Direct Monitoring of Microgel Formation during Precipitation Polymerization of N-Isopropylacrylamide Using in Situ SANS.

ABSTRACT: Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels have found various uses in fundamental polymer and colloid science as well as in different applications. They are conveniently prepared by precipitation polymerization. In this reaction, radical polymerization and colloidal stabilization interact with each other to produce well-defined thermosensitive particles of narrow size distribution. However, the underlying mechanism of precipitation polymerization has not been fully understood. In particular, the crucial early stages of microgel formation have been poorly investigated so far. In this contribution, we have used small-angle neutron scattering in conjunction with a stopped-flow device to monitor the particle growth during precipitation polymerization in situ. The average particle volume grow

SUBMITTER: Virtanen OLJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6648459 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature