Interparticle interaction and gel characterization of PE microgels using small- and large-strain viscoelastic response

Ling, GH; Shaw, MT

HERO ID

4972331

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2011

HERO ID 4972331
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Interparticle interaction and gel characterization of PE microgels using small- and large-strain viscoelastic response
Authors Ling, GH; Shaw, MT
Journal Rheologica Acta
Volume 50
Issue 3
Page Numbers 243-255
Abstract PE microgels were prepared from mechanical fragmentation and from immiscible blends of PS and PE. The surface topology of microgels obtained from mechanical fragmentation was hypothesized to consist of long linear PE chains that are capable of interparticle co-crystallization as suggested by low-strain oscillatory shear experiment results. To investigate this hypothesis, PE microgels with a smooth surface and a PS corona were prepared using immiscible blends of PE and PS, followed by removal of the PS matrix. The rheological response of suspensions of PE microgels with a PS corona in squalane was similar to suspensions of PE microgels with crystallizable surface chains whereby the system would gel and exhibit hysteresis upon a cooling and heating cycle. Suspensions of PE microgels without any surface chains, however, were reversible over multiple cooling and heating cycles. It was determined that the PS corona and the cross-link density of the microgels had an effect (p < 0.01) on the reversibility whereas the microgel concentration in the suspension did not (p = 0.82).
Doi 10.1007/s00397-011-0536-3
Wosid WOS:000291046600005
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword Gelation; Polymer blend; Polyethylene; Suspension; Swelling; Thermoreversible gelation