Research advances in polymer emulsion based on "core-shell" structure particle design

Surface Plasmonic Core-Shell Nanostructures in Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Photocatalysis

Core-shell nanostructures are a typical material design. Usually, it consists of a core wrapped in a shell. It has attracted much attention due to its tunable structure and composition, high surface area, and high programmability. The properties and resonance frequency of their surface plasmons can be adjusted by regulating the shape, size, and composition of metal core-shell nanostructures. This interaction makes core-shell nanostructures an excellent platform for plasmon-enhanced optical effects. This Perspective explores the categories of core-shell nanostructures, their exchanges with excitons in two-dimensional materials, their spectrum-enhanced aspects, and prospects for future applications of core-shell nanostructures.

Spearheading a new era in complex colloid synthesis with TPM and other silanes

Colloid science has recently grown substantially owing to the innovative use of silane coupling agents (SCAs), especially 3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate (TPM). SCAs were previously used mainly as modifying agents, but their ability to form droplets and condense onto pre-existing structures has enabled their use as a versatile and powerful tool to create novel anisotropic colloids with increasing complexity. In this Review, we highlight the advances in complex colloid synthesis facilitated by the use of TPM and show how this has driven remarkable new applications. The focus is on TPM as the current state-of-the-art in colloid science, but we also discuss other silanes and their potential to make an impact. We outline the remarkable properties of TPM colloids and their synthesis strategies, and discuss areas of soft matter science that have benefited from TPM and other SCAs.

One-Step Synthesis of Self-Stratification Core-Shell Latex for Antimicrobial Coating

Herein, we describe a one-step method for synthesizing cationic acrylate-based core-shell latex (CACS latex), which is used to prepare architectural coatings with excellent antimicrobial properties. Firstly, a polymerizable water-soluble quaternary ammonium salt (QAS-BN) was synthesized using 2-(Dimethylamine) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and benzyl bromide by the Hoffman alkylation reaction. Then QAS-BN, butyl acrylate (BA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) as reactants and 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AIBA) as a water-soluble initiator were used to synthesize the CACS latex. The effect of the QAS-BN dosage on the properties of the emulsion and latex film was systematically investigated. The TGA results showed that using QAS-BN reduced the latex film's initial degradation temperature but improved its thermal stability. In the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) photographs, the self-stratification of latex particles with a high dosage of QAS-BN was observed, forming a core-shell structure of latex particles. The DSC, TGA, XPS, SEM, and performance tests confirmed the core-shell structure of the latex particles. The relationship between the formation of the core-shell structure and the content of QAS-BN was proved. The formation of the core-shell structure was due to the preferential reaction of water-soluble monomers in the aqueous phase, which led to the aggregation of hydrophilic groups, resulting in the formation of soft-core and hard-shell latex particles. However, the water resistance of the films formed by CACS latex was greatly reduced. We introduced a p-chloromethyl styrene and n-hexane diamine (p-CMS/EDA) crosslinking system, effectively improving the water resistance in this study. Finally, the antimicrobial coating was prepared with a CACS emulsion of 7 wt.% QAS-BN and 2 wt.% p-CMS/EDA. The antibacterial activity rates of this antimicrobial coating against E. coli and S. aureus were 99.99%. The antiviral activity rates against H₃N₂, HCoV-229E, and EV71 were 99.4%, 99.2%, and 97.9%, respectively. This study provides a novel idea for the morphological design of latex particles. A new architectural coating with broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties was obtained, which has important public health and safety applications.

Controllable Synthesis of Hybrid Dendrimers Composed of a Carbosilane Core and an Aromatic Shell: Does Size Matter?

The controllable synthesis of novel hybrid dendrimers composed of flexible and rigid components was accomplished via effective Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition ("click") reaction between azide-functionalized carbosilane cores of two generations and monoethynyl-substituted hexaphenylbenzene dendron. A comprehensive analysis of the thermal and phase behavior of dendrimers allows us to detect a similar performance of dendrimers of both generations which, in our opinion, can be due to the similar ratio of rigid and flexible blocks in the dendrimers regardless the generation of carbosilane cores. The propensity to crystallization and ordering after the annealing procedure was confirmed by DSC and SWAXS. We found that hybrid dendrimers have a tendency to order depending on their constituents of different structures. This is in contrast to homogeneous dendrimers whose propensity to order is determined by the dendrimer molecule as a whole.

Investigation of Composite Protective Coatings Coregulated by Core-Shell Structures and Graphene Oxide Interfaces

The construction of multiple microstructures is a significant measure in improving the protective performance of composite polymer coatings. In this paper, a novel polystyrene acrylate-highly hydrophobic polysiloxane composite emulsion was fabricated by innovatively integrating the core-shell emulsion method and Pickering emulsion method through the interfacial stabilization and molecular polymerization regulation of graphene oxide, achieving a significant improvement in the compatibility of the thermoplastic core with a thermoset shell. The bonding degree between the polystyrene acrylate (PSA) component and the siloxane component is significantly improved in the synthesized composite emulsions, achieving the dual protection of the cementitious substrate with surface shielding and internal crystalline hydrophobicity. The capillary water absorption of the concrete treated with Pickering emulsions is reduced by over 98.3% with high hydrophobicity and low permeability. Meanwhile, the absolute ζ-potential and impedance of composite membranes reach over 45 mV and 10⁹ ohms, respectively, giving the cementitious substrate excellent resistance to ionic attack and acid/alkaline corrosion. In addition, the composite membranes have excellent resistance to tensile cracking and physical erosion, maintaining a favorable adhesion level and plastic deformation under acid/alkaline attack and thermal aging, respectively.

Core-Shell Microcapsules: Biofabrication and Potential Applications in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

The construction of biomaterial scaffolds that accurately recreate the architecture of living tissues in vitro is a major challenge in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Core-shell microcapsules...

Interface and Interphase in Polymer Nanocomposites with Bare and Core-Shell Gold Nanoparticles

Metal nanoparticles are used to modify/enhance the properties of a polymer matrix for a broad range of applications in bio-nanotechnology. Here, we study the properties of polymer/gold nanoparticle (NP) nanocomposites through atomistic molecular dynamics, MD, simulations. We probe the structural, conformational and dynamical properties of polymer chains at the vicinity of a gold (Au) NP and a functionalized (core/shell) Au NP, and compare them against the behavior of bulk polyethylene (PE). The bare Au NPs were constructed via a systematic methodology starting from ab-initio calculations and an atomistic Wulff construction algorithm resulting in the crystal shape with the minimum surface energy. For the functionalized NPs the interactions between gold atoms and chemically adsorbed functional groups change their shape. As a model polymer matrix we consider polyethylene of different molecular lengths, from the oligomer to unentangled Rouse like systems. The PE/Au interaction is parametrized via DFT calculations. By computing the different properties the concept of the interface, and the interphase as well, in polymer nanocomposites with metal NPs are critically examined. Results concerning polymer density profiles, bond order parameter, segmental and terminal dynamics show clearly that the size of the interface/interphase, depends on the actual property under study. In addition, the anchored polymeric chains change the behavior/properties, and especially the chain density profile and the dynamics, of the polymer chain at the vicinity of the Au NP.

Comparative Study on the Effects of Various Modified Admixtures on the Mechanical Properties of Styrene-Acrylic Emulsion-Based Cement Composite Materials

This study carried out tensile tests at definite elongation, tensile and shear tests on 4 admixture-modified styrene-acrylic emulsion-based cement composites (SECCs), and measured the strength, deformation, and energy consumption indexes of test specimens, so as to investigate the influences of coalescing agent, plasticizer, silane coupling agent, and nanometer aluminium oxide on the bond, tensile, and shear mechanical properties of the test specimens. Additionally, the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) test and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) test were conducted on the composite material specimens, to analyze the microscopic mechanism of different admixtures in modifying the mechanical properties of the SECC. The results suggested that the addition of coalescing agent, plasticizer, silane coupling agent, and nanometer aluminium oxide improved the bond, tensile and shear properties of the SECC specimens to various degrees. Of them, the coalescing agent promoted the mutual cross-linking of organic polymers with inorganic products, and optimized the transition interface to enhance the comprehensive mechanical properties of the test specimens; by contrast, nanometer aluminium oxide developed secondary hydration reaction with the inorganic products, and refined the pore structure to modify the mechanical properties of test specimens. Therefore, both of them achieved significant modification effects. Typically, the optimal bond properties of FFAMC, PLMC, SCAMC, and NAMC test specimens were achieved at the coalescing agent, plasticizer, silane coupling agent, and nanometer aluminium oxide addition amounts of 4%, 1.5%, 3%, and 1%, respectively. Besides, the improving effects of different admixtures on the tensile property of SECC specimens followed the order of coalescing agent > nanometer aluminium oxide > plasticizer > silane coupling agent, with the optimal addition amounts of 4%, 1.5%, 1%, and 2%, respectively. In addition, the improving effects of different admixtures on the shear performance of SECC specimens followed the order of coalescing agent > nanometer aluminium oxide > silane coupling agent > plasticizer, with the optimal addition amounts of 4%, 1.5%, 1%, and 1%, respectively.

Studies on Synthesis and Characterization of Aqueous Hybrid Silicone-Acrylic and Acrylic-Silicone Dispersions and Coatings. Part I

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of the method of synthesis on properties of aqueous hybrid silicone-acrylic (SIL-ACR) and acrylic-silicone (ACR-SIL) dispersions. SIL-ACR dispersions were obtained by emulsion polymerization of mixtures of acrylic and styrene monomers (butyl acrylate, styrene, acrylic acid and methacrylamide) of two different compositions in aqueous dispersions of silicone resins synthesized from mixtures of silicone monomers (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, vinyltriethoxysilane and methyltriethoxysilane) of two different compositions. ACR-SIL dispersions were obtained by emulsion polymerization of mixtures of the same silicone monomers in aqueous dispersions of acrylic/styrene copolymers synthesized from the same mixtures of acrylic and styrene monomers, so the compositions of ACR and SIL parts in corresponding ACR-SIL and SIL-ACR hybrid dispersions were the same. Examination of the properties of hybrid dispersions (particle size, particle structure, minimum film forming temperature, Tg of dispersion solids) as well as of corresponding coatings (contact angle, water resistance, water vapour permeability, impact resistance, elasticity) and films (tensile strength, elongation at break, % swell in toluene), revealed that they depended on the method of dispersion synthesis that led to different dispersion particle structures and on composition of ACR and SIL part. Generally, coatings produced from hybrid dispersions showed much better properties than coatings made from starting acrylic/styrene copolymer dispersions.

Effect of Shell Growth on the Morphology of Polyvinyl Acetate/Polystyrene Inverted Core-Shell Latex Fabricated by Acrylonitrile Grafting

A novel strategy for fabricating inverted core-shell structured latex particles was implemented to investigate the morphology and properties of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)-based latex. In this study, active grafting points were synthesized onto the surface of PVAc latex cores via grafting acrylonitrile (AN) to obtain a controllable coating growth of the shell monomer, styrene (St). The effect of shell growth on the morphological evolvement was explored by tuning the time of shell monomer polymerization. Unique particle morphologies, transferring from "hawthorn" type, over "peeled pomegranate" type, to final "strawberry-like" type, were observed and verified by electron microscopy. The morphological structure of latex particles exerted a significant effect on the particle size, phase structure, and mechanical properties of the obtained emulsions. The water-resistance of PVAc-based latex was also evaluated by the water absorption of latex films. More importantly, the experimental results provided a reasonable support for the controlled growth of St monomer, that is, the self-nucleation of dispersive St monomer can be transformed to in-situ coating growth on the PVAc core surface depending on the AN-active grafting points. This fabricating approach provides a reference for dynamical design and control of the latex particle morphology.

