Phase behavior of the Pluronic P103/water system in the dilute and semi-dilute regimes

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2009-05, Vol.333 (2), p.655-662
• Main Authors: Álvarez-Ramírez, J.G., Fernández, V.V.A., Macías, E.R., Rharbi, Y., Taboada, P., Gámez-Corrales, R., Puig, J.E., Soltero, J.F.A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Colloidal state and disperse state; Density; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Micelles. Thin films; Phase diagram; Polymer-like micelles; Rheometry; Sound velocity; Surface physical chemistry
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2009.01.068

The detailed temperature–composition phase diagram of the P103/water system in the dilute and semidilute regions is reported here using density and ultrasound velocity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheometry and dynamic (DLS) and static light scattering (SLS). These techniques allow a precise determination of the critical micellar temperature (CMT), the sphere-to-rod micellar transition temperature (GMT) and the cloud point temperature (CPT) as a function of concentration. DLS and SLS measurements were employed to gain information on unimers and aggregate sizes and on the transition from spherical-to-rod micelles. Sound velocity and density allow a precise determination of the critical micellar temperature (CMT), the sphere-to-rod micellar transition temperature (GMT), and the cloud point temperature (CPT) for different concentrations.