Abstract
We investigate the interaction between zero-charged catanionic vesicles and PEO–PPO–PEO (poly(ethylene oxide–poly(propylene oxide)–poly(ethylene oxide)) triblock copolymers. The 25-mg mL−1 aqueous solution of tetradecyltrimethylammonium laurate (TTAL) contains closely packed uni- and multi-lamellar vesicles and shows viscoelastic properties with a dominant elastic modulus (G′) over a viscous modulus (G″). When a small amount of F127 ((EO)97(PO)69(EO)97) or F68 ((EO)76(PO)29(EO)76) was added, an improvement of the viscoelasticity was observed at suitable polymer concentrations. Freeze–fracture transmission electron microscopy (FF-TEM) observations on an F68-containing system revealed interesting aggregate transition from vesicles to flexible tubules and back to vesicles. The improvement of the viscoelasticity of the vesicular solution containing F68 or F127 can be explained by the formation of tubule and polymer–vesicle associates, while no such phenomenon was noticed for P123 ((EO)19(PO)69(EO)19) which has the highest propylene oxide (PO) content and the strongest ability to self-associate in aqueous solution. In all the cases, vesicles will be destroyed and phase separation can be observed at high polymer contents (>5-mg mL−1).
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call