Liquid-Liquid phase separation in concentrated polymer solutions studied by electron microscopy

Depending upon quenching temperature and composition, liquid-liquid phase separation in polymer solutions will occur either by nucleation and growth or by the spinodal decomposition. Both mechanisms occur in the system poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide)-toluene and can be made visible by electronmicroscopy using the freeze-etching method as sample preparation technique.     

Critical polymer-polymer phase separation in ternary solutions

We study polymer-polymer phase separation in a common good solvent by means of Monte Carlo simulations of the bond-fluctuation model. Below a critical, chain-length-dependent concentration, no phase separation occurs. For higher concentrations, the critical demixing temperature scales nonlinearly with the total monomer concentration, with a power law relatively close to a renormalization-group prediction based on "blob" scaling arguments. We point out that earlier simulations and experiments have tested this power-law dependence at concentrations outside the validity regime of the scaling arguments. The critical amplitudes of the order parameter and the zero-angle scattering intensity also exhibit chain-length dependences that differ from the conventional predictions but are in excellent agreement with the renormalization-group results. In addition, we characterize the variation of the average coil shape upon phase separation.     

Liquid-liquid phase separation in multicomponent polymer solutions

Summary In conformity with a prediction byTompa, polymer solutions were found which, in a limited range of concentrations and temperatures, separate into three liquid phases. This was demonstrated with solutions in diphenylether of two polyethylene fractions with narrow molecular weight distributions, which represented the closest possible approximations of ternary systems. The phenomenon takes place exactly under the conditions indicated byTompa on the basis of theFlory-Huggins free enthalpy of mixing function.

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Zusammenfassung In Übereinstimmung mit einer Voraussage vonTompa ließen sich polymere Lösungen finden, die sich in einen begrenzten Bereich von Konzentration und Temperature in drei flüssige Phasen trennen. Dies wurde an Lösungen von zwei Polyäthylenfraktionen mit schmaler M-G-Verteilung in Diphenyläther gezeigt, die die engste mögliche Annäherung an ternäre Systeme repräsentieren. Das Phänomen tritt exakt unter den Bedingungen auf, dieTompa auf Grundlage derFlory-Hugginsschen Freien Mischungsenthalpie angegeben hat.

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With 9 figures in 26 details and 3 tables     

Particle-induced phase separation in mixed polymer solutions

The influence of added colloidal particles on the phase separation of mixed aqueous polymer solutions is investigated. Two types of particles (polystyrene latex or silica) and different combinations of segregating polymers (dextran of varying molar mass combined with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) of varying molar mass, or Ucon, a copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide) were used. All systems displayed particle-induced instability effects, but the extent of the effect varied strongly between the various combinations and with the amount of added salt. Very large instability effects were seen in certain mixtures. Two mechanisms, both relying on the adsorption of at least one of the polymers to the particle surface, seem to operate. Close to the cloud-point curve of the particle-free polymer1/polymer2/water mixture, adsorption of PEO or Ucon to the particles gives rise to a capillary-induced phase separation. Close to the dextran/water axis of the phase diagram, the adsorbing polymer gives rise to a surface modification of the particles, which then interacts repulsively with the surrounding dextran solution.     

Shear-induced phase separation in solutions of wormlike micelles

Polymer solutions in the vicinity of the theta-point are known to undergo shear-induced turbidity or phase separation. The present study shows that a similar phenomenon also occurs for certain wormlike micellar solutions. Wormlike micelles are the self-assembled counterparts of polymers and are characterized by their ability to reversibly break and recombine. In the system of interest, the micelles are formed by the cationic surfactant erucyl bis(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride (EHAC), in conjunction with a salt such as sodium chloride (NaCl) or sodium salicylate (NaSal). Micellar samples that become turbid under shear show evidence of critical concentration fluctuations and may contain predominantly branched micelles. The shear-induced turbidity in these samples correlates with the appearance of flow-dichroism in rheooptic experiments and with an increase in low-q scattering in small-angle light scattering under flow (flow-SALS) experiments. The characteristic "butterfly" pattern, with enhanced scattering in the flow direction and a dark streak perpendicular to the flow direction, is typically observed in flow-SALS. The results suggest that the turbidity is due to a shear-induced growth of concentration fluctuations, which in turn manifests as large anisotropic domains, typically oriented along the vorticity axis.     

Electrostatic-interaction-induced phase separation in solutions of flexible-chain polyelectrolytes

A model of a polyelectrolyte solution has been formulated on the basis of the formalism of the thermodynamic perturbation theory. Macromolecules have been described in terms of the model of a flexible chain with an excluded volume and a variable electrical charge. During construction of the thermodynamic perturbation theory, a set of three independent subsystems—polyelectrolyte macromolecules placed in a structureless charge background of counterions, counterions placed in a structureless charge background of macromolecules, and Coulomb gas ions of a low-molecular-mass salt—has been taken as the reference system. In the framework of this model, liquid-liquid phase separation due to strong correlation-induced attraction has been predicted. The behavior of the degree of ionization over a wide monomer concentration range, including the region of phase separation either in a salt-free solution or in the presence of univalent ions of a low-molecular-mass salt in the solution, has been studied. It has been shown that macromolecules in the coexisting phases should have different degrees of ionization. The occurrence of phase separation under normal conditions in the case when dimethylformamide is taken as a solvent and the nonoccurrence of this phase separation in the case of aqueous solutions of flexible-chain polyelectrolytes are predicted.     

