The effect of surface modification on the stability characteristics of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) latices under Brownian and flow conditions

The stability of thermoreversible microgel particles of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) having carboxylate surface charge groups has been studied in the presence of electrolyte and non-adsorbing polymer. Methylation of the surface charge groups leads to a decrease in the electrophoretic mobility of the particles and also the interparticle electrostatic repulsive potential, resulting in the material becoming more susceptible to flocculation. The Hamaker constant of the microgel particles increases with the decrease in the hydrodynamic size of the particles following heating. This brings about an increase in the van der Waals attractive energy which results in the particles aggregating in the presence of sufficient electrolyte. Under conditions of flow through membranes, where shearing forces are operative, the flocculation observed following the heating of the dispersions results in the blockage of pores.

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