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Published on: April 27, 2018
Control of viscoelasticity using redox reaction.
Koji Tsuchiya1, Yoichi Orihara, Yukishige Kondo
1Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan.
Researchers tuned fluid viscoelasticity using a redox-switchable surfactant, (11-ferrocenylundecyl)trimethylammonium bromide (FTMA). Electrochemical oxidation disrupted wormlike micelles, drastically reducing viscosity and elasticity, demonstrating a novel electrorheological effect.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Fluid viscoelasticity is crucial in various applications.
- Controlling rheological properties electrochemically offers novel functionalities.
- Surfactants like (11-ferrocenylundecyl)trimethylammonium bromide (FTMA) can form complex structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrorheological properties of aqueous FTMA solutions.
- To explore the role of FTMA's redox state in fluid viscoelasticity.
- To demonstrate the potential applications of this tunable system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized (11-ferrocenylundecyl)trimethylammonium bromide (FTMA) as a redox-switchable surfactant.
- Formed wormlike micelles in aqueous solutions with sodium salicylate (NaSal).
- Applied electrochemical oxidation to alter the FTMA state and observe rheological changes.
Main Results:
- Reduced FTMA formed entangled wormlike micelles, resulting in significant viscoelasticity.
- Electrolytic oxidation of FTMA led to micelle disruption.
- A dramatic decrease in viscosity and loss of elasticity were observed upon oxidation.
Conclusions:
- FTMA's Faradaic reaction enables tunable fluid viscoelasticity.
- The electrorheological phenomenon is driven by the reversible formation and disruption of wormlike micelles.
- Potential applications include inkjet printing, controlled release, and flow control.
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