Multihollow polymer microcapsules by water-in-oil-in-water emulsion polymerization: morphological study and entrapment characteristics

Multihollow cross-linked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microcapsules were produced by water-in-oil-in-water emulsion polymerization and their applicability to encapsulate water-soluble ingredients was evaluated. In the microscopic analysis, all the PMMA microcapsules showed multihollow structures. In order to evaluate the entrapment efficacy, continuously, a water-soluble ingredient (monosodium phosphate, MSP) was incorporated into the inner voids of the microcapsules, and then its releasing profiles were measured with the storage conditions in pure water. In the releasing test, it was observed that the degree of cross-linking of PMMA had a significant influence on the migration of MSP through the polymer phase. At a sufficient degree of cross-linking of the polymer phase, the leakage of MSP out of the microcapsules was stopped successfully. It is believed that the extremely small network size and the mechanically strong network structure hindered effectively the water flow caused by the concentration gradient between water-soluble ingredients.     

A novel method for encapsulation of a liquid crystal in monodisperse micron-sized polymer particles

Liquid crystals (LCs) encapsulated in monodisperse micron-sized polymer particles were prepared to control the size and size distribution of LC droplets in polymer-dispersed LCs. The poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) seed particles were swollen with the mixture of liquid crystal, monomers (methyl methacrylate and styrene) and initiator by using a diffusion-controlled swelling method. A single LC domain was produced by the phase separation between PMMA and LC through polymerization. The optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that the particles are highly monodisperse with core–shell structure. Moreover, monodisperse LC core domains were confirmed from polarized optical microscope observations. The final particle morphology was influenced by the cross-linking of the seed particle. When linear PMMA particles, which are not cross-linked, were used as a seed, the microcapsules were distorted after annealing for a few days; however, in the case of cross-linked PMMA particles, the core–shell structure was sustained stably after annealing. Received: 22 November 2000 Accepted: 12 March 2001     

Preparation of cholesteric liquid crystal microcapsules for application in colour image storage media

Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) microcapsules for application in image storage media can be obtained via a diffusion-controlled polymerization method (DPM). To improve the swelling of the CLC seed particle, in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA), a polymerizable acrylate based on a cholesterol moiety was synthesized and copolymerized with MMA to prepare the seed particle. As a result, monodispersed and CLC core/shell-structured microcapsules may be obtained. The resulting CLC microcapsules selectively, absorbed visible light at around 660 nm, and so appeared blue in the mesophase. Polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid crystal (PDCLC) cells were prepared using the CLC microcapsules, and were used as an image storage medium in reversible writing/erasing experiments.     

The effect of mono-sized liquid crystal domains on electro-optical properties in a polymer dispersed liquid crystal prepared by using monodisperse poly(methylmethacrylate)/liquid crystal microcapsules

Highly mono-sized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/liquid crystal (LC) microcapsules having a mono-sized single LC domain were prepared by the solute codiffusion method and solvent evaporation. The size of the LC domain in the microcapsules could be controlled by the amount of LC introduced during the swelling stage. The electro-optical properties of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) prepared by using the microcapsules was highly improved. In particular, the threshold voltage was lowered and the switching behaviour with an applied electric field was sharpened drastically compared with PDLC prepared simply by solvent evaporation-induced phase separation.     

The effect of mono-sized liquid crystal domains on electro-optical properties in a polymer dispersed liquid crystal prepared by using monodisperse poly(methylmethacrylate)/liquid crystal microcapsules

Highly mono-sized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/liquid crystal (LC) microcapsules having a mono-sized single LC domain were prepared by the solute codiffusion method and solvent evaporation. The size of the LC domain in the microcapsules could be controlled by the amount of LC introduced during the swelling stage. The electro-optical properties of the polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) prepared by using the microcapsules was highly improved. In particular, the threshold voltage was lowered and the switching behaviour with an applied electric field was sharpened drastically compared with PDLC prepared simply by solvent evaporation-induced phase separation.     

Some Peculiarities of the Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate in the Presence of Low Molecular Weight Liquid Crystals

Abstract

Radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of propylbenzene, benzonitrile, their equimolar mixture, and a mixture of nematic liquid crystals (LC) was studied. Chain transfer reaction and unexpected dependence of the initial polymerization rate on LC concentration were revealed by means of UV spectrophotometry, viscometry, and dilatometry. The chain transfer reaction which occurred at the boundary of LC domains in the polymer matrix caused binding of some of the LC molecules to the macromolecules of PMMA. An increase in the initial rate of polymerization and a decrease of polydispersity were explained with formation of the LC phase because growth of the macroradicals continued not only in the homogeneous polymer phase but simultaneously also at the interfacial boundary between the polymer matrix and the LC phase. It is assumed that the LC molecules anchored to the PMMA matrix can affect the mobility of free LC molecules in the LC domains when an external electric field is applied to LC/polymer composite films.     

Aqueous dispersions of cholesteric liquid crystals and their optical properties

This paper reports on a theoretical and experimental investigation of light transmission by a layer of aqueous suspension of polymer dispersed cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) with a helical molecular structure. The transmission spectra and the spectral order parameter of the supramolecular texture of CLC confirm the high degree of ordering of CLC molecules in the spherical cells. Cell morphology and the spectral dependences of light transmission by the plane-parallel layer of CLC aqueous dispersion are considered.     

Microencapsulation of cholesteryl alkanoate by polymerization‐induced phase separation and its association with drugs

A new microencapsulation technique is presented in which cholesteryl nonanoate (CN)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microcapsules are produced by the induction of phase separation between CN and PMMA within the droplets during the polymerization. The concentration of CN is the most important factor determining the final morphology of the microcapsules. For example, a polynuclear type is obtained at a low concentration (<20 wt %), a mononuclear type is obtained at a medium concentration (20–30 wt %), and an irregular phase is obtained at a high concentration (>40 wt %). To evaluate the effectiveness of the technique for stabilizing an unstable drug, we selected retinol (vitamin A) as a model drug and loaded it into the CN/PMMA microcapsules. We used a process called solute codiffusion, in which a fine solvent emulsion containing the retinol was diffused uniformly into the CN/PMMA microcapsules. The loading efficiency of retinol was predicted successfully with the aid of a thermodynamic equation. In the thermal stability test of retinol, we found that an effective association with the CN phase was the most important factor determining the limit of its molecular stability. The technique reported in this article has great potential for the microencapsulation of soft materials via a simple process and for the stabilization of unstable drugs. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2202–2213, 2004     

聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯/聚(异戊二烯-co-苯乙烯)核壳纳米乳液的合成与直接氢化方法的研究

利用可控微乳液法合成粒径19~200 nm,且呈球状分布均匀的聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯/聚(异戊二烯-co-苯乙烯)(PMMA/PIS)核壳纳米粒子,通过水合肼产生原位氢的技术,对合成的PMMA/PIS乳液体系进行直接常压氢化,对影响氢化度的因素、聚合物氢化前后结构、热性能进行了研究.结果显示,聚合物粒径、水合肼及双氧水用量等都是影响聚合物的氢化度的因素.研究发现,氢化以PMMA为核,PIS为壳的核壳结构乳液可以显著提高PIS氢化程度,减少氢化过程中凝胶产生.利用FTIR、~1H-NMR、Na_2S_2O_3滴定法测定了乳液的氢化度.结果表明,当聚合物粒径小于200 nm时,乳液氢化度可达到95%以上,且无凝胶现象产生.GPC结果证明了反应是氢化而非凝胶过程.利用TEM、DLS测试了氢化后乳液的核壳结构和粒径.实验结果显示,PMMA/HPIS为核壳纳米结构.TGA结果显示,当氢化度为98%时,聚合物耐热性提高41°C.     

