The influence of nanoparticle architecture on latex film formation and healing properties

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science Vol. 368; no. 1; pp. 21 - 33
• Main Authors: Piçarra, S., Afonso, C.A.M., Kurteva, V.B., Fedorov, A., Martinho, J.M.G., Farinha, J.P.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Inc 15.02.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Architecture; Blends; Chains; Chemistry; Coatings; Colloid; Colloidal state and disperse state; Cross-links; crosslinking; diffusivity; Emulsion polymerization; energy efficiency; Energy transfer; Entanglements; Exact sciences and technology; Förster Resonance Energy Transfer, FRET; General and physical chemistry; Healing; Interdiffusion; latex; mixing; molecular weight; Nanoparticles; Nanostructure; Physical and chemical studies. Granulometry. Electrokinetic phenomena; Poly(n-butyl methacrylate), PBMA; Polymer nanoparticles; polymers; solvents; Surface physical chemistry; Polymer nanoparticles; Förster Resonance Energy Transfer, FRET; Cross-links; Emulsion polymerization; Poly(n-butyl methacrylate), PBMA; Entanglements; Interdiffusion; Healing; Coatings; Colloid; Förster resonance energy transfer; Film; Nanoparticle; Mechanism; Particle; Efficiency; Forster Resonance Energy Transfer, FRET; Diffusion coefficient; Molecular mass; Polymer; Dissolution; Latex; Resistance; Distribution; Energy transfer; Interface
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2011.10.077

[Display omitted] ► The architecture of the nanoparticles strongly influences the film formation mechanism and its healing properties. ► Interdiffusion occurs both ways across interfaces in blend films of particles swollen with linear chains of different MWs. ► Blends of cross-linked particles and particles with linear chains undergo slow interdiffusion but form strongly healed films. We present a study of chain interdiffusion in films formed by specially architectured PBMA nanoparticles by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer –FRET. Polymer nanoparticles contained linear chains with narrower molecular weight distributions than other previous reports, allowing a more detailed study. Apparent fractions of mixing and diffusion coefficients, determined from the quantum efficiency of energy transfer, were used to characterize the interdiffusion mechanism in the different films. The resistance of the films to dissolution by a good solvent was finally correlated with the interdiffusion results, in order to get information about film healing. We concluded that whenever interdiffusion occurs between nanoparticles containing linear chains and fully cross-linked nanoparticles, healing becomes more effective in spite of showing slower interdiffusion. We also observed that particles with longer chains are more effective for film healing. Finally, we concluded that interdiffusion occurs both ways across interfaces in blends formed by particles swollen with linear chains of different molecular weights.