Evaluation of the use of polyphosphates as photostabilizers and in the formation of ball-like polystyrene materials

Biodegradation of polystyrene by intestinal symbiotic bacteria isolated from mealworms, the larvae of Tenebrio molitor

Objectives

Polystyrene is a plastic that leads to environmental pollution. In particular, expanded polystyrene is very light and takes up much space, causing additional environmental problems. The aim of this study was to isolate new symbiotic bacteria which degraded polystyrene from mealworms.

Methods

The population of polystyrene degrading bacteria was increased by enrichment culture of intestinal bacteria from mealworms with polystyrene as a sole carbon source. The degradation activity of isolated bacteria was evaluated by morphological change of micro-polystyrene particles and the surface change of polystyrene films.

Results

Eight isolated species (Acinetobacter septicus, Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Klebsiella grimontii, Pseudomonas multiresinivorans, Pseudomonas nitroreducens, Pseudomonas plecoglossicida, Serratia marcescens, and Yokenella regensburgei) were identified that degrade polystyrene.

Conclusion

Bacterial identification shows that a broad spectrum of bacteria decomposing polystyrene coexists in the intestinal tract of mealworms.

Fabrication of Highly Photostable Polystyrene Films Embedded with Organometallic Complexes

Polystyrene is a common thermoplastic and is produced in different shapes and forms. The scale of manufacture of polystyrene has grown over the years because of its numerous applications and low cost of production. However, it is flammable, brittle, has low resistance to chemicals, and is susceptible to photodegradation on exposure to ultraviolet radiation. There is therefore scope to improve the properties of polystyrene and to extend its useful lifetime. The current work reports the synthesis of organometallic complexes and investigates their use as photostabilizers for polystyrene. The reaction of excess ibuprofen sodium salt and appropriate metal chlorides in boiling methanol gave the corresponding complexes excellent yields. The organometallic complexes (0.5% by weight) were added to polystyrene and homogenous thin films were made. The polystyrene films blended with metal complexes were irradiated with ultraviolet light for extended periods of time and the stabilizing effects of the additives were assessed. The infrared spectroscopy, weight loss, depression in molecular weight, and surface morphology of the irradiated blends containing organometallic complexes were investigated. All the synthesized organometallic complexes acted as photostabilizers for polystyrene. The damage (e.g., formation of small polymeric fragments, decrease in weight and molecular weight, and irregularities in the surface) that took place in the polystyrene blends was much lower in comparison to the pure polystyrene film. The manganese-containing complex was very effective in stabilizing polystyrene and was superior to cobalt and nickel complexes.

Modifications of Polymers through the Addition of Ultraviolet Absorbers to Reduce the Aging Effect of Accelerated and Natural Irradiation

The photooxidative degradation process of plastics caused by ultraviolet irradiation leads to bond breaking, crosslinking, the elimination of volatiles, formation of free radicals, and decreases in weight and molecular weight. Photodegradation deteriorates both the mechanical and physical properties of plastics and affects their predicted life use, in particular for applications in harsh environments. Plastics have many benefits, while on the other hand, they have numerous disadvantages, such as photodegradation and photooxidation in harsh environments and the release of toxic substances due to the leaching of some components, which have a negative effect on living organisms. Therefore, attention is paid to the design and use of safe, plastic, ultraviolet stabilizers that do not pose a danger to the environment if released. Plastic ultraviolet photostabilizers act as efficient light screeners (absorbers or pigments), excited-state deactivators (quenchers), hydroperoxide decomposers, and radical scavengers. Ultraviolet absorbers are cheap to produce, can be used in low concentrations, mix well with polymers to produce a homogenous matrix, and do not alter the color of polymers. Recently, polyphosphates, Schiff bases, and organometallic complexes were synthesized and used as potential ultraviolet absorbers for polymeric materials. They reduced the damage caused by accelerated and natural ultraviolet aging, which was confirmed by inspecting the surface morphology of irradiated polymeric films. For example, atomic force microscopy revealed that the roughness factor of polymers' irradiated surfaces was improved significantly in the presence of ultraviolet absorbers. In addition, the investigation of the surface of irradiated polymers using scanning electron microscopy showed a high degree of homogeneity and the appearance of pores that were different in size and shape. The current work surveys for the first time the use of newly synthesized, ultraviolet absorbers as additives to enhance the photostability of polymeric materials and, in particular, polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene, based mainly on our own recent work in the field.

