Role of Surface Molecular Architecture and Energetics of Hydrogen Bonding Sites in Adsorption of Polymers and Surfactants.

Hydrogen bonding is generally thought to be an ubiquitous adsorption mechanism, which often foils selective adsorption schemes. Through investigation of hydrogen bonding energy and its dependence on surface molecular architecture, it may be possible to develop new methodologies to control the adsorption of surfactants and polymeric flocculants, depressants, and dispersants used in particulate processing industries. A model system using Stöber silica spheres and polyethylene oxide, a polymer known for its ability to form hydrogen bonds, was examined.