Bridging Heterogeneity Dictates the Microstructure and Yielding Response of Polymer-Linked Emulsions.

ABSTRACT: Soft materials possessing tunable rheological properties are desirable in applications ranging from 3D printing to biological scaffolds. Here, we use a telechelic, triblock copolymer polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-polystyrene (SEOS) to form elastic networks of polymer-linked droplets in cyclohexane-in-water emulsions. The SEOS endblocks partition into the dispersed cyclohexane droplets while the midblocks remain in the aqueous continuous phase, resulting in each chain taking on either a looping or bridging conformation. By controlling the fraction of chains that form bridges, we tune the linear elasticity of the emulsions and generate a finite yield stress. Polymers with higher molecular weight (M_w) endblocks form stronger interdroplet connections and

SUBMITTER: Keane DP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11331760 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature