TY  - JOUR
AU  - Wellert, Stefan
AU  - Radulescu, Aurel
AU  - Carl, Adrian
AU  - Klitzing, Regine von
AU  - Gawlitza, Kornelia
TI  - Evolution of Size and Structure during the Polymerization Process: A SANS Study on EG-Based Microgels
JO  - Macromolecules
VL  - 48
IS  - 14
SN  - 1520-5835
CY  - Washington, DC
PB  - Soc.
M1  - FZJ-2015-05069
SP  - 4901 - 4909
PY  - 2015
AB  - The present study describes the temporary evolution of size and morphology of thermosensitive and biocompatible microgel particles based on ethylene glycol (EG). P-MeO2MA-co-OEGMA particles were synthesized by precipitation polymerization. The growth of the microgel particles was analyzed at different reaction times using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The scattering data show the increase of particle size and swelling capability during the polymerization process. After 60 min further continuation of the polymerization reaction causes no further change of neither external nor internal particle properties. SANS measurements reveal the formation of a dense core, mainly consisting of cross-linker at an early polymerization state. This is followed by the growth of a loosely packed polymer shell. Nanodomains, observed during the volume phase transition (VPT), as well as a second correlation-length of the network fluctuations arise with progressing polymerization reaction related to the buildup of the shell.
LB  - PUB:(DE-HGF)16
UR  - <Go to ISI:>//WOS:000358823300014
DO  - DOI:10.1021/acs.macromol.5b00686
UR  - https://juser.fz-juelich.de/record/202946
ER  -