Surface modification and electrostatic charge of polystyrene particles

Particle surface modification by poloxamer adsorption can significantly alter the electrostatic charge, adhesion behaviour and consequently handling properties of a material. The charge reduction on polystyrene spheres achieved by this modification technique is dependent on the concentration, molecular weight and conformation of poloxamer at the particle surface. Adsorption isotherms of poloxamers on polystyrene particles follow a Langmuir profile and there is an apparent correlation between the extent of adsorption and ability of poloxamer to reduce electrostatic charge. Surface analysis techniques, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry have generated data on the thickness of the adsorbed poloxamer layer and provided evidence to suggest that the polypropylene oxide component of the poloxamer adsorbs to the polystyrene surface and there is a polyethylene oxide rich outer surface which may influence the charge alteration. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.