Effect of molecular architecture on polymer-surface adsorption
- Univ. of Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
The behavior of polymers at interfaces makes them a crucial ingredient in a broad range of contemporary manufacturing needs, including the production of food, pesticides, high-performance materials, and the fuel to meet our energy requirements. In particular, polymer-modified surfaces facilitate every stage of oil and coal production. From drilling and mining to transporting and processing, and finally to cleaning up undesirable byproducts, polymer-surface interactions enhance the commercial viability of these processes. For example, by adsorbing at the fuel-water interface, polymers stabilize oil-water emulsions and prevent flocculation of coal particles in solution. this, in turn, allows the fuels to be processed and transported. Furthermore, polymer coatings prevent the corrosion of iron and steel that are used in oil and gas pipelines. In the case of spills, macromolecular surfactants are used to disperse oil slicks. In order to optimize the properties described above, it is important ot isolate the factors that influence the interfacial activity of polymer chains. In this Account, the authors reviews theoretical models and computer simulations used to determine the effects of polymer architecture and surface morphology on the properties of chains at penetrable and impenetrable interfaces. As is demonstrated below, the interfacial tension between oil-water mixtures as well as the mechanical properties of polymer composites can be controlled by varying the arrangement of the different repeat units (the sequence distribution) in the copolymer additives. It is also found that the structure of polymer coatings and films can be tailored by varying the structure of the underlying solid substrate. 15 refs., 10 figs.
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-90ER45438
- OSTI ID:
- 6726703
- Journal Information:
- Accounts of Chemical Research; (United States), Vol. 26:2; ISSN 0001-4842
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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