Modeling dynamics of Polyacrylamide Gel in Oil-Water Mixtures: Dissipative Particle Dynamics Approach

Using dissipative particle dynamics approach, we model phase separation in a ternary system encompassing cross-linked polyacrylamide (PAM) gel, oil and water. PAM gels are widely used in many applications, from food and cosmetic applications to enhanced oil recovery approaches. We show that the PAM nanogel adsorbs at the oil-water interface and spreads out over this interface for the case of a loosely cross-linked polymer network. Tailoring PAM behavior at the oil-water interfaces by controlling gel's properties could allow one to alter the properties of oil-water emulsions.