Abstract

Poly(acrylic acid) with grafted TEMPO moieties, PAA-T, phase separates over the pH range 2–4, whereas at lower and higher pH, the polymer is water-soluble. The pH range of the two-phase region increases linearly with the content of grafted TEMPO moieties. As evidenced by surface tension measurements, the PAA-T molecules have little hydrophobic character. We propose that at low pH PAA-T is an amphoteric polymer that, in addition the anionic carboxyl groups, contains cationic species resulting from the disproportion of TEMPO at low pH. Furthermore, we propose that two-phase regions occur near the isoelectric points of the polymer, suggesting that phase separation is due to electrostatically driven association of polymer molecules.

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

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.