ALBERT

Description:    Water is known to distribute within polymeric films in multiple states differentiable by the energy of association. Potentiometric swelling of carboxylated latex samples and subsequent differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis verified this distribution of water, specifically confined within colloidal nanoparticle dimensions. DSC cooling curves can delineate between the freezable bound and freezable unbound water at low total water content but become difficult to distinguish the freezable bound contribution at high total water content. Of note is that the ratio of weakly bound water in the secondary layer to the water strongly hydrogen-bound to the polymer is approximately constant regardless of carboxylic acid type and, in fact, is greater for the case of the hydrophobic base polymer. Aside from its distribution within the particles, the total water content also appeared to be more related to the hydroplasticized glass point of the polymer colloid as opposed to the polarity of the polymer. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2693-z Authors Yuxi Lei, Nanostructured Polymers Research Center, Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA Jessica R. Child, Nanostructured Polymers Research Center, Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA John G. Tsavalas, Nanostructured Polymers Research Center, Materials Science Program, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The dissociation behaviour of poly(acrylic acid) and poly(ethylene-alt-maleic acid) has been investigated by both classical potentiometric titration and colloid titration as an alternative way. In the case of colloid titration, the monovalent counterions are assumed to be replaced by the oppositely charged polycation in the course of titration, so that the total concentration of anionic groups of the polycarboxylic acid is determined. As a consequence the apparent dissociation constants determined by polyelectrolyte complex formation do not depend on the degree of dissociation. In contrast to this finding, potentiometric titration is known to result in apparent dissociation constants which decrease with increasing degree of dissociation. The release of protons from the acid groups of the polycarboxylic acids is promoted by the complex formation with the strong cationic polyelectrolyte. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2702-2 Authors Uwe Lappan, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany Uwe Geißler, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany Marina Oelmann, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany Simona Schwarz, Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    We get ab initio-based force field between octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) and fluoropolymer. The HMX is a high-energy explosive, and fluoropolymer is a binder. By using this force field, the mechanical properties of mixture explosives are investigated. Nine kinds of polymers are considered: polyvinylidene fluoride, polychlorotrifluoroethene, polytetrafluoroethene, polyhexafluoropropene, F2311, F2312, F2313, F2314, and Viton-A. The deformation processes of explosives are simulated, the structure evolution and energy variation are calculated, and the coating and plasticizing properties of binders to HMX are obtained. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2705-z Authors Yao Long, Laboratory of Computational Physics, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, P. O. Box 8009, Beijing, 100088 China Yong-Gang Liu, Institute of Chemical Materials, CAEP, Mianyang, 621900 China Fu-De Nie, Institute of Chemical Materials, CAEP, Mianyang, 621900 China Jun Chen, Laboratory of Computational Physics, Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics, P. O. Box 8009, Beijing, 100088 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The aggregation behavior of two silicone surfactants (monomeric and Gemini) was studied by surface tension measurements in a room temperature ionic liquid, ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), at various temperatures. A series of parameters, including critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension at the CMC ( γ CMC ), adsorption efficiency (p C 20 ), and effectiveness of surface tension reduction ( Π CMC ), were obtained. By comparing the silicone surfactants with traditional surfactants, we deduced that the surface activity of the silicone surfactants in EAN was superior to the activity of other surfactants. In addition, from the CMC values and their temperature dependence, we estimated the thermodynamic parameters of the micelle formation, D G m 0 , D H m 0 , and D S m 0 . It was revealed that the micellization of the silicone surfactants is entropy driven at low temperature and enthalpy driven at high temperature. Isothermal titration calorimetry measurements were also carried out to study the micellization of Gemini silicone surfactant. 1 H NMR was performed to study the silicone surfactant micelle formation mechanism in EAN. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2733-8 Authors Shaohua Zhang, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, Jinan, 250100 China Jie Liu, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, 252059 China Na Li, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014 China Xiujie Yang, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, Jinan, 250100 China Liqiang Zheng, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Shandong University, Ministry of Education, Jinan, 250100 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Novel polymerizable red and yellow dyes, consisting of anthraquinone chromophore, alkyl spacer, and acryloyl group, were first synthesized and then used as comonomers in the semicontinuous emulsion copolymerization of styrene, butyl acrylate, and methacrylic acid to fabricate polymer latexes. The influences of the dye monomers on the emulsion polymerization process, the latex particle size and its distribution, the molecular weight of the latex polymer, as well as the light fastness of the polymer latex films, were investigated. Results indicated that, despite of the inhibition effect of the polymerizable dyes on polymerization, stable colored polymer latexes could be prepared with high conversion of total monomers, whereas the conversion of the polymerizable dye decreased as increasing the amount of dye. The light fastness of the covalently colored polymer latex films was proved to be much better than that of the noncovalently colored polymer latex films due to the covalent bond of dye and polymer chains. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2718-7 Authors Botian Li, Department of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 People’s Republic of China Jie Shen, Department of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 People’s Republic of China Ruibin Liang, Department of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 People’s Republic of China Wenjiao Ji, Department of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 People’s Republic of China Chengyou Kan, Department of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Silver–polypyrrole (PPy) core–shell nanoparticles have been fabricated by a facile one-step “green” synthesis using silver nitrate as an oxidant and soluble starch as an environmentally benign stabilizer and co-reducing agent. The morphology and optical properties of the particles were significantly affected by the reaction temperature, soluble starch concentration, and ratio of pyrrole monomer to AgNO 3 oxidant. The core–shell nanoparticles exhibited outstanding dispersive properties in deionized water due to residual starch, as compared with PPy nanoparticles in which starch was absent. The mechanism of core–shell nanoparticle formation was elucidated through TEM imaging vs. reaction time. The colloidal and chemical stability of the nanoparticles was demonstrated in a variety of solvents, including acids, bases, and ionic and organic solvents, through monitoring the localized surface plasmon resonance of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the catalytic properties of these silver–PPy core–shell nanoparticles were also demonstrated. Figure  Schematic illustration of silver-PPy core-shell nanoparticle formation and methylene blue (MB) reduction using the core-shell nanoparticles as a catalyst. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2731-x Authors Mincheol Chang, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, USA Elsa Reichmanis, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 311 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332-0100, USA Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The effects of temperature and interfacial elasticity on nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) microemulsions templated materials have been investigated. The aim was to establish a simple and rapid selection of the best experimental conditions for achieving some required material property. TiO 2 materials have been prepared through reactive microemulsion precipitation. The effect of microemulsion process parameters (temperature and oil phase density) on the final material characteristics has been investigated. The titania nanopowders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and N 2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. The results obtained by different process conditions show that the nonpolar phase density and temperature of microemulsions have a great influence on the final characteristics of the obtained material. A reduction of the microemulsion oil density causes a significant decrease in the particle agglomeration and an augment of the material-specific surface area and pore volume. At the same time, rutile is favored over anatase phase. The increase of template microemulsion temperature produces, in some systems, a morphology change from granular to a bicontinuous structure. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2798-4 Authors Paula V. Messina, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, CONICET-INQUISUR, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina Valeria Verdinelli, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, CONICET-INQUISUR, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina Olga Pieroni, Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional del Sur, CONICET-INQUISUR, 8000 Bahía Blanca, Argentina Juan Manuel Ruso, Soft Matter and Molecular Biophysics Group, Facultade de Física, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Three chromophores with tricyanofuran and tricyanopyrroline electron acceptors were synthesized and doped in high glass transition temperature ( T g ) polymer poly( N -(4-acetoxylphenyl)maleimide-co-styrene, NAPMI-co-ST). The electro-optic (EO), optical, and thermal properties of the doped poly(NAPMI-co-ST) were characterized and discussed. After being corona poled under 12 kV, this high T g polymer material showed excellent EO activity and thermal stability. The highest EO coefficient ( r 33 ) reached 48.2 pm V −1 (1,310 nm) and could remain 90 % of the original value for 100 h at 85 °C. The EO coefficient was relatively higher compared with other high T g EO polymers. The thermal stability was also very good and the manufacture process was convenient and applicable for device fabrication. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2764-1 Authors Rong Zhang, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Jialei Liu, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Shuhui Bo, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Guowei Deng, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Chengcheng Peng, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Xinhou Liu, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Zhen Zhen, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Poly(alkyl methacrylate)/poly(thiophene) (PAMA/PTh) core/shell nanoparticles were synthesized using a one-pot dual initiation system. A ferric chloride/hydrogen peroxide mixture and sodium vinyl sulfonate were used as an initiator couple and a reactive surfactant, respectively. In the dual initiation, process variables such as the concentration of reactive surfactant, monomer ratio, and monomer type were adjusted to control the particle size of PAMA/PTh core/shell nanoparticles from 192 to 1,172 nm. The inner structure of the core/shell nanoparticles was confirmed in their morphological transition from spherical particles to a crumpled sheath using a solvent extraction method and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. From the spectroscopic data, it was found that the UV-adsorption and fluorescent emission intensity of PAMA/PTh latexes increased with a decrease in the average particle size. The quantum efficiency of all the samples was approximately 12 % and was unaffected by the particle size. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2791-y Authors Seung Mo Lee, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-749 South Korea Wonseok Cho, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-749 South Korea Subramani Sankaraiah, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-749 South Korea Sun Jong Lee, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-749 South Korea Jung Hyun Kim, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Yonsei University, 134 Shinchon-Dong, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-749 South Korea In Woo Cheong, Department of Applied Chemistry, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, 702-701 South Korea Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Poly(acrylic acid- b -styrene) (PAA- b -PS) amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized by consecutive telomerization of tert -butyl acrylate, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene, and hydrolysis. The resulting block copolymers were characterized by 1 H NMR and GPC. These amphiphilic block copolymeric micelles were prepared by dialysis against water. Transmission electron micrograph (TEM) and laser particle sizer measurements were used to determine the morphology and size of these micelles. The results showed that these amphiphilic block copolymers formed spherical micelles with average size of 140–190 nm. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the kinetic stability of these micelles were investigated by fluorescence technique, using pyrene as a fluorescence probe. The observed CMC value was in the range of 0.075–0.351 mg/L. Kinetic stability studies showed that the stability of micelles increased with the decrease of the pH value of the solution. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2799-3 Authors Guang Hua Li, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxue East Road, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People’s Republic of China Ping Ping Yang, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxue East Road, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People’s Republic of China Zhen Sheng Gao, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxue East Road, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People’s Republic of China Yuan Qin Zhu, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Petrochemical Resource Processing and Process Intensification Technology, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, No. 100 Daxue East Road, Nanning, Guangxi 530004, People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this paper, we study equilibrium three-dimensional shapes of drops on hysteretic surfaces. We develop a function coupled with the publicly available surface energy minimization code Surface Evolver to handle contact angle hysteresis. The function incorporates a model for the mobility of the triple line into Surface Evolver. The only inputs to the model are the advancing and receding contact angles of the surface. We demonstrate this model’s versatility by studying three problems in which parts of the triple line advance while other parts either recede or remain stationary. The first problem focuses on the three-dimensional shape of a static pendant drop on a vertical surface. We predict the finite drop volume when impending sliding motion is observed. In the second problem, we examine the equilibrium shapes of coalescing sessile drops on hysteretic surfaces. Finally, we study coalescing puddles in which gravity plays a leading role in determining the equilibrium puddle shape along with hysteresis. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2774-z Authors Bharadwaj R. Prabhala, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tennessee Technological University, Cookeville, TN 38501, USA Mahesh V. Panchagnula, Department of Applied Mechanics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, TN 600036, India Srikanth Vedantam, Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute, of Technology Madras, Chennai, TN 600036, India Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The wetting of solid surfaces is treated. The Young and receding contact angles are experimentally unattainable values for the majority of solid surfaces. Actually, we always observe the apparent contact angle. This makes the characterization of wetting of real surfaces problematic. It is proposed in this paper to characterize wetting of real surfaces with the advancing contact angle and the minimum work of adhesion calculated according to the Dupre equation. The advancing contact angle, which depends slightly on the experimental technique used for its measurement, corresponds to the maximal solid/liquid surface tension and correspondingly to the minimal work of adhesion, calculated according to the Dupre equation. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-4 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2778-8 Authors Edward Bormashenko, Physics Department, Ariel University Center of Samaria, P. O.B. 3, 40700 Ariel, Israel Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Static light-scattering measurements of deionized suspensions of the thermosensitive gels of poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) with various degrees of cross-linking and sizes were made at 20 and 40 °C. Sharp scattering peaks are observed in the scattering curve, and they were attributed to the face-centered cubic ( fcc ) and/or body-centered cubic lattices ( bcc ) in the distribution of gel spheres. The fcc and bcc crystal structures formed in the stable and unstable conditions, respectively, i.e., the former formed more favorably at high sphere concentrations and/or low temperatures. The closest intersphere distances were much longer than the hydrodynamic diameters of the gel spheres especially at low sphere concentrations. These experimental results emphasize the important role of the extended electrical double layers in the crystallization of gel spheres, though the contribution of the double layers in gel systems is weak compared with that in the typical colloidal spheres. