Aggregation behavior and dispersion stability of amphiphilic water-dispersed polyesters in aqueous solution

Amphiphilic polymer water-dispersed polyester (WPET) has important applications in the textile field. Due to the potential interactions among WPET molecules, the stability of their colloids is susceptible to external factors. This study focused on the effects of two hydrophilic groups (sulfonate group and PEG) on the aggregation behavior of WPET. In addition, the effects of concentration, temperature, and electrolytes on WPET aggregation behavior were systematically investigated. The more sulfonate group content in WPET, the higher stability with or without high electrolyte concentration it has. However, there is no clear correlation between the effect of PEG content and the dispersion stability of the WPET solution. The sulfonate group content in WPET is an important factor affecting its dispersion in aqueous solution. Meanwhile, WPET concentration, temperature, and electrolyte play important and complex roles in controlling the aggregation behaviors of the WPET. This fundamental research can be used to effectively control and improve the stability of WPET solutions and provide guidance for the prediction of dispersion and stability for molecules not yet synthesized.