| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 608651 | Journal of Colloid and Interface Science | 2011 | 4 Pages |
Dilute aqueous solutions of d-PEO and PSSNa mixtures were studied by 2H NMR spectroscopy and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The interactions between d-PEO and PSSNa were found to be negligible both in the presence and absence of NaCl. At very dilute concentration (0.7 mg mL−1), d-PEO chains were still found to be slightly collapsed at ambient temperature in water. Upon the addition of PSSNa, aggregates of d-PEO were observed with d-PEO coils loosely associated with each other. The average centre to centre distance between d-PEO coils, which was calculated from the maxima in SANS spectra, was similar to the size of the individual coils. The effect of a simple salt, NaCl, on d-PEO-PSSNa interaction was investigated. Salt addition induced a breakdown of the dilute d-PEO aggregates.
Graphical abstractDepletion interactions owing to non-interacting PSSNa assist the formation of dilute PEO aggregates, which break down upon adding simple screening salt.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (65 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► PEO molecules form Gaussian chains in dilute aqueous solutions at ambient temperature. ► With added PSSNa depletion interactions assist the formation of dilute PEO aggregates. ► These dilute PEO aggregates break down upon adding simple screening salt.
