Formation of nanostructured materials via coalescence of amphiphilic hollow particles.
A new, simplified route to amphiphilic core-shell nanotubes, microfibers, and microrods has been developed that does not involve the traditional utilization of well-defined block copolymers. Thus, amphiphilic graft copolymers (PEI-g-PMMA) are prepared by an aqueous free radical polymerization that self-assemble in situ to form uniform core-shell nanoparticles. The hydrophobic homopolymer (PMMA) that is also formed is incorporated in the cores. Slight cross-linking of the shells followed by extraction of the homopolymer results in hollow nanoparticles that coalesce to form nanotubes. When the shells are not cross-linked, the hollow particles coalesce to form microrods and microfibers. The sizes and shapes of the micromaterials can be controlled by varying the experimental conditions.
Sunintaboon
Panya
P
Maurice Morton Institute and Department of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3909, USA.
Ho
Kin Man
KM
Li
Pei
P
Cheng
Stephen Z D
SZ
Harris
Frank W
FW