Journal Article

FZJ-2019-02318

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Exploring the colloid-to-polymer transition for ultra-low crosslinked microgels from three to two dimensions

Scotti, A. (Corresponding author) ; Bochenek, S. ; Brugnoni, M.Extern* ; Fernandez-Rodriguez, M. A. ; Schulte, M. F. ; Houston, J. E.FZJ* ; Gelissen, A. P. H. ; Potemkin, I. I. ; Isa, L. ; Richtering, W. (Corresponding author)Extern*

2019
Nature Publishing Group UK [London]

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/22013  doi:10.1038/s41467-019-09227-5

Abstract: Microgels are solvent-swollen nano- and microparticles that show prevalent colloidal-like behavior despite their polymeric nature. Here we study ultra-low crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels (ULC), which can behave like colloids or flexible polymers depending on dimensionality, compression or other external stimuli. Small-angle neutron scattering shows that the structure of the ULC microgels in bulk aqueous solution is characterized by a density profile that decays smoothly from the center to a fuzzy surface. Their phase behavior and rheological properties are those of soft colloids. However, when these microgels are confined at an oil-water interface, their behavior resembles that of flexible macromolecules. Once monolayers of ultra-low crosslinked microgels are compressed, deposited on solid substrate and studied with atomic-force microscopy, a concentration-dependent topography is observed. Depending on the compression, these microgels can behave as flexible polymers, covering the substrate with a uniform film, or as colloidal microgels leading to a monolayer of particles.

Keyword(s): Polymers, Soft Nano Particles and Proteins (1st) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS-FRM-II)
2. Neutronenstreuung (Neutronenstreuung ; JCNS-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (POF3-623) (POF3-623)
2. 6G15 - FRM II / MLZ (POF3-6G15) (POF3-6G15)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-2: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3ao)

Appears in the scientific report 2019

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