Synthesis, characterization, thermal and chelation properties of new polymeric hydrazone based on 2, 4-dihydroxy benzaldehyde

A chelating polymer poly(2-hydroxy-4-methacryloyloxy benzaldehyde hydrazone) poly(2H4MBH) was prepared in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at 70°C using benzoyl peroxide as initiator. Poly (2H4MBH) was characterized by infra-red and 1H-NMR spectroscopic techniques. The molecular weight of the polymer was determined by gel permeation chromatography. Polychelates were obtained when the DMF solution of the polymer containing a few drops of ammonia was treated with the aqueous solution of Cu(II)/Ni(II). Elemental analysis of the polychelates indicates that the metal-ligand ratio was about 1: 2. The infrared spectra of polychelates suggest that the metals were coordinated through the oxygen of the phenolic—OH group and nitrogen of the azomethine group. The EPR (Electron paramagnetic resonance) and magnetic moment data indicate a square planar structure for Cu(II) complex whereas octahedral structure for Ni(II) complex. The thermogravimetric analysis, differential calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction data indicated that the incorporation of the metal ions significantly enhanced the degree of crystallinity. The sorption properties of the chelate-forming polymer towards various divalent metal ions Cu(II) and Ni(II) were studied as a function of pH, nature, and concentration of electrolytes.

Phase behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanogel dispersions: temperature dependent particle size and interactions

The phase behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanoparticles dispersed in aqueous medium is investigated as a function of temperature using static and dynamic light scattering techniques. The diameter, d of the particles, as determined by dynamic light scattering measurements on dilute dispersion showed a decrease in size from 273 nm at 25 degrees C to 114 nm at 40 degrees C as function of temperature with a sudden collapse of particle volume (volume phase transition) at 32.4 degrees C. Further this nanoparticle dispersion is found to turn turbid beyond volume phase transition. Static light scattering measurements on samples with intermediate concentration and high concentration showed liquid-like order and crystalline order respectively. The intensity of the Bragg peak of the crystallized sample when monitored as a function of temperature showed crystal to liquid transition at 26.2 degrees C and a fluid to fluid transition at 31 degrees C. The occurrence of melting at a volume fraction of 0.85 and the absence of change in number density across the fluid-to-fluid transition suggest that interparticle interaction is repulsive soft-sphere below the volume phase transition. The reported results on the phase behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) nanogel suspensions are discussed in the light of the present results.