PS colloidal particles stabilized by graphene oxide

Exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) sheets with hydrophilic functional groups on the surface were prepared by the oxidation of graphite. Because of the hydrophilic groups on the sheets and the hydrophobic carbon surface, GO sheets were located at the oil-water interface and could be used as a stabilizer in Pickering emulsions. After the Pickering emulsion polymerization of styrene, PS colloidal particles with GO sheets on the surface were prepared. The size of the GO sheets exerts an important influence on the preparation of PS colloidal particles. Small GO sheets located at the liquid-liquid interface and GO-stabilized PS colloidal particles were prepared; however, for large GO sheets, smaller PS colloidal particles prepared on the GO surface were observed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to characterize the structure and morphology of the colloidal particles. TEM, SEM, and XPS results all suggest the successful preparation of GO-stabilized PS colloidal particles.     

Synthesis,characterization and optical properties of graphene oxide–polystyrene nanocomposites

The synthesis of graphene oxide (GO)–polystyrene (PS) Pickering emulsions, as environment‐friendly nanostructures suitable for novel applications, has received significant attention in recent years. In this work, the synthesis and characterization of GO–PS nanocomposites through seeded emulsion polymerization and the selective light reflection properties of dry films have been reported. Amphiphilic molecule sulfonated 3‐pentadecyl phenol was used as a co‐surfactant to stabilize GO dispersions during the emulsion polymerization process. The particle size of the dispersions as measured by dynamic light scattering decreases from 540 nm, for PS without any GO, to 88 nm with 1 wt% GO content. Scanning electron microscopy studies show a uniform size distribution of the composite particles prepared with GO. The dried films show a structural color that varies with the GO content. The self‐assembly behavior of the dried film was further studied using reflectance spectroscopy, which shows a red shift of the reflectance maximum from 440 to 538 nm as the GO loading was increased from 0.2 to 0.5 wt%, respectively, indicating a different microstructure. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to study the morphology and structure of the composite particles on drying. The AFM study confirms the non‐spherical shape of the particles. Thermogravimetric analysis shows improved thermal decomposition characteristics of the nanocomposite films. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of polystyrene/poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-stat-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate] core-shell latex particles by seeded emulsion polymerization and their application as stimulus-responsive particulate emulsifiers for oil-in-water emulsions

Surfactant-stabilized polystyrene (PS) latex particles with a mean hydrodynamic diameter of 155 nm were prepared by aqueous emulsion polymerization using 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride as a cationic radical initiator. Seeded aqueous emulsion copolymerizations of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) were conducted in the presence of these PS particles to produce two batches of colloidally stable core-shell latex particles, in which the shell comprised a cross-linked P(DMA-stat-EGDMA) overlayer. Both the PS and PS/P(DMA-stat-EGDMA) latexes were characterized in terms of their particle size, morphology, and composition using dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and FT-IR spectroscopy, respectively. Using the PS/P(DMA-stat-EGDMA) latex particles as a pH-responsive particulate ('Pickering'-type) emulsifier, polydisperse n-dodecane-in-water emulsions were prepared at pH 8 that could be partially broken (demulsified) on lowering the solution pH to 3. These emulsions were characterized in terms of their emulsion type, mean droplet diameter, and morphology using electrical conductivity and Mastersizer measurements, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (using critical point drying for sample preparation).     

纳米玉米醇溶蛋白微球稳定的O/W型Pickering乳液

利用相分离工艺制备玉米醇溶蛋白(zein)纳米微球,微球粒径可控制在40 nm左右;经旋转蒸发制得zein溶胶体系,zein溶胶具有明显的丁达尔现象,静置数月不聚沉,Zeta电位法测得zein微球在pH值为4.0时分散性能最佳。 以纳米zein微球为固相稳定剂制备O/W型Pickering乳液,考察了zein胶体加入量、油水体积比等因素对乳液稳定性的影响。 实验结果表明,zein胶体加入量的质量分数控制为0.4%,高油水体积比将有利于Pickering乳液的长时间稳定。 基于zein分子的两亲结构和界面组装特点,提出了zein微球稳定Pickering乳液的作用机制。     

