A gel-like comb micro-block hydrophobic associating polymer: Synthesis, solution property and the sol-gel transition at semi-dilute region

Abstract

The gel-like comb micro block hydrophobic associating polymer (CBHAP) was synthesized by mixed micellar polymerization. The chemical structure of the copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The rheological properties of CBHAP in fresh water and saline water at semi-dilute region were investigated. The experimental results show that, because of the intermolecular forces, shear thickening phenomenon can be observed obviously in brine solution and the Newtonian viscosity plateau could be observed clearly before 40 s-1. When the concentration reaches 3,000 mg/L, the G’ and G” becomes stable, indicating that CBHAP experiences the sol-gel transition after 3,000 mg/L. However, the curl structure is formed by adding salt, resulting in a higher concentration of the sol-gel transition than that in fresh water. Once the curl structure is destroyed by shearing or stretching, the intermolecular forces will take into effect and complete the sol-gel transition at semi-dilute region.