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2770-3 Authors Tsuneo Okubo, Institute for Colloidal Organization, Hatoyama 3-1-112, Uji, Kyoto 611-0012, Japan Daisuke Suzuki, International Young Researchers Empowerment Center, Shinshu University, 3-15-1, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan Akira Tsuchida, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Gifu University, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Irradiation of metallic surfaces using ultra-short pulse laser results in a dual-scale structure. While metallic surfaces are superhydrophilic immediately after laser irradiation, prolonged exposure to air renders surfaces superhydrophobic due to surface reactions and deposition of carbonaceous materials onto the surface. In this work, we have fabricated a paraboloid microstructure, which is analyzed thermodynamically through the use of the Gibbs free energy to obtain the equilibrium contact angle and contact angle hysteresis. The effects of the geometrical details on maximizing the superhydrophobicity of the nanopatterned surface are also discussed in an attempt to design surfaces with desired and/or optimum wetting characteristics. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2746-3 Authors Sona Moradi, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada Peter Englezos, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada Savvas G. Hatzikiriakos, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Thermo-responsive polymeric micelles of poly (ethylene glycol)- b -poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate- g -lactide)- b -poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) (PEG-P(HEMA-PLA)-PNIPAM) with core–shell–corona structure were fabricated for applications in controlled drug release. The graft copolymer of PEG-P(HEMA-PLA)-PNIPAM was self-assembled into core–shell micelles with a densely PLA core and mixed PEG/PNIPAM shells at 25 °C in aqueous media. By increasing the temperature above the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAM, these core–shell micelles could be converted into core–shell–corona micelles because of the collapse of PNIPAM block on the PLA core as the inner shell and the soluble PEG block stretching outside as the outer corona. Anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded in the polymeric micelles as a model drug. Compared with polymeric micelles formed by liner PEG- b -PLA- b -PNIPAM triblock copolymer, these polymeric micelles exhibited higher loading capacity, and release of DOX from the polymeric micelles with core–shell–corona structure was well-controlled. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2794-8 Authors Chenglin Wu, School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province 317000, People’s Republic of China Anguo Ying, School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province 317000, People’s Republic of China Shibin Ren, School of Pharmaceutical and Chemical Engineering, Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang Province 317000, People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Surface morphology of positively or negatively birefringent spherulites in melt-crystallized neat poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA) vs. PEA blend with phenoxy was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy, polarizing optical microscopy, thermal analysis, and wide-angle X-ray techniques. Their top-surface morphology in thin film forms was analyzed to fully expounded the lamellar assembly responsible for the opposite birefringence. Top-surface lamellar assemblies in positive/negative types of ringless spherulites ( T c = 0, 15, 20, 40 °C) and also alternating birefringence of double-ring-banded spherulite ( T c = 28 °C) of PEA/phenoxy blend were examined with AFM. From the results, spherulite’s positive and negative birefringence differs only in interior lamellar arrangements but not lattice geometries. Negative spherulites are composed of radially oriented edge-on lamellae, while positive spherulites are composed of bending/coiling edge-on lamellae. By contrast, the ring-banded spherulites can exhibit both negative and positive birefringence depending on the alternating radial and tangential lamellar arrangement. The addition of phenoxy into PEA could disrupt the regular lamellar bending and promote the singularity of edge-on lamellae; owing to that, the amorphous phenoxy induces looser arrangement of edge-on lamellae with phenoxy being in interlamellar/interfibrillar regions. The bulky linking pendent group phenoxy, with H-bonding capacity interacting with PEA, also disrupts the regularity of tangential–radial PEA lamellae to display a more zigzag pattern. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2793-9 Authors Graecia Lugito, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701-01 Taiwan Eamor M. Woo, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701-01 Taiwan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this paper, a series of hybrid star PLLA (sPLLA) with different arm lengths was synthesized via the hydrosilylation between octakis(dimethylsiloxy) silsesquioxane (Q 8 M 8 ) and functionalized PLLA macromolecules with vinyl end groups (mPLLA). mPLLA was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of l -lactide using 2-hydroxyethylmethacryl as an initiator in the presence of stannous 2-ethylhexanoate as a catalyst. The obtained sPLLA has low polydispersity with polydispersity index values from 1.29 to 1.30. The arm numbers of sPLLA vary from 5 to 7 and decrease with the increase in the length of the mPLLA arm due to the steric hindrance, which are estimated by 1 H NMR analysis. The branched structure of sPLLA is also evidenced by the lower intrinsic viscosity when compared with the linear mPLLA with similar molecular weight. Both the glass transition temperatures ( T g ’s) and melting temperatures ( T m ’s) of sPLLAs are higher than those of the mPLLA arms. The incorporation of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) does not change the crystalline structure of PLLA, while the crystallinity of sPLLA is enhanced as the result that the POSS core acts as a heterogeneous nucleating agent in the matrix to promote the crystallization ability of PLLA. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy observation suggests that POSS disperses in the crystalline PLLA matrix as 5–20 nm aggregates. Microspheres of sPLLA with mean diameter 1 to 2 μm were prepared via emulsion solvent evaporation method. The sPLLA microspheres have higher loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency and lower drug release rate than mPLLA microspheres. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-15 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2790-z Authors Xiaojing Zhang, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China Chaojun Wang, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China Shaoming Fang, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China Jiashu Sun, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China Chong Li, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China Yuelei Hu, College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Light Industry, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Surface and Interface Science, Zhengzhou, 450002 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Multi-walled carbon nanotubes were chemically functionalized with methacrylic acid and methacrylated bovine serum albumin by free radical grafting reaction to obtain novel nanocomposites. The nanotubes were synthesized by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition, and then the monomers were directly grafted by the action of hydrogen peroxide/ascorbic acid redox pair which allows operating in water-compatible and eco-friendly environment without the generation of any toxic reaction by-product. A multi-technique approach was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the grafting process employing Fourier transform infrared, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses. Considering the high importance of methacrylate polymers and bovine serum albumin, the proposed nanocomposites could be of great applicability in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2779-7 Authors Giuseppe Cirillo, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università della Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy Tommaso Caruso, CNISM-Dipartimento di Fisica, Università della Calabria, Ponte Bucci, Cubo 33c, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy Silke Hampel, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, PF 270116, 01171 Dresden, Germany Diana Haase, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, PF 270116, 01171 Dresden, Germany Francesco Puoci, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università della Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy Manfred Ritschel, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, PF 270116, 01171 Dresden, Germany Albrecht Leonhardt, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, PF 270116, 01171 Dresden, Germany Manuela Curcio, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università della Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy Francesca Iemma, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università della Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy Vyacheslav Khavrus, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, PF 270116, 01171 Dresden, Germany Mandy Grobosch, Leibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden, PF 270116, 01171 Dresden, Germany Nevio Picci, Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università della Calabria, Edificio Polifunzionale, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The coemulsification method suitable for the formulation of microcapsules of n -eicosane coated with a polysiloxane is developed. This method allows to synthesize core–shell microcapsules of paraffin which have the shape of spheres or distorted spheres and are designed for the use as phase change materials. The microcapsules are formed in aqueous phase by the precipitation of n -eicosane together with modified polyhydromethylsiloxane from a common solvent which is miscible with aqueous media. The polysiloxane is modified by the attachment of silylvinyl and alkoxy functions before coemulsification with the paraffin. It also contains the Pt(0) Karstedt catalyst. The microcapsules formed by coemulsification are stabilized by the in situ cross-linking of the polysiloxane shell. The shell is additionally modified by the in situ generation of silanol groups which provide colloidal stabilization of microspheres in aqueous phase. Microcapsules were studied by DSC, SEM, optical polarized microscope, and by thermooptical analysis (TOA). Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2782-z Authors Witold Fortuniak, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland Stanislaw Slomkowski, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland Julian Chojnowski, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland Jan Kurjata, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland Adam Tracz, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland Urszula Mizerska, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Advancing and receding contact angles of water, formamide and diiodomethane were measured on 1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) layers deposited on three different solid supports—glass, mica and poly(methyl methacrylate). Up to five statistical monolayers were deposited on the surfaces by spreading DPPC solution. It was found that even on five statistical DPPC monolayers, the hysteresis of a given liquid depends on the kind of solid support. Also on the same solid support the contact angle hysteresis is different for each probe liquid used. The AFM images show that the heights of roughness of the DPPC films cannot be the primary cause of the observed hysteresis because the heights are too small to cause the observed hystereses. It is believed that the hysteresis is due to the liquid film present right behind the three-phase solid surface/liquid drop/gas (vapour) contact line and the presence of Derjaguin pressure. The value of contact angle hysteresis depends on both the solid surface and liquid properties as well as on intermolecular interactions between them. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2777-9 Authors Emil Chibowski, Department of Physical Chemistry-Interfacial Phenomena, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20-031 Lublin, Poland Malgorzata Jurak, Department of Physical Chemistry-Interfacial Phenomena, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 20-031 Lublin, Poland Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Contact angle hysteresis is an important physical phenomenon. It is omnipresent in nature and also plays a crucial role in various industrial processes. Despite its relevance, there is a lack of consensus on how to incorporate a description of contact angle hysteresis into physical models. To clarify this, starting from the basic definition of contact angle hysteresis, we introduce the formalism and models for implementing contact angle hysteresis into relevant physical phenomena. Furthermore, we explain the influence of the contact angle hysteresis in physical phenomena relevant for industrial applications such as sliding drops, coffee stain phenomenon (in general evaporative self-assembly), and curtain and wire coating techniques. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2796-6 Authors H. B. Eral, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA D. J. C. M. ’t Mannetje, Physics of Complex Fluids, TNW, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands J. M. Oh, Physics of Complex Fluids, TNW, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Soap-free emulsion polymerizations of aromatic vinyl monomers using 2,2′-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) were investigated to clarify the origin of the negative charge of the synthesized particles. It was found that the zeta potential and size of the particles synthesized by soap-free emulsion polymerization using AIBN had a strong relationship with the pi electron cloud density in the aromatic vinyl monomer used in the polymerization. The effect of the position of the substituent atom in the phenyl ring on the synthesized particle properties was small. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-3 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2807-7 Authors Tetsuya Yamamoto, Department of Chemical Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8527 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this paper, the icephobic properties of superhydrophobic surfaces are investigated under dynamic flow conditions using a closed-loop low-temperature wind tunnel. Superhydrophobic surfaces were prepared by coating aluminum and steel substrate plates with nano-structured hydrophobic particles. The superhydrophobic plates, along with uncoated controls, were exposed to a wind tunnel air flow of 12 m/s and −7 °C with deviations of ±1 m/s and ±2.5 °C, respectively, containing micrometer-sized (∼50 μm in diameter) water droplets. The ice formation and accretion were observed by CCD cameras. Results show that the superhydrophobic coatings significantly delay ice formation and accretion even under the dynamic flow condition of highly energetic impingement of accelerated supercooled water droplets. It is found that there is a time scale for this phenomenon (delay in ice formation) which has a clear correlation with contact angle hysteresis and the length scale of the surface roughness of the superhydrophobic surface samples, being the highest for the plate with the lowest contact angle hysteresis and finest surface roughness. The results suggest that the key for designing icephobic surfaces under the hydrodynamic pressure of impinging droplets is to retain a non-wetting superhydrophobic state with low contact angle hysteresis, rather than to only have a high apparent contact angle (conventionally referred to as a “static” contact angle). Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2753-4 Authors Mohammad Amin Sarshar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07050, USA Christopher Swarctz, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07050, USA Scott Hunter, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA John Simpson, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA Chang-Hwan Choi, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07050, USA Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Hydrophilic laser-textured silicon wafers with natural oxide surfaces were rendered hydrophobic by depositing electrostatically charged submicrometer Teflon particles, a process termed as triboelectric Teflon adhesion. Silicon surfaces were micro-textured (∼5 μm) by laser ablation using a nanosecond pulsed UV laser. By varying laser fluence, micro-texture morphology of the wafers could be reproduced and well controlled. Wetting properties of the triboelectrically charged Teflon-deposited surfaces were studied by measuring apparent static water contact angles and water contact angle hysteresis as a function of substrate roughness and the amount of Teflon deposited. A similar study was also performed on various micro-textured silicon carbide surfaces (sandpapers). If the average substrate roughness is between 15 and 60 μm, superhydrophobic surfaces can be easily formed by Teflon deposition with water contact angle hysteresis less than 8°. This environmentally benign solvent-free process is a highly efficient, rapid, and inexpensive way to render contact-charged rough surfaces hydrophobic or superhydrophobic. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2757-0 Authors Ilker S. Bayer, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies@UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Barsanti 1, 73010 Arnesano, Lecce, Italy Fernando Brandi, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), via Morego 30, 16152 Genoa, Italy Roberto Cingolani, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), via Morego 30, 16152 Genoa, Italy Athanassia Athanassiou, Center for Biomolecular Nanotechnologies@UNILE, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Barsanti 1, 73010 Arnesano, Lecce, Italy Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Dispersion of fullerene, C 60 , by addition of polymethacrylate dispersant in methyl methacrylate (MMA) and incorporation of C 60 into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were investigated. Copolymers synthesized by radical copolymerization of MMA and 2-naphthyl methacrylate (NMA), poly(MMA- co -NMA), effectively dispersed C 60 in MMA to form clusters of 20 nm. In these cases, addition of minimal 110 naphthyl groups per unit C 60 molecule afforded to give clusters with minimum of 20 nm sizes. Furthermore, block copolymers, poly(MMA- b -NMA) with MMA/NMA mole ratio from 12:1 to 20:1, also efficiently dispersed C 60 to give formation of clusters of 20 nm size by addition of minimal 40 naphthyl groups per unit C 60 molecule, which was corresponding to approximate nine layers of naphthyl group in block copolymer adsorbed on the surface of the cluster. Hybrid films of C 60 /PMMA, prepared by casting of C 60 -dispersed solution containing PMMA, exhibited absorbance at 400 nm linearly increased with C 60 content. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2707-x Authors Kohji Yoshinaga, Division of Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Nagasaki University, 14-1 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan Suguru Motokucho, Division of Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Nagasaki University, 14-1 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan Ken Kojio, Division of Chemistry and Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Nagasaki University, 14-1 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Nagasaki 852-8521, Japan Akemi Nakai, Department of Human Living, Kyushu Women’s University, 1-1 Jiyugaoka, Yahatanishi, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 807-8856, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The use of magnetic latex particles as solid support in biomedical applications is favourable when homogeneous and well-defined core–shell polymer particles are used. Accordingly, this paper concerns with the synthesis of magnetic poly(styrene–divinylbenzene) latex particles using emulsion polymerization of styrene (St) and divinylbenzene (DVB) monomers in the presence of preformed oil in water organic ferrofluid emulsion droplets as seed. The key parameters which affect on formation and morphology of the prepared magnetic latexes were investigated, including type of magnetic emulsion, St/DVB monomers ratio, DVB amount, type of initiator and surfactant nature. In this study, two different magnetic emulsions were used, low and high octane content magnetic emulsions. The magnetic emulsions were stabilized using different types of surfactants including AP, Triton X 405 and SDS. In addition, four different initiators, including AIBN, V50, ACPA and KPS were examined. The morphology of the prepared magnetic latexes was investigated using transmission electron microscopy. In addition, particle size and size distribution, magnetic content and magnetic properties of the prepared magnetic latexes were also examined, using various techniques, e.g. dynamic light scattering, thermal gravimetric analysis and vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. The results showed that the morphology type (Janus like, moon like and/or core–shell) of the prepared magnetic latex particles could be controlled depending mainly on the used formulation. In fact, the use of styrene monomer leads to anisotropic morphology. Whereas, the progressive use of DVB in presence of KPS intiator leads to a well-defined magnetic core and polymer shell structure. Figure    Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2700-4 Authors S. Braconnot, University of Lyon, F- 69622 Lyon, France M. M. Eissa, University of Lyon, F- 69622 Lyon, France A. Elaissari, University of Lyon, F- 69622 Lyon, France Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Encapsulation of ionic liquid, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)amide ([Hmim][TFSA]), was carried out by microsuspension polymerization of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDM) utilizing the self-assembling of phase-separated polymer method, which had been proposed by us for the preparation of hollow polymer particles. After the optimization of the polymerization conditions, ionic liquid-encapsulated polymer particles, which have smooth surface morphology and a single hollow structure, were successfully prepared. Encapsulation efficiency of [Hmim][TFSA] was significantly improved from about 20–70 % by changing the shell polymer from polyEGDM homopolymer to poly(EGDM-butyl methacrylate) (50/50, w / w ) copolymer, which was likely to have relatively low affinity for [Hmim][TFSA]. Additionally, ionic liquid-encapsulated polymer particles displaying ionic conductivity were successfully prepared using triethylene glycol dimethacrylate as divinyl monomer instead of EGDM. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2691-1 Authors Hideto Minami, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan Hiroki Fukaumi, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan Masayoshi Okubo, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan Toyoko Suzuki, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Graphene sheets can be effectively dispersed by a novel ionic liquid-based polyether, poly(1-glycidyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) (PGMIC), in aqueous solution. The reduction of graphene oxide to graphene is confirmed by UV–Vis and Raman spectrum in aqueous solution of PGMIC. TEM image showed that the stable and uniform dispersion of graphene sheets were obtained. Both the TGA and AFM analysis indicated that the graphene sheet was covered by PGMIC. FTIR spectra demonstrated that n–π, cation–π interactions and electrostatic repulsions played important roles in the dispersion of graphene sheets. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2720-0 Authors Hejun Gao, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China Shaohua Zhang, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China Fei Lu, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China Han Jia, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China Liqiang Zheng, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this paper, hollow poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene-co-methacrylic acid) microparticles possessing various morphologies were synthesized by a combination of seeded polymerization and SPG membrane emulsification. Three families of polystyrene (PS) microspheres with various molecular weights but similar diameters were fabricated by SPG membrane emulsification. These PS microspheres were used as seeds to investigate the effect of their molecular weight on the phase separation between the PS seeds and microgel-like networks formed during seeded polymerization and on the morphologies of the resultant particles. Our study revealed that three resultant microparticles possessed diameters of ca. 10 μm and hollow cavities. The shell thickness of the particles became thinner as M w increased from 3.5 × 10 4 to 28.0 × 10 4 . The morphological evolution of the microparticles during seeded polymerization was monitored, and these results verified the influence of the molecular weight of the PS seeds on the phase separation behavior and hence the morphologies of the resultant particles. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2722-y Authors Gang Wang, The State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 People’s Republic of China Hongjing Dou, The State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 People’s Republic of China Kang Sun, The State Key Lab of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    A novel series of organic/inorganic/polymeric hybrid materials have been constructed from covalently bonding rare earth complexes into the inorganic matrix and polymer backbone. Among functional linkage, 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane is used to modify the hydroxyl group of p -hydroxycinnamic acid via substitution reaction to form the precursor, and the precursor is subsequently used to covalently bonding to acrylic acid, methyl acrylate, and vinyltriethoxysilane, respectively, through copolymerization reaction to form the organic/inorganic/polymeric network. In addition, we introduce the monomer 1,10-phenanthroline as the second reagent ligand for constructing the ternary luminescent hybrid material systems (abbreviated as HC-PMA-RE, HC =  p -hydroxycinnamic acid and 3-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane). The physical characterization and especially the photoluminescence property of ternary system are studied in detail, which present the regular microstructure and characteristic photoluminescence. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2713-z Authors Ying Li, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Jungong Road 516, Shanghai, 200093 China Min Guo, Department of Chemistry, Tongji University, Siping Road 1239, Shanghai, 200092 China Bing Yan, Department of Chemistry, Tongji University, Siping Road 1239, Shanghai, 200092 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Dynamic viscoelasticity measurements were carried out for concentrated solutions of linear d -glucans in BmimCl to examine the effect of the linkage between repeating units of glucose on the rheological properties. The values of molecular weight between entanglements ( M e ) were determined for four d -glucans: curdlan, pullulan, cellulose, and amylose. From the concentration dependence of M e , the value of M e in the molten state ( M e,melt ) for each d -glucan was estimated as a material constant. The order of M e,melt became cellulose 〈 pullulan 〈 curdlan 〈 amylose, indicating that the linkage is actually influential in M e,melt for the linear d -glucans. The relationship between M e,melt and the molecular structure of the d -glucans were discussed assuming that the values of M e,melt for the d -glucans primarily reflect the chain stiffness such as the characteristic ratio C ∞ on the analogy of synthetic polymers. Although the trend was not so clear, it was shown that N unit is a decreasing function of C ∞ . Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2728-5 Authors Jun-ichi Horinaka, Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan Atsushi Okuda, Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan Ryosuke Yasuda, Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan Toshikazu Takigawa, Department of Material Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Nishikyo, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Combination of 1 H NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate temperature-induced phase transition in D 2 O solutions of poly( N -isopropylmethacrylamide- co -acrylamide) random copolymers. Both the NMR and DSC data showed dependence on the acrylamide (AAm) content in the copolymer; with increasing AAm content, the phase transition is shifted to higher temperatures, and both phase-separated fractions determined by NMR and change of the enthalpy determined by DSC decrease faster than the content of thermosensitive N -isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPMAm) units in the copolymer. NMR data were used to construct van't Hoff plots, and changes of the enthalpy Δ H and entropy Δ S , characterizing the phase transition, were determined. As it follows from comparison of NMR and DSC thermodynamical parameters (Δ H values), the size of the cooperative units (domains), undergoing the transition as a whole, decreases with increasing AAm content in the copolymer since the NIPMAm collapsed domains are separated by regions with hydrated AAm and surrounding NIPMAm sequences. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2701-3 Authors Julie Šťastná, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 Prague 8, Czech Republic Lenka Hanyková, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, V Holešovičkách 2, 18000 Prague 8, Czech Republic Jiří Spěváček, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovsky Sq. 2, 16206 Prague 6, Czech Republic Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Electrospun nylon-6 fibers were prepared from its polyelectrolyte solution in formic acid with different concentrtaions. In situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), wide-angle X-ray diffraction and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) were performed on the nylon-6 fibers heated to various temperatures until melting. For comparison, stepwise annealing of the solution-cast film having exclusively the α -form was also carried out to elucidate the structural evolution. Our results showed that Brill transition in the electrospun fibers occurs at a lower temperature than that in the solution-cast film due to the crystal size difference. Differential scanning calorimetry heating traces on the as-spun fibers exhibited a unique crystalline phase with a melting temperature of ∼235 °C, higher than the equilibrium melting temperature of nylon-6. The content of high melting temperature (HMT) phase increased with increasing nylon-6 concentration; a maximum of 30 % of the fiber crystallinity was reached for fibers obtained from the 22 wt.% solution regardless of the heating rates used. Based on the SAXS and FTIR results, we speculated that the HMT phase is associated with thick α -form crystals developed from the highly oriented nylon-6 chains that are preserved in the skin layer of the as-spun fibers. A plausible mechanism for the formation of the skin/core fiber morphology during electrospinning was proposed. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2724-9 Authors Chi Wang, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701 Taiwan Shih-Yung Tsou, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701 Taiwan Hsuan-Sheng Lin, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701 Taiwan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Micron-scale hollow spheres were successfully constructed with silica nanoparticles by templating of polymer spheres. Subsequently, the use of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) introduces carbon and oxygen defects in the silica nanoparticles resulting from calcination of the aminopropyl group. In this approach, the template of micron-scale polymer spheres was prepared from dispersion polymerization. Subsequent Stöber process results in the formation of a silica layer attached to the polymer sphere surfaces. After calcination, the obtained micron-scale hollow silica spheres were then studied on the relationship between the particle diameter and the surface morphology. The luminescence of hollow spheres was prepared through using APTES in Stöber process, and which of related the appearance of luminescence to the APTES concentration and calcination temperature. The results of this study can provide useful information for the structure of micron-scale hollow spheres and their application to luminescent materials. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2716-9 Authors Yi-Yu Liu, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, 300 Jhongda Road, Jhongli, 32001 Taiwan Shao-Liang Cheng, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, 300 Jhongda Road, Jhongli, 32001 Taiwan Hui Chen, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Central University, 300 Jhongda Road, Jhongli, 32001 Taiwan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    A facile route was introduced to generate uniform raspberry-like gold@polyaniline (AuNP@PANI) particles in the presence of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS). The surfactant SDS played an important role in both generating a uniform structure and stabilizing these particles. Upon addition of low-molecular weight organics, the regulation on the gold architecture was realized from a compact to stretched configuration owing to the change of surface tension and a possible swell process. The catalytic activity of the raspberry-like AuNP@PANI was investigated using the reduction of 4-nitrophenol by NaBH 4 and electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose as model reactions. It was found that the AuNP@PANI particles with the most stretched architecture presented the highest catalytic activity owing to their largest contact surface to the reactants. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2715-x Authors Xiaobin Xu, Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024 People’s Republic of China Xianchun Liu, Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024 People’s Republic of China Qun Yu, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 People’s Republic of China Wei Wang, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012 People’s Republic of China Shuangxi Xing, Faculty of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Ionic semi-interpenetrating polymer networks composite hydrogels were synthesized by free-radical polymerization using dextran sulphate (DxS), acrylamide as monomer and N , N ′-methylene(bis)acrylamide as cross-linking agent. The viscoelastic properties of these composite hydrogels were investigated by oscillatory shear measurements under small deformation conditions comparative with those of polyacrylamide gels. Changes of the rheological properties of composite hydrogels have been studied in terms of polymerization temperature, cross-linker ratio, initial monomer concentration and molar mass of DxS. The results showed that the stability of the composite hydrogels obtained at room temperature (22 °C) was relatively low because the storage modulus ( G ′) was only eight times higher than the loss modulus ( G ″), while for those obtained by cryopolymerization (−18 °C), the stability was improved, the G ′ values being about 30 times higher than those of G ″. This behaviour indicated that, by conducting the synthesis of hydrogels below the freezing point of the reaction solutions, an enhancement of the hydrogels elasticity was achieved. The network parameters, i.e. the average molecular weight between two cross-links and the cross-link density of the composite hydrogels prepared at −18 °C, were estimated from rheological data. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2699-6 Authors Maria Valentina Dinu, “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania Simona Schwarz, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany Ionel Adrian Dinu, “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania Ecaterina Stela Drăgan, “Petru Poni” Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41A, 700487 Iasi, Romania Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The electric conductivity is an important factor for reducing the switching voltage of polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLC) films. The electric conductivity of polymer matrix is changed by doped nanographite which is uniform dispersed in polymer matrix in acid condition. The influence of doped nanographite to switching electric field is studied. With increasing of doped nanographite, the switching voltage is dramatically reduced. The effect of nanographite on the polymerization and electro-optic are discussed. The kinetic polymerization of the PDLCs is monitored in lights scattering by UV/VIS spectrometer. The polymerization speed is compared by the max scattering point in different samples which doped by nanographite. The electro-optic of PDLCs films is measured by Polarimeter (PerkinElmer Model 341) to determine the threshold voltage. Information gained from polarizing optical microscope and Fourier transform infrared image depict the morphology of the liquid crystal droplets dispersed in polymer matrix. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2698-7 Authors Jianhua Wang, The Science College of Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044 People’s Republic of China Shuhui Shi, Shenyang Institute of Engineering, Shenyang, 110136 People’s Republic of China Xiao Han, The Science College of Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044 People’s Republic of China Shiqi Zhou, The Science College of Shenyang University, Shenyang, 110044 People’s Republic of China Baoyan Zhang, The Centre for Molecular Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, 110004 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Preparation of natural rubber (NR) with a soft nanomatrix structure was made by graft-copolymerization of butyl acrylate (BA) onto deproteinized natural rubber with tert -butyl hydroperoxide/tetraetylenepentamine in latex stage. The resulting graft-copolymer of deproteinized natural rubber and poly (butyl acrylate) (DPNR- graft -PBA) was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Conversion and grafting efficiency of BA were dependent upon BA concentration, which were more than 90 mol% under a suitable condition of the graft-copolymerization. Morphology of DPNR- graft -PBA was observed by transmission electron microscopy after staining film specimens with I 2 vapor for 5 min. The NR particles of about 0.5 μm in diameter were dispersed in PBA matrix of about 15 nm in thickness. Storage modulus and loss tangent of DPNR- graft -PBA were measured, and they were related with the soft nanomatrix structure. The tensile strength and elongation at break decreased as monomer concentration increased. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2703-1 Authors Kenichiro Kosugi, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan Ratchaniwan Sutthangkul, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand Oraphin Chaikumpollert, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan Yoshimasa Yamamoto, Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tokyo National College of Technology, 1220-2 Kunugida-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo, 193-0997 Japan Jitladda Sakdapipanich, Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400 Thailand Yoshinobu Isono, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan Seiichi Kawahara, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Niigata 940-2188, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Hierarchical mesostructures of poly(ε-caprolactone)- b -poly(ethylene oxide)- b -poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-PEO-PCL) triblock copolymers have been grown from evaporation-induced self-assembly directed by alkali metal ions. The self-assembly process began with a dilute homogeneous solution of the triblock copolymers in a mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF) and water. THF preferentially evaporated under reduced pressure and induced the formation of amphiphilic polymer micelles. The spherical polymer micelles formed both in deionized water and NaOH aqueous solution. However, different mesostructures were discovered during the film depositing process for scanning electron microscopy observation. The polymer micelles were observed for the deposition sample in deionized water while sisal-like hierarchical mesostructures resulted from the film deposition of polymer micelles in NaOH aqueous solution. The sisal-like mesostructures and their formation process were observed through scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Detailed study revealed that during evaporation-induced self-assembly of PCL-PEO-PCL amphiphilic triblock copolymer directed by alkali metal ions, the sodium ions and polymer micelles increasingly concentrated in NaOH aqueous solution and the solvent quality for the diblock progressively decreased, which resulted in the stronger coordination between alkali metal ions and PEO ligands in the block copolymer and PEO segment crystallization. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2681-3 Authors Jun-Bing Fan, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China Feng Long, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China Zhi-Wu Liang, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China Matthew P. Aldred, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430074, China Ming-Qiang Zhu, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    One-dimensional (ID) magnetic thermosensitive Fe 3 O 4 /poly( N -isopropylacrylamide– N , N ′-methylenebisacrylamide) (P(NIPAM-MBA)) peapod-like nanochains have been successfully synthesized by magnetic-field-induced precipitation polymerization using Fe 3 O 4 as building blocks and P(NIPAM-MBA) as linker. Fe 3 O 4 microspheres can be arranged with the direction of an external magnetic field in a line via the dipolar interaction between Fe 3 O 4 microspheres and linked permanently via P(NIPAM-MBA) coating during precipitation polymerization. 1D magnetic Fe 3 O 4 /P(NIPAM-MBA) peapod-like nanochains can be oriented and aligned along the direction of the external magnetic field. More interestingly, Fe 3 O 4 microspheres in each peapod were regularly arranged in a line and periodically separated through the P(NIPAM-MBA) layers with a visible interparticle spacing. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2696-9 Authors Mingliang Ma, Key Laboratory of Applied Physics and Chemistry in Space of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710129 China Qiuyu Zhang, Key Laboratory of Applied Physics and Chemistry in Space of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710129 China Jinbo Dou, Key Laboratory of Applied Physics and Chemistry in Space of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710129 China Hepeng Zhang, Key Laboratory of Applied Physics and Chemistry in Space of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710129 China Wangchang Geng, Key Laboratory of Applied Physics and Chemistry in Space of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710129 China Dezhong Yin, Key Laboratory of Applied Physics and Chemistry in Space of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710129 China Shaojie Chen, Key Laboratory of Applied Physics and Chemistry in Space of Ministry of Education, School of Science, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, 710129 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Two novel soluble polyarylates with different nonlinear optical chromophores as the side chains were prepared and characterized by UV–visible spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared spectroscopy. The titled polymers show us good thermal stability; the thermal decomposition temperature values were 201 and 253 °C, respectively, for polymer sPAR-CTCF and sPAR-CTCP. The glass transition temperatures were 139 and 122 °C for sPAR-CTCF and sPAR-CTCP, respectively. Chromophore FTC-wl was doped in these polymers as a guest chromophore to form binary chromophore electro-optic (EO) system. And super large EO coefficients (124 pm/V) were found from FTC-wl-doped sPAR-CTCP binary chromophore system at high chromophore loading density. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2695-x Authors Jialei Liu, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Liang Wang, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Zhen Zhen, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Xinhou Liu, Key Laboratory of Photochemical Conversion and Optoelectronic Materials, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Salt-induced fast aggregation of oil-in-water nano-emulsions stabilized by the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate was analyzed by employing dynamic and static light scattering techniques. Nano-emulsions with different ratios of dodecane/hexadecane were studied. The time evolution of the average size of all nano-emulsions collapsed in the same curve despite differences in the composition of the oil phase. A power law growing and a value of the homogeneity parameter similar to that typically found in model solid particle systems in diffusive aggregation regime were found. A value of 2.4 was estimated for the effective fractal dimension both from the scaling of scattered intensity with scattering wave vector modulus and from the kinetic scaling. This result indicates that the aggregates are more compact structures compared with model solid systems. It can be explained as a result of the effect of polydispersity in the primary droplet size and the coalescence events that occur inside the aggregates. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2680-4 Authors Aileen Lozsan, Centro de Estudios Interdisciplinarios de la Física, Laboratorio de Dispersiones e Interfases, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Apartado 20632, Caracas, 1020A Venezuela Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Thermoresponsive microgels consisting of poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) cores and poly( N -isopropylmethacrylamide) shells cross-linked with the hydrolytically degradable cross-linker N , O -dimethacryloyl hydroxylamine were synthesized. Their swelling and erosion properties were characterized using a variety of analytical tools including dynamic light scattering, asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation–multiangle light scattering, and atomic force microscopy. Shell addition leads to particle densification due to the added polymer and the mechanical, compressive force applied by the shell. Upon hydrolytic degradation of the shell cross-links, mechanical and chemical changes occur throughout the core and shell, leading to softer and more porous shells that permit greater core swelling. Such changes, which are triggered on exposure to physiologic conditions, are of potential utility within the realm of triggered drug delivery. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2692-0 Authors Jeffrey C. Gaulding, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA Antoinette B. South, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA L. Andrew Lyon, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Effects of some sodium salts (NaCl, NaClO 3 , and NaSCN) in the Hofmeister series on deswelling and temperature-induced aggregation behavior of microgels of poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAM) and PNIPAAM- co -PAA with attached poly(acrylic acid) moieties were investigated with the aid of turbidimetry and dynamic light scattering. Addition of salt in the concentration range 0.1–0.5 M generated aggregation of the PNIPAAM microgel particles at elevated temperatures, but it was no distinct difference between chaotropic and kosmotropic anions. In contrast, the flocculation behavior at high temperatures for PNIPAAM- co -PAA revealed a prominent influence of salinity and type of anion on the formation of aggregates. The aggregation transition was shifted to the highest temperature for the most chaotropic anion (SCN − ), and the aggregation transition at the same salt concentration is consistent with the typical Hofmeister series. The turbidity results from the PNIPAAM- co -PAA microgels disclosed a two-step transition for the considered anions, and both a low and high temperature change in the turbidity data was observed. The high-temperature transition followed the Hofmeister series. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2689-8 Authors Shirin Fanaian, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway Nodar Al-Manasir, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway Kaizheng Zhu, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway Anna-Lena Kjøniksen, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway Bo Nyström, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Dispersions of isotactic polypropylene (PP) particles in polystyrene (PS) were produced by interfacially driven breakup of nanolayers in multilayered systems that were fabricated by means of layer-multiplying coextrusion. The droplet size was controlled by the individual PP layer thickness ranging from 12 to 200 nm. In addition, PP was melt blended with PS to produce PP droplets larger than those formed by breakup of nanolayers. The dispersions of PP particles in the PS matrix were melted and annealed under high pressure of 200 MPa. Only the largest PP droplets, with average sizes of 170 μm, crystallized predominantly in the γ form. In the 42-μm droplets obtained by breakup of 200 nm layers, a minor content of the γ form was found whereas the smaller droplets obtained by breakup of the thinner nanolayers contained the α form and/or the mesophase. The results showed that the γ phase formed only in the droplets sufficiently large to contain the most active heterogeneities nucleating PP crystallization under atmospheric pressure. It is concluded that the presence of nucleating heterogeneities is necessary for crystallization of PP in the γ form under high pressure. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2686-y Authors Kinga Zapala, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90 363 Lodz, Poland Ewa Piorkowska, Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90 363 Lodz, Poland Anne Hiltner, Center for Applied Polymer Research, Department of Macromolecular Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7202, USA Eric Baer, Center for Applied Polymer Research, Department of Macromolecular Science, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-7202, USA Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The studies on control of heterogeneous structure of porous polymer microspheres prepared for suspension polymerization system and preformed polymer system in author’s research group were reviewed. Firstly, the phase-separation behavior in O/W suspension polymerization system for preparation of porous poly(divinylbenzene) microspheres was quantitatively studied by combining transmittance and gelation point measurement, from which the morphology can be manipulated. The same method can be employed to study the pore size control in W/O hydrophilic polymerization system. Because the simple porous microsphere could not satisfy new applications, we developed new methods to prepare gigaporous microsphere, which possessed much larger pores than those obtained by general diluents, for chromatographic separation media, as well as hollow-porous microsphere for construction of cell-like microreactor. Furthermore, in order to overcome the difficulty of heterogeneous structure control for preformed polymer system, we developed special methods to obtain porous, hollow-porous, and hollow chitosan microspheres. Finally, some application results by utilizing special morphologies were introduced. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-18 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2676-0 Authors Guanghui Ma, State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 1 Bei-Er-Tiao, Zhong-Guan-Cun, Haidian-District, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    By means of polynomial approximation and iteration procedure using linearization solution as initial solution, the non-linear Poisson–Boltzmann equation describing a spherical colloidal particle immersed in an arbitrary valence and mixed electrolyte solution is solved analytically, and analytical expressions for electrical potential distribution ψ ( r ) and surface charge density/surface potential relationship ( σ / ψ 0 ) are acquired. The σ / ψ 0 expression performs very well for the entire range of a reduced colloidal radius x 0 only if a reduced surface potential y 0 is lower than 15.5; particularly, in the case of x 0 〉10, the σ / ψ 0 expression applies over the entire range of y 0 , and maximum of the absolute value of percent relative error (PRE) is not larger than 2 if one does not come across a parameter combination as of an extreme case of x 0  〈 0.9 and y 0  〉 15.5. The ψ ( r ) expression outperforms the linearization solution greatly and performs very well for the domain of x 0  ≤ 1.5 and y 0  ≤ 4.5 with maximum of the absolute value of PRE not larger than 3, whereas that of the linearization solution may stand 22 for the same parameter range. It is concluded that the present σ / ψ 0 expression is the first one valid for entire range of x 0 , given that y 0 is not unreasonably high, and the present paper proposes, to some extent, a “universal” way for solving nonlinear differential equations. