POLYMER CHAIN & LATEX WITH SPATIALLY DISCRETE STRUCTURES - EXPLORING THEIR NICHES FOR TUNING SELECTED INTERFACES

Abstract

This PhD thesis studies the tuning of interfaces by using copolymer chains or latex particles characterized by spatially discrete structural elements to improve energy efficiency and alleviate stress due to exergy loss to the environment, based on three selected systems, including diesel fuel, aerospace polyurethane coating and anisotropic particle packing structure. Firstly, comb-like copolymer comprising long hydrophobic pendant group and relatively hydrophilic backbone was studied and utilized as an oxygenate emulsifier in diesel and as a polyurethane paint additive for enhancing anti-icing properties. Additionally, this work constructs two anisotropic latex structures, a core-shell particle with spatially discrete mechanical traits, and a donut-shaped latex with concave thermosetting hull and convex thermoplastic lobe, respectively. The former can be incorporated into a polyurethane matrix to implement icephobicity; whereas the latter manifests unique intra-particle viscoelastic attenuation. This thesis follows the context from structural characterization to performance evaluation, stressing the originality and fundamental understanding.