Harnessing Particle Size Segregation To Tune Molecular Additive Distribution in Coatings.

ABSTRACT: The spatial distribution of small-molecule additives within polymer coatings plays a critical role in determining their performance, from antimicrobial activity to corrosion resistance. While size segregation during film formation has been harnessed to control the distribution of nanoparticles or polymers, its potential for controlling the molecular additive distribution remains largely unexplored. Here, we investigate how bimodal colloidal blends can direct the positioning of a model additive, nickel-(II) phthalocyanine (NiPc), during drying. Using complementary microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, we show that NiPc predominantly associates with the smaller particles in the blend due to their larger total surface area. At low and medium relative humidities, this leads to an enrichment

SUBMITTER: Le H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12828723 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature