The polymer matrix

The polymer matrix enables the entanglement of sensor, mediator and any further additives like KTpClPB. The maintenance of their intitial casting levels, and especially mass ratios, during use is critically related to the selectivity and lifetime of a sensor device. 

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Chiral synthetic polymer phases can be classified into three types. In one type, a polymer matrix is formed in the presence of an optically pure compound to moleculady imprint the polymer matrix (Fig. 10) (107,108). Subsequent to the polymerisation, the chiral template is removed, leaving the polymer matrix... 

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTE) has also been used in electrochromic devices. TTE-based polymers spin-coated onto transparent electrode surfaces form stable thin films with reproducible electrochromic properties (100). The slow response of these devices has been attributed to the rate of ion movement through the polymer matrix. 

When exposed to light, the monomeric material in the photopolymers or photothermoplasts polymerizes, thus locally increasing density and index of refraction. A subsequent fixation process polymerizes the monomer throughout the polymer matrix. 

If dye molecules are embedded into an amorphous matrix, preferably transparent polymers, greatly and inbornogenously broadened spectral lines are observed. This broadening is caused by the energetic interaction of the dye molecules with the locally different environment in the polymer matrix. The ratio of the homogenous initial line width of the dye molecule T to the inhomogenous line width of the dye in the polymer T ranges from 1 10 to 1 10 . ... 

Reasons for these trends are clearly related to the polarity of the plasticizer and its abiUty to impart free volume by chain separation. Differences in polarity affect the temperature at which the plasticizer can penetrate the polymer matrix and the magnitude of the interaction with the polymer chain that results. 

Composites. High molecular weight PPS can be combiaed with long (0.6 cm to continuous) fiber to produce advanced composite materials (131). Such materials having PPS as the polymer matrix have been developed by usiag a variety of reinforcements, including glass, carbon, and Kevlar fibers as mat, fabric, and unidirectional reinforcements. Thermoplastic composites based on PPS have found application ia the aircraft, aerospace, automotive, appliance, and recreation markets (see Composite materials, polymer-matrix). 

In general, rubber manufacturers balance thiol reactivity and odor. The stmcture of the thiol plays a significant role in its abiUty to be transported within the polymer matrix, particularly in emulsion polymerizations, ie, mixed water—monomer emulsion. The odor of light thiols is generally too strong for most mbber manufacturers, as it is generally hard to remove residual odors from polymers. 

Internal surfactant antistats ate physically mixed with the plastic resin prior to processing. When the resin is melted, the antistat distributes evenly in the polymer matrix. The antistat usually has some degree of solubiUty in the molten polymer. However, when the polymer is processed (extmded, molded, etc) into its final form and allowed to cool, the antistat migrates to the surface of the finished article due to its limited solubiUty in the solidified resin. The molecule of a surface-active agent is composed of a polar hydrophilic portion and a nonpolar hydrophobic portion. The hydrophilic portion of the surfactant at the surface attracts moisture from the atmosphere it is the moisture that has the static dissipative effect. 

Reasonable prediction can be made of the permeabiUties of low molecular weight gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide in many polymers. The diffusion coefficients are not compHcated by the shape of the permeant, and the solubiUty coefficients of each of these molecules do not vary much from polymer to polymer. Hence, all that is required is some correlation of the permeant size and the size of holes in the polymer matrix. Reasonable predictions of the permeabiUties of larger molecules such as flavors, aromas, and solvents are not easily made. The diffusion coefficients are complicated by the shape of the permeant, and the solubiUty coefficients for a specific permeant can vary widely from polymer to polymer. 

Vat dyes are water-soluble ki the reduced state but extremely kisoluble ki the oxidi2ed anthraqukione state (see Dyes, anthraquinone). As an example. Figure 2 shows the soluble and oxidi2ed states for Vat Yellow 3, used as a yellow colorant ki several lenses. The water-soluble form of the dye is allowed to diffuse kito the polymer matrix for a specified amount of time. The dye is then treated with a mild oxidi2kig agent and the kisoluble form is precipitated. The tints are extremely colorfast and stable for the life of the lens however, the dyes are unstable ki the soluble form and quite expensive. 

The reactive dyes approved by the FDA are either dichloro-j -tria2ines or sulfatoethyl sulfones, termed vinyl sulfones. Both groups react with pendent hydroxyl groups on the polymer matrix. 

A recent addition to Table 3, Reactive Blue 246 differs from the other dyes and is not added to a finished lens. The dye molecule has methacrylate groups attached to an anthraquinone and is incorporated directiy into the polymer matrix during polymer cure (175). This in-monomer concept has the potential to reduce dramatically the cost of visibiUty tinting of a contact lens. 

These conjugated polymers can be chemically and electrochemically reduced and reoxidized in a reversible manner. In all cases the charges on the polymer backbone must be compensated by ions from the reaction medium which are then incorporated into the polymer lattice. The rate of the doping process is dependent on the mobiHty of these charge compensating ions into and out of the polymer matrix. 

Truly porous, synthetic ion exchangers are also available. These materials retain their porosity even after removal of the solvent and have measurable surface areas and pore size. The term macroreticular is commonly used for resins prepared from a phase separation technique, where the polymer matrix is prepared with the addition of a hq-uid that is a good solvent for the monomers, but in which the polymer is insoluble. Matrices prepared in this way usually have the appearance of a conglomerate of gel-type microspheres held together to... 

The solid matrix is used most effectively. Authors elaborated two ways of the polymer matrix application ... 

Many polymers are used in a cellular form in which the polymer matrix is filled... 

In contrast, the alkane chains on the polymeric phase cannot collapse in an environment of water as they are rigidly held in the polymer matrix. Thus, the retention of the solute now continuously falls as the methanol concentration increases as shown in Figure 4. It should be pointed out that if the nature of the solutestationary phase interactions on the surface of a bonded phase is to be examined in a systematic manner with solvents having very high water contents, then a polymeric phase should be used and brush type reversed phases avoided if possible. 

On the organic side of the interface, chemical bonds are formed between the organofunctional R group of the silane and the reactive species in the polymer matrix. For example, a methacrylate- or styryl-functional silane reacts with polyesters copolymerized with styrene or similar monomers, while amino- or chloroalkyl-functional silanes are unsuitable in this particular case. Polybutadiene... 

An EB-curable struetural adhesive formulation usually eonsists of one or more crosslinkable oligomeric resins or prepolymers, along with such additives as reactive diluents, plasticizers, and wetting agents. The oligomer is an important component in terms of the development of mechanical properties. The adhesive and cohesive properties depend on the crosslink density, chemical group substitution, and molecular organization within the polymer matrix. Adhesion is achieved... 

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