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Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions
Published on: October 10, 2016
Alumina interaction with AMPS-MPEG copolymers produced by RAFT polymerization: stability and rheological behavior
H Bouhamed1, S Boufi, A Magnin
1Laboratoire Sciences des Matériaux et Environnement, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, BP 802-3018 Sfax, Tunisia. hazemb18@yahoo.fr
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|February 10, 2009
Summary
This study explores how different copolymer structures, synthesized via radical and RAFT polymerization, impact alumina suspension properties. Copolymers of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPS) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (MPEG) enhance suspension stability through electrostatic and steric effects.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Alumina suspensions are critical in various industrial applications.
- Controlling suspension properties like adsorption, electrokinetics, and rheology is essential for performance.
- Copolymers offer tunable properties for surface modification and stabilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of copolymer structure and architecture on alumina suspension characteristics.
- To compare the effects of classical versus RAFT-controlled radical polymerization on copolymer properties.
- To understand the mechanisms of stabilization in alumina suspensions using AMPS-MPEG copolymers.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid sodium salt (AMPS) and methoxypolyethyleneglycol methacrylate (MPEG) copolymers using radical and RAFT polymerization.
- Characterization of copolymer adsorption isotherms on alumina.
- Electrokinetic analysis (zeta-potential measurements) of alumina suspensions.
- Rheological and viscoelastic property measurements of the suspensions.
Main Results:
- Copolymer adsorption and interaction are influenced by monomer ratio, distribution, and polymerization method.
- Copolymer adsorption shifts the isoelectric point (IEP) of alumina to lower pH values.
- Zeta-potential reaches a plateau at ~1 wt% copolymer concentration, dependent on monomer ratio and block length.
- Viscosity of alumina suspensions decreases with copolymer addition, reaching an optimum.
- AMPS-MPEG copolymers enhance suspension stability via electrostatic and steric effects, with block copolymers showing greater efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Copolymer structure and architecture significantly affect alumina suspension adsorption, electrokinetic, and rheological properties.
- RAFT polymerization offers controlled synthesis for tailored copolymer properties.
- AMPS-MPEG copolymers, particularly block copolymers, are effective dispersants and stabilizers for concentrated alumina suspensions.
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