Eur. Phys. J. E 6, 365-376 (2001)

Synthesis and stabilizing properties of amphipolar polyelectrolytes

Ch. Schaller¹, T. Schauer¹, K. Dirnberger² and C.D. Eisenbach<sup>1, 2

1</sup>  Forschungsinstitut für Pigmente und Lacke e.V., D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
²  Institut für Angewandte Makromolekulare Chemie, Universität Stuttgart, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany

cde@makro.chemie.uni-stuttgart.de

(Received 20 December 2000 and Received in final form 31 October 2001)

Abstract
A series of well-defined amphipolar block, graft and statistical copolymers based on the same polar and non-polar monomers were synthesized and investigated for their stabilizing activity against flocculation of solid particles (pigments). The copolymers were characterized and their stabilizing efficiency was tested with the electrokinetic sonic amplitude (ESA) and the sedimentation method. The measurements revealed that both the type of the copolymer structure and the ratio of polar and non-polar structural elements in the macromolecule play an important role in the adsorption of copolymers on the surface of pigment particles and their stabilization.

PACS
61.25.Hq - Macromolecular and polymer solutions; polymer melts; swelling.
82.35.Gh - Polymers on surfaces; adhesion.
82.35.Rs - Polyelectrolytes.


© EDP Sciences, Società Italiana di Fisica, Springer-Verlag 2001