Self-assembling behavior of glycerol monoundecenoate in water: efficient lamellar gelled system for water retention in concrete curing
Résumé
The aim of this study was to highlight the behavior of the glycerol monoundecenoate (GM-C11:1) in different, diluted and concentrated states because many industrial applications such as concrete industry need some systems for the retention of water. Self-assembling properties of GM-C11:1 in water and upon solid inorganic surfaces were investigated in diluted state with surface tension experiments, AFM and Cryo-TEM studies. In concentrated state, the gelling properties in presence of water were investigated by polarized light microscopy, DSC and SAXS experiments. GM-C11:1 at 0.1mg/mL self-assembles at the liquid/air interfaces as aggregates of about 20 nm in diameter, organized into concentric forms. These aggregates were spherical globules composed of several molecules of GM-C11:1. At higher concentrations (1 mg/mL and 10 mg/mL), GM-C11:1 was able to coat uniformly liquid/air and liquid/solid interfaces. In bulk GM-C11:1 form spontaneously aggregates and vesicles. In more concentrated state, GM-C11:1 assembles into lamellar gel in water. By cross-referencing SAXS and DSC findings, we were able to distinguish between interlamellar water molecules strongly bound to GM-C11:1 and other molecules remaining unbound and considered as “mobile” water. Here, GM-C11:1 appears to be an effective molecule for surface treatments for which water retention is the key parameter.
This work allowed to finalize a very efficient industrial product GM-C11:1-based, for the curing of concrete. This study on the understanding of self-assembling and the water retention properties is the beginning of an industrial success in the building and public works industry’s.