Probing polymeric stabilization in nonaqueous media by direct measurements

• The steric repulsion induced by adsorbed layers of the commercial dispersant Hypermer KD3 has been probed by direct measurements in decalin. The forces are long range (commencing at 30-40 nm) and repulsive, and the distance dependence can be modeled with a simple scaling theory expression valid for polymer brushes. We obtain layer thicknesses of similar to 9-15 nm for the compressed layers, depending on KD3 concentration, whereas the undisturbed layers have a thickness of similar to 23-24 nm, independent of polymer concentration. Comparison of the measured interaction lengths with previous layer thickness estimates based on rheological studies shows that the polymer layers are compressed in dense suspensions.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Fysikalisk kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Physical Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

rheological properties

suspensions

consolidation

interface

surfaces

solvent

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)