Monitoring mesoglobules formation in PNIPAm solutions using Nile Red solvatochromism

Nile Red solvatochromism is used to monitor phase separation in concentrated poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) aqueous solutions. Below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), Nile Red molecules are in a polar environment and thus exhibit negligible fluorescence. Above the LCST, the aggregation of the PNIPAm chains into hydrophobic mesoglobules provides a nonpolar environment, causing a strong increase of fluorescence. The spectra show two emission bands, which can be related to the partitioning of Nile Red molecules between the core and the surface of the mesoglobules. More generally, the technique appears as a new and promising tool to probe microheterogeneities in polymer solutions or mixtures.     

Colloidal stabilization of nanoparticles in concentrated suspensions

The stabilization of nanoparticles in concentrated aqueous suspensions is required in many manufacturing technologies and industrial products. Nanoparticles are commonly stabilized through the adsorption of a dispersant layer around the particle surface. The formation of a dispersant layer (adlayer) of appropriate thickness is crucial for the stabilization of suspensions containing high nanoparticle concentrations. Thick adlayers result in an excessive excluded volume around the particles, whereas thin adlayers lead to particle agglomeration. Both effects reduce the maximum concentration of nanoparticles in the suspension. However, conventional dispersants do not allow for a systematic control of the adlayer thickness on the particle surface. In this study, we synthesized dispersants with a molecular architecture that enables better control over the particle adlayer thickness. By tailoring the chemistry and length of these novel dispersants, we were able to prepare fluid suspensions (viscosity < 1 Pa.s at 100 s-1) with more than 40 vol % of 65-nm alumina particles in water, as opposed to the 30 vol % achieved with a state-of-the-art dispersing agent. This remarkably high concentration facilitates the fabrication of a wide range of products and intermediates in materials technology, cosmetics, pharmacy, and in all other areas where concentrated nanoparticle suspensions are required. On the basis of the proposed molecular architecture, one can also envisage other similar molecules that could be successfully applied for the functionalization of surfaces for biosensing, chromatography, medical imaging, drug delivery, and aqueous lubrication, among others.     

Monte Carlo simulation of phase separation kinetics in a concentrated polymer solution

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Velocity sedimentation transport properties in dilute and concentrated solutions of hydroxypropyl cellulose in water at different temperatures up to phase separation

Velocity sedimentation measurements have been performed for the system hydroxypropyl cellulose in water in both dilute and concentrated solutions (0–100 kg m^?3) and at temperatures remote from as well as close to θ-conditions (25–40°). In dilute solutions, the experimentally determined concentration dependence of the sedimentation coefficient was compared with that calculated from the theory of Yamakawa; fairly good agreement was obtained. The difference between the sedimentation behaviour under good and poor solvent conditions is also discussed. Furthermore, the frictional properties are discussed and compared with those deduced from diffusion measurements.     

Polymer-induced phase separation and crystallization in immunoglobulin G solutions

We study the effects of the size of polymer additives and ionic strength on the phase behavior of a nonglobular protein-immunoglobulin G (IgG)-by using a simple four-site model to mimic the shape of IgG. The interaction potential between the protein molecules consists of a Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek-type colloidal potential and an Asakura-Oosawa depletion potential arising from the addition of polymer. Liquid-liquid equilibria and fluid-solid equilibria are calculated by using the Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo technique and the Gibbs-Duhem integration (GDI) method, respectively. Absolute Helmholtz energy is also calculated to get an initial coexisting point as required by GDI. The results reveal a nonmonotonic dependence of the critical polymer concentration rho(PEG) (*) (i.e., the minimum polymer concentration needed to induce liquid-liquid phase separation) on the polymer-to-protein size ratio q (equivalently, the range of the polymer-induced depletion interaction potential). We have developed a simple equation for estimating the minimum amount of polymer needed to induce the liquid-liquid phase separation and show that rho(PEG) (*) approximately [q(1+q)(3)]. The results also show that the liquid-liquid phase separation is metastable for low-molecular weight polymers (q=0.2) but stable at large molecular weights (q=1.0), thereby indicating that small sizes of polymer are required for protein crystallization. The simulation results provide practical guidelines for the selection of polymer size and ionic strength for protein phase separation and crystallization.     

