Doctoral thesis viva voce : Clémentine Locatelli-Champagne

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Contact :

clementine.locatelli@espci.fr

marie-france.boucher@espci.fr

13 December 2011 14:00 » 18:00 — Langevin lecture theater

HYDROPHOBIC SUBSTANCES ENCAPSULATION BY AMPHIPHILIC POLYELECTROLYTES: STRUCTURE-PROPERTIES RELATIONSHIP

We describe an original and versatile technique, which enables to
encapsulate hydrophobic substances in water with a precise control of the final properties of the dispersion. The hydrophobic substance is first emulsified in the aqueous solution of an amphiphilic polyelectrolyte
polymer, which comprises an “alkali-swellable” backbone. A change in the physicochemical conditions (pH, ionic strength) induces the precipitation of the polymer on the surface of the hydrophobic droplets. The present work develops along three complementary directions. First, we understand the microstructure of the polymeric solutions,which determine, in part, their interfacial properties. We develop an original method based on Nil Red solvatochromism.to monitor the formation of hydrophobic microdomains in aqueous solutions. Then, we analyze the linear and non-linear rheological properties of the solutions – viscosity, normal forces and fracturing at large deformations- in relation to the chain composition and to the physicochemical characteristics of the solutions. Finally, we lay
out the foundations of a model of emulsification in viscoelastic continuous phases. This framework links the amphiphilic copolymer architecture and composition to the rheological properties of the solution and to the characteristics of the dispersion obtained at the end of the process. It makes possible to define, prior to any implementation, the optimal conditions to encapsulate a wide range of hydrophobic substances.





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