Hybrid modified polymers have features of both polymers and surfactants. Due to the associative nature of the hydrophobic groups, hybrid polymer can form intra-molecular as well as inter-molecular aggregates. This project aims to explore the adsorption, solubilization and turbidity properties of hydrophobically modified polymers in solutions along with their relevant colloidal applications.
The association behavior, the major characteristic of hybrid polymers, is addressed with respect to their structure. Currently the interaction of several hybrid polymer surfactants such as poly(maleic acid/octyl viny ether) (PMAOVE) with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is studied. The ESR spectrum of 5-doxyl stearic acid (5-DSA), a probe molecule, indicates immobilization of the probe molecule in the hydrophobic nanodomains of the polymer in SDS-free solution.
A sharp increase in the mobility of the probe was observed at around 2.2 mM and 8mM of SDS suggesting the structural reorientation of PMAOVE and formation of mixed micelles of PMAOVE and SDS,. Upon further addition of SDS, the mobility of the probe remains constant, implying coexistence of SDS micelles and mixed micelles of PMAOVE and SDS. Such coexistence has major implications in their performances in colloidal processes.