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2683-1 Authors S. Zhou, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China G. Zhang, School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    We developed a novel type of protein molecule-imprinted particles. Bovine hemoglobin (BHb) and submicron-sized polymer particles were used in this study as a template and a substrate, respectively. BHb molecules were softly and sparsely adsorbed on the particle surface. Then skin layer was formed with a thickness of BHb molecule size by living radical graft polymerization of moderately hydrophilic monomers. After that, BHb molecules were removed from their embedded spaces. The ability of vacant spaces on the surface layer of particles to take BHb molecules selectively was examined. Successful results were obtained not only in single protein adsorption system but also in the competitive adsorption system of several proteins and BHb, that is, the imprinted space was reserved for BHb even if other proteins coexisted, although their nonspecific adsorption on non-imprinted surface was not avoided. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Comunication Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2685-z Authors Hiroshi Ugajin, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-0061 Japan Norio Oka, Research Center, Shiseido Co. Ltd., 2-2-1, Hayabuchi, Tsuzuki, Yokohama, 224-8558 Japan Toru Okamoto, Research Center, Shiseido Co. Ltd., 2-2-1, Hayabuchi, Tsuzuki, Yokohama, 224-8558 Japan Haruma Kawaguchi, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1, Hiyoshi, Yokohama, 223-0061 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Two types of magnetite/PLA composite microbubbles with different magnetite loading sites (magnetite nanoparticles [MNPs] were loaded in shell or core part), named as Fe 3 O 4 @Shell and Fe 3 O 4 @Cavity microbubbles, were respectively fabricated by an improved W 1 /O/W 2 double emulsification approach and by an interfacial coprecipitation joint double emulsification approach. The preparation parameters were crucial factors for controlling the morphologies and structures of the microbubbles. To clarify the relationship between their structural characteristics and their properties, the T 2 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capabilities as well as the sound attenuation behavior of the microbubbles were investigated. The results demonstrate that the encapsulation of MNPs in either the inner cavity or the shell provides improved sound attenuation, the two types of microbubbles provide comparable sound attenuation enhancement properties, whereas Fe 3 O 4 @Shell microbubbles exhibit better T 2 -weighted MRI capabilities. The T 2 relaxation time decreased from 219.5 to 62.1 ms for the Fe 3 O 4 @Cavity microbubbles and from 163.8 to 45.7 ms for the Fe 3 O 4 @Shell microbubbles, as the iron concentration increased from 0.05 to 1 mM. In addition, both types of microbubbles exhibit no cytotoxicity to either NRK or BRL-3A metabolic cell cultures. These results suggest that these magnetite-containing microbubbles have great potential as ultrasonic/MR dual contrast imaging agents. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2682-2 Authors Bin Xu, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240 China Rong Lu, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240 China Hongjing Dou, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240 China Ke Tao, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240 China Kang Sun, State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240 China Yuanyuan Qiu, Institute of Acoustics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Jing Ding, Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China Dong Zhang, Institute of Acoustics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Jiyu Li, Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China Weibin Shi, Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China Kun Sun, Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Thermosensitive PNIPAM microcontainers were prepared by using silica particles as template. Silica particles were prepared by the Stöber method and surface modified with linear P(NIPAM-co-MPS) chains. PNIPAM shell was then fabricated on the P(NIPAM-co-MPS)-modified silica particles through precipitation polymerization of NIPAM and MBA. Finally, PNIPAM microcontainers were obtained by removing the silica cores with NaOH. The materials were characterized by TEM, FTIR, GPC, and DLS. The PNIPAM microcontainers exhibit good thermosensitivity. The method to fabricate thermosensitive PNIPAM shell can be generalized to a versatile method for preparing PNIPAM shell on particles with silica surface, which includes surface modification with P(NIPAM-co-MPS) and precipitation polymerization of NIPAM and MBA using the modified particles as seed. Through this method, PNIPAM shell was successfully fabricated on iron oxide/silica nanostructures with a wormlike shape and relatively large size, which demonstrates the versatility of the method. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Comunication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2697-8 Authors Feng Zhang, Key Laboratory for Advanced Technology in Environmental Protection of Jiangsu Province, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051 China Guihua Hou, Key Laboratory for Advanced Technology in Environmental Protection of Jiangsu Province, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051 China Shaojun Dai, School of Materials Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province 224051, China Rong Lu, School of Materials Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province 224051, China Changchun Wang, Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Ministry of Education, and Department of Macromolecular Science, Laboratory of Advanced Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The coil-to-globule transition of poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) prepared by free-radical redox polymerization in aqueous solutions and its nanocomposite (NC) gels were investigated by differential scanning calorimetery. The lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) of aqueous solutions of PNIPA of different molecular weights were not significantly affected by molecular weight ( M w : 0.19 × 10 6 −4.29 × 10 6  g × mol −1 ) or polymer concentration (1−10 wt%), although the enthalpy of transition increased with molecular weight, at M w (〈1.2 × 10 6 g × mol −1 ). The glass-transition temperature of PNIPA in the dried state also remained constant (138 °C), regardless of molecular weight. On the other hand, the enthalpy of the coil-to-globule transition of PNIPA in NC gels consisting of a PNIPA/clay network decreased with increasing clay concentration ( C clay ), while the onset temperature (≡LCST) was almost constant, regardless of C clay . The PNIPA chains in NC gels could be classified into the following three types: P-1, which exhibits a normal LCST transition, similar to that of linear PNIPA; P-2, exhibiting restricted transition at higher temperatures as a result of interactions with the clay; and P-3, which does not undergo that transition because of stronger restrictions. It was found that the proportion of P-3 increases with increasing C clay . However, some P-1 and P-2 was still observed, even in NC gels with high C clay . That the transition to the hydrophobic globular state was restricted by interactions with the clay was confirmed by measurements on PNIPA after removal of the clay from NC gels. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2694-y Authors Kazutoshi Haraguchi, Material Chemistry Laboratory, Kawamura Institute of Chemical Research, 631 Sakado, Sakura, Chiba 285-0078, Japan Yingjia Xu, Material Chemistry Laboratory, Kawamura Institute of Chemical Research, 631 Sakado, Sakura, Chiba 285-0078, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The structure of cold-crystallized polyamide 6 (PA 6) has been analyzed by wide-angle X-ray scattering, atomic force microscopy, and polarizing optical microscopy. It has been found that ordering of initially fully amorphous and glassy PA 6 on slow heating to temperatures higher than the glass transition temperature results in formation of spatially non-organized short lamellae/nodules with a size depending on the maximum annealing temperature. In contrast, melt crystallization at low supercooling is connected with formation of spherulites and laterally extended lamellae. The observed experimental results demonstrate that crystals of qualitatively different morphology and higher-order organization can be generated by variation of the pathway of crystallization. It is assumed that the different structures obtained in melt- and cold-crystallized samples are related to heterogeneous and homogeneous nucleation, respectively. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2657-3 Authors Daniela Mileva, Center of Engineering Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany Igor Kolesov, Center of Engineering Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany René Androsch, Center of Engineering Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06099 Halle (Saale), Germany Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The influence of the increase of the solution ionic strength on the flocculation of charged latex particles in the presence of cationic polymers is reported. Empirical flocculation rate constants are experimentally determined using particle counting and for two cationic polymers, one linear and the second with two branches. Comparisons are made with a solution containing monovalent salt only at different ionic concentrations in the absence of polymers. In all cases, polymer-induced flocculation is significantly more efficient than charge screening effects using salt only. Analysis of zeta potential measurements indicates that the charge neutralization and surface charge variations dictate the stability of the latex suspensions. Moreover, the addition of a small amount of salt in the polymer–particle mixtures results in a dramatic decrease of the polymer efficiency which is more pronounced for the linear polymeric flocculant. By increasing further the ionic strength, the rates of polymer flocculation are found to increase again but remain smaller than in the absence of salt. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2653-7 Authors Daniel Palomino, F.-A. Forel Institute, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 10 route de Suisse, 1290 Versoix, Switzerland David Hunkeler, Aqua+TECH Specialties, chemin du Chalet-du-Bac 4, 1283 La Plaine, Switzerland Serge Stoll, F.-A. Forel Institute, Group of Environmental Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva, 10 route de Suisse, 1290 Versoix, Switzerland Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Thermosensitive nanoparticles were prepared by mimicking protein folding where polymer aggregates were formed by precipitation of thermosensitive polymer chains followed by disulfide formation of their thiol groups. N -Isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and methacryloxy succinimide (SuMA) were co-polymerized and then cysteamine was allowed to react with succinimide moieties of the polymer to render thiol moieties. A polymer aqueous solution precipitated to form nano-sized aggregates by increasing temperature above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST), and their sizes were monodispersed and tunable by the polymer concentration. The aggregates were cross-linked to produce nanoparticles by oxidation of thiol groups in a manner similar to formation of a disulfide bond of protein. As a result, the cross-linked nanoparticles exhibited swelling by decreasing temperature below the LCST of the copolymer. Fluorescein and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were chosen as a small and a large substance, respectively, and were encapsulated into the swollen nanoparticles at 25 °C. Fluorescein was rapidly released from both swollen and shrunken nanoparticles. Although BSA exhibited little release at any temperatures, it was released from nanoparticles by adding the reducing agent to dissociate the disulfide cross-linking and incubating below the LCST. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2654-6 Authors Sachiko Kaihara, Center for Chemical Biology, School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan Masatoshi Narikawa, Center for Chemical Biology, School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan Keiji Fujimoto, Center for Chemical Biology, School of Fundamental Science and Technology, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Keio University, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    This review summarizes recent research dedicated to hybrid colloids combining inorganic nanoparticles and cross-linked polymer networks. We discuss aspects of synthesis, characterization, and application of systems with different morphologies and properties. Due to the large number of works in the field of composite materials, we focus on materials with responsive polymer components, which are dispersed in aqueous media. Content Type Journal Article Category Invited Review Pages 1-16 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2644-8 Authors Matthias Karg, Physical Chemistry, University of Bayreuth, Universitaetsstr. 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    For preparation of polystyrene (PS) composites, a polymeric dispersant, pyrene-capped polystyrene (PyPS), was applied for noncovalent functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) to improve both dispersion quality and PS–SWNT interfacial interactions. To demonstrate the critical role of PyPS, the composites with the absence of PyPS (PS/SWNT) were also prepared for comparison. Rheological studies suggest that addition of SWNTs, particularly of PyPS-functionalized SWNTs, suppresses significantly large-scale relaxation of PS chains but has little effect on their short-range dynamics. Relative to PS, moderately improved thermal and mechanical properties took place on the composites with either pristine or PyPS-functionalized SWNTs. The PS/PyPS/SWNT composite usually presents better performance than the PS/SWNT one at a fixed SWNT content. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2655-5 Authors Yehai Yan, Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education/Shandong Provincial Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042 China Jinfang Zhang, Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education/Shandong Provincial Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042 China Jian Cui, Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education/Shandong Provincial Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042 China Junmei Cheng, Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education/Shandong Provincial Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042 China Jiwen Liu, Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, Ministry of Education/Shandong Provincial Key Lab of Rubber-Plastics, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this paper, the nanoscale-confined crystallization behavior and crystallization kinetics in blends of double-crystalline polyethylene- block -poly(ethylene oxide) (PE-b-PEO) diblock copolymer with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A epoxy resin were investigated. The results showed that there appeared three crystallization regimes related to the crystallization of the PE block within three different microenvironments in the epoxy resin/PE-b-PEO blends. The Avrami index n is around 1.8–2.4, suggesting PE block of the copolymer in the blends exhibited nanoscale-confined crystallization behavior by homogeneous nucleation. The PE block nanoscale-confined crystallization is ascribed to the formation of the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding interaction between hydroxyl groups of amine-cured epoxy and ether oxygen atoms of PEO, as seen from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2660-8 Authors Yi Hongling, Research and Development Center for Advanced Sports Materials, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 China Wang Xilin, Research and Development Center for Advanced Sports Materials, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 China Wei Ting, Research and Development Center for Advanced Sports Materials, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 China Lin Heng, Research and Development Center for Advanced Sports Materials, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 China Zheng Baicun, Research and Development Center for Advanced Sports Materials, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    We report the synthesis of nanosized particles based on bio-compatible polyethylene–polypropylene glycol (pluronic) materials. In aqueous solution, mini-emulsification of pluronic with two pyrimidine chromophores leads to nanoparticles with hydrodynamic radius below 100 nm. We have demonstrated that these probes exhibit a fast and fully reversible solvatochromic behaviour from yellow to purple when decreasing the pH solution. The average acidity constant of both dyes incorporated in pluronic mainly originate from the non-substituted pyrimidine (1,3-diazine) core. The close functionalization of the pyrimidine with pyridyl groups leads to a tridentate ligand suitable for metal cations complexation. Figure  Aqueous nanoparticles of pluronic triblock copolymer incorporating pyrimidine chromophores are sensitive to pH changes: protonation of the dyes within the micelles core occurs in strong acidic aqueous media leading to purple coloration when compared to yellow colour in neutral or basic pH. This solvatochromic behaviour is fully reversible. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2652-8 Authors Laeticia Vurth, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, CNRS UMR 5588, Université Grenoble 1, Grenoble, 38402 France Caroline Hadad, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain Sylvain Achelle, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain Joaquín C. García-Martinez, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain Julián Rodríguez-López, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain Olivier Stéphan, Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Physique, CNRS UMR 5588, Université Grenoble 1, Grenoble, 38402 France Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Aqueous chemical oxidative dispersion polymerizations of pyrrole using PdCl 2 oxidant were conducted using water-soluble polymeric colloidal stabilizers in order to synthesize polypyrrole–palladium (PPy–Pd) nanocomposite particles in one step. PPy–Pd nanocomposite particles with number average diameters of approximately 30 nm were successfully obtained as colloidally stable aqueous dispersions, which were stable at least for 7 months, using poly(4-lithium styrene sulfonic acid) colloidal stabilizer. The resulting nanocomposite particles were extensively characterized with respect to particle size, size distribution, colloidal stability, nanomorphology, surface/bulk chemical compositions, and conductivity. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated the existence of poly(styrene sulfonic acid) colloidal stabilizer on the surface of the nanocomposite particles. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed that nanometer-sized Pd nanoparticles were distributed in the PPy matrix. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2646-6 Authors Hiroyuki Hamasaki, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, 5-16-1 Ohmiya, Asahi-ku, Osaka, 535-8585 Japan Nobuyuki Fukui, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, 5-16-1 Ohmiya, Asahi-ku, Osaka, 535-8585 Japan Syuji Fujii, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, 5-16-1 Ohmiya, Asahi-ku, Osaka, 535-8585 Japan Shin-ichi Yusa, Graduate School of Engineering, University of Hyogo, 2167, Shosha, Himeji, Hyogo 671-2280, Japan Yoshinobu Nakamura, Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, 5-16-1 Ohmiya, Asahi-ku, Osaka, 535-8585 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Hematite/SiO 2 /polystyrene colloidal particles were synthesized through emulsion polymerization, in the presence of seeds coated with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS). Scanning and transmission electron microscopy studies indicate that flying saucer-like particles can be prepared by taking advantage of the coalescence phenomenon which occurs between growing polymer nodules when the MPS surface density of the coupling agent is high. By decreasing this density, multipod-like and raspberry-like composite particles were obtained, depending on the concentration of monomer. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2648-4 Authors Thibaut Forestier, CRPP, CNRS, Univ. Bordeaux, 115 Avenue Schweitzer, Pessac, 33600 France Mélanie Ferrié, CRPP, CNRS, Univ. Bordeaux, 115 Avenue Schweitzer, Pessac, 33600 France Serge Ravaine, CRPP, CNRS, Univ. Bordeaux, 115 Avenue Schweitzer, Pessac, 33600 France Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is a functional polymer that presents positive charges at low and neutral pHs. Copolymers bearing PDMAEMA blocks usually show a thermal behavior in water marked by a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). This behavior suggests them as interesting “smart” materials for several applications such as water decontamination and many others. In the present work, the LCST of a poly(methyl methacrylate)- block- poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PMMA- b -PDMAEMA) synthesized by RAFT was measured in several conditions in aqueous solution. It was demonstrated that ionic strength modulates the LCST and this effect depends on the nature of the anion. For instance, weakly hydrated anions such as perchlorate make the LCST lower as the ionic strength gets higher, on the other hand, strongly hydrated ions such as sulfate have not shown a marked effect on LCST. Those results were understood as a consequence of the specific binding of each anion onto the positive-charged PDMAEMA chains, changing the interactions between the chains and water molecules, as well as affecting their pK a and the ionic interactions. Also, as expected, the LCST is very dependent on pH. The overall results point to the opportunity of modulating very precisely the thermal behavior of PMMA- b -PDMAEMA systems by usual solution conditions such as the type of the anion present. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2651-9 Authors João Carlos Perbone de Souza, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas—UNIFAL-MG, R. Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Alfenas, MG 37.130-000, Brazil Alliny Ferreira Naves, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas—UNIFAL-MG, R. Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Alfenas, MG 37.130-000, Brazil Fábio Herbst Florenzano, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal de Alfenas—UNIFAL-MG, R. Gabriel Monteiro da Silva, 700, Alfenas, MG 37.130-000, Brazil Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Generation of particles of various sizes and shapes can be of great interest to scientists and engineers. We have developed a new and robust apparatus which can generate oblate spheroids from spherical polymer particles. A sheet of film dispersed with spherical particles was held by an eight-jaw extensional apparatus. The jaws were positioned in the edges of a regular octagon and moved radially to induce biaxial extension in an oil bath above the glass transition temperatures of the film and particles. We have demonstrated that polystyrene particles dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol film can be stretched to generate various shapes by this method. The microscopic studies show that the oblate spheroids obtained by this method are virtually exact spheroids without showing knife edges. Also depending on positions with regard to holders, ellipsoids and even prolate spheroids can be obtained. The method has been found to be robust in that the deformation is always reproducible regardless of film thickness and very small deformation can be applied for nearly spherical particles. We have confirmed that this method can be applied for particles of submicrons to 10 μm in diameter or even larger ones. It is expected that the spheroids and ellipsoids obtained by this method can be of help in many studies including colloids, suspension rheology, electrophoresis, printed electronics, and pharmaceutical science. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2656-4 Authors Hongrok Shin, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul, 136-713 South Korea Chongyoup Kim, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul, 136-713 South Korea Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Crystal growth rate coefficients, k of the colloidal crystallization of thermo-sensitive gel spheres of poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) were measured from the time-resolved reflection spectroscopy mainly by the inverted mixing method in the deionized state. Crystallization of colloidal silica spheres were also measured for comparison. The k values of gel and silica systems increased sharply as the sphere concentration and suspension temperature increased. The k values of gel system were insensitive to the degree of cross-linking in the range from 10 to 2 mol% of cross-linker against amount of the monomer in mole and decreased sharply when the degree of cross-linking decreased further to 0.5 %. The k values increased as gel size increased. The k values of gel systems at 20 °C were small and observed only at the very high sphere concentration in volume fraction, whereas those at 45 °C were high but smaller than those of silica systems. Induction time ( t i ) after which crystallization starts, increased as the degree of cross-linking increased and/or the gel size decreased at any temperatures, when comparison was made at the same gel concentration. The t i values at 45 °C were high and decreased sharply with increasing sphere concentration, whereas those at 20 °C were high only at the very high sphere concentrations. Significant difference in the k and t i values between the soft gels and hard silica spheres was clarified. These kinetic results support that the electrical double layers play an important role for the gel crystallization in addition to the excluded volume of gel spheres. It is deduced further that the electrical double layers of the gel system form from the vague interfaces (between soft gel and water phases) compared with those of typical colloidal hard sphere system. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2666-2 Authors Tsuneo Okubo, Institute for Colloidal Organization, Hatoyama 3-1-112, Uji, Kyoto 611-0012, Japan Daisuke Suzuki, International Young Researchers Empowerment Center, Shinshu University, Tokida 3-15-1, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan Kiyoshi Shibata, Department of Applied Chemistry, Gifu University, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan Akira Tsuchida, Department of Applied Chemistry, Gifu University, Gifu, Gifu 501-1193, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Polyethylene terephthalate/poly(ethylene glycol)/2, 6-naphthalene dicarboxylate (PET/PEG/NDC) copolymers were synthesized and characterized. The results demonstrated that T g dramatically decreased—by approximately 20 °C—when 8 wt.% PEG was added to neat PET. However, T g slightly increased—by around 6 °C—from the reduced value, when a third ingredient, NDC, was incorporated. The melting temperature T m and fusion enthalpy △ H m decreased when the 8 wt.% PEG was copolymerized. Further incorporation of NDC into the PET/8 % PEG copolymer, after a small initial increase in T m and △ H m for PET/8 % PEG/2.3 % NDC, caused substantially reduce in both properties for PET/8 % PEG/9.2 % NDC. A mechanical test revealed that PET/8 % PEG/NDC copolymers maintained high mechanical integrity until degradation, verifying that the inclusion of NDC enhances the weatherability of PET/PEG copolymer. The rheological Cole–Cole plots indicated the occurrence of phase separation in PET/PEG melt, but the incorporation of NDC suppressed this incompatibility. The biodegradation results indicated that the degradation comprised two stages—a period of rapid degradation, which was associated with the hydrolysis of PEG segments, and a period of slow degradation, which was caused by erosion of the short aliphatic segments by the microbes. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2662-6 Authors Syang-Peng Rwei, Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, National Taipei University of Technology, #1, Sec 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Rd, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China Wei-Peng Lin, Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, National Taipei University of Technology, #1, Sec 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Rd, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China Jou-Fang Wang, Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, National Taipei University of Technology, #1, Sec 3, Chung-Hsiao E. Rd, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The photo-controlled/living radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate using a nitroxide mediator was established in an inert atmosphere. The bulk polymerization was performed at room temperature using 4-methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl as the mediator and (2RS,2′RS)-azobis(4-methoxy-2,4-dimethylvaleronitrile) as the initiator in the presence of (4- tert -butylphenyl)diphenylsulfonium triflate as the accelerator by irradiation with a high-pressure mercury lamp. The photopolymerization in a N 2 atmosphere produced a polymer with a comparatively narrow molecular weight distribution; however, the experimental molecular weight was slightly different from the theoretical molecular weight. The Ar atmospheric polymerization also provided a polymer with the molecular weight distribution similar to that of the polymer obtained by the N 2 atmospheric polymerization. These inert atmospheric polymerizations more rapidly proceeded to produce polymers with narrower molecular weight distributions than the vacuum polymerization. The livingness of the Ar atmospheric polymerization was confirmed on the basis of the first-order time–conversion plots and conversion–molecular weight plots. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-5 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2668-0 Authors Eri Yoshida, Department of Environmental and Life Sciences, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The morphology and adhesive properties of waterborne films from n -butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate/montmorillonite clay hybrid polymer latexes which were synthesized by miniemulsion polymerization in the presence of a reactive organoclay ((2-methacryloylethyl) hexadecyldimethylammonium modified montmorillonite, CMA16) were investigated. It was found by cryo-TEM analysis that the hybrid dispersions were a mixture of colloidal particles composed of a small fraction of free montmorillonite clay platelets, polymer latex particles, polymer particles to which one or more clay platelets where adhered onto its surface and a fraction of colloidal material consisted of a clay platelet with a polymer lob adhered to either side, in other words hybrid particles with a dumbbell-like morphology. The films made from these waterborne hybrid dispersions presented a homogeneous dispersion of the clay platelets and exfoliated morphology. The shear adhesion failure temperature (SAFT) and shear resistance of the hybrid latex films synthesized with CMA16 were better than those prepared with a commercial clay (Cloisite 30B), but presented a liquid-like probe-tack performance. When allyl methacrylate (AMA) was added in the formulation, SAFT and shear resistance improved, but the film had a very low energy of adhesion due to the excessively crosslinked matrix. In order to reduce crosslink density and thus improve the adhesion energy, small amounts of chain transfer agent, in this case n -dodecyl mercaptan (n-DDM), were used in the miniemulsion polymerization process. Adhesive films made from these waterborne hybrid dispersions showed excellent SAFT and shear resistance, and good energy of adhesion. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2649-3 Authors Audrey Bonnefond, Institute for Polymer Materials, POLYMAT, Kimika Aplikatua Saila, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Zentroa, Tolosa Hiribidea 72, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain Matej Mičušík, Institute for Polymer Materials, POLYMAT, Kimika Aplikatua Saila, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Zentroa, Tolosa Hiribidea 72, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain Maria Paulis, Institute for Polymer Materials, POLYMAT, Kimika Aplikatua Saila, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Zentroa, Tolosa Hiribidea 72, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain Jose R. Leiza, Institute for Polymer Materials, POLYMAT, Kimika Aplikatua Saila, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Zentroa, Tolosa Hiribidea 72, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain Roberto F. A. Teixeira, Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK Stefan A. F. Bon, Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The phase behavior of the mixed catanionic surfactants in aqueous solution, composed of the long-chain ionic liquid (IL) N -dodecyl- N -methylpyrrolidinium (C 12 MPB) and a divalent metal surfactant copper dodecyl sulfate (Cu(DS) 2 ·4H 2 O), was investigated. The phase diagram of the catanionic system was mapped through visual observation and electrical conductivity measurement. The formation of vesicles was confirmed in the lamellar phase (L α ) through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Rheological measurements were used to study the macroscopic properties of the birefringent L α phase. Electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions are regarded as the main driving forces for the formation of vesicles. Furthermore, the vesicles were successfully used as the templates to prepare the leaflike CuO nanomaterials. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2664-4 Authors Mingwei Zhao, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, People’s Republic of China Jie Yuan, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, People’s Republic of China Liqiang Zheng, Key Laboratory of Colloid and Interface Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250100, People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    After the surface silylation with 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, silica nanoparticles were further modified by 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO). The immobilization of DOPO on silica nanoparticles was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance, and thermogravimetric analysis. By incorporating the DOPO-immobilized silica nanoparticles (5 wt%) into polypropylene matrix, the thermal oxidative stability exhibited an improvement of 62 °C for the half weight loss temperature, while that was only 26 °C increment with incorporation of virgin silica nanoparticles (5 wt%). Apparent activation energies of the polymer nanocomposites were estimated via Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method. It was found that the incorporation of DOPO-immobilized silica nanoparticles improved activation energies of the degradation reaction. Based on the results, it was speculated that DOPO-immobilized silica nanoparticles could inhibit the degradation of polypropylene and catalyze the formation of carbonaceous char on the surface. Thus, thermal stability was significantly improved. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2631-0 Authors Quanxiao Dong, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Yanfen Ding, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Bin Wen, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Feng Wang, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Huicong Dong, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Shimin Zhang, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Tongxin Wang, Crest Center for Nanomaterials, College of Engineering, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA Mingshu Yang, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, CAS Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Polystyrene/polypyrrole (PS/PPy) core–shell nanocomposite particles with uniform and tailored morphology have been successfully synthesized using the “naked” PS particulate substrate with the aid of a proposed strategy, the so-called swelling–diffusion–interfacial polymerization method. After initially forming pyrrole-swollen PS particles, diffusion of the monomer toward the aqueous phase was controlled through the addition of hydrochloric acid, eventually leading to its polymerization on the substrate particle surface. This process allows the nanocomposite particles to possess uniform and intact PPy overlayer and affords much more effective control over the structure and morphology of the resultant nanocomposites by simply changing the PS/pyrrole weight ratio or the addition amount of the doping acid. In particular, the nanocomposite particles with a thin, uniform, and intact PPy overlayer and their corresponding PPy hollow particles were obtained at a low addition amount of pyrrole. The resultant nanocomposite particles have been extensively characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetry. