Polyamino acids have potential utility due to their effectiveness in a variety of water treatment applications, their economic production, and their environmental compatibility. Atomic force microscopy has been used to image polyamino acids on calcite crystal surfaces. Measurements of spacings and angles of surface atoms as well as positions and conformations of the polymers have been made. Computer models of these interactions have helped to identify the surfaces and the nature of the binding of the adsorbates. Stereospecific binding to (110) and (001) planes have been observed and evaluated along with consideration of binding to other surfaces. Approaches like this may assist in the design and development of improved antisealants.

Subject
Acids, Polyaspartates, Ions, Binding energy, Modeling, Atomic force microscopy, Cleavage, Calcium, Calcite, Micrography, Force, Crystal growth, Carboxylates
Keywords:
polyamino acids, polyaspartate, antisealant, atomic force microscopy, molecular models, calcite, CaCO3
© 1994 Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of AMPP. Positions and opinions advanced in this work are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AMPP. Responsibility for the content of the work lies solely with the author(s).
1994
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
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