Amphiphilic Block Copolymer PCL-PEG-PCL as Stationary Phase for Capillary Gas Chromatographic Separations

This work presents the first example of utilization of amphiphilic block copolymer PCL-PEG-PCL as a stationary phase for capillary gas chromatographic (GC) separations. The PCL-PEG-PCL capillary column fabricated by static coating provides a high column efficiency of 3951 plates/m for n-dodecane at 120 °C. McReynolds constants and Abraham system constants were also determined in order to evaluate the polarity and possible molecular interactions of the PCL-PEG-PCL stationary phase. Its selectivity and resolving capability were investigated by using a complex mixture covering analytes of diverse types and positional, structural, and cis-/trans-isomers. Impressively, it exhibits high resolution performance for aliphatic and aromatic isomers with diverse polarity, including those critical isomers such as butanol, dichlorobenzene, dimethylnaphthalene, xylenol, dichlorobenzaldehyde, and toluidine. Moreover, it was applied for the determination of isomer impurities in real samples, suggesting its potential for practical use. The superior separation performance demonstrates the potential of PCL-PEG-PCL and related block copolymers as stationary phases in GC and other separation technologies.

Functional Polymeric Coatings

Functional polymeric coatings comprise a diverse array of organic/inorganic functional groups, properties, and applications. This chapter attempts to provide a comprehensive review on the science and engineering of functional polymer coatings for both the novice and experienced chemist/chemical engineer. Functional polymer coatings are coatings that are designed through careful selection of organic/inorganic functional groups and controlled synthesis on the substrate's surface. The design leads to changes in the surface properties (e.g., adhesion, wettability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, anti-fouling, non-stick, and anti-scratch) of a particular substrate (metal, glass, wood, or plastic). Functional polymeric coatings represent the “next generation” of coatings. These coatings dynamically respond to their environment, as opposed to a static coating that is used as a simple barrier, or for decorative purposes. This review is divided into three sections: (1) functionalization of polymers, (2) polymer properties and surface analytical techniques, and (3) applications.

Functional Polymeric Coatings

Functional polymeric coatings comprise a diverse array of organic/inorganic functional groups, properties, and applications. This chapter attempts to provide a comprehensive review on the science and engineering of functional polymer coatings for both the novice and experienced chemist/chemical engineer. Functional polymer coatings are coatings that are designed through careful selection of organic/inorganic functional groups and controlled synthesis on the substrate's surface. The design leads to changes in the surface properties (e.g., adhesion, wettability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, anti-fouling, non-stick, and anti-scratch) of a particular substrate (metal, glass, wood, or plastic). Functional polymeric coatings represent the “next generation” of coatings. These coatings dynamically respond to their environment, as opposed to a static coating that is used as a simple barrier, or for decorative purposes. This review is divided into three sections: (1) functionalization of polymers, (2) polymer properties and surface analytical techniques, and (3) applications.