Kinetics of thermally induced phase separation in ternary polymer solutions. I. Modeling of phase separation dynamics

Simulations based on Cahn–Hilliard spinodal decomposition theory for phase separation in thermally quenched polymer/solvent/nonsolvent systems are presented. Two common membrane‐forming systems are studied, cellulose acetate [CA]/acetone/water, and poly(ethersulfone) [PES]/dimethylsulfoxide [DMSO]/water. The effects of initial polymer and nonsolvent composition on the structure‐formation dynamics are elucidated, and growth rates at specific points within the ternary phase diagram are quantified. Predicted pore growth rate curves exhibit a relative maximum with nonsolvent composition. For shallow quenches (lower nonsolvent content) near a phase boundary, the pore growth rate increases with increasing quench depth, whereas for deep quenches, where the composition of the polymer‐rich phase approaches that of a glass, the pore growth rate decreases with increasing quench depth. With increasing initial polymer concentration, the overall rate of structure growth is lowered and the growth rate maximum shifts to higher nonsolvent compositions. This behavior appears to be a universal phenomenon in quenched polymer solutions which can undergo a glass transition, and is a result of an interplay between thermodynamic and kinetic driving forces. These results suggest a mechanism for the locking‐in of the two‐phase structure that occurs during nonsolvent‐induced phase inversion. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 1449–1460, 1999     

Thermoreversible gelation and phase separation in aqueous methyl cellulose solutions

We derived typical phase diagrams for aqueous solutions of methyl cellulose (MC) of different molecular weights via micro‐differential scanning calorimetry, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and visual inspection. The phase diagrams showed the cooccurrence of gelation and phase separation and qualitatively agreed with the theoretically calculated diagrams. The sol–gel transition line and phase separation line of a lower critical solution point type shifted toward lower temperatures and lower concentrations with an increase in the MC molecular weight. The sol–gel transition line intersected at a temperature higher than the critical point of the phase separation; therefore, both sol–gel phase separation and gel–gel phase separation were possible, depending on the temperature. Specifically, through visual inspection of a high molecular weight MC sample in the critical temperature region, we observed phase separation into two coexisting gels with different polymer concentrations. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 91–100, 2001     

Charge-induced unilamellar vesicle formation and phase separation in solutions of Di-n-decylmethylamine oxide

A double-tail amine oxide surfactant, di-n-decylmethylamine oxide (2C10MAO), was prepared, and the effects of protonation on aggregate structure were examined by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), turbidity, electric conductivity, and solubilization of an oil-soluble dye at various degrees of neutralization, X, defined as the mole ratio of HCl/2C10MAO. The surfactant makes an L(2) phase in the nonprotonated state (X = 0) in water. The L(2) phase is in equilibrium with an aqueous L(1) phase. On protonation, unilamellar vesicles (ULVs) are formed over a wide range of compositions (0.05 < X< 0.4-0.5 at C = 10 mM) as observed by cryo-TEM. At X = 0.2, the ULV is stable over a wide concentration range (3 mM < or = C < 0.1 M), but an L(alpha) phase replaces the vesicle phase at C > 0.1 M. SANS results show that the mean radius of the ULV is about 25 nm and the bilayer thickness is about 2 nm, consistent with the extended configuration of the alkyl chains of the surfactant. An important contribution to the enhanced stability of the bilayer structures over the L(2) phase is suggested to be the translational entropy of the counterions. The enhanced stability of the bilayers diminishes as the counterion concentration increases either by an increase of X or by the addition of a salt. When the counterion concentration exceeds a critical value, the ULV solutions transform into the L(2) phase (or L(2)/L(1) two-phase system at low surfactant concentrations). The critical composition X is about 0.4-0.5 in water, but it is below 0.4 in D(2)O. The critical NaCl concentration is below 5 mM at X = 0.2. The stability of ULVs against multilamellar vesicles is ascribed partly to undulation forces and partly to the adjustable nature of the spontaneous curvature of amine oxide monolayers. The characteristics of the ULV of the surfactant remain the same within a temperature range 25-50 degrees C at X = 0.2. An iridescent lamellar phase and possibly an L(3) phase were observed in a very narrow X range (0 < X < 0.02) prior to the vesicle phase.     

Relaxation spectra of concentrated polystyrene solutions

The relaxation modulus G(t) and the stress decay after cessation of steady shear flow were measured on concentrated solutions of polystyrenes in diethyl phthalate. Ranges of concentration c and molecular weight M of the polymer were from 0.112 to 0.329 g/ml and from 1.23 × 10⁶ to 7.62 × 10⁶, respectively. The relaxation spectrum H(τ) as calculated from G(t) for the solution of very high M was found to be composed of two parts. One, at relatively short times, was a broad distribution (plateau zone) with height proportional to c². The second, at the long-time end, was very sensitive to concentration and gave rise to a maximum in H(τ) for very high concentrations. The behavior of H(τ) at long times was examined quantitatively by evaluating the longest relaxation time τ₁⁰ and the corresponding relaxation strength G₁⁰ from G(t) and from the stress decay function, on the assumption of a discrete distribution of relaxation times at long times. The longest relaxation time was approximately proportional to M^3.5, even at relatively low concentrations where the zero-shear viscosity was not proportional to M^3.5. The strengths of relaxation modes with the longest few relaxation times are proportional to the third power of concentration.     

Sorption purification of concentrated hemoglobin solutions

A procedure was developed for purification of concentrated hemoglobin solutions from hemolyzate of human erythrocytes to remove soluble cellular impurities using a frontal chromatographic process on an anion exchanger under conditions of selective absorption of impurities and the absence of sorption of the target product, hemoglobin.