The Research on Polymer Microcapsulation for Cell Technology

Microcapsulation is a technology that enwrapped the solid or liquid or some gas matter with membrane materials to form microparticles(i.e.microcapsules). The materials of microcapsule is composed of naturnal polymers or modified naturnal polymers or synthesized polymers. The water-soluble core matter can only use oil-soluble wall materials, and vice versa.Synthesized methods of polymer microcapsulesSynthesized methods with monomers as raw materialsThis kind of methods include suspension polymerization, emulsion polymerization, dispersal polymerization, precipitation polymerization,suspension condensation polymerization, dispersal condensation polymerization, deposition condensation polymerization, interface condensation polymerization, and so on.Synthesized methods with polymers as raw materialsThese methods are suspension cross-linked polymerization, coacervation phase separation,extraction with solvent evaporation, polymer deposition, polymer chelation, polymer gel,solidification of melting polymer, tray-painted ways, fluidized bed ways, and so forth.Polymer materials to synthesize microcapsules2.1. Naturnal polymer materialsThe characteristics of this kind of materials are easy to form membrane, good stability and no toxicity. The polymer materials include lipids(liposome), amyloses, proteins, plant gels, waxes, etc.2.2. Modified polymer materialsThe characteristics of these materials are little toxicity, high viscidity(viscosity), soluble salt materials. But they cannot be used in water, acidic environment and high temperature environment for a long time. The materials include all kind of derivants of celluloses.2.3. Synthesized polymer materialsThe characteristics of the materials are easy to form membrane, good stability and adjustment of membrane properties. The synthesized polymer materials include degradable polymers(PLA, PGA,PLGA, PCL, PHB, PHV, PHA, PEG, PPG and the like) and indegradable polymers(PA, PMMA,PAM, PS, PVC, PB, PE, PU, PUA, PVA and otherwise).The applications of polymer microcapsules in cell technologyThe "artificial cell" is the biological active microcapsule used in biological and medical fields.The applications of cells (including transgenic cells, the same as artificial cells) technology include several aspects as follows:3.1. Microcapsulation of artificial red cell3.2. Microcapsule of artificial cell of biological enzyme3.3. Microcapsule of artificial cell of magnetic material3.4. Microcapsule of artificial cell of active carbon3.5. Microcapsule of active biological cell     

Polymer-additive extraction via pressurized fluids and organic solvents of variously cross-linked poly(methylmethacrylates)

Variously cross-linked poly(methylmethacrylates) (PMMAs) are synthesized with three additives incorporated at theoretically 1000 microg of the additive per gram of prepared polymer. The additives are Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076, and Irgafos 168. The in-house" synthesized polyacrylates are then subjected to supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to determine if additive recovery is a function of percent cross-linking. Although considerable work in this regard has been performed with non-cross-linked polyolefins, the literature is lacking regarding polyacrylates. Some additive degradation apparently occurs during the synthesis, as judged by the increased complexity of the extract high-performance liquid chromatographic trace and the low percent recoveries observed especially for the Irganoxes. For low polymer cross-linking (1%), it appears that both PMMA synthetic reproducibility and readily observed polymer swelling during SFE are serious issues that adversely affect additive percent recovery and precision of results. Higher percent cross-linking yields more consistent analytical data than low percent cross-linking, even though the amount of additive extracted in all PMMA samples (regardless of cross-linking percentage) is essentially the same whether the extraction is via SFE or liquid-solid extraction with methylene chloride. Results for comparably cross-linked poly(ethylmethacrylate) and poly(butylmethacrylate) are similar to PMMA.     

Chemical recycling of poly(methyl methacrylate) by pyrolysis. Potential use of the liquid fraction as a raw material for the reproduction of the polymer

Pyrolysis of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was studied as an effective way to recycle this polymer and recover its monomer methyl methacrylate (MMA). Experiments were carried out in a laboratory fixed bed reactor using either a model polymer or a commercial product based on PMMA as feedstock. Gaseous and liquid products obtained from polymer degradation were analysed and it was found that the oil fraction constituted mainly of the MMA monomer. Thus, the possibility of directly using the liquid product for the reproduction of the polymer was further investigated. Polymerizations accomplished in a differential scanning calorimeter using azo-bis-isobutyronitrile as initiator and different reaction temperatures. Results obtained were compared to corresponding data from polymerization of neat monomer. It was found that the pyrolysis liquid fraction can be polymerized and produce a polymer similar to the original PMMA. However, even small amounts of other organic compounds (mainly methyl esters) included in this fraction act as non-ideal reaction retarders, altering the reaction rate curve and lowering the glass transition temperature and the average molecular weight of the polymer produced.     

