Multilayered composite microgels synthesized by surfactant-free seeded polymerization

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Microgels are versatile polymer networks with tunable properties.
• Composite microgels offer enhanced functionalities by combining different materials.
• Controlled synthesis of multilayered structures remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and rapid method for producing multilayered composite microgels.
• To investigate the formation of a hydrogel-poly(glycidyl methacrylate) trilayered structure.
• To characterize the morphology and surface properties of the synthesized composite microgels.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of thermosensitive N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) microgels via precipitation polymerization.
• Surfactant-free seeded polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto NIPAm microgel cores at 70 °C.
• Characterization using electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).

Main Results:

• Successful production of composite microgels with a hard poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (polyGMA) shell surrounding the NIPAm core.
• Polymerization occurred efficiently without the formation of secondary oil-soluble monomer particles.
• XPS analysis confirmed a hydrogel layer on the surface despite the polyGMA shell covering the core, indicating a complex trilayer structure.

Conclusions:

• A facile and rapid method for synthesizing multilayered composite microgels has been established.
• The process allows for the controlled formation of distinct polymer layers.
• The resulting composite microgels possess unique structural characteristics with potential applications in various fields.