Poly(ethylene maleate) - Cyclopentadiene: A Model Reactive Polymer-Vapor System for Evaluation of a SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) Microsensor

摘要

A model reactive polymer vapor system based on the Diels Alder reaction has been used to verify the behavor of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device chemical microsensor. Poly(ethylene maleate) (PEM) was synthesized and characterized both spectroscopically and thermally for use as a selective receptor of cyclopentadiene vapor. The formation of a non reversible Diels Alder adduct between a PEM coating on a SAW delay line oscillator and the cyclopentadiene results in a film mass change which is easily measured by the SAW device. Physical absorption of nonreacting solvent vapors can be distinguished from the cyclopentadiene interaction. The resulting cyclopentadiene dosimeter is capable of detecting 200 ppm of vapor in 1 minute. Significantly lower detection limits are possible if longer vapor integration periods are allowed.