Tin(IV) Compounds as Photo-Stabilizers for Irradiated Surfaces of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Films

Dimethyl-organotin(IV) valsartan (Me2SnL2) and dichlorostannanediyl valsartan (SnL2Cl2) complexes were synthesized, characterized, and applied as Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) photo-stabilizers. The complexes were loaded within the PVC films in a weight ratio of 0.5%, and the modified films were irradiated to a UV light of 313 nm wavelength for 300 h at room temperature. The efficiency of the complexes-filled films was compared with the plain one and evaluated before and after irradiation by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, weight loss, gel content, change in viscosity, atomic force microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The SnL2Cl2 complex had higher activity than the Me2SnL2 complex to retard the PVC’s photodegradation by several mechanisms.

FTIR, Weight, and Surface Morphology of Poly(vinyl chloride) Doped with Tin Complexes Containing Aromatic and Heterocyclic Moieties

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is an important synthetic plastic that is produced in large quantities (millions of tons) annually. Additives to PVC are necessary to allow its use in many applications, particularly in harsh conditions. In regard to this, investigation of the synthesis of trimethoprim–tin complexes and their use as PVC additives is reported. Trimethoprim–tin complexes were obtained from the reaction of trimethoprim and tin chlorides using simple procedures. Trimethoprim–tin complexes (0.5% by weight) were added to PVC to produce homogenous mixtures and thin films were made. The effect of ultraviolet irradiation on the surface and properties of the PVC films was investigated. The level of both photodecomposition and photo-oxidation of PVC films containing trimethoprim–tin complexes was observed to be lower than for the blank film. The effectiveness of tin complexes as PVC photostabilizers reflects the aromaticity of the additives. The complex containing three phenyl groups attached to the tin cation showed the most stabilizing effect on PVC. The complex containing two phenyl groups was next, with the one containing butyl substituents resulting in the least stabilization of PVC. A number of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the role of the synthesized complexes in PVC photostabilization.

Effect of Ultraviolet Irradiation on Polystyrene Containing Cephalexin Schiff Bases

The scale of production of polystyrene has escalated in the recent past in order to meet growing demand. As a result, a large quantity of polystyrene waste continues to be generated along with associated health and environmental problems. One way to tackle such problems is to lengthen the lifetime of polystyrene, especially for outdoor applications. Our approach is the synthesis and application of new ultraviolet photostabilizers for polystyrene and this research is focused on four cephalexin Schiff bases. The reaction of cephalexin and 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde, 4-methoxybenzaldehyde, and 4-bromobanzaldehyde under acidic condition afforded the corresponding Schiff bases in high yields. The Schiff bases were characterized and their surfaces were examined. The Schiff bases were mixed with polystyrene to form homogenous blends and their effectiveness as photostabilizers was explored using different methods. The methods included monitoring the changes in the infrared spectra, weight loss, depression in molecular weight, and surface morphology on irradiation. In the presence of the Schiff bases, the formation of carbonyl group fragments, weight loss, and decrease in molecular weight of polystyrene were lower when compared with pure polystyrene. In addition, undesirable changes in the surface such as the appearance of dark spots, cracks, and roughness were minimal for irradiated polystyrene containing cephalexin Schiff bases. Mechanisms by which cephalexin Schiff bases stabilize polystyrene against photodegradation have also been suggested.

