Synthesis, aggregation and dispersity properties of novels amphiphilic comb-like terpolymers

Three polycarboxylate-based comb-like random terpolymers (PAE-Na) were designed and synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Their structures were confirmed by FT-IR, 1 H NMR and GPC. Their surface activities, aggregation behaviors and dispersity properties in aqueous solution were investigated by surface tension measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Investigation of the surface tension indicates that polycarboxylate-based copolymers have good surfactivity due to the introduction of 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA). And it is noteworthy that γ continuously decreases after critical aggregation concentration (CAC). TEM and DLS results indicate that they can form the aggregates of primary aggregates. The dispersibility of terpolymers as dispersant for CaCO 3 suspensions was evaluated. The results show that the target polymers have good dispersive capacity. The thermogravimetric analysis indicates that terpolymers have excellent thermal stability, which could be used to disperse solid particles in many different fields.