Self-assembly of novel catechol-containing copolymer in non-polar media: Nano-clustering and nano-emulsions

We propose a SANS study in collaboration with Infineum, a world-leading lubricant and fuel additive manufacturer, to examine the self-assembly behaviour of novel catechol-containing polymer additives in a non-polar solvent, and the effects of temperature and added water. Mussel-inspired catechol-containing copolymers have a diverse range of potential applications arising from the intra- and inter-molecular interactions enabled by the catechol group (i.e. 1,2-dihydroxybenzene) including hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, and metal-ion coordination. How such interactions underpin self-assembly of catechol-functionalized polymers in non-polar media is of fundamental interest and also critical to their potential applications, but remains poorly understood.We have previously investigated the self-assembly behaviour of a series of catechol-containing copolymers in dodecane, pointing to possible clustering of the primary nanostructures. We now wish to investigate the self-assembly behaviour of nano-emulsions formed using this series of polymers. These results will inform the development of future applications of these polymers as well as aid in the interpretation and fundamental understanding of data gathered on these polymers using other techniques including X -ray reflectivity (XRR) and surface force apparatus (SFA).