Contribution to the explanation of the association process of two triblock poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) copolymers and their mixtures in an aqueous solution

• Published in: Journal of molecular liquids Vol. 224; pp. 279 - 283
• Main Authors: Ghaouar, N., Baroudi, M., Othman, T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2016
• Subjects: Gel phase; Micelles; Mixtures; Pluronics F68 and L64; Gel phase; Pluronics F68 and L64; Mixtures; Micelles
• ISSN: 0167-7322; 1873-3166
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2016.09.123

An explanation of various transitions occurring in aqueous solutions of two triblock polyethylene oxide (PEO)/polypropylene oxide (PPO)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) copolymers (Pluronics L64 and F68) and their volumetric mixtures is given. We first characterized the conformational changes of the individual polymer under shear versus temperature. The L64 did not form micellar conformations or a gel phase. A schematic model is proposed explaining the transitions for L64 in the range of temperatures varying from 20 to 80°C. For the mixture with the volumetric ratio of F68:L64=4:1, a shift in the compaction temperature of the micelles from 30 to 45°C was observed and the gel phase becomes large. For mixture with the volumetric ratio of F68:L64=1:4, a shift was observed in the compaction temperature but the gel phase did not occur. A schematic model is proposed explaining the various transitions occurring for a mixture of F68:L64=1:4. [Display omitted] •Explanation of various transitions occurring in aqueous solutions of two copolymers triblock•Schematic model explaining the transitions for L64 in the range of temperatures varying from 20 to 80°C•A schematic model is proposed explaining the various transitions occurring for a mixture of F68:L64=1:4