Within this thesis we explore the synthesis and modification of hierarchical composite particles and responsive microgels. Initially in Chapter 2 we describe the encapsulation of calcium carbonate particles within a polymeric shell, wherein the inorganic core is kinetically trapped within a cross-linked polymer network. Once primed in this shell we illustrate control of polymer shell thickness through a secondary polymerization. We also begin to investigate the possibility of preparing nano-rattles, using the calcium carbonate core as a sacrificial template. In Chapter 3 we expand on the work presented in Chapter 2, by incorporating pendant vinyl groups into the polymer shell of the composite particles from which we use thiol-ene Michael addition to modify their surface. In Chapter 4 perform the encapsulating polymerization from Chapter 2 and 3, but in the absence of the calcium carbonate core. The stable particles formed were found to be pH responsive microgel particles. We illustrate the gelling behaviour of these particles and use as Pickering stabilizers for oil-in-water emulsions which show reversible flocculation on adjustment of the pH. In investigating these microgel particles we also begin to elucidate unanswered questions from Chapters 2 and 3. Finally in Chapter 5 we go back to encapsulation, this time to synthesize multi-layered particles by encapsulation of Laponite armoured soft latexes. We infer how alterations to particle morphology affect the bulk properties of polymer films by mechanical and thermal analysis.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:644939 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | McKenzie, Holly S. |
| Publisher | University of Warwick |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/67281/ |
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