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Are block copolymer worms more effective Pickering emulsifiers than block copolymer spheres?
K L Thompson1, C J Mable, A Cockram
1Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, UK. s.p.armes@sheffield.ac.uk.
Polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) created block copolymer nanoparticles for Pickering emulsions. Cross-linking or using more hydrophobic blocks enhanced nanoparticle stability, enabling effective emulsion formation with anisotropic worms showing superior performance.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Pickering emulsions offer an alternative to traditional surfactants.
- Block copolymers synthesized via polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) are potential candidates for Pickering emulsifiers.
- Understanding nanoparticle stability under emulsification conditions is crucial for their application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of amphiphilic block copolymer nanoparticles prepared by PISA as Pickering emulsifiers for n-dodecane-in-water emulsions.
- To determine the factors influencing nanoparticle stability during high shear emulsification.
- To compare the performance of spherical versus worm-like anisotropic nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers using RAFT-mediated PISA.
- Preparation of n-dodecane-in-water emulsions using the synthesized nanoparticles.
- Evaluation of emulsion stability under high shear conditions.
- Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for nanoparticle characterization.
- Modification of copolymer composition and structure for enhanced stability.
Main Results:
- Linear PGMA-PHPMA nanoparticles dissociated during emulsification, acting as polymeric surfactants.
- Covalent cross-linking with EGDMA or replacing PHPMA with PBzMA stabilized the nanoparticles, enabling Pickering emulsion formation.
- Anisotropic worm-like nanoparticles demonstrated stronger adsorption and produced smaller oil droplets compared to spheres.
- PISA offers a scalable route to anisotropic block copolymer nanoparticles for Pickering emulsification.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticle stability is critical for effective Pickering emulsification.
- Cross-linking or incorporating more hydrophobic blocks enhances nanoparticle resilience.
- Anisotropic worm-like nanoparticles are superior Pickering emulsifiers compared to spheres.
- PISA is a promising method for scalable production of effective Pickering emulsifiers.
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