We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Jeffamine-based diblock copolymer nanoparticles via reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly in aqueous media
Summary
This paper is not about microplastics — it describes a polymer chemistry method for synthesizing nanoparticles from Jeffamine-based block copolymers using RAFT polymerization, with no relevance to microplastic pollution or health impacts.
Jeffamines® are commercially available amine-capped poly (alkylene oxides) that have been used for various applications. In this study, a weakly hydrophobic monoamine-capped propylene oxide-rich Jeffamine® (M2005) is derivatized to introduce a trithiocarbonate end-group via amidation. This precursor is then dissolved using N,N′-dimethylacrylamide (DMAC), 2-(N-acryloyloxy)ethyl pyrrolidone (NAEP) or N-acryloylmorpholine (NAM) as a co-solvent to produce a concentrated aqueous reaction mixture containing 20 % w/w water. Subsequently, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is used to prepare Jeffamine®-core diblock copolymer nanoparticles by reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). At intermediate conversion, additional degassed water is added and each polymerization continues to almost full conversion (>99 %) within 4 h at 60 °C, resulting in a 10–20 % w/w aqueous dispersion of sterically-stabilized Jeffamine®-core nanoparticles. Efficient chain extension of the Jeffamine® precursor is achieved in most cases and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions are obtained (Mw/Mn < 1.30) as judged by GPC analysis. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirm a polydisperse spherical morphology and dynamic light scattering studies report hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 145 to 312 nm. Finally, aqueous electrophoresis studies indicate essentially neutral nanoparticles over a wide range of solution pH, as expected for the three types of non-ionic steric stabilizer chains selected for this study.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Efficient Synthesis of Hydrolytically Degradable Block Copolymer Nanoparticles via Reverse Sequence Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Media
Researchers developed an efficient method to synthesize hydrolytically degradable block copolymer nanoparticles using reverse-sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in water, enabling controlled nanoparticle formation that can break down under aqueous conditions.
Preparation of block copolymer-stabilised microspheres of common polymers and their use as microplastics proxies in degradation studies
Researchers developed a simple method to produce standardized model microplastic particles made from common polymers for use in laboratory degradation studies. Reliable model microplastics are essential for consistent research into how different plastic types break down in the environment and affect living organisms.
Contents list
This entry is a table of contents page from an RSC polymer chemistry journal, not a research article about microplastics — not relevant.
Contents list
This is a table of contents notice for a journal issue of New Journal of Chemistry. It is not a research paper and contains no scientific findings relevant to microplastics.
Nanostructured lignin carriers for efficient flame retardant delivery in natural rubber composites
Not relevant to microplastics — this paper describes using bio-based lignin nanocontainers to deliver a flame retardant in natural rubber composites, improving fire resistance and mechanical properties; it does not address microplastic pollution, environmental contamination, or health effects.