Polyesters defects

Hyperbranched polymers are formed by polymerization of AB,-monomers as first theoretically discussed by Flory. A wide variety of hyperbranched polymer structures such as aromatic polyethers and polyesters, aliphatic polyesters. polyphenylenes, and aromatic polyamides have been described in the literature. The structure of hyperbranched polymers allows some defects, i.e. the degree of branching (DB) is less than one. The synthesis of hyperbranched polymers can often be simplified compared to the one of dendrimers since it is not necessary to use protection/deprotection steps. The most common synthetic route follows a one-pot procedure " where AB,-monomers are condensated in the presence of a catalyst. Another method using a core molecule and an AB,-monomer has been described. ... 

Melt filtration systems are commonly employed in pigment master-batch production and in situations where the presence of defects in the compound may have a critical effect on its subsequent processing or properties. This is vitally important, for example, in fibre-spinning operations involving extrusion of polyester or polyamide through fine spinneret plates [162], and in minimizing breakdown of polymer cable insulation subjected to electrical stress [163]. 

Aging does not modify the value of E significantly (except in the close vicinity of Tg), so that aging effects on fracture properties are relatively low in the brittle regime, except if defects are created. This is the case in polyesters (osmotic cracks), where durability is controlled by this process rather than by chain scission or any other structural change at the molecular or macromolecular scale. 

These films can be based on Teflon (DuPont, Wilmington, Delaware) film, polypropylene, or Mylar (DuPont, Wilmington, Delaware) polyester film. These release materials are normally used where the surface of the material must be free of any contamination and defects. An example of the application is in the preparation of test sheets for determining mechanical properties. 

Injection molding can be used with some thermosets in addition to thermoplastics, as long as the process can be controlled such that the crosslinking or curing takes place in the mold and not in the extruder barrel. It has been used effectively, for example, with thermosetting polyester resins. Scrap runners or defective parts must be discarded, however, as they cannot be remelted. 

Styrene flavor is one of the commonest defects caused by the polyester plastic material of the tanks used to store the wines (Brun et al. 1982), especially in plastic vats. It gives off a plastic or burnt rubber aroma and has a perception threshold of around 100 p.g/L. 

The processing of polymers should occur with dry materials and with control of the atmosphere so that oxidative reactions may be either avoided, to maintain the polymer s molar mass, or exploited to maximize scission events (in order to raise the melt-flow index). The previous sections have considered the oxidative degradation of polymers and its control in some detail. What has not been considered are reactions during processing that do not involve oxidation but may lead to scission of the polymer chain. Examples include the thermal scission of aliphatic esters by an intramolecular abstraction (Scheme 1.51) (Billingham et al., 1987) and acid- or base- catalysed hydrolysis of polymers such as polyesters and polyamides (Scheirs, 2000). If a polymer is not dry, the evolution of steam at the processing temperature can lead to physical defects such as voids. However, there can also be chemical changes such as hydrolysis that can occur under these conditions. 

It has been noted (Scheirs, 2000) that this leads to a dramatic decrease in viscosity that renders the polymer unprocessable or, at the best, results in defects such as haze due to crystallites that nucleate more readily from the lower-molar-mass, degraded polymer. The rate of loss of properties due to hydrolysis is orders of magnitude faster than oxidative degradation at the same temperature. To avoid these effects, the moisture level in an aromatic polyester such as PET must be kept below 0.02%. 

Polyester polyols have an intrinsic defect they are liable to hydrolyse under high humidity/temperature conditions. To prevent the hydrolysis of polyester-based polyurethanes a worldwide research effort, led to the synthesis of polyester polyols with improved hydrolysis resistance [1, 6-8, 12, 13]. 

Miscellaneous. Many other organs sometimes become diseased or defective, and some artificial device has been used to replace them. For example, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has often been replaced, totally or partially, by some type of plastic tubing. Such a prosthesis does not perform the normal GI tract functions but merely connects existent, nondiseased tubular parts in the body. Many materials have been used such as polyamides, polyesters, polysilicones, and polyethylene. In a similar manner, various ducts have been replaced by plastic tubing. Finally, the bladder, trachea, ureter, and similar organs have been replaced by nonfunctional plastic tubing (]J. 

Polyesters have also been processed into tubular form for orthopedic and cardiovascular tissue engineering applications. Meinig and co-workers evaluated bone regeneration using tubular PLLA membranes in mid-diaphyseal defects in rabbit radii. The membrane prevented soft tissue formation in the defect area, and it allowed woven bone to fill the defect. Local inflammation or systemic intolerance was not observed, and the membranes remained intact for the entire 64-week study. 

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