Formation mechanism of an “onionlike” multilayered structure by reconstruction of the morphology of micron-sized, monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene composite particles with the solvent-absorbing/solvent-releasing method

Abstract

The formation mechanism of the “onionlike” multilayered morphology of micron-sized, monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/polystyrene (PS) (1/1 w/w) composite particles by the solvent-absorbing/solvent-releasing method was discussed. It was concluded that the orientation of PMMA components at the outer interface of toluene-swollen particles with water is the trigger and that PMMA-g-PS operates to stabilize inner multilayer interfaces for the formation of the onionlike multilayered morphology.