title: Density profiles of temperature-sensitive microgel particles.
abstract: We have performed small angle neutron scattering measurements (SANS) on dilute aqueous dispersions of polymer microgel particles as a function of temperature, T . The microgel particles are spherical crosslinked assemblies of a loose gel network of a poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) polymer. When the temperature is raised beyond a critical temperature, T(lc) approximately 32 degrees C , the polymer becomes more strongly attracted to itself than the solvent, and the microgel particles contract. The measured form factor, F (q) , for dilute suspensions of uniform microgel particles exhibits many peaks that are characteristic of solid polymer nanospheres. The position and amplitude of the peaks as a function of wave number, q , provide insight into the density profile of poly-NIPAM within the microgels. These peaks can be described well over a wide range of temperature by a model of the polymer density within the particles that is constant up to an inner radius, R1 , and decreases linearly to zero at an outer radius, R2 .
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA.
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: M Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Lin