Reduced colloidal repulsion imparted by adsorbed polymer of particle dimensions.
This work investigated the detailed interparticle interactions in a concentrated polymer-coated colloidal system in which the bare colloidal particles and the adsorbed polymers are of comparable size and, hence, the polymer adsorption cannot be foreseen to induce repulsive or attractive interactions. Specifically, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains (R(g) approximately 10nm) adsorbed onto fine silica colloidal particles (SAXS-determined radius approximately 7.4nm; width of log-normal size distribution approximately 0.28) were considered as a model system, for which the impact of a small amount of polymer adsorption (0.18mg/m(2)) in controlling the interactions of the PEO-coated silica particles was systematically explored by analyzing the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data against three interaction potentials-the equivalent hard-sphere (EHS) potential, the Hayter-Penfold-Yukawa (HPY) potential, and the square-well (SW) potential. Moreover, the SAXS analysis was enforced by dynamic light scattering (DLS) for predetermining the adsorption behavior, as well as for evaluating the possibility of polymer bridging. Under a dilute condition, the DLS analysis showed no sign of forming colloidal multiplets. In concentrated dispersions, both the HPY and SW potentials clearly revealed a systematic decrease of colloidal repulsions with increased PEO coverage, ascribed to a partially "screened" electrostatic interaction and/or the formation of PEO-bridged silica doublets. The present findings have interesting implications for controlling the colloidal interactions and microstructures of fine polymer-coated particles in dense or condensed phases.
Wen
Yu Ho
YH
Department of Chemical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chia Yi 62102, Taiwan, ROC.
Lin
Po-Chang
PC
Lee
Chun Yi
CY
Hua
Chi Chung
CC
Lee
Tai-Chou
TC
D000327:Adsorption; D003102:Colloids / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D003102:Colloids; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012822:Silicon Dioxide