Preparation of iridescent-reflective poly(furan-co-phenylene)s by electrochemical polymerization in a cholesteric liquid crystal medium

Optically active poly(4,4′-di(2-furyl)biphenyl) is successfully prepared by asymmetric electrochemical polymerization in a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) electrolyte. The polymer thus obtained forms a fingerprint optical texture similar to that of the CLC electrolyte and a convexo-concave surface structure along the fingerprint pattern. The polymer displays iridescence under irradiation with white light, and circular diffraction upon laser irradiation.     

Influence of SMA content on the electro-optical properties of polymer-dispersed liquid crystal prepared by monodisperse poly(MMA-co-SMA)/LC microcapsules

Monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles containing various concentrations of stearyl methacrylate (SMA) were prepared, and a liquid crystal (LC) was swollen into the particles using a solute co-diffusion method (SCM). Phase separation behaviors between the polymer and LC were monitored by utilizing an optical and a polarized microscope (OM/POM). The monodisperse LC microcapsules were then applied to a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), and the electro-optical properties were investigated. As a result, the threshold and driving voltages were improved when the SMA content increased. The long alkyl chains of SMA in the capsules should exist at the interface of the LC and polymer resulting in an enhancement of phase separation between the polymer and LC, which largely influences the electro-optical properties of PDLC.     

Synthesis of polymer–inorganic patchy microcapsules with tunable patches

We introduce a facile and versatile approach for the formation of ball-like polymer–inorganic patchy microcapsules with a tunable shell by combining sol–gel chemistry of silica precursor and phase separation between the polymer and the precursor. Firstly, chloroform-in-water emulsion droplets containing poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), silica precursor [tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS)] and co-surfactant sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (Aerosol OT or AOT) were prepared by shaking the mixture by hand. Due to the added AOT, water molecules diffuse into the chloroform droplets, and the tiny water droplets would coalesce gradually, triggering the formation of double emulsion droplets. Upon further solvent evaporation, the concentration of the polymer and the silica precursor in the oil shell of the double emulsions increases, leading to the phase separation between the polymer and the precursors (and partially formed silica through the hydrolysis and condensation of TEOS). Because of the confined geometry of the oil shell in the double emulsions, polymeric disc-like structures, stabilized by AOT, were dispersed in the silica precursors. Meanwhile, the silica precursor hydrolyzed and condensed when brought in contact with the aqueous solution, ultimately leading to the formation of a mineralized shell around the polymer domains and the hybrid patchy microcapsules. Effect of synthesis conditions, such as the amount of TEOS, AOT, and PMMA used, the pH value, and solvent evaporation rate on interfacial behavior of the solvent/water; and the morphology of the patchy microcapsules were investigated. Patchy microcapsules with tunable patch size and shape can be generated through tailoring the experimental parameters. Our study indicates that the hybrid patchy microcapsules can be formed by taking advantage of the sol–gel chemistry and the phase separation process, and the underlying generality of the synthesis procedure allows for a variety of applications, including drug storage, coatings, delivery, catalysis, and smart building blocks in self-assembling systems.     

Preparation of nonspherical particles via dual-seeded dispersion polymerization in the presence of saturated hydrocarbon droplets

In this study, the effect of various polymerization conditions on the shape of the particles produced by dual-seeded dispersion polymerization of a second monomer with polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) seed particles in the presence of saturated hydrocarbon droplets in a polar media was discussed. It was observed that with changing the affinity between the hydrocarbon and PS seed particles, second monomer type, polarity, and alcohol type of the medium nonspherical particles with a variety of shapes can be produced. Furthermore, we suggested that the presence of PMMA seed particles in the medium affects the distribution of the second polymer domains on the surface of the PS seed particles in addition to the absorbed amount of the hydrocarbon by PS particles and second polymer domains and the distribution of the hydrocarbon between them. Moreover, the experimental results showed that almond shell-like PS particles can be prepared under certain conditions.     

