Physicomechanical characterization of monodisperse multivesiculated polyester particles

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Joana Fidalgo (Author) FEUP; Adélio M. Mendes (Author) FEUP; Fernão D. Magalhães (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: European Polymer Journal

Vol. 58

Pages: 173-179

ISSN: 0014-3057

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 5 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Chemical engineering

CORDIS: Technological sciences > Engineering > Chemical engineering

Associated Projects

PTDC/EQU-EQU/112151/2009 - Sistema microfluído para síntese de partículas vesiculadas

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-QDC

DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2014.06.025

Abstract (EN): This work describes physicomechanical properties of low-density polyester particles with multi-alveolar inner morphology, obtained via a water/oil/water double emulsion process. Monodisperse particle diameters were produced thanks to the use of a microchannel T-junction device for droplet generation. The drying conditions tested showed that rapid water evaporation at 120 degrees C, combined with slow diffusion towards the exterior, causes internal fracture and particle deformation. Interestingly, all particles present virtually identical internal damage and external deformation features under these drying conditions, demonstrating the uniformity in internal structures. Drying at 70 degrees C allows for efficient water removal with no damage. Thermomechanical transitions and thermal stability were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA in single-particle compression mode), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). The effectiveness of curing conditions was evaluated by FTIR and DSC, allowing to identify the need of a thermal post-treatment for consumption of residual styrene. The consequent increase in degree of crosslinking produced a positive shift in glass transition temperature measured by DMA. Finally, mechanical reinforcement of the multivesiculated polyester particles was obtained by loading the polymer with surface-modified fumed silica, yielding 75% increase in storage modulus.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7