The molecular arrangement of Bifenthrin® in ether based polyurethane: Designing a synthetic termite barrier

Abstract

An ether based polyurethane (EPU) was blended with a synthetic pyrethroid, Bifenthrin V R , to produce a material for potential use as a termite barrier for timber structures. FTIR was used to investigate the interaction between the active component and the polymer, whereas distribution of the active was probed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The aromatic end of the Bifenthrin molecule was found to interact with the hard segments of the EPU, whereas the active end of the Bifenthrin V R molecule was found to be concentrated at the surface of the blend. The efficacy of the blends was demonstrated to induce high mortality rates when the blend was directly tested against termites.

Fluorine Mobility During SEM-EDX Analysis: A Challenge for Characterizing Epoxy/Fluoropolymer Interfaces

“…In fact, fluorine (F, as fluoride ion) is known to be very labile, and its mobility was previously reported in mineral rocks 31,32 and polymer blends. 33 In natural environments, the mobility of negatively charged fluoride is found as a result of repulsion from an increasing negative surface charge. 34 Very importantly, in the context of this study, however, the mobility of fluorine during SEM-EDX analysis of polymers is a result of repulsion away from the accumulated negative charge generated by the electron beam, as illustrated in Figure 6.…”

“…The decreasing number of fluorine atoms over time strongly suggests that the atoms are slowly migrating away from the irradiated area. In fact, fluorine (F, as fluoride ion) is known to be very labile, and its mobility was previously reported in mineral rocks , and polymer blends . In natural environments, the mobility of negatively charged fluoride is found as a result of repulsion from an increasing negative surface charge .…”