Morphology and Microchemistry of Colloidal Polymers

Colloidal polymers are highly versatile due to the variety of properties and functions that can be created by changing monomer composition, surfactant, initiator and reaction protocol. Microchemical and morphological observation of the particles and particle aggregates as well as films and monoliths made with them is allowing us to understand the connections between nanosized structural features and macroscopic properties and this is essential for the creation of valuable new polymer materials. Electron spectroscopy imaging (ESI) in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) uses electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) to provide a wealth of information on particle constituents and their topological distribution, allowing a number of correlations with the polymer mechanical, thermal, optical and electrical properties. On the other hand, scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques allow direct measurement of particle and film properties such as adhesion, stiffness, electrostatic potential as well as rheology information with high spatial resolution, down to 10-20 nm and under many different experimental conditions. Information from the joint use of these techniques is revealing a wealth of nanostructures within colloidal polymers requiring a revision of many preconceived ideas on these materials.

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