Effects of the polymer glass transition on the stability of nanoparticle dispersions

Douglas M. Scott, Robert K. Prud’homme, Rodney D. Priestley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

In addition to the repulsive and attractive interaction forces described by Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory, many charged colloid systems are stabilized by non-DLVO contributions stemming from specific material attributes. Here, we investigate non-DLVO contributions to the stability of polymer colloids stemming from the intra-particle glass transition temperature (Tg). Flash nanoprecipitation is used to fabricate nanoparticles (NPs) from a library of polymers and dispersion stability is studied in the presence of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic salts. When adding KCl, stability undergoes a discontinuous decrease as Tg increases above room temperature, indicating greater stability of rubbery NPs over glassy NPs. Glassy NPs are also found to interact strongly with hydrophobic phosphonium cations (PR4+), yielding charge inversion and intermediate aggregation while rubbery NPs resist ion adsorption. Differences in the lifetime of ionic structuration within mobile surface layers is presented as a potential mechanism underlying the observed phenomenon.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1212-1218
Number of pages7
JournalSoft matter
Volume19
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 20 2023

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Condensed Matter Physics

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