Oligoglycidol-Functionalised Styrene Macromolecules as Reactive Surfactants in the Emulsion Polymerisation of Styrene: The Impact of Chain Length and Concentration on Particle Size and Colloidal Stability

Reactive surfactants (surfmers), which are covalently attached to the surface of sub-micron sized polymer particles during emulsion polymerisation, are applied to tailor the surface functionality of polymer particles for an application of choice. We present a systematic study on the use of oligoglycidol-functionalised styrene macromolecules as...

High work function transparent middle electrode for organic tandem solar cells

The use of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) in combination with ZnO as middle electrode in solution-processed organic tandem solar cells requires a pH modification of the PEDOT:PSS dispersion. We demonstrate that this neutralization leads to a reduced work function of PEDOT:PSS, which does not affect the...

Rechargeable electronic textile battery

We present a simple fabrication process that produces polymeric charge storage devices directly onto a textile surface. By using a coating of poly-(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulphonic acid) (PEDOT) as a solid electrolytic layer deposited between two woven silver coated polyamide yarns, we have created a simple polymeric textile...

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography with on-line Fourier-transform-infrared-spectroscopy detection for the characterization of copolymers

The on-line coupling of comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (liquid chromatography × size-exclusion chromatography, LC × SEC) and infrared (IR) spectroscopy has been realized by means of an IR flow cell. The system has been assessed by the functional-group analysis of a series of styrene-methylacrylate (SMA) copolymers with...

Adhesion strength study between plasma treated polyester fibres and a rubber matrix

In this work, the adhesion strength between poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibres and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) was studied. The effects of atmospheric plasma treatment, used to increase adhesion strength between PET fibres and the rubber matrix, were investigated and compared. It was confirmed that lubricants on the fibres caused a...

Priority setting for existing chemicals: Automated data selection routine

One of the four steps within Council Regulation 793/93/EEC on the evaluation and control of existing chemicals is the priority setting step. The priority setting step is concerned with selecting high-priority substances from a large number of substances, initially starting with 2,474 high-production-volume chemicals. In order to be able to...

Biomonitoring human exposure to environmental carcinogenic chemicals

A coordinated study was carried out on the development, evaluation and application of biomonitoring procedures for populations exposed to environmental genotoxic pollutants. The procedures used involved both direct measurement of DNA or protein damage (adducts) and assessment of secondary biological effects (mutation and cytogenetic damage)....

Test methods to simulate high-temperature exposure

A study was carried out to compare the actual overall migration from packaging materials into food simulants during heating in a microwave oven, and the overall migration from these materials into food simulants applying time and temperature conditions stipulated in the current EC and Dutch legislation on food packaging. It was demonstrated that...

Exposure to styrene and health complaints in the Dutch glass-reinforced plastics industry

A study of the health hazards for workers exposed to styrene in the Dutch glass-reinforced plastics industry was undertaken. The open mould techniques of filament winding, spraying and hand laminating were chosen for study because exposure of workers using them was expected to be high. Occupational hygiene surveys were conducted in four plants....

Comparison of active and diffusive sampling methods for environmental monitoring of styrene

Measurement of occupational exposure to styrene in industry showed that concentrations measured with the diffusive sampler 3M-3500 Organic Vapor Monitor were about 30 percent lower than those obtained with SKC Jumbo charcoal tubes. Samples were taken simultaneously: 99 paired personal samples and 66 paired stationary samples. The results showed...

A neurofunctional test battery for evaluating the effects of long-term exposure to chemicals