Field dependence of liquid-crystalline phase in liquid-crystal and carbon nanotubes composite

Due to their exceptional properties, liquid crystals are useful for a wide range of applications. As reported in the literature, a slight dispersion of liquid crystals with carbon nanotubes has a detectable effect on the liquid-crystal properties making them appropriate for various applications. The present work reports a new application of these composites disclosing a process of transformation of commercially available high-temperature liquid crystals into low-temperature liquid crystals. This is accomplished by using high concentration of carbon nanotubes in liquid-crystal materials wherein the carbon nanotubes form cluster inside the liquid-crystal cells. The application of bias on these heavily doped samples resulted in the appearance of liquid-crystal phases at room temperature which, in the case of pure liquid crystals, were observable only at high temperature. The process is reversible and hence phase change can be controlled by external field.     

Flexible free-standing films morphology characterization: PVA/silica polymer network dispersed cholesteric liquid crystals films by sol-gel method

A novel flexible free-standing films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/silica polymer network dispersed cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) have been prepared by the sol-gel process. In the hydrolysis of silicon alkoxides tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) processes, the silica having -OH with the -OH groups on PVA formed polymer networks with Si-O-C bonds by dehydration. The cholesteric liquid crystals were incorporated into the networks. The free-standing films were obtained by the spin-coating method. In order to improve the compatibility and microstructure of the cholesteric liquid crystals with PVA/silica polymer networks, the amphiphilic compound of hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HDTMA) was introduced into the forming film solutions. Effects of the different ratios of raw materials on the structure of films were investigated. The microscopic morphology of free-standing films and the uniform dispersion of CLCs in the films have been characterized by polarizing optical microscopy (POM), the field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and atomic force microscope (AFM). The free-standing films exhibiting excellent CLC droplets dispersion, mechanical stability, and good flexibility could be useful for flexible displays, switchable optical elements and smart windows.     

Production of uniform-sized polymer core-shell microcapsules by coaxial electrospraying

Spherical polymeric core-shell microcapsules in uniform size were produced by electrospraying with a coaxial nozzle setup. Contrary to the usual coaxial setup, the inner nozzle was slightly bent to touch the inside wall of the outer nozzle. A polymer solution for the core was introduced through the outer nozzle, and the other solution for the shell was supplied through the inner nozzle. The setup greatly increased reproduction of the same results. As a proof of the concept, core-shell microcapsules consisting of a PS or PMMA core and a PCL shell (PS@PCL, PMMA@PCL) were produced. When the volumetric feed rate of the shell-forming PCL solution was higher than that of the core-forming PS or PMMA solution the core-shell structures in uniform size were readily obtained. In contrast, irregular morphologies were observed when the feed rate of the PCL solution was slower or equal to that of the PS or PMMA solution. The size of the colloid was dependent on the relative feed ratio between the polymer solutions as well as the magnitude of applied voltage.     

Solid-state polymerization of oxetanes. II. Investigation of the growth of the polymer phase as related to the mechanism of polymerization

The radiation-induced solid-state polymerization of 3,3-bischloromethyloxetane (BCMO) was investigated by direct observation of the development of the morphology of the growing polymer phase in single crystals of the monomer. Electron microscopy shows that the polymerization gives rise to amorphous polymer in the first step. The polymer forms irregular platelets which aggregate into larger units without reflecting the crystalline order of the monomer. Subsequent to polymerization, the amorphous polymer crystallizes to the β-modification of poly-BCMO. If the partially polymerized crystals are extracted by solvents of the monomer, crystallization of the polymer is enhanced, and morphological artifacts arise which were previously mistaken for the true morphology of the “as polymerized” polymer. The copolymerization behavior of solid solutions of 3-ethyl-3-chloromethyloxetane (ECMO) and BCMO does not differ from the liquid bulk copolymerization with respect to copolymer composition, which is different from the composition of the monomer mixture. It is concluded that the polymer chains grow in noncrystalline zones as in a polymerization in the liquid state by which amorphous polymer is formed. No lattice control was observable in this solid-state polymerization.