Peculiar behavior of the ester carbonyl vibrational modes in anisotropic aliphatic and semi-aromatic polyesters.

The current work reports on a systematic study related to the vibrational modes of the ester carbonyl group in drawn polyesters. We have observed and try to explain how the presence of aromatic units in the molecular structure substantially affects the respective elements of the Raman tensor in contrast to the dipole moment derivative vector which is only marginally influenced. The work is based on the collection of polarized Raman spectra and FTIR dichroism measurements on the one hand and on DFT calculations on the other.

Incorporation of small molecular weight active agents into polymeric components.

The incorporation of small molecular weight active agents into polymeric matrixes bearing controlled release characteristics represents an interesting strategy with numerous useful applications. Antimicrobials, biocides, fungicides or drugs, encapsulated into erodible or non-erodible polymeric micro-spheres, micro-capsules and micro-shells or/and embedded into continuous polymeric matrixes, are controlled released either by particular degradation routes or/and by specific stimuli. Cross-linking, curing or micro-porosity generating agents acting during polymerization impart additional controlled encapsulation characteristics to the active substances.

Molecular orientation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(butylene terephthalate) probed by polarized Raman spectra: a parallel study.

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) samples uniaxially drawn above Tg and beyond the yield point exhibit significant differences in their molecular orientation behavior as probed by polarized Raman spectra. The quasi-amorphous PET samples, drawn close to the Tg, manifest considerable molecular orientation development; however, when drawn above Tg + 30 degrees C, they exhibit significant molecular orientation relaxation. The semi-crystalline PBT samples maintain prominent molecular orientation even when drawn 110 degrees C above Tg.

The effect of the molecular orientation on the release of antimicrobial substances from uniaxially drawn polymer matrixes.

A new method of controlled release of low molecular weight biocides incorporated in polymer matrixes is described. The molecular orientation of uniaxially drawn biocide doped polymer films is suggested as a significant parameter for controlled release monitoring. Triclosan, a well-established widespread antibacterial agent, has been incorporated into high density polyethylene (HDPE) films that have been subsequently uniaxially drawn at different draw ratios.

Incorporation of low molecular weight biocides into polystyrene-divinyl benzene beads with controlled release characteristics.

Triclosan and phosphonium salt biocides have been separately incorporated into polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) beads by suspension polymerization. Ultraviolet (UV) absorption measurements have been used to monitor the release of these low molecular weight biocides out of the PS-DVB beads immersed in water-ethanol mixtures and in physiological saline. The release of the biocide agents is strongly dependent on either the DVB or/and the antimicrobial composition ratio in the beads.