An investigation into the nano-structure self assemblies of amphiphiles and their fixation by polymerization

Date
2000-04
Authors
McLeary, James Breton
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis is a written record of an investigation into the self-assembly of organic monomers in amphiphilic solutions. The polymerizable surfactant sodium 10-undecenoate was used alone and with different concentrations of styrene and methyl methacrylate monomers and phenyl acetophenone initiator to investigate single particle formation from a simple amphiphilic self-assembly. Reactions were carried out under either ultra-violet light or gamma irradiation. It was shown that copolymerization between the surfactant and the monomers did not occur to any significant extent. This meant that inclusion of easily modifiable carboxyl functionalities in the polymer by incorporation of the carboxylate surfactant could not be quantified. Star-like particles were found. The shape of the particles formed, was the result of surfactant self-assembly to create self-assembled particles rather than templating of polymeric material. Polymerization of the unsaturated surfactant particles occurred to low conversions only. Analyses of formed particles were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy for structure observation. The techniques of energy dispersive analysis by x-rays, particle SIze analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance, small angle x-ray scattering and inductively coupled plasma (for counter-ion analysis) were used for the gathering of physical data.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie is 'n geskrewe rekord van 'n ondersoek van die self-aneensetting van organiese monomere in amfifiliese oplossings. In die ondersoek is die polimeeriseerbare seep natrium 10-undekenoaat alleen en saam met verskillende konsentrasies van monomere en feniel asetofenoon gebruik om enkelpartikel formasie vanaf 'n eenvoudige amfifiliese templaat te ondersoek. Reaksies is uitgevoer onder of ultra-violet lig, of gamma bestraling. Dit is bewys dat kopolimerisasie tussen die seep en die monomere me III emge merkwaardige hoeveelhede plaasgevind het nie. Dit beteken dat insluiting van maklik veranderbare karboksiel funksionele groepe in die polimeer deur middel van insluiting van die karboksilaat seep nie meetbaar was nie. Ster-vormige partikels is gevind. Dit is getoon dat die vorm van die partikels wat in die vroeëre werk verkry is, die resultaat van seep self-aaneensetting, eerder as templatering van polimeriese materiaal is. Polimerisasie van die seep partikels het net tot lae vlak van omskakeling plaasgevind. Analise van die gevormde partikels is uitgevoer deur middel van skandeer elektron mikroskopie; transmissie elektronmikroskopie; atomiese kragmikroskopie; veldemissie skandeer elektron mieroskopie en ligmikroskopie vir struktuur bepalings. Die tegnieke van energie dispersie analiese deur middel van x-strale; deeltjie grootte analise; differensiaal skandeer kalorimetrie; termogravimetriese analise; Fourier transformasie infra rooi analiese; kern magnetiese resonansie; klein hoek x-straal diffraksie en induktief-gekoppelde plasma (vir teenioon analise) is gebruik om fisiese data te versamel.
Description
Thesis (M.Sc.)--Stellenbosch University, 2000.
Keywords
Polymerization, Amphiphiles, Dissertations -- Polymer science
Citation