Functional polymers for colloidal applications. I. Structural effects of lipophile‐modified polyacrylates on adsorption and dispersion ability

Polyacrylic acids of four molecular weights are prepared. A series of poly(methylacrylate‐acrylic acid) copolymers with four specific methylacrylate/acrylic acid ratios and molecular weights has been successfully synthesized from the corresponding polyacrylic acids. These polymers and copolymers are used as dispersants for dispersing TiO₂ into aqueous phase. Viscosity, sedimentation, and electron microscopy are used to evaluate their dispersion ability. The extent of adsorption and the zeta potential are measured to evaluate their adsorption behaviors on the surface of TiO₂. The viscosity, sedimentation, and electron microscopy results are comparable parallel for showing the dispersing ability of a polymer or a copolymer. The polymer (or copolymer), which results in a lower viscosity, shows a slower sedimentation rate and a more homogeneous distribution of particles in microphotographs. The minimum viscosity needed to disperse TiO₂ decreases with the decreasing molecular weight of polyacrylic acid. It was found that partial esterification of polyacrylic acid results in a broader range of minimum viscosity. The trend of the amount adsorbed is similar to that of zeta potential. These two results are used to interpret the viscosity curve.