Systematic optimization of poly(vinyl chloride) surface modification with an aromatic thiol. (December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCoy, Colin P.; Irwin, Nicola J.; Hardy, John G.; Kennedy, Susan J.; Donnelly, Louise; Cowley, John F.; Andrews, Gavin P.; Pentlavalli, Sreekanth
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 97(2017)
• Page Start: 40
• Page End: 48
• Publication Date: 2017-12
• Subjects: PVC -- Thiol -- Nucleophilic substitution -- Surface modification; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2017.09.030
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: PVC was herein surface functionalized with 4-aminothiophenol. A variety of reaction conditions were systematically investigated. Degrees of modification approximating 150 μg cm −3 were obtained under optimal conditions. This optimized method will facilitate an array of property-enhancing modifications. Abstract: The efficient covalent functionalization of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), which is widely used in medical device manufacture, allows an array of potential property-enhancing surface modifications to be made. To demonstrate a general method of functionalization via substituted (functional) thiols, we describe a systematic approach to the optimization of PVC surface modification by nucleophilic substitution with 4-aminothiophenol through control of reaction conditions: solvent composition, sonication, reaction time and presence of base and/or phase transfer catalyst (PTC). Efficient thiol attachment was confirmed using solid-state NMR and Raman spectroscopies, and the extent of surface modification was quantified using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Sonicated samples exhibited a lower degree of modification than their statically immersed counterparts (21.7 vs 99.6 μg cm −3 ), and mechanical integrity was compromised. In DMSO/H2 O systems with a PTC, resultant degrees of PVC surface modification were up to 12.5% higher when caesium carbonate was employed as the base than in corresponding systems with potassium carbonate.