Fabrication of stable W/O emulsion using polymer-metal ion interfacial complex

Abstract

Emulsion systems stabilized by polymers have been continuously studied because they can be applied in various fields due to their ability to impart functionalities to polymers. In this study, we developed a system that can stabilize emulsions by allowing polymer-metal ions to form a complex at the interface. A ligand with a high binding energy to metal ions was placed at both ends of the polymer to form a stable structure at the interface by coordination bond with metal ions. The stability of the fabricated emulsion was evaluated and we confirmed to fabricate high-internal phase emulsion depending on the conditions. In addition, we show that the rheological properties can be regulated through droplet size control and hydrogelation, suggesting the possibility of utilizing our emulsion system into printing ink.