Control over Colloidal Particle Morphology by Dispersion Polymerization

Abstract

The main subject of this thesis is the structure and morphology control of colloidal polymer particles, in particular, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) particles, by dispersion polymerization in polar solvents. The structure control, ranging from surface morphology and internal structure to shape manipulation of polymer particles, was attempted through copolymerization of monomers with various types of materials, such as cross-linkers, dyes, and colloidal silica spheres or rods. The obtained spherical or non-spherical particles are interesting as model systems as they mimic molecules at colloidal scales. Their phase behavior can be studied in the presence or absence of external fields (like electric and gravity fields). Additionally, they can be used for various applications, such as photonic crystals