Assembly of colloidal particles in solution

Advances in both top-down and bottom-up syntheses of a wide variety of complex colloidal building blocks and also in methods of controlling their assembly in solution have led to new and interesting forms of highly controlled soft matter. In particular, top-down lithographic methods of producing monodisperse colloids now provide precise human-designed control over their sub-particle features, opening up a wide range of new possibilities for assembly structures that had been previously limited by the range of shapes available through bottom-up methods. Moreover, an increasing level of control over anisotropic interactions between these colloidal building blocks, which can be tailored through local geometries of sub-particle features as well as site-specific surface modifications, is giving rise to new demonstrations of massively parallel off-chip self-assembly of specific target structures with low defect rates. In particular, new experimental realizations of hierarchical self-assembly and control over the chiral purity of resulting assembly structures have been achieved. Increasingly, shape-dependent, shape-complementary, and roughness-controlled depletion attractions between non-spherical colloids are being used in novel ways to create assemblies that go far beyond early examples, such as fractal clusters formed by diffusion-limited and reaction-limited aggregation of spheres. As self-assembly methods have progressed, a wide variety of advanced directed assembly methods have also been developed; approaches based on microfluidic control and applying structured electromagnetic fields are particularly promising.

A strategy for the synthesis of VN@C and VC@C core–shell composites with hierarchically porous structures and large specific surface areas for high performance symmetric supercapacitors

A novel strategy for the fabrication of VN@C and VC@C was developed by the thermal treatment with H₂V₃O₈@C under N₂ and Ar atmospheres. VN@C SSC device exhibited better electrochemical performance than VC@C SSC device.

Core-shell nano-latex blending method to prepare multi-shape memory polymers

Multi-shape memory polymers were prepared by blending a series of styrene (St)-block-(styrene-random-meth acrylate (MA))-block-styrene triblock copolymer nano-latexes. These latexes synthesized using a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization method have a core-shell structure. The cores are formed by the middle poly(St-random-MA) blocks. They act as transition phases with variable transition temperatures via adjusting the St/MA ratio. When the latexes are blended with an identical PSt shell but different poly(St-random-MA) cores, the shells play a role in preventing the aggregation of these poly(St-random-MA) cores forming a crosslinked network after hot-press treatment. Therefore a polymer with well-distributed multiple nanophases is achieved, which shows a quadruple-shape memory behavior. Furthermore, the shape memory and recovery performance at a certain temperature can be improved on purpose by increasing the mass ratio of the corresponding transition phases, which can be realized via simply varying the blending ratio of different latexes. An optimized multi-shape memory polymer with the shape memory and recovery ratio higher than 80% at all the transition temperatures is achieved.

Research Advances of Microencapsulation and Its Prospects in the Petroleum Industry

Additives in the petroleum industry have helped form an efficient system in the past few decades. Nowadays, the development of oil and gas has been facing more adverse conditions, and smart response microcapsules with the abilities of self-healing, and delayed and targeted release are introduced to eliminate obstacles for further exploration in the petroleum industry. However, limited information is available, only that of field measurement data, and not mechanism theory and structural innovation data. Thus we propose that the basic type, preparation, as well as mechanism of microcapsules partly depend on other mature fields. In this review, we explore the latest advancements in evaluating microcapsules, such as X-ray computed tomography (XCT), simulation, and modeling. Finally, some novel microencapsulated additives with unparalleled advantages, such as flexibility, efficiency, and energy-conservation are described.

A “green” method for preparing ABCBA penta-block elastomers by using RAFT emulsion polymerization

A clean method for preparing ABCBA penta-block terpolymers was developed in a surfactant and organic solvent free emulsion system via one-pot RAFT polymerization.

Organic-Inorganic Hydrophobic Nanocomposite Film with a Core-Shell Structure

A method to prepare novel organic-inorganic hydrophobic nanocomposite films was proposed by a site-specific polymerization process. The inorganic part, the core of the nanocomposite, is a ternary SiO₂–Al₂O₃–TiO₂ nanoparticles, which is grafted with methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane (KH570), and wrapped by fluoride and siloxane polymers. The synthesized samples are characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrscopy, X-ray diffractometry (XRD), contact angle meter (CA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicate that the novel organic-inorganic hydrophobic nanocomposite with a core-shell structure was synthesized successfully. XRD analysis reveals the nanocomposite film has an amorphous structure, and FTIR analysis indicates the nanoparticles react with a silane coupling agent (methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane KH570). Interestingly, the morphology of the nanoparticle film is influenced by the composition of the core. Further, comparing with the film synthesized by silica nanoparticles, the film formed from SiO₂–Al₂O₃–TiO₂ nanoparticles has higher hydrophobic performance, i.e., the contact angle is greater than 101.7°. In addition, the TEM analysis reveals that the crystal structure of the particles can be changed at high temperatures.