Tin-Naphthalene Sulfonic Acid Complexes as Photostabilizers for Poly(vinyl chloride)

Poly(vinyl chloride) degrades when exposed to ultraviolet light for long durations; therefore, the photostability of polymeric materials should be enhanced through the application of additives. New organotin complexes containing 4-aminonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid were synthesized and their role as poly(vinyl chloride) photostabilizers were evaluated. The reaction of 4-amino-3-hydroxynaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid and appropriate di- or trisubstituted tin chloride (triphenyltin chloride, tributyltin chloride, dibutyltin dichloride, and dimethyltin dichloride) in methanol under reflux gave the corresponding tin-naphthalene complexes with yields of 75%-95%. Elemental analyses and spectroscopic techniques including infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance (proton and tin) were used to confirm their structures. The tin complexes were added to poly(vinyl chloride) to produce thin films that irradiated with ultraviolet light. Various parameters were assessed, such as the weight loss, formation of specific functional groups, changes in the surface due to photoirradiation, and rate constant of photodegradation, to test the role played by the organotin complexes to reduce photodegradation in polymeric films. The results proved that organotin complexes acted as photostabilizers in these circumstances. The weight loss, formation of fragments containing specific functional groups, and undesirable changes in the surface of polymeric films were limited in the presence of organotin complexes. Organotin complexes containing three phenyl groups showed the most desirable stabilization effect. These act as efficient primary and secondary photostabilizers, and as decomposers for peroxides. In addition, such an additive inhibits the dehydrochlorination process, which is the main cause of poly(vinyl chloride) photodegradation.

Synthesis of Carvedilol-Organotin Complexes and Their Effects on Reducing Photodegradation of Poly(Vinyl Chloride)

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) undergoes photodegradation induced by ultraviolet (UV) irradiation; therefore, for outdoor applications, its photostability should be enhanced through the use of additives. Several carvedilol tin complexes were synthesized, characterized and mixed with PVC to produce thin films. These films were irradiated at 25 °C with a UV light (λ = 313 nm) for up to 300 h. The reduction in weight and changes in chemical structure and surface morphology of the PVC films were monitored. The films containing synthesized complexes showed less undesirable changes than the pure PVC film. Organotin with a high content of aromatics was particularly efficient in inhibiting photodegradation of PVC. The carvedilol tin complexes both absorbed UV light and scavenged radicals, hydrochloride, and peroxides and, therefore, photostabilized PVC.

Tin Complexes Containing an Atenolol Moiety as Photostabilizers for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)

The lifetime of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) can be increased through the addition of additives to provide protection against irradiation. Therefore, several new tin complexes containing atenolol moieties were synthesized and their photostabilizing effect on PVC was investigated. Reacting atenolol with a number of tin reagents in boiling methanol provided high yields of tin complexes. PVC was then mixed with the tin complexes at a low concentration, producing polymeric thins films. The films were irradiated with ultraviolet light and the resulting damage was assessed using different analytical and surface morphology techniques. Infrared spectroscopy and weight loss determination indicated that the films incorporating tin complexes incurred less damage and less surface changes compared to the blank film. In particular, the triphenyltin complex was very effective in enhancing the photostability of PVC, and this is due to its high aromaticity (three phenyl rings) compared to other complexes. Such an additive acts as a hydrogen chloride scavenger, radical absorber, and hydroperoxide decomposer.

A Surface Morphological Study, Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Photo-Stabilizers Utilizing Ibuprofen Tin Complexes against Ultraviolet Radiation

In this work, three Ibuprofen tin complexes were synthesized and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H and 119Sn-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopies to identify the structures. The complexes were mixed separately with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) to improve its photo-stability properties. Their activity was demonstrated by several approaches of the FTIR to exhibit the formation of new groups within the polymer structure due to the exposure to UV light. Moreover, the polymer’s weight loss during irradiation and the average molecular weight estimation using its viscosity before and after irradiation were investigated. Furthermore, different techniques were used to study the surface morphology of the PVC before and after irradiation. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and optical microscope demonstrated that applying Ibuprofen tin complexes keeps the surface of PVC smoother, with fewer cracks and spots after irradiation comparing to the blank PVC. Finally, It seems possible that such synthesized Ibuprofen tin complexes can work as excellent photo-stabilizers of PVC. In particular, complex 1 showed the best results among other stabilizers due to the large conjugation system of the stabilizer.

