Polymers for liquid formulations

Thesis

This thesis investigates the synthesis of functional polyesters and polycarbonates designed for applications in aqueous formulations. It provides a comprehensive account of their preparation, accompanied by detailed analytical studies focusing on solubility and stability in aqueous environments.

Chapter 1 presents an overview of water-soluble polymers in detergent formulations. It introduces the applied synthetic methodologies, namely the ring-opening copolymerisation and thiol-ene chemistry. Furthermore, the chapter elucidates on solubility parameters and analytical techniques to monitor polymer degradation.

Chapter 2 details the synthesis of well-defined copolymers in the form of polyesters and polycarbonates, derived from structurally diverse monomers exhibiting either flexible or rigid characteristics. Post-polymerisation modifications are subsequently performed to increase hydrophilicity through the incorporation of hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, ammonium carboxylate, and sodium sulfonate functionalities.

Chapter 3 employs the Hansen solubility parameter framework to systematically determine the solubility profiles of the synthesised polyesters. In addition, aqueous stability is investigated under non-moderated, acidic (pH 4), and alkaline (pH 8 and pH 11) conditions. These studies are monitored using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).

Chapter 4 describes the synthesis of amphiphilic structures through the incorporation of poly(ethylene oxide) blocks. Following the preparation of functional poly(ether-block-ester)s, in-solution aggregates are characterised using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Subsequent studies investigate the aqueous stability of these assemblies.

Chapter 5 summarises the main findings of this thesis and its implications. An outlook section suggests directions for future research that can build upon the work presented.

Chapter 6 provides experimental details for Chapters 2-4.

An Appendix is included, presenting all the supplementary figures and data that complement the discussion throughout Chapters 2-4.

Authors: Wille, L

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-2rmqw0600
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: laundry; detergent; ROCOP; polymer degradation; formulation; HPLC; aqueous stability; polymers; polycarbonates; polyesters
• Subjects: Polymer colloids; Laundry industry; Environmental degradation