Dynamics of very long sticky linear chains in solution

Details

Supervisors

Van Ruymbeke, Evelyne

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil en chimie et science des matériaux

Abstract

The outstanding properties of supramolecular polymer networks make them attractive for a wide range of applications such as self-healing materials, biomaterials, rheological modifiers, sensors,actuators and biological filters. This class of materials combines the characteristics of both physical and chemical networks. They are easily processed and recycled. The aim of this work is the understanding of the dynamics of very long linear chains bearing pendant stickers along the main chain in solution based on rheological analysis. To this end,oscillatory shear measurements were conducted on transient hydrogels by varying parameters such as the concentration in polymer chains, the density of stickers, the amount of metal ions and the temperature. These experiments allowed the acquisition of a clear microscopic picture of the studied material in order to understand its macroscopic behavior. This correlation is possible thanks to rheology which is the science that studies the deformation and flow of matter presenting viscoelastic properties and that is able to establish predictions for its mechanical behavior by correlating the constraints to the deformations at a specific moment. This master thesis starts by an introductory background where the basic concepts of polymer science and rheology are introduced. Thereafter, the system of interest is presented along with previous work concerning the latter. Then, the objectives and strategy including the experimental protocol are described. The following presents the results and these are discussed for different sorts of characterizations and finally closes this work with concluding remarks.