Adsorption of P103 Nanoaggregates on Graphene Oxide Nanosheets: Role of Electrostatic Forces in Improving Nanosheet Dispersion

Abstract

Highlights1. P103 micelles improve aqueous dispersibility of graphene sheets through formation of fractal aggregates.2. Affinity of aggregates can be improved by imparting positive surface charge to the micelles.3. Surface charge was induced in P103 micelles by incorporating DTAB, a cationic surfactant.4. Mixed micelles triggered the formation of small-sized building blocks and improved the dispersity of sheets.

Rationalizing the Design of Pluronics–Surfactant Mixed Micelles through Molecular Simulations and Experiments

“…SANS experiments were performed on the selected 1% w/v and 3% w/v Pluronics L81 solutions to determine the aggregate size and shape using a SANS diffractometer at the Dhruva reactor, BARC, Mumbai, India. The measured scattering data were corrected by SASFIT software, where the coherent differential scattering cross-section (dΣ/dΩ) per unit volume was evaluated as a function of the wave vector transfer Q (= 4πsin θ/2)/λ, where λ is the wavelength of the incident neutrons and θ is the scattering angle. ,,− …”

“…Other surfactants are often added to Pluronics to tune their solution properties and to improve their colloidal stability. − Mixed Pluronics–surfactants systems have been examined for understanding their synergistic/antagonistic interactions that give rise to some beneficial properties such as an increase in the cloud point (CP), enhanced solubilization of hydrophobic substances, or inducing charge on mixed micelles. ,− The mixed micellar systems offer better interfacial and colloidal properties in comparison to their individual counterparts and are often beneficial in practice. Several reports have proved that the cleansing properties of Pluronics can be modulated with the addition of other surfactants. ,− Consequently, the total amount of the surfactant necessary for a desired application can be reduced, which leads to a decrease of both the environmental and the economic impacts.…”

“…Hence, binary aqueous mixtures of non-ionic amphiphilic Pluronics and ionic surfactants have attracted significant attention in applied research. ,,,, Reported results show that the strong interaction between ionic surfactants and uncharged Pluronics leads to the formation of charged mixed micelles with decreasing size that finally transform into very small ionic surfactant-rich micelles at high surfactant concentrations. However, the nature and strength of this synergy rely upon a delicate balance between the charge and hydrophobicity of both the polymer and surfactant. ,, Prior studies have revealed that among all the ionic surfactants, the anionic surfactants displayed the strong synergistic interaction modifying the colloidal behavior of Pluronics solutions. ,− Also, the Pluronics and cationic surfactant blended micellar systems are getting a lot of consideration in the area of surfactant science and technology. ,− The formation of mixed micelles and their dependence on environmental factors (temperature, pH, additives, etc. ), counterion binding, and thermodynamic and other parameters must be investigated to achieve a deep understanding of their physicochemical behavior with implications for their application prospects.…”

“…However, the nature and strength of this synergy rely upon a delicate balance between the charge and hydrophobicity of both the polymer and surfactant. 8,11,15 Prior studies have revealed that among all the ionic surfactants, the anionic surfactants displayed the strong synergistic interaction modifying the colloidal behavior of Pluronics solutions. 8,16−19 Also, the Pluronics and cationic surfactant blended micellar systems are getting a lot of consideration in the area of surfactant science and technology.…”

Effect of quinacridone content on the performance of graphene/epoxy coatings

“…Firstly, the huge specific surface area and van der Waals forces make graphene difficult to disperse. 7,8 Secondly, when graphene is added to organic coatings, its excellent electrical conductivity will accelerates the electron transfer of the electrochemical corrosion, thus accelerating the corrosion of the metal being protected. 9,10 In order to solve these two problems in the preparation and service process of graphene in organic coatings, there are two methods of covalent and non-covalent modification of Gr.…”