AP23489409 – Unrevealing the Fundamental basis of soft -glassy Dynamic Correlation and Phase Behavior of Clay nanoparticles with Ionic Polymers
Objective of the project – The aim of the project is to develop a scientific basis for the synthesis and study of soft-glassy dynamics and phase behavior of the LAP in ionic polymer systems.
Relevance: In recent years, clay mineral nanoparticles, particularly laponite (LAP), have gained significant development across various application fields due to their unique structure. LAP is capable of forming stable colloidal suspensions in water, exhibiting thixotropic properties and combining both gel-like and liquid-like behavior. These properties are attributed to its high swelling capacity and stability. As a result, LAP is widely used as a rheology modifier in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, engineering, and construction. Recent studies have further expanded its applications into areas such as drug delivery, biosensors, tissue regeneration, and bioactive materials. The widespread use of LAP makes it an important model system for studying soft glassy dynamics and phase behavior of soft materials. However, despite the recognized importance of understanding time-dependent behavior in soft materials, there is a lack of research applying soft glassy rheology models to laponite-based systems. The proposed project aims to address this gap by investigating the distinctive dynamics of laponite in ionic polymer systems, thereby contributing to the advancement of soft glassy materials theory.
Scientific supervisor: Ph.D., Associate Professor, Toleutai Gaukhar
Expected and achieved results: Ionic polymer systems with laponite nanoparticles (LAPIP) based on the LAP/AM system were developed and synthesized. The physicochemical and thermogravimetric properties of the obtained polymer materials were investigated. A comprehensive study of soft glassy dynamics and phase transitions in LAP/AM and LAP/AM/CM polymer systems was carried out. During rheological measurements, their properties were thoroughly characterized, including the determination of storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″), gelation time (tg), and activation energy (Ea). The obtained results made it possible to identify the features of structural and rheological changes in the studied systems. At the current stage, the project results are at the stage of laboratory and experimental implementation. The developed materials and methods can be used for further investigation of soft glassy dynamics of laponite in ion-polymer systems and have potential for practical application.
List of publications with links to them
- Su E., Yelemessova G., Toleutay G. Strain rate sensitive polyampholyte hydrogels via well-dispersed XLG sheets // Polymer Bulletin. – 2024. – Vol. 81. – P. 10631–10644. – DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-024-05171-7