Shape Evolution Control of Phase-Separated Colloidal Nanoparticles

Authors

Cathrin C. Corten, University of Southern Mississippi
Marek W. Urban, University of Southern MississippiFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2011

School

Polymer Science and Engineering

Abstract

These studies illustrate controlled shape synthesis of two distinct phase-separated copolymers within one colloidal nanoparticle which consists of poly(methylmethacrylate) (p-MMA)/n-butylacrylate (nBA) and poly(nBA)/pentafluorostyrene (p-PFS) phases. Using sequential free radical polymerization, particle morphologies ranging from acorn to ellipsoidal, core–shell, and spherical were produced by adjusting the glass transition temperature (T_g) via compositional gradients during copolymerization. These studies show for the first time that in order to achieve desirable asymmetric particle shapes, the T_g as well as interfacial surface tension between two copolymers within one nanoparticle should be maintained during and after polymerization.

Publication Title

Polymer Chemistry

Volume

2

Issue

1

First Page

244

Last Page

250

Recommended Citation

Corten, C., Urban, M. W. (2011). Shape Evolution Control of Phase-Separated Colloidal Nanoparticles. Polymer Chemistry, 2(1), 244-250.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/12483