Conformational changes in polymers adsorbed on titanium and iron oxides

The effect of high-energy mechanical processing on the adsorption behavior of the hydrophilic polymer ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC) on the surface of the inorganic pigments TiO2 and Fe2O3 has been studied by IR spectroscopy. High-energy processing of aqueous disperse systems of TiO2 and Fe2O3 activates the surface of the inorganic oxides and promotes polymer adsorption. We present the first evidence that the interaction of EHEC with oxide surfaces is accompanied by conformational changes in the adsorbed EHEC molecules. The conformational transitions depend on the lattice parameters of the inorganic oxides and lead to the formation of special adsorbed solvated EHEC layers, which determine the sedimentation stability of the disperse system.