Hairy Nanoparticles with Hard Polystyrene Cores and Soft Polydimethylsiloxane Shells: One‐Pot Synthesis by Living Anionic Polymerization and Characterization

Abstract

Hairy core–shell nanoparticles have emerged as a unique class of polymeric nanocomposites. Hairy nanoparticles (HNPs) with hard polystyrene (PS) cores and soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) shells have been synthesized by living anionic polymerization via “one‐pot synthesis” approach. The size and composition of both core and shell components can be controlled. The synthetic approach produces an entirely new class of HNPs. Differential scanning calorimetry thermograms of the core–shell nanoparticles show two distinct transition temperatures corresponding to a glass transition temperature (Tg) of PS segment and a melting transition temperature (Tm) of PDMS segment indicating the formation of a phase separated system. The synthesized HNPs show different morphologies dependent on the content of PDMS due to the fusion of particles. Solvents play a crucial role in the fusion of particles. Diethyl ether can reduce the fusion of particles and generate almost uniform particles. The HNPs can self‐assemble into hierarchical suprastructures. The HNPs may have potential applications in emerging industries such as high‐density microelectronic materials and lithography. image