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Synthesis and Characterization of Monodisperse Thermosensitive Dumbbell‐Shaped Microgels
Author(s) -
Chu Fangfang,
Siebenbürger Miriam,
Polzer Frank,
Stolze Carmen,
Kaiser Julian,
Hoffmann Martin,
Heptner Nils,
Dzubiella Joachim,
Drechsler Markus,
Lu Yan,
Ballauff Matthias
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201200062
Subject(s) - dispersity , materials science , dumbbell , transmission electron microscopy , polystyrene , volume fraction , dynamic light scattering , swelling , rheology , phase (matter) , core (optical fiber) , characterization (materials science) , phase transition , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , composite material , nanotechnology , polymer , nanoparticle , thermodynamics , chemistry , medicine , physical therapy , physics , organic chemistry , engineering
Monodisperse thermosensitive dumbbell‐shaped core‐shell microgels are fabricated, which consist of a polystyrene core with a cross‐linked poly ( N ‐isopropylacrylamide) shell. The morphology of the microgels was investigated through cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and depolarized dynamic light scattering. The effective volume fraction and aspect ratio of the system could be adjusted through the swelling of the thermosensitive shell. We observe a phase transition of the microgels to an ordered, crystal‐like state, which is apparent through Bragg‐reflections in the visible range. These observations are further supported by rheological measurements where the shear‐melting of the crystal phase is clearly detected.