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In situ X-ray polymerization: from swollen lamellae to polymer-surfactant complexes
Yahya Agzenai1, Björn Lindman, Viveka Alfredsson
1Dpt. CC y TT Fisicoquímicas, Facultad de Ciencias, UNED , P° Senda del Rey 9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|January 14, 2014
Summary
The cationic monomer diallyldimethylammonium chloride (D) destabilizes aerosol OT (AOT) liquid crystals, causing phase separation. Polymerizing D within AOT lamellae creates a collapsed phase due to surfactant-polymer complexation.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Anionic surfactant aerosol OT (AOT) forms lamellar liquid crystal phases with water.
- Cationic monomers can influence surfactant self-assembly and phase behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the effect of diallyldimethylammonium chloride (D) on AOT lamellar liquid crystals.
- Determine how D concentration impacts AOT lamellar structure and stability.
- Analyze the formation of new phases upon in situ polymerization of D.
Main Methods:
- Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to determine lamellar spacings.
- Deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to measure quadrupolar splittings.
- Varying concentrations of D and AOT.
Main Results:
- D destabilizes the AOT lamellar structure, leading to macroscopic phase separation above 5 wt % D.
- In situ polymerization of D within AOT lamellae results in a collapsed lamellar phase.
- Complexation between AOT and the polymer is responsible for the new phase.
Conclusions:
- D acts as a destabilizing agent for AOT lamellar liquid crystals.
- Polymerization of D induces significant structural changes and phase transitions.
- A theoretical model helps explain the interactions and stability of the AOT bilayers.
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