Heterogeneity in nanocomposite hydrogels from poly(ethylene oxide) cross-linked with silicate nanoparticles
Ημερομηνία
2009Συγγραφέας
Schexnailder, P.Loizou, Elena
Porcar, L.
Butler, P.
Schmidt, G.
ISSN
1463-9076Source
Physical Chemistry Chemical PhysicsVolume
11Issue
15Pages
2760-2766Google Scholar check
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Metadata
Εμφάνιση πλήρους εγγραφήςΕπιτομή
We investigate the influence of ionic strength on the structural heterogeneity and viscoelastic properties of nanocomposite hydrogels. We use small-angle scattering and rheology to monitor structural changes as a function of ionic strength. Increasing ionic strength makes the nanocomposite gels macroscopically heterogeneous, stiffer and more turbid. At high shear rates, nanometre structures rearrange within aggregates and orient in the flow direction. The changing structural properties that develop with ionic strength are due to increased heterogeneity of nanoparticle distribution and polymer-nanoparticle interactions as well as to the formation of PEO [poly(ethylene oxide)] aggregates interacting with sodium cations, which reinforce the overall hydrogel network. © 2009 the Owner Societies.