Aggregation of P-terphenyl along with PMMA/SA at the Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett Films

TL;DR

This study investigates the molecular aggregation and monolayer properties of non-amphiphilic p-terphenyl mixed with PMMA or stearic acid at the air-water interface, revealing phase separation and aggregation behaviors.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the miscibility and aggregation behavior of p-terphenyl with polymer and fatty acid matrices in monolayer films.

Findings

Partial miscibility of TP with PMMA and SA

Aggregation and phase separation observed

Confirmation by UV-Vis and SEM analyses

Abstract

Molecular aggregation and monolayer characteristics of non-amphiphilic p-terphenyl (TP) mixed with either polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) or stearic acid (SA) at the air-water interface were investigated. The miscibility of the two components was evaluated by measuring and analyzing surface pressure versus area per molecule (pi-A) isotherm. Both attractive and repulsive interactions between the sample (TP) and the matrix (PMMA or SA) were observed depending on the composition and microenvironment. TP and PMMA/SA were not completely miscible in the mixed monolayer. Aggregation and phase separation between sample TP and matrix molecule was revealed by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopic studies and confirmed by scanning electron micrograpgh of LB films.