Symmetric block oligomers - Gelation characteristics by DSC

Symmetrical block oligomers having in common terminal groups (A) consisting of polyoxyethylene (20) stearyl ether are materials of pharmaceutical and cosmetic interest. Phase properties of their aqueous systems and amounts of water typologies were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC ). The overall amount of water absorbed by each investigated oligomer was not significantly influenced by the type of central bridging block, whereas the amount of free water decreased with increasing oligomer concentration in t he gel. A number of 60-70 moles of water was found to solvate the oligomer chain. The oligomers studied presented a thermo-reversible gelation with an d precipitation under determined temperature conditions.