Pickering emulsion polymerization of graphene oxide-stabilized styrene

Polystyrene (PS) particles were prepared via Pickering emulsion polymerization using graphene oxide (GO) as the stabilizer. The results show that pH is an important factor in the stability of Pickering emulsions. The effects of two different phase initiators, the water phase initiator potassium persulfate and the oil phase initiator azobisisobutyronitrile, on the morphology of PS particles in Pickering emulsion polymerization had been investigated in detail. Wrinkled particles were prepared using the water phase initiator, and spherical particles were prepared using the oil phase initiator. In addition, hexadecane was used as the auxiliary stabilizer in the polymerization, which narrowed the diameter distribution of the PS spheres, and the hollow PS spheres were fabricated. The size of the GO particles also influenced the final morphology of the particles. Nano-sized polymer particles were grafted onto the surface of micro-sized GO. Small GO particles were suitable for Pickering emulsion polymerization to prepare the composite particles. The thermogravimetric analysis of the prepared particles confirmed that they were PS/GO composite particles, which could have a wide range of potential applications, such as in catalysts, sensors, environmental remediation, and energy storage.     

A novel formulation of the pickering emulsion stabilized with silica nanoparticles and its thermal resistance at high temperatures

Stabilization of emulsions with solid particles can be used in several fields of oil and gas industry because of their higher stability. Solid particles should be amphiphilic to be able to make Pickering emulsions. This goal is achieved by using surfactants at low concentrations. Oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions are usually stabilized by surfactant but show poor thermal stability. This problem limits their applications at high-temperature conditions. In this study, a novel formulation for o/w stabilized emulsion by using silica nanoparticles and the nonionic surfactant is investigated for the formulation of thermally stable Pickering emulsion. The experiments performed on this Pickering emulsion formula showed higher thermal stability than conventional emulsions. The optimum wettability was found for DME surfactant and silica nanoparticles, consequently, in that region; Pickering emulsion showed the highest stability. Rheological changes were evaluated versus variation in surfactant concentration, silica concentration and pH. Scanning electron microscopy images approved the existence of a rigid layer of nanoparticle at the oil-water interface. Finally, the results show this type of emulsion remains stable in harsh conditions and allows the system to reach its optimum rheology without adding any further additives.     

Fabrication of macroporous foam and microspheres of polystyrene by Pickering emulsion polymerization

Poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) (PS-co-MAA) particles were synthesized via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization and then used as particulate emulsifiers for preparation of Pickering emulsions. Our results showed that adjusting the solution pH can tune the wettability of PS-co-MAA particles to stabilize either water-in-oil (W/O) or oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions. Stable W/O emulsions were obtained with PS-co-MAA particles at low pH values due to their better affinity to the dispersed oil phase. In contrast, increasing the pH value significantly changed the stabilizing behavior of the PS-co-MAA particles, leading to the phase inversion and formation of stable O/W emulsions. We found that the oil/water ratio had a significant influence on pH value of the phase inversion. It decreased with decreasing the oil/water ratio, and no phase inversion occurred when the styrene volume fraction reduced to 10 %. Additionally, macroporous polystyrene (PS) foam and PS microspheres were obtained via polymerization of Pickering high internal phase emulsion (Pickering HIPE) and O/W Pickering emulsion, respectively.     

Cagelike polymer microspheres with hollow core/porous shell structures

Submicron‐scaled cagelike polymer microspheres with hollow core/porous shell were synthesized by self‐assembling of sulfonated polystyrene (PS) latex particles at monomer droplets interface. The swelling of the PS latex particles by the oil phase provided a driving force to develop the hollow core. The latex particles also served as porogen that would disengage automatically during polymerization. Influential factors that control the morphology of the microspheres, including the reserving time of emulsions, polymerization rate, and the Hildebrand solubility parameter and polarity of the oil phase, were studied. A variety of monomers were polymerized into microspheres with hollow core/porous shell structure and microspheres with different diameters and pore sizes were obtained. The polymer microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, optical microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 933–941, 2007     

Biocompatible and pH-Responsive Colloidal Surfactants with Tunable Shape for Controlled Interfacial Curvature

Molecular-surfactant-stabilized emulsions are susceptible to coalescence and Ostwald ripening. Amphiphilic particles, which have a much stronger anchoring strength at the interface, could effectively alleviate these problems to form stable Pickering emulsions. Herein, we describe a versatile method to fabricate biocompatible amphiphilic dimer particles through controlled coprecipitation and phase separation. The dimer particles consist of a hydrophobic PLA bulb and a hydrophilic shellac–PEG bulb, thus resembling nonionic molecular surfactants. The size and diameter ratio of the dimer particles are readily tunable, providing flexible control over the water/oil interfacial curvature and thus the type of emulsion. The particle-stabilized emulsions were stable for a long period of time and could be destabilized through a pH-triggered response. The biocompatible amphiphilic dimer particles with tunable morphology and functionality are thus ideal colloidal surfactants for various applications.     

