Hysteresis Effects During the Phase Transition in Solutions of Temperature Sensitive Polymers

Abstract

It is demonstrated, for the first time,that well-known phase transitions induced by changes in temperature in solutions of polymers containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups could be followed by noticeable hysteresis effects. A well-known phase transitions accompanied by a sharp change in fluid properties, in particular its optical density can be induced by many external influences, including temperature changes occurring in the solutions of polymers containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups. Since intensification subsequent hydrophobic interactions, leading to loss of solubility of the polymer molecules, resulting, in particular, a significant increase in the turbidity of the medium and are accompanied by a pronounced hysteresis phenomena. Hysteresis phenomena in the processes of molecular-scale play an important theoretical and practical interest in linkage with the development of advanced nano-level technology. In particular, the issue of the development of molecular "trigger" switches, and other analog electronic systems, implemented on submolecular level was actively discussed. In fact, under the same physical conditions of the environment of macromolecules system can be in two different states, which resolves the issue of programming such molecules. State of these polymers depends on their way of formation and thermodynamic variables. Observed effect could be utilized directly for information recording into the structure on the basis of stimulus-sensitive macromolecular chains. In fact, it is a first step towards creating memory of quasi-biological elements.