Polymerization of cationic surfactant films in microemulsions

Properties of microemulsion phases containing mixtures of polymerizable surfactants, single-chain 11-(methacryloyloxy)undecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and double-chain dodecyl-(11-(methacryloyloxy)undecyltrimethylammonium bromide, and their acrylate analogues have been studied. SANS has shown how film composition, in terms of single-chain surfmer , can be used as a control variable to optimize phase behavior and physicochemical properties of these multi-component systems. A direct comparison between methacylate and acrylate systems has shown how surfactant molecular structure can influence microemulsion structure; with methacrylates spherical droplets are formed, whereas with the acrylate analogues there is a transition to cylinders. Free-radical polymerization yield partially encapsulated aqueous domains with retention of parent structure.