Biocompatible and pH‐Responsive Colloidal Surfactants with Tunable Shape for Controlled Interfacial Curvature

Molecular‐surfactant‐stabilized emulsions are susceptible to coalescence and Ostwald ripening. Amphiphilic particles, which have a much stronger anchoring strength at the interface, could effectively alleviate these problems to form stable Pickering emulsions. Herein, we describe a versatile method to fabricate biocompatible amphiphilic dimer particles through controlled coprecipitation and phase separation. The dimer particles consist of a hydrophobic PLA bulb and a hydrophilic shellac–PEG bulb, thus resembling nonionic molecular surfactants. The size and diameter ratio of the dimer particles are readily tunable, providing flexible control over the water/oil interfacial curvature and thus the type of emulsion. The particle‐stabilized emulsions were stable for a long period of time and could be destabilized through a pH‐triggered response. The biocompatible amphiphilic dimer particles with tunable morphology and functionality are thus ideal colloidal surfactants for various applications.     

Pickering乳液模板法制备Janus粒子

本文以SiO₂粒子稳定的水包油(O/W)型Pickering乳液作为模板, 在乳液连续相进行SI-ATRP, 将聚合物刷接枝到SiO₂粒子外半表面, 破乳得到半修饰的Janus粒子.     

Effect of initiation site location on morphology of polymer microspheres via pickering polymerization

A novel way is introduced to control polymerization routes and morphology of final polymer microspheres during the Pickering polymerization. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)‐modified silica and different initiators are used simultaneously to determine the initiation location, nucleation step, and morphology of final particles. As Pickering stabilizer, the CTAB‐modified silica is characterized by dynamic light scattering. The size and distribution of the oil droplets stabilized by the silica nanoparticles is observed by optical microscopy. The resulted silica/polymer composite microspheres are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The silica content is measured by thermogravimetric analysis. It is proven that both surface property of inorganic particles and type of initiators can greatly affect the polymerization routes and the morphology of the obtained polymer microspheres. Detailed formation mechanisms of several kinds of polymer particles are also proposed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Synthesis of worm-like superparamagnetic P(St-AA)@Fe3O4/SiO2 Janus composite particles

Novel Janus nanocomposite particles with superparamagnetic P(St-AA)@Fe₃O₄ seed microspheres as head and worm-like SiO₂ as body were successfully prepared. The effects of different variables such as the amount of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and ammonia and the composition of inorganic precursors and surfactants on the morphologies of final particles were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Due to the amphiphilic difference between the two parts as well as their special morphologies, the fabricated worm-like particles could be applied to stabilize oil/water mixtures even if owing relative hydrophilic properties that might provide a new category of functional solid surfactants in Pickering emulsions and the fabrication of hierarchical materials.     

基于纳米氢氧化镁稳定的Pickering乳液悬浮聚合制备盔甲结构聚苯乙烯@氢氧化镁复合微球

以苯乙烯为单体、 偶氮二异丁腈(AIBN)为引发剂、 片状纳米氢氧化镁(MH)为Pickering稳定剂, 采用悬浮聚合法制备盔甲结构的聚苯烯@氢氧化镁(PS@MH)复合微球. 采用扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、 能谱分析(EDS)、 傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、 X射线衍射(XRD)、 热失重分析(TGA)和微型燃烧量热分析(MCC)等对PS@MH复合微球进行表征, 确认了其形貌和结构: 纳米氢氧化镁紧密包覆在聚苯乙烯微球表面, 形成了以纳米氢氧化镁为外层、 聚苯乙烯为内球的盔甲结构复合微球; 同时证明了具有盔甲结构的PS@MH复合微球能降低热释放速率, 抑制聚合物的降解. 该方法操作简单, 成本低廉, 制得的盔甲结构PS@MH复合微球粒径尺寸小、 分布窄, 球形度较高.     

