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Microgel colloidosomes based on pH-responsive poly(tert-butylaminoethyl methacrylate) latexes
Andrew J Morse1, Jeppe Madsen, David J Growney
1Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield , Brook Hill, Sheffield S3 7HF, United Kingdom.
Sterically stabilized polymer latexes act as effective Pickering emulsifiers and can be cross-linked to form robust colloidosomes. These pH-responsive colloidosomes maintain their structure under acidic conditions and after oil phase removal.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Colloid Science
- Materials Science
Background:
- Pickering emulsions are stabilized by solid particles, offering an alternative to traditional surfactants.
- Developing robust and stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsifiers is crucial for advanced material applications.
- Polymeric latexes offer tunable properties for emulsion stabilization and subsequent functionalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize sterically stabilized poly[2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PTBAEMA) latexes.
- To investigate the potential of these latexes as Pickering emulsifiers.
- To create robust, pH-responsive colloidosomes via cross-linking of adsorbed latex particles.
Main Methods:
- Emulsion copolymerization of 2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl methacrylate (TBAEMA) with divinylbenzene (DVB) and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA).
- Characterization of latex particles using (1)H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
- Formation and characterization of colloidosomes via interfacial cross-linking with poly(propylene glycol)-terminated tolylene 2,4-diisocyanate (PPG-TDI) and assessment of their stability using laser diffraction and fluorescence microscopy.
Main Results:
- PTBAEMA latexes were successfully synthesized and demonstrated effective Pickering emulsification for alkanes at pH 10.
- Cross-linking adsorbed PTBAEMA latexes with PPG-TDI formed robust colloidosomes stable under acidic conditions (pH 3) and after oil phase removal.
- TBAEMA/styrene copolymer latexes exhibited improved imaging quality due to enhanced resistance to ethanol swelling, and their colloidosomes showed pH-dependent morphological changes.
Conclusions:
- Sterically stabilized PTBAEMA latexes are effective Pickering emulsifiers.
- Interfacial cross-linking of these latexes yields robust, pH-responsive colloidosomes with potential applications in encapsulation and controlled release.
- Copolymerization offers a route to tune particle properties for improved characterization and functionality.
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