Disordered network state in hydrated block-copolymer surfactants.
Hydration of poly(butadiene-b-ethylene oxide) diblock copolymers leads to various ordered and disordered phases, analogous to the aqueous phase behavior of surfactants and lipids. Small-angle x-ray scattering measurements corroborated by cryogenic scanning electron microscopy imaging reveal a random network (N) morphology at polymer compositions and water content intermediate to those associated with ordered cylinders (H1) and lamellae (L). This sequence of self-assembled structures is strikingly similar to the phase behavior of certain water-oil-surfactant microemulsions.
Jain
Sumeet
S
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA.
Gong
Xiaobo
X
Scriven
L E
LE
Bates
Frank S
FS
D002070:Butadienes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D044367:Phase Transition; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013500:Surface Tension; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D002070:Butadienes; D008055:Lipids; D011108:Polymers; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; C473741:poly(1,2-butadiene-b-ethylene oxide); D014867:Water; D020959:Polyethylene