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Real-time observation of fiber network formation in molecular organogel : supersaturation-dependent microstructure and its related rheological property
journal contribution
posted on 2006-01-01, 00:00 authored by R Wang, X Y Liu, J Xiong, Jingliang LiJingliang LiLow-molecular mass organic gelators self-organizing into three-dimensional fiber networks within organic solvents have attracted much attention in recent years. However, to date, how the microstructure of fiber network is formed in a gelation process and the key factors that govern the topological structure of a gel network remain to be determined. In this work, we address these issues by investigating the in situ formation of the gel networks in the N-lauroyl-l-glutamic acid di-n-butylamide (GP-1)/propylene glycol (PG) system. By using optical microscopy, the time evolution of the gel network microstructure was investigated under various supersaturation conditions. It is found that supersaturation is one of the key factors that govern the topological structure of a gel network. In particular, the creation of the junctions turns out to be supersaturation-dependent. The rheological experiments further revealed the correlation between topological structure and mechanical properties. It suggests that the rheological properties can be effectively modified by tuning the microstructure topology of the gel network. Our results reported here provide new physical insight into the formation kinetics of a molecular gel. Furthermore, this work could be important in constructing and engineering a supramolecular structure for the purpose of applications.
History
Journal
The journal of physical chemistry bVolume
110Issue
14Pagination
7275 - 7280Publisher
American Chemical SocietyLocation
Washington, D.C.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1520-6106eISSN
1520-5207Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2006, American Chemical SocietyUsage metrics
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