Functionalized thermoplastics

The use of elastomeric modifiers for toughening thermoset resias generally results ia lowering the glass transition temperature, modulus, and strength of the modified system. More recendy, ductile engineering thermoplastics and functional thermoplastic oligomers have been used as modifiers for epoxy matrix resias and other thermosets (12). 

The Michael addition reaction of dimercaptodiphenylether with N-(3-ethynyl phenyl) maleimide allowed the synthesis of ethynyl-terminated imido-thioether as shown in Fig. 50 (139). This acetylene terminated imidothioether was blended with acetylene terminated polyarylene ether oligomers of different molecular weights and tested as composite resins (140). Blends of functionalized thermoplastics such as the acetylene terminated polyarylene ethers with brittle high-Tg imide resins are finding increased attention for tough high-Tg composites. 

Ciardelli, E, Coiai, S., Passaglia, E., Pucci, A., and Ruggeri, G. 2008. Nanocomposites based on polyolefins and functional thermoplastic materials. Polymer International 57 805-836. 

Hojabri L, Kong X, Narine SS (2010b) Functional thermoplastics from linear diols and diisocyanates produced entirely from renewable lipid sources. Biomacromolecules 11 911-918 Johannes TP, Derksen F, Petrus C, Peter K (1996) Renewable resources in coatings technology a review. Progress Org Coat 27 45-53 Johnson RW, Fritz EE (1989) Fatty acids in industry. New York... 

L. Hojabri, X. H. Kong, and S. S. Narine, Functional Thermoplastics from Linear Diols and Diisocyanates Produced Entirely from Renewable Lipid Sources. Biomacromolecules. 11, 911-918(2010). 

A special class of copolymers are functionalized thermoplastics (FTPs) that contain functional groups. FTPS typically have Unear backbones, and functionalization is introduced at the chain-ends or on the polymer chain via block and graft copolymerizations. The functional groups allow the polymer to be more interactive and have the ability to form inter-molecular and intramolecular bonds [69,70]. 

We noted above that the presence of monomer with a functionality greater than 2 results in branched polymer chains. This in turn produces a three-dimensional network of polymer under certain circumstances. The solubility and mechanical behavior of such materials depend critically on whether the extent of polymerization is above or below the threshold for the formation of this network. The threshold is described as the gel point, since the reaction mixture sets up or gels at this point. We have previously introduced the term thermosetting to describe these cross-linked polymeric materials. Because their mechanical properties are largely unaffected by temperature variations-in contrast to thermoplastic materials which become more fluid on heating-step-growth polymers that exceed the gel point are widely used as engineering materials. 

Polyester. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) [25038-59-9] (PET) polyester film has intermediate gas- and water- vapor barrier properties, very high tensile and impact strengths, and high temperature resistance (see Polyesters, thermoplastic). AppHcations include use as an outer web in laminations to protect aluminum foil. It is coated with PVDC to function as the flat or sealing web for vacuum/gas flush packaged processed meat, cheese, or fresh pasta. 

Goextrusions. In coextmsion, two or more thermoplastic resin melts are extruded simultaneously from the same die. Coextmsion permits an intimate layering in precisely the quantities required to function. Incompatible plastic materials are bonded with thermoplastic adhesive layers. Coextmded films may be made by extmsion-blowing or slot-casting of two, three, or more layers, eg, AB or ABA. Slot-casting is capable of combining up to 11 layers. 

The volume of thermosetting powders sold exceeds that of thermoplastics by a wide margin. Thermoplastic resins are almost synonymous with fluidized-bed appHed thick-film functional coatings whereas thermosetting powders are used almost exclusively in electrostatic spray processes and appHed as thin-film decorative coatings. 

Thermoplastic polyesters achieved some commercial success during the mid-1980s however, these were eventually replaced by nylon coating powders in functional coatings and thermosetting polyester powders in decorative appHcations because of lack of any unique characteristics or price advantages (see Polyesters, thermoplastic). 

Solvent Evaporation from Solutions of Thermoplastic Polymers. A solution of a copolymer of vinyl chloride (chloroethene) [75-01-4] C2H2CI, vinyl acetate (acetic acid ethenyl ester) [108-05-4] and a hydroxy-functional vinyl monomer having a number average molecular... 

Newer resins include polysulfone, polyethersulfone, polyetherimide, and polyetherketone. Some of these newer materials are high temperature thermoplastic, not thermoset, resins. They are being promoted for the design of injection-molded printed circuit boards in three-dimensional shapes for functional appHcations as an alternative to standard flat printed circuit boards. Only semiadditive or fully additive processing can be used with these devices. 

Polymer thick films also perform conductor, resistor, and dielectric functions, but here the polymeric resias remain an iategral part after cuting. Owiag to the relatively low (120—165°C) processiag temperatures, both plastic and ceramic substrates can be used, lea ding to overall low costs ia materials and fabrication. A common conductive composition for flexible membrane switches ia touch keyboards uses fine silver particles ia a thermoplastic or thermoset polymeric biader. 

Properties such as low permanent set, low creep and low hysteresis are really measures of the efficiency of the heat fugitive network system. This is a complex function of the morphology. As a very general statement, the problem would seem to be less important with the harder grades of thermoplastic elastomer. 

The thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) adhesives must, of necessity, contain low gel content because they must be processable in an extruder. Most adhesives are relatively linear, with a functionality of 2.0, although small amounts of branching may be introduced, usually at the expense of a lower melt flow. Good physical properties of TPU s are obtained when the thermoplastic urethanes have molecular weights of 100,000 or higher (see p. 56 in [63]). Most TPU adhesives are based on symmetrical polyesters with a fast crystallizing backbone or a backbone slightly modified to increase the open time. 

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