One-step reactivity-driven synthesis of core–shell structured electrically conducting particles for biomedical applications

A simple one-pot and one-step emulsion polymerization of conductive and functional core–shell particles is reported, based on the difference in reactivity between pyrrole and its derivative.

Preparation and adsorption behaviour of cationic nanoparticles for sugarcane fibre modification

Cationic nanoparticles with a core–shell structure and high zeta potential were prepared by two-step semi-batch emulsion polymerization and pre-emulsification technology using the cationic emulsifier hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC).

Silicone-containing aqueous polymer dispersions with hybrid particle structure

In this paper the synthesis, characterization and application of silicone-containing aqueous polymer dispersions (APD) with hybrid particle structure are reviewed based on available literature data. Advantages of synthesis of dispersions with hybrid particle structure over blending of individual dispersions are pointed out. Three main processes leading to silicone-containing hybrid APD are identified and described in detail: (1) emulsion polymerization of organic unsaturated monomers in aqueous dispersions of silicone polymers or copolymers, (2) emulsion copolymerization of unsaturated organic monomers with alkoxysilanes or polysiloxanes with unsaturated functionality and (3) emulsion polymerization of alkoxysilanes (in particular with unsaturated functionality) and/or cyclic siloxanes in organic polymer dispersions. The effect of various factors on the properties of such hybrid APD and films as well as on hybrid particles composition and morphology is presented. It is shown that core-shell morphology where silicones constitute either the core or the shell is predominant in hybrid particles. Main applications of silicone-containing hybrid APD and related hybrid particles are reviewed including (1) coatings which show specific surface properties such as enhanced water repellency or antisoiling or antigraffiti properties due to migration of silicone to the surface, and (2) impact modifiers for thermoplastics and thermosets. Other processes in which silicone-containing particles with hybrid structure can be obtained (miniemulsion polymerization, polymerization in non-aqueous media, hybridization of organic polymer and polysiloxane, emulsion polymerization of silicone monomers in silicone polymer dispersions and physical methods) are also discussed. Prospects for further developments in the area of silicone-containing hybrid APD and related hybrid particles are presented.

Biocompatible long-sustained release oil-core polyelectrolyte nanocarriers: From controlling physical state and stability to biological impact

It has been generally expected that the most applicable drug delivery system (DDS) should be biodegradable, biocompatible and with incidental adverse effects. Among many micellar aggregates and their mediated polymeric systems, polyelectrolyte oil-core nanocarriers have been found to successfully encapsulate hydrophobic drugs in order to target cells and avoid drug degradation and toxicity as well as to improve drug efficacy, its stability, and better intracellular penetration. This paper reviews recent developments in the formation of polyelectrolyte oil-core nanocarriers by subsequent multilayer adsorption at micellar structures, their imaging, physical state and stability, drug encapsulation and applications, in vitro release profiles and in vitro biological evaluation (cellular uptake and internalization, biocompatibility). We summarize the recent results concerning polyelectrolyte/surfactant interactions at interfaces, fundamental to understand the mechanisms of formation of stable polyelectrolyte layered structures on liquid cores. The fabrication of emulsion droplets stabilized by synergetic surfactant/polyelectrolyte complexes, properties, and potential applications of each type of polyelectrolyte oil-core nanocarriers, including stealth nanocapsules with pegylated shell, are discussed and evaluated.

Regulating the size and molecular weight of polymeric particles by 1,1-diphenylethene controlled soap-free emulsion polymerization

Nanoparticles with various sizes and molecular weights were produced via altering the amount of the monomer and DPE in the SFEP.