Microcapsules fabricated from liquid marbles stabilized with latex particles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Colloid and Surface Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Liquid marbles are droplets coated with particles, offering unique interfacial properties.
• Controlling the stability and transformation of liquid marbles is crucial for their applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the preparation and properties of liquid marbles using functionalized polystyrene particles.
• To explore the transformation of liquid marbles into stable polymeric capsules.
• To study the influence of environmental factors and solvent vapor treatment on liquid marble behavior.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of liquid marbles by rolling water droplets on poly[2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDEA-PS) functionalized polystyrene particles.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for surface morphology analysis.
• Monitoring mass changes due to water evaporation/adsorption under varying humidity.
• Transformation into polymeric capsules via solvent vapor exposure.

Main Results:

• Stable liquid marbles were formed with PDEA-PS particles adsorbed at the water-air interface.
• Liquid marble geometry changed with water evaporation, influenced by relative humidity.
• Saturated LiCl solution in liquid marbles led to water absorption.
• Exposure to solvent vapor transformed liquid marbles into rigid polymeric capsules.
• Polymeric capsule formation reduced water evaporation/adsorption rates, indicating pore sealing.

Conclusions:

• Liquid marbles can be effectively prepared and stabilized using functionalized polymer particles.
• A novel method for creating polymeric capsules from liquid marbles via solvent vapor treatment was demonstrated.
• The resulting polymeric capsules exhibit structural integrity and tunable permeability, with potential for encapsulation applications.