Cross-linking dispersing aids

Cross-linking creates a yield value in solutions containing these copolymers that the non-cross-linked copolymers lack (56). Consequently, their solutions are able to aid in stabilizing the dispersed phase in oil-in-water emulsions, pigments, particles, antidandruff agents, and any other component that requires suspension. The mechanism of suspension is believed to be related to the presence of swollen microgels, which bear an overall... 

In our laboratory, we have studied the effects of various surface-modified alumoxane nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of a biodegradable polymer for load-bearing bone tissue applications [4j. Alumoxane nanoparticles with three different surface modifications were tested — activated alumoxanes possessing two reactive double bonds available for interaction with the cross-link network of the polymer surfactant alumoxanes modified with long fatty acid chains to aid in dispersion within the hydrophobic polymer and hybrid alumoxanes modified with a surfactant chain and a reactive double bond within the same substituent (Figure 40.2). These nanoparticles were incorporated into a biodegradable poly(propylene fumarate)-based (PPF) system and the nanocomposites were tested for flexural and compressive mechanical properties. 

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