SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF COAGULATED ULTRATHIN MEMBRANES

The Coulomb interactions between charged surfactants and multivalent c ounter-ions can be used to form coagulated cross-linked membranes at t he surface of water. We have systematically measured the kinetics of t he two-dimensional gelation and the rheological properties of the stab ilized films. The membranes, thus prepared, exhibit striking rubber-el astic features. The results of Brewster-Angle-Microscopy indicate that these films consist of disc-like aggregates, having typical diameters of about 10 mu m. These particles are in close contact and form fract al network clusters. The shape of these structures is in general agree ment with aggregates calculated from percolation theories.