Miniemulsion polymerization of fluorinated siloxane-acrylate latex and the application as waterborne textile finishing agent

Fluoropolymer: A Review on Its Emulsion Preparation and Wettability to Solid-Liquid Interface

In the preparation of a superamphiphobic surface, the most basic method is to reduce the surface free energy of the interface. The C-F bond has a very low surface free energy, which can significantly change the wettability of the solid-liquid interface and make it a hydrophobic or oleophobic, or even superamphiphobic surface. Based on the analysis of a large number of research articles, the preparation and application progress in fluoropolymer emulsion were summarized. After that, some corresponding thoughts were put forward combined with our professional characteristics. According to recent research, the status of the fluoropolymer emulsion preparation system was analyzed. In addition, all related aspects of fluoropolymer emulsion were systematically classified in varying degrees. Furthermore, the interaction between fluoropolymer structure and properties, especially the interaction with nanomaterials, was also explored. The aim of this review is to try to attract more scholars' attention to fluorocarbon interfacial materials. It is expected that it will make a certain theoretical and practical significance in the preparation and application of fluoropolymer.

Reinforcement of Bonding Strength and Water Resistance of Soybean Meal-Based Adhesive via Construction of an Interactive Network from Biomass Residues

Soybean meal-based adhesives are attractive potential environmentally friendly replacements for formaldehyde-based adhesives. However, the low strength and poor water resistance of soybean meal-based adhesives limit their practical application. This study was conducted to develop a natural fiber-reinforced soybean meal-based adhesive with enhanced water resistance and bonding strength. Pulp fiber (PF), poplar wood fiber (WF), and bagasse fiber (BF) were added as fillers into the soybean meal-based adhesive to enhance its performance via hydrogen bonding between the PF and the soybean meal system. The enhanced adhesive exhibited a strong crosslinking structure characterized by multi-interfacial interactions wherein PF served as a bridging ligament and released residual stress into the crosslinking network. The crosslinked structure and improved interfacial interactions were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. Plywood bonded with 4 wt % PF-containing soybean meal-based adhesive exhibited a wet shear strength (1.14 MPa) exceeding that of plywood bonded with the control group by 75.4% due to the stable crosslinking network having efficiently transformed stress and prevented the permeation of water molecules.

UV-curable nanocomposite based on methacrylic-siloxane resin and surface-modified TiO2 nanocrystals

A novel UV-light-curable nanocomposite material formed of a methacrylic-siloxane resin loaded with 1 wt % oleic acid and 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate silane (OLEA/MEMO)-coated TiO2 nanorods (NRs) has been manufactured as a potential self-curing structural coating material for protection of monuments and artworks, optical elements, and dental components. OLEA-coated TiO2 NRs, presynthesized by a colloidal chemistry route, have been surface-modified by a treatment with the methacrylic-based silane coupling agent MEMO. The resulting OLEA/MEMO-capped TiO2 NRs have been dispersed in MEMO; that is a monomer precursor of the organic formulation, used as a "common solvent" for transferring the NRs in prepolymer components of the formulation. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have allowed investigation of the effects of the incorporation of the OLEA/MEMO-capped TiO2 NRs on reactivity and photopolymerization kinetics of the nanocomposite, demonstrating that the embedded NRs significantly increase curing reactivity of the neat organic formulation both in air and inert atmosphere. Such a result has been explained on the basis of the photoactivity of the nanocrystalline TiO2 which behaves as a free-radical donor photocatalyst in the curing reaction, finally turning out more effective than the commonly used commercial photoinitiator. Namely, the NRs have been found to accelerate the cure rate and increase cross-linking density, promoting multiple covalent bonds between the resin prepolymers and the NR ligand molecules, and, moreover, they limit inhibition effect of oxygen on photopolymerization. The NRs distribute uniformly in the photocurable matrix, as assessed by transmission electron microscopy analysis, and increase glass transition temperature and water contact angle of the nanocomposite with respect to the neat resin.

A nationwide survey and emission estimates of cyclic and linear siloxanes through sludge from wastewater treatment plants in Korea

Siloxanes are widely used in various industrial applications as well as in personal care products. Despite their widespread use and potential toxic effects, few studies have reported on the occurrence of siloxanes in the environment. In this study, we determined the concentrations of 5 cyclic and 15 linear siloxanes in sludge collected from 40 representative wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Korea. Total concentrations of 20 siloxanes (Σsiloxane) in sludge ranged from 0.05 to 142 (mean: 45.7) μg/g dry weight, similar to the concentrations reported in European countries but higher than those reported in China. The concentrations of siloxanes in sludge from domestic WWTPs were significantly (p<0.01) higher than those from industrial WWTPs, indicating higher consumption of siloxanes in various personal care products (e.g. shampoos and conditioners). The major siloxane compounds found in sludge were decamethylcyclopentasilane (D5), docosamethyldecasiloxane (L10) and dodecamethylcyclohexasilane (D6), which collectively accounted for, on average, 62% of the Σsiloxane concentrations. Non-parametric multidimensional scaling ordination of the profiles of siloxanes indicated the existence of different usage patterns of siloxanes between industrial and household activities. Multiple linear regression analysis of siloxane concentrations and WWTP characteristics suggested that D5, D6 and linear siloxane concentrations in sludge were positively correlated with population served by a WWTP. Environmental emission fluxes of cyclic and linear siloxanes through sludge disposal in Korea were 14,800 and 18,500 kg/year, respectively. This is the first report describing occurrence and environmental emission of siloxanes through sludge in Korea.