Shape-memory nanoparticles from inherently non-spherical polymer colloids.
Samples of polymeric materials generally have no intrinsic shape; rather their macroscopic form is determined by external forces such as surface tension and memory of shear (for example, during extrusion, moulding or embossing). Hence, in the molten state, the thermodynamically most stable form for polymer (nano)particles is spherical. Here, we present the first example of polymer nanoparticles that have an intrinsic non-spherical shape. We observe the formation of high-aspect-ratio ellipsoidal polymer nanoparticles, of controlled diameter, made from main-chain liquid crystalline polymers using a mini-emulsion technique. The ellipsoidal shape is shown to be an equilibrium (reversible) characteristic and a direct result of the material shape memory when a liquid crystal nanoparticle is in its monodomain form.
Yang
Zhongqiang
Z
Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
Huck
Wilhelm T S
WT
Clarke
Stuart M
SM
Tajbakhsh
Ali R
AR
Terentjev
Eugene M
EM
D003102:Colloids / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods*; D004987:Ethers / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008863:Microspheres; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D043942:Nanotubes / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*
D003102:Colloids; D004987:Ethers; D011108:Polymers