Protection of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Films against Photodegradation Using Various Valsartan Tin Complexes

Poly(vinyl chloride) is a common plastic that is widely used in many industrial applications. Poly(vinyl chloride) is mixed with additives to improve its mechanical and physical properties and to enable its use in harsh environments. Herein, to protect poly(vinyl chloride) films against photoirradiation with ultraviolet light, a number of tin complexes containing valsartan were synthesized and their chemical structures were established. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, weight loss, and molecular weight determination showed that the non-desirable changes were lower in the films containing the tin complexes than for the blank polymeric films. Analysis of the surface morphology of the irradiated polymeric materials showed that the films containing additives were less rough than the irradiated blank film. The tin complexes protected the poly(vinyl chloride) films against irradiation, where the complexes with high aromaticity were particularly effective. The additives act as primary and secondary stabilizers that absorb the incident radiation and slowly remit it to the polymeric chain as heat energy over time at a harmless level.

Influence of Polyphosphates on the Physicochemical Properties of Poly (Vinyl Chloride) after Irradiation with Ultraviolet Light

Three new polyphosphates were synthesized in good yields by reacting diethylenetriamine with the appropriate phosphate ester in ethanol under acidic conditions. The polyphosphate structures were determined using FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopies, and their elemental compositions were confirmed by EDX spectroscopy. Polyphosphates were added to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) at low concentrations to fabricate thin films. The PVC films were irradiated with ultraviolet light for long periods, and the effect of polyphosphates as the photostabilizer was investigated by determining changes in the infrared spectra (intensity of specific functional group peaks), reduction in molecular weight, weight loss, and surface morphology. Minimal changes were seen for PVC films containing polyphosphate compared to that for the blank film. In addition, optical, scanning electron, and atomic force microscopies were used to inspect the surface morphology of films. Undesirable changes due to photodegradation were negligible in PVC films containing additives compared to films containing no additives. In addition, the surfaces were smoother and more homogeneous. Polyphosphates, and in particular ones that contain an ortho-geometry, act as efficient photostabilizers to reduce the rate of photodegradation. Polyphosphates absorb ultraviolet light, chelate with polymeric chains, scavenge radical moieties, and decompose peroxide residues.

Photostabilization of Poly(vinyl chloride) by Organotin(IV) Compounds against Photodegradation

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), a polymer widely used in common household and industrial materials, undergoes photodegradation upon ultraviolet irradiation, leading to undesirable physicochemical properties and a reduced lifetime. In this study, four telmisartan organotin(IV) compounds were tested as photostabilizers against photodegradation. PVC films (40-µm thickness) containing these compounds (0.5 wt%) were irradiated with ultraviolet light at room temperature for up to 300 h. Changes in various polymeric parameters, including the growth of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and alkene functional groups, weight loss, reduction in molecular weight, and appearance of surface irregularities, were investigated to test the efficiency of the photostabilizers. The changes were more noticeable in the blank PVC film than in the films containing the telmisartan organotin(IV) compounds. These results reflect that these compounds effectively inhibit the photodegradation of PVC, possibly by acting as hydrogen chloride and radical scavengers, peroxide decomposers, and primary photostabilizers. The synthesized organotin(IV) complexes could be used as PVC additives to enhance photostability.

SEM morphological analysis of irradiated polystyrene film doped by a Schiff base containing a 1,2,4-triazole ring system

A Schiff base containing the 1,2,4-triazole moiety was synthesized and added to polystyrene at low concentration for a homogenous blend. The polystyrene film was irradiated with ultraviolet light and the surface morphology was analyzed. Micrographs of the polystyrene/Schiff base blend after irradiation indicated the fabrication of a terrestrial crack-like material. This was ascribed to the presence of the Schiff base, relatively long irradiation time, and photostability induced by the base. After irradiation, the blank polystyrene film formed a cotton-like fibrous material.