The preparation of composite microsphere with hollow core/porous shell structure by self-assembling of latex particles at emulsion droplet interface

A submicrometer-scaled polystyrene/melamine-formaldehyde hollow microsphere composite was prepared by self-assembling of sulfonated polystyrene (SPS) latex particles at the interface of emulsion droplets and then being fixed in place using a hard melamine-formaldehyde (MF) composite layer. For control-released purposes, the influential factors that control the size and uniformity of the packed-droplets and the permeability of the composite shell, including the initial particle location, the hydrophilicity and the size of colloidal templates, the oil phase solvent and reserving time of emulsions after the addition of MF prepolymer, were further studied. Relatively uniform sized particle packed-droplets with an average diameter of 10 microm were obtained. The assembled SPS particles kept ordering and minimal conglutination after the preparation of composite microspheres, which allows of controlling the permeability from the interstices between the particles. Porous-mesh-structured MF composite layer was formed to further control the permeability. The morphology of emulsions and composite microspheres were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.     

Hollow microspheres with covalent‐bonded colloidal and polymeric shell by Pickering emulsion polymerization

Hollow microspheres with SiO₂/polymer binary shell were fabricated from Pickering emulsion stabilized solely by methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane‐modified SiO₂ particles, and were characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The microspheres were templated by the Pickering droplets and the inner structure was affect by the proportion of crosslinking reagent. TGA result indicated that 60.3% of polymer in the shell was connected with SiO₂ by covalent bond which was formed by copolymerization of styrene and the reactive C?C group on SiO₂ stabilizer. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of styrene/acrylic acid copolymer microspheres: polymerization mechanism and carboxyl group distribution

 Poly(styrene-co-acrylic acid) (St/AA) copolymer microspheres were prepared by batch emulsifier-free emulsion copolymerization of St with AA. The monomer conversion, the morphology and the composition of the particles along the polymerization process were monitored by a gravimetric method, transmission electron microscopy observation and Fourier transform IR analysis, respectively. A shift of the polymerization locus from inside the particles to “outside” the particles in the postnucleation stage was proposed. The results of the study of the distribution of carboxyl groups by a combination of elemental and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses implied a core/shell structure for the St/AA copolymer microspheres. By chemical metal deposition, nickel particles were formed and deposited on the surface of St/AA microspheres, forming polymer/metal composite particles. Received: 16 February 2001 Accepted: 8 August 2001     

Rapid Synthesis of Monodisperse Polystyrene Microspheres and Self-Assembly of Colloidal Crystals on Mica

Polystyrene (PS) colloidal particles were prepared in aqueous solution by a quick emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization (EFEP) method. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images indicate that the as-synthesized particles have good sphericity and uniform size (dispersion coefficient C_v is less than 5%). The monodisperse PS microspheres with different diameter were obtained easily by varying the monomer concentration. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) images show that the PS microspheres were self-assembled into three-dimensional ordered structure on micas by dropping-casting method. The self-assembly method is simple and quick. Based on the experimental results, a possible self-assembly mechanism was proposed.     

Synthesis of microcapsules with polystyrene/ZnO hybrid shell by Pickering emulsion polymerization

Polystyrene/zinc oxide (ZnO) hybrid microcapsules having polystyrene as inner shell and ZnO nanoparticles as outer shell were synthesized by Pickering emulsion polymerization method. ZnO nanoparticles were used to form the colloidosomes that worked as the polymerization vessels, where both styrene monomer and crosslink agent were polymerized together. Fourier transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetric thermograms showed the existence of ZnO and polystyrene in the shell of hybrid microcapsules. The hollow structure and the different morphology under various conditions were also observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the shell thickness of hybrid microcapsules increased as the monomer concentration increased. The photoluminescence property of PS/ZnO hybrid microcapsules could be maintained without any noticeable variation by comparing with the pure ZnO particles. It could be reasonably deduced that hybrid hollow microspheres with multifarious polymer as inner shell and ZnO nanoparticles as outer shell would be produced for many applications.     

Synthesis of large-sized monodisperse polystyrene microspheres by dispersion polymerization with dropwise monomer feeding procedure

Highly monodisperse polystyrene (PS) microspheres in the size range of 3.75–7.09 μm were synthesized by dispersion polymerization with dropwise monomer feeding procedure. The morphology, size, and particle size distribution (PSD) of the PS microspheres obtained by different monomer feeding modes, including batch polymerization and various feeding rates, were investigated. The PSD of particles showed a close dependence on feeding rate. The PS microspheres with low coefficient of variation (CV) values all less than 4.8% obtained by the optimum feeding rates revealed better uniformity than those by batch polymerization (CV values all more than 8.2%). According to the time courses of monomer conversion and particle numbers, the effects of monomer feeding modes on the polymerization reaction of the large-sized PS microspheres were clarified. It is found that the dropwise monomer feeding procedure is promising for the synthesis of large-sized monodisperse PS particles in 3.75–7.09 μm.