OBJECTIVES
- Prepare more microspheres samples expanding upon new previous method developed
- Begin fluorescence detection through pressure testing analysis of hydrogel samples
Expanded Method of PVOH Clay Microsphere Preparation
- In 50mL beaker, dissolve ~ 1.0g total of PVOH 146K or PVOH 130K along with clay additive selected in 25mL hot deionized H2O
- Place a stir bar in the 50mL beaker and then heat solution at 100°C for ~ 12-15 minutes until complete dissolution of PVOH / clay sample
- Cool solution for ~ 5 minutes, then remove the stir bar, and add PVOH clay sample to a blender.
- Afterwards, then add 35mL rather than 25mL of mineral oil to the sample in the blender.
- Blend sample solution prepared in blender for ~ 7 minutes on high to form a more homogeneous mixture / emulsion (creating a suspension of microspheres)
- After 7 minutes, quickly pour solution into several mini 20mL vials and then add some Rhodamine 6G dye to the solution based upon the ratio selection (90:10 vs. 50:50)
- Next, quickly freeze the PVOH clay sample immersed in safflower oil in liquid nitrogen for ~ 5 min. The vial should be held in the liquid nitrogen until the sample is completely frozen throughout.
- After the addition of the dye and liquid nitrogen freezing, allow the solution to go through freeze / thaw crosslinking process for ~ 2-3 days
- Place microsphere solution in a freezer at -20°C for 24 hours and then remove and allow to solution to thaw for 24 hours
Notes
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PVOH Research
