In this communication, we prepared carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified by poly(vinyl alcohol) that are used as co-stabilizers for the dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Poly(methyl ... [more ▼]

In this communication, we prepared carbon nanotubes (CNTs) modified by poly(vinyl alcohol) that are used as co-stabilizers for the dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate. Poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres with CNTs selectively located at their surface are formed. This specific localization is a way to enhance the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite. [less ▲]