Novel microgel-particle colloids: the detailed characterisation of the layer structure and chain topology of silica:poly(NIPAM) core–shell particles

Abstract

A monodisperse core–shell microgel has been synthesised in which silica provides the core (average diameter 1367 Å), and poly(NIPAM) the cross linked shell. Transmission Electron Microscopy and Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS) measurements have confirmed the existence of a thick polymer layer. PCS measurements have shown that the hydrodynamic thickness of the layer is ∼2450 Å at 25°C, collapsing to 600 Å when heated to 70°C. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments on the core–shell microgels show a high volume fraction near the surface and suggest an exponential volume fraction profile. PCS and SANS measurements have also been used to measure the de-swelling of the layer with change in temperature and the results are compared with classical microgel particles.