Journal Article

FZJ-2022-05214

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Structure formation of PNIPAM microgels in foams and foam films

Kühnhammer, M. (Corresponding author) ; Gräff, K. ; Loran, E. ; Soltwedel, O. ; Löhmann, O. ; Frielinghaus, H.FZJ* ; von Klitzing, R.

2022
Royal Soc. of Chemistry London

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/33114  doi:10.1039/D2SM01021F

Abstract: Responsive aqueous foams are very interesting from a fundamental point of view and for various applications like foam flooding or foam flotation. In this study thermoresponsive microgels (MGs) made from poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) (PNIPAM) with varying cross-linker content, are used as foam stabilisers. The foams obtained are thermoresponsive and can be destabilised by increasing the temperature. The structuring of MGs inside the foam films is investigated with small-angle neutron scattering and in a thin film pressure balance. The foam films are inhomogeneous and form a network-like structure, in which thin and MG depleted zones with a thickness of ca. 30nm are interspersed in a continuous network of thick MG containing areas with a thickness of several 100nm. The thickness of this continuous network is related to the elastic modulus of the individual MGs, which was determined by atomic force microscopy indentation experiments. Both, the elastic moduli and foam film thicknesses, indicate a correlation to the network elasticity of the MGs predicted by the affine network model.

Keyword(s): Polymers, Soft Nano Particles and Proteins (1st) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS-FRM-II)
2. Neutronenstreuung (JCNS-1)
3. JCNS-4 (JCNS-4)
4. Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (FZJ) (POF4-6G4) (POF4-6G4)
2. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-1: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3b)

Appears in the scientific report 2022

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Database coverage:
; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; National-Konsortium ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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