Elastic properties of polyelectrolyte capsules studied by atomic-force microscopy and RICM.
Mechanical properties of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules were studied using a new method combining atomic-force microscopy and reflection interference contrast microscopy. By measuring the force vs. deformation for poly(styrene sulfonate)/poly(allylamine) capsules the existence of different deformation regimes depending on the applied deformation was shown. The present paper focuses on the small-deformation regime. The elastic response of the deformed capsule was studied as a function of the wall thickness and the capsule size, and showed the theoretically expected variations. The Young modulus obtained from the experiments ranges between 1.3 and 1.9 GPa.
Max Planck Institute for Colloid and Interface Research, 14424 , Potsdam, Germany.
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Dubreuil
Max Planck Institute for Colloid and Interface Research, 14424 , Potsdam, Germany.
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Elsner
Max Planck Institute for Colloid and Interface Research, 14424 , Potsdam, Germany. Andreas.Fery@mpikg-golm.mpg.de.
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Fery
D002214:Capsules / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004548:Elasticity; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods*; D008857:Microscopy, Interference / Q000379:methods*; D008863:Microspheres; D011073:Polyamines / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D011137:Polystyrenes / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D002214:Capsules; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D004573:Electrolytes; D011073:Polyamines; D011137:Polystyrenes; C063994:polyallylamine; C003321:polystyrene sulfonic acid