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2663-5 Authors Zhen Huang, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Chunjian Wang, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Yunxing Li, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Zhaoqun Wang, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Dynamic percolation in highly oriented conductive networks formed with different carbon nanofillers is investigated during disorientation upon annealing. Conductive networks are constructed by solid-state drawing, subsequent annealing, and using fillers with different dimensions (multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon black (CB)) in a bicomponent tape. Interestingly, it is observed that a less entangled network work is formed by mixed filler containing CB; consequently, this result in an accelerated dynamic percolation process and reduced activation energy of such process. Three different analytical approaches have been utilized to analyze this interesting behavior. It is concluded that the dynamic percolation process in highly oriented conductive polymer composites filled with MWCNTs can indeed be accelerated by the addition of CB, since less entangled networks are formed in a hybrid filler system compared with MWCNTs alone. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2661-7 Authors Shuangmei Zhang, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 People’s Republic of China Lin Lin, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 People’s Republic of China Hua Deng, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 People’s Republic of China Xiang Gao, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 People’s Republic of China Emiliano Bilotti, School of Engineering and Materials Science, and Centre of Materials Research, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS London, UK Ton Peijs, School of Engineering and Materials Science, and Centre of Materials Research, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, E1 4NS London, UK Qin Zhang, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 People’s Republic of China Qiang Fu, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this work, we designed copolymer microgels by the copolymerisation of N -vinylcaprolactam (VCL) and two acrylamides ( N -isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and N -isopropylmethacrylamide (NIPMAAm)) under precipitation conditions in aqueous phase. In synthesis protocols, the ratio between monomers was varied from 1:5 to 5:1 mol/mol. By NMR and Raman spectroscopy, we determined the chemical composition of PVCL/NIPAAm and PVCL/NIPMAAm copolymer microgels reflecting the initial monomer ratio in the reaction mixture. The hydrodynamic radii of PVCL/NIPAAm microgels are around 375 nm (at 25 °C) and do not vary with the copolymer composition. On the contrary, for PVCL/NIPMAAm microgels, the size decreases from 450 to 250 nm with an increase of the VCL amount in copolymer structure. The heterogeneity of the microgel structure in terms of the distribution of the monomer units was probed by 1 H transverse magnetization relaxation NMR, showing that the VCL, NIPAAm and NIPMAAm units are unorderly distributed in the colloidal networks. The investigation of volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) for copolymer microgels was performed using dynamic light scattering, NMR and differential scanning calorimetry. It has been found that PVCL/NIPAAm microgels show VPTT around 35 °C independently from the copolymer composition; however, PVCL/NIPMAAm particles exhibit a nonlinear increase of VPTT from 34 to 45 °C as the NIPMAAm fraction in copolymer structure increases. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2659-1 Authors Andreea Balaceanu, Functional and Interactive Polymers, Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany Veronica Mayorga, Functional and Interactive Polymers, Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany Wanjuan Lin, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3H6 Marco-Philipp Schürings, Lehrstuhl für Makromolekulare Materialien und Oberflächen, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany Dan E. Demco, Functional and Interactive Polymers, Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany Alexander Böker, Lehrstuhl für Makromolekulare Materialien und Oberflächen, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany Mitchell A. Winnik, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3H6 Andrij Pich, Functional and Interactive Polymers, Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Forckenbeckstraße 50, 52056 Aachen, Germany Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    An ultrathin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer with a mean thickness of 1 nm was coated on soft magnetic carbonyl iron (CI) particles by using a simple thermal evaporation process, and then their physical characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). Magnetorheological (MR) fluid was prepared by using PDMS-coated CI powder, and its rheological behavior was investigated under different external magnetic field strengths using a rotational rheometer. The CI particles coated by a thin PDMS layer showed higher oxidation temperature than pristine CI particles and MR fluid consisting of PDMS-coated CI particles demonstrated better dispersion stability in a nonmagnetic carrier fluid. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-6 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2667-1 Authors Yoon-Hyun Kim, R&D Center, ChangSung Co., Ltd, Incheon, South Korea Jung-Eun Lee, R&D Center, ChangSung Co., Ltd, Incheon, South Korea Seok-Ki Cho, R&D Center, ChangSung Co., Ltd, Incheon, South Korea Seong-Yong Park, R&D Center, ChangSung Co., Ltd, Incheon, South Korea In-Bum Jeong, R&D Center, ChangSung Co., Ltd, Incheon, South Korea Myung-Geun Jeong, Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 440-746 South Korea Young Dok Kim, Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 440-746 South Korea Hyoung Jin Choi, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, 402-751 South Korea Sung Min Cho, Department of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 440-746 South Korea Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Organic/inorganic hybrids were prepared by catalytic hydrolysis and subsequent polycondensation of tetra- n -butyl titanate (T n BT) in shell layers grafted on core particles. The core particles were synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of styrene, N - n -butyl- N -2-methacryloyloxyethyl- N , N -dimethylammonium bromide (C 4 DMAEMA), and 2-chloropropionyloxyethyl methacrylate using 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride as an initiator. The core diameters were controlled in the range of 70–550 nm by adjusting a C 4 DMAEMA feed concentration. The core–shell particles were prepared by surface-initiated activator generated electron transfer–atom transfer radical polymerization of 2-( N , N -dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA). The sizes of core–shell particles were found to increase monotonically with an increase in a DMAEMA concentration. The hybrid particles were fabricated by adding T n BT into a water/ethanol dispersion of core–shell particles. The amounts of titania deposited increased in proportion to the grafted amounts of poly[2-( N , N -dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] on the core particles. The X-ray diffraction measurement revealed that the hollow titania particles obtained by heat treatment of hybrids have an anatase crystallographic phase. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2658-2 Authors Tatsuo Taniguchi, Division of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan Fumiyasu Murakami, Division of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan Masakatsu Kasuya, Division of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan Takashi Kojima, Division of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan Michinari Kohri, Division of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan Kyoichi Saito, Division of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan Takayuki Nakahira, Division of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The presented study concerns the preparation and investigation of silver particles in presence of hydroxylated polyester dendrimers used as stabilizing agent. Altogether a full series of water soluble and aliphatic bis-MPA dendrimers from first to fifth generation was used as to stabilize silver nanoparticles in situ. A special focus is set on the biological properties. The antibacterial properties of the dendrimer stabilized silver particles are tested against Escherichia coli and the toxicity against human cells is tested with the human epithelial cell line A549. Under the chosen testing arrangement, it was observed that the silver particles contain a significant antibacterial effect against E. coli . Silver particles stabilized in situ with dendrimers of higher generation seem to contain a stronger antibacterial property. No toxicity against human cells was observed for the silver particles even in case of the highest investigated silver concentration. Altogether the here prepared and investigated silver particles could offer a great potential for application as antibacterial agent with low human toxicity. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2650-x Authors Boris Mahltig, Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology, Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences, Webschulstraße 31, 41065 Mönchengladbach, Germany Nicolas Cheval, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD England, UK Vladimir Astachov, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD England, UK Michael Malkoch, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden Maria I. Montanez, School of Chemical Science and Engineering, Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden Hajo Haase, Institute of Immunology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany Amir Fahmi, Department of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD England, UK Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Chitosan macromolecules can be dissolved in water saturated with CO 2 under high pressure, i.e. in carbonic acid. This unique biocompatible solvent with acidity regulated by the variation of applied CO 2 pressure is rather promising for biomedical applications. In this work the main features of deposition of chitosan structures on the model substrate from solutions in this media were examined. After deposition on the mica surface, the obtained structures have been successfully visualised by atomic force microscopy (AFM). It has been found out that they adsorb as rather peculiar elongated objects with an average length of about 70 nm. Such conformations are believed to appear due to amphiphilic nature of chitosan semiflexible chains in agreement with recent theoretical findings. The well-defined geometry of the elongated monodispersed structures allows them to demonstrate some elements of liquid crystalline-like ordering. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2673-3 Authors Marina A. Khokhlova, Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1-2, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991 Russian Federation Marat O. Gallyamov, Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1-2, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991 Russian Federation Alexei R. Khokhlov, Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory 1-2, GSP-1, Moscow, 119991 Russian Federation Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The palladium and gold precursors were dissolved in dispersive and continuous phase of ionic liquid microemulsion (H 2 O/Triton X-100 (TX-100)/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate), respectively. [PdCl 6 ] 2− ions were reduced in situ by TX-100 in dispersive phase (H 2 O) to prepare Pd nanoparticles (NPs) and then [AuCl 4 ] − crossed through the interface film and reacted with the as-prepared Pd NPs to form Pd 4 Au NPs. The as-prepared Pd 4 Au NPs were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The as-prepared Pd 4 Au NPs suspension and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspension were vigorously stirred to prepare the electrocatalyst supported on the CNTs with a total metal loading of 20 wt.% (denoted by Pd 4 Au/CNTs). Cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry tests show that the Pd 4 Au/CNTs are very promising for the oxidation of ethanol in alkaline medium. The result can be attributed to the synergistic effect between Pd and Au during the catalytic process. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2670-6 Authors Guoping Zhang, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Haihui Zhou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Chunling An, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Dan Liu, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Zhongyuan Huang, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Yafei Kuang, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082 People’s Republic of China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    This study addresses the effect of the degree of N -acetylation (DA ~1.4–56 %) of chitosan (CS) of low and medium molecular weight ( M w  ~ 9.5–13.2 and ~122–266 kDa, respectively) on the biophysical properties, colloidal stability and encapsulation efficiency of capsaicin (a lipophilic drug currently used in pain therapy) of CS-based nanocapsules (NCs). The average diameter of the NCs varied within the range of ~150–200 nm, but it was slightly higher for NCs comprising high M w CS than for those with low M w CS. The zeta potential ( ζ ) was highly positive and clearly dependent on the M w of CS, exhibiting a monotonic decreasing trend concomitant with the increase in DA. Both results suggest that M w and DA of CS have an effect on the disposition of the polysaccharide onto the phospholipidic surface. Synchrotron SAXS studies revealed a monotonic increase in Bragg interplanar distances (from ~55 up to ~67 Å) as a function of the DA, a finding that agrees with previous results that are consistent with the capacity of hydrophobic domains to disturb the crystalline state of gelled phospholipidic membranes. Colloidal stability studies carried out in cell-culture biological media revealed the determinant role of hydration forces, a short-range repulsive interaction, on the stability of the NCs. Finally, M w and DA of CS both influenced the encapsulation efficiency of capsaicin, thus showing the effect of the harnessed NCs shell on its capacity to encapsulate lipophilic drugs. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2669-z Authors Francisco M. Goycoolea, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago Compostela, Campus Sur s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Angela Valle-Gallego, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago Compostela, Campus Sur s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Rossana Stefani, Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie, Farmaceutiche ed Alimentari, via Brigata Salerno 13, 16147 Genova, Italy Bianca Menchicchi, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago Compostela, Campus Sur s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Laurent David, Laboratoire des Matériaux Polymères et des Biomatériaux, UMR CNRS 5223, Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères (IMP), Université Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, 15 Boulevard A. Latarjet, Bâtiment ISTIL, 69622 Villeurbanne Cedex, France Cyrille Rochas, CERMAV-CNRS, BP53, 38041 Grenoble, France Manuel J. Santander-Ortega, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago Compostela, Campus Sur s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain María J. Alonso, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Universidad de Santiago Compostela, Campus Sur s/n, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The effect of ultrahigh molecular weight polyacrylonitrile (UHMWPAN) on the shear and extensional rheological behavior of PAN solutions were studied. The PAN solutions were prepared by dissolving medium molecular weight polyacrylonitrile in dilute UHMWPAN/dimethyl sulfoxide solutions. The results of shear rheological measurements indicated that the existence of UHMWPAN reduced the shear-thinning but increased the characteristic relaxation time and the elasticity of PAN solutions. Moreover, the PAN solutions containing UHMWPAN exhibited much more evident strain-hardening behavior than the solution without UHMWPAN. It was found from the results of extensional rheological measurements that the strain hardening and elasticity of PAN solutions increased greatly with the increase of molecular weight or content of UHMWPAN in the solutions. PAN solutions containing a small amount of UHMWPAN have better drawability and favor the increase of jet stretch ratio in dry-jet wet spinning of PAN precursor fibers. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-7 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2546-1 Authors Lianjiang Tan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China Jinping Pan, Jiaxing Special Equipment Inspection Institute, Jiaxing, 314001 China Ajun Wan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Mono-dispersed gel particles with projections were prepared by dispersion polymerization with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate and a polyethyleneglycol (PEG) block macro azo initiator in H 2 O/ethanol solutions. The effects of molecular weight of PEG blocks and polymerization conditions on the morphology and some properties were examined for the gel particles. The diameters and the extent of coagulation were different with the polymerization conditions. Relatively large specific areas and large swelling ratio with H 2 O were obtained, and these values were related with the polymerization conditions. By mixing the gel particles with gold nanoparticles in solutions, composite particles were formed, which were composed of gold nanoparticles adsorbed on the gel particles. Interaction between gold nanoparticles and reactive azo groups remained in the gel particles concerned for the formation of the composite particles. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2541-6 Authors Masaki Kimoto, Department of Chemistry and Environments, Technology Research Institute of Osaka Prefecture, Ayumino, Izumi, Osaka, 594-1157 Japan Yoshiaki Sakurai, Department of Chemistry and Environments, Technology Research Institute of Osaka Prefecture, Ayumino, Izumi, Osaka, 594-1157 Japan Katsuya Asao, Department of Chemistry and Environments, Technology Research Institute of Osaka Prefecture, Ayumino, Izumi, Osaka, 594-1157 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Advanced multi-compartmental concanavalin A (Con A)/glycogen complex microcapsules incorporated with polymeric micelles were successfully fabricated by a facile, one-step controlled precipitation method. Dropwise addition of Con A solution into glycogen solution results in Con A/glycogen complex precipitates, which are captured by polyethyleneimine-modified CaCO 3 microparticles, forming a continuous shell structure. Removal of the carbonate cores yields hollow capsules of Con A/glycogen complex, which have variable sizes and wall thicknesses under different precipitation conditions. The capsules show molecular-recognizable response to glucose and dextran ( M w , 20 and 40 kDa), leading to breakdown of the capsule structure and release of the incorporated substances such as poly(styrene- b -acrylic acid) micelles. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2543-4 Authors Weijun Tong, MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Yi Zhu, MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Changyou Gao, MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Anionic polysaccharide (PS) was extracted from Aphanothece stagnina biomaterials where trivalent metal ions were remarkably condensed from environmental water. Structural analyses indicated that the PS was considered to be a kind of sulfated rhamnoglucan-containing uronic acid at a composition of 23 mol% and that the total composition of anionic groups such as sulfate and carboxylate was 31 mol% to the monosaccharide residues. Since the PS was found to be a huge macromolecule with an ultra-high molecular weight (3.14 × 10 7  g/mol), the simple calculation indicated that about 9.5 × 10 4 anions exist on one chain of the PS. The electric conductivity of the highly anionic PS solutions indicated that the metal ions such as Ga 3+ , La 3+ , and Ca 2+ complexed ionically with PS chains. The PS formed the gels as a result of trivalent metal complexation, but the gelation behavior of the PS was different from that of the representative metal-complexable polysaccharide, alginate, in terms of the minimum gel formation concentration and the average molecular weight between cross-linking points. Figure    Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2528-3 Authors Quyen Thi le Nguyen, School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan Maiko Okajima, School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan Tetsu Mitsumata, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering Yamagata University, Yonezawa, 992-8510 Japan Kai Kan, School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan Hang Thi Tran, Faculty of Technology of Chemistry, Viet Tri University of Industry, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Tien Kien, Lam Thao, Phu Tho, Vietnam Tatsuo Kaneko, School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    A simple and green chemical method has been developed to synthesize stable bare and capped silver nanoparticles based on the reduction of silver ions by glucose and capping by poly(α,γ, l -glutamic acid) (PGA). The use of ammonia during synthesis was avoided. PGA has had a dual role in the synthesis and was used as a capping agent to make the silver nanoparticle more biocompatible and to protect the nanoparticles from agglomerating in the liquid medium. The synthesized PGA-capped silver nanoparticles in the size range 5–45 nm were stable over long periods of time, without signs of precipitation. Morphological examination has shown that the silver nanoparticles had a nearly spherical, multiply twinned structure. The effects of the reaction temperature and the reaction time during the synthesis were investigated too. The biocompatibility of the PGA-capped silver nanoparticles is discussed in terms of in vitro toxicity with human intestinal Caco-2 cells. The samples were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and zeta potential measurements. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2540-7 Authors Magdalena Stevanović, Institute of Technical Sciences of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihailova 35/IV, Belgrade, 11000 Serbia Igor Savanović, Institute of Technical Sciences of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihailova 35/IV, Belgrade, 11000 Serbia Vuk Uskoković, Therapeutic Micro and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA Srečo D. Škapin, Advanced Materials Department, Jožef Štefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia Ines Bračko, Advanced Materials Department, Jožef Štefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana, 1000 Slovenia Uroš Jovanović, Chemical Dynamics Laboratory, The Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box 522, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia Dragan Uskoković, Institute of Technical Sciences of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Knez Mihailova 35/IV, Belgrade, 11000 Serbia Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The present study presents two different methods to obtain hybrid material formed by the poly [styrene (ST)–poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) 1100] and silver (Ag 0 ). The aim has been to cover the polymeric particles with Ag 0 shell. The first method consisted of mixing Ag 0 nanoparticles dispersion with poly (ST-PEGMA 1100) dispersion, while in the second method, the Ag 0 nanoparticles have been generated in situ. The hybrid materials have been characterized by MO, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry, and ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry. The results confirm the obtaining of two types of morphologies. In the first case, the nanoparticles have been arranged in the interspatial zones of the polymer particles, while in the second method, the Ag 0 nanoparticles have covered the polymer particles. Thus, the film obtained using the second method is more suitable for the practical application, as a separation membrane, using the antiseptic properties of Ag 0 . Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2530-9 Authors Eugeniu Vasile, METAV Research and Development, 31 C.A. Rosetti, sector 2, Bucharest, Romania Edina Rusen, Department of Polymer Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 149 Calea Victoriei, 010072 Bucharest, Romania Alexandra Mocanu, Department of Polymer Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 149 Calea Victoriei, 010072 Bucharest, Romania Mariana Patrascu, Department of Polymer Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 149 Calea Victoriei, 010072 Bucharest, Romania Ioan Calinescu, Department of Polymer Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 149 Calea Victoriei, 010072 Bucharest, Romania Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Associating polymers are hydrophilic long-chain molecules containing a small amount of hydrophobic groups and tend to create bonds between chains by reversible associating interactions. The effects of associating polymer on the steady-shear viscosity and dynamic viscoelasticity are studied for suspensions of silica nanoparticles with diameters of 8, 18, and 25 nm. The silica particles of 8 nm are entrapped in the transient network of associating polymer by reversible adsorption. The enhancement of network results in the high viscosity with a Newtonian flow profile in the limit of zero shear rate. In suspensions of 25 nm silica, the hydrophobes extending from the chains adsorbed onto different particles can form a micelle by association interactions. The multichain bridging gave rise to the shear-thinning flow and high storage modulus at low frequencies. The suspensions of 25 nm silica are characterized as flocculated systems. Because of intermediate curvature, the flexible bridges are formed between silica particles of 18 nm. When the flexible bridges are highly extended within the lifetime in shear fields, the suspensions show shear-thickening flow. The shear-thickening flow can be attributed to the elastic effect of flexible bridges. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2547-0 Authors Yu Saito, Department of Urban Environment Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, Yayoi-cho 1-33, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522 Japan Yuji Hirose, Department of Urban Environment Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, Yayoi-cho 1-33, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522 Japan Yasufumi Otsubo, Department of Urban Environment Systems, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, Yayoi-cho 1-33, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Recently, superhydrophobic surfaces are gaining much interest because they may be employed in a series of applications, spanning from the realization of self-cleaning surfaces to microfluidics to special water-impermeable tissues allowing perspiration. It is well-known that superhydrophobicity strictly depends on the combination of superficial micro- and nano-structures. Then, key factors in the process of surface synthesis are the parameters which will define the surface conformation. In this work, we deal with the fabrication of polymer-based superhydrophobic surfaces. We developed a new method to have a good control of the structure of the synthesised surface. A high stability of the superhydrophobic character during time was obtained. Moreover, the synthesis process is green and easily transferable to industry for large production. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2531-8 Authors I. Bernagozzi, Fondazione Bruno Kessler CMM, Via Sommarive 18, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy S. Torrengo, Fondazione Bruno Kessler CMM, Via Sommarive 18, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy L. Minati, Fondazione Bruno Kessler CMM, Via Sommarive 18, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy M. Ferrari, CSMFO Lab, CNR-IFN, Via alla Cascata, 56/C, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy A. Chiappini, CSMFO Lab, CNR-IFN, Via alla Cascata, 56/C, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy C. Armellini, Physics Department, University of Trento, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy L. Toniutti, Physics Department, University of Trento, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy L. Lunelli, Fondazione Bruno Kessler CMM, Via Sommarive 18, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy G. Speranza, Fondazione Bruno Kessler CMM, Via Sommarive 18, Povo, 38123 Trento, Italy Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Only a single type of circular circumferential crack is conventionally reported for poly( l -lactic acid) (PLLA). In this study, PLLA samples were found to exhibit as many as four crack types of different directions and patterns, which cannot be feasibly explained simply by the directional difference in coefficients of thermal expansion. Depending on crystallization temperature ( T c ), PLLA crystallizes into ringless or ring-banded spherulites, whereas the crack patterns are dramatically different in these two types of spherulites. In ring-banded spherulites of PLLA crystallized at intermediate T c , two uniquely different crack types are present: (1) twin circumferential cracks coinciding with the dark–bright and bright–dark boundary and (2) radial short-segmental voids coinciding on the bright bands in spherulites. The radial short-segmental cracks on the bright band of ring-banded spherulites may be caused by PLLA crystals of radial direction with various twisting that contract laterally upon cooling. Only circumferential cracks are present in PLLA crystallized into ringless spherulites, where concentric continuous circumferential cracks are present in the ringless spherulites at low T c with finer lamellae, but discontinuous and irregular circumferential cracks are present in the ringless spherulites at high T c with coarse lamellae. Although all cracks are triggered by cooling from T c , all evidences indicate that the crack patterns and types are highly associated with the lamellar orientation, patterns, and coarseness in spherulites. Figure  SEM graphs show discontinuous bright and dark bands in the spherulites of PLLA isothermally crystallized at 125°C, in which circumferential cracks act as boundaries between the two bands. Short radial cracks are never seen in the dark bands and are located only on the bright band, which separate the radially oriented lamellar bundles in the bright band. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2544-3 Authors Siti Nurkhamidah, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701-01 Taiwan Eamor M. Woo, Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 701-01 Taiwan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Some properties of protein-free natural rubber were investigated by measurements of both water uptake and stress versus strain. The protein-free natural rubber was prepared in latex stage by the novel procedure to remove all proteins from natural rubber with urea and a polar organic solvent in the presence of surfactant, which had been developed in our recent work. First, the condition for the removal of the proteins was investigated in terms of affinity of the polar organic solvents, concentration of the solvents, type of surfactant, and repeating times for washing latex with a centrifuge. Acetone and anionic surfactant were found to be effective for the removal of the proteins. Under an optimum condition, total nitrogen content and amount of extractable proteins of deproteinized natural rubber were 0.000  w / w % and 0.00 μg/ml, respectively. The removal of the proteins from natural rubber was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Water uptake, hydration, and tensile strength of the rubbers were measured by water swelling method, FT-IR spectroscopy, and measurement of stress versus strain, respectively. The water uptake and the hydration were dependent upon the content of the proteins. The tensile strength of the rubbers, which were prepared to be as-cast films without crosslinking, decreased after removal of the all proteins. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2549-y Authors Oraphin Chaikumpollert, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188 Japan Yoshimasa Yamamoto, Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tokyo National College of Technology, 1220-2 Kunugida-machi, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 193-0997, Japan Krisda Suchiva, National Metal and Materials Technology Center, 114 Thailand Science Park, Paholyothin Road, Klong 1, Klong Luang, Pathumthani, 12120 Thailand Seiichi Kawahara, Department of Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Nagaoka University of Technology, Nagaoka, Niigata, 940-2188 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The pH dependence of an anionic surfactant, sodium N -dodecanoylsarcosinate (SLAS), has been studied by measuring interfacial tension, fluorescence, dynamic light scattering, etc., in aqueous solutions with phosphate and borate buffers. The interfacial tension ( γ ) of SLAS decreases remarkably with a pH decrease and is constant at pH 〉 7.3. The observed values for the critical micelle concentration (cmc) and the surfactant concentration at which its γ value is reduced by 20 mN/m from that of pure water ( C 20 ) decrease with a pH decrease, while those also become constant at pH 〉 6.5 and 〉7.3, respectively. On the other hand, the interfacial excess of SLAS increases at pH 〈 7.3. These interfacial behaviors have been further investigated by the addition of Tl + which replaces Na + of SLAS. The observed γ values of LAS − with the different counter cations are in the order of H +  〈 Tl +  〈 Na + . In order to reveal aggregation properties of SLAS, the aggregation number ( N agg ), the micropolarity, the hydrodynamic radius ( R h ) of micelle, and the fluorescence anisotropy of Rhodamine B ( r ) have been evaluated at various pHs. The N agg value shows a decreasing tendency with a pH increase. The I 1 / I 3 ratio and the R h values do not strongly depend on pH. The r value decreases until pH 7 and remains constant at pH 〉 7.0. These interfacial and micelle properties have been discussed in detail considering the electrostatic interaction and the molecular structures of the hydrophilic headgroup. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2551-4 Authors Akihisa Kaneko, Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8585 Japan Pankaj Sehgal, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Aarhus University, Ole Worms Alle 6, 1180 DK-Aarhus C, Denmark Hidekazu Doe, Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka, 558-8585 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Phase change material nanocapsules with n -dodecanol as the core and styrene-butyl acrylate copolymer as the shell were prepared by miniemulsion polymerization using interfacial redox initiation. The morphology, particle size, polydispersity index, thermal properties, and structure of the nanocapsules were characterized by TEM, laser particle diameter analyzer, DSC, TGA, and FT-IR. When the monomers/ n -dodecanol mass ratio of 1:1 was used, the phase change enthalpy and encapsulation efficiency of the nanocapsules reached to 109.2 J/g and 98.4%, respectively. The thermal decomposition temperature of the nanocapsules was about 195 °C. Spherical nanocapsules with a mean diameter of 100 nm and a phase change temperature of 18.4 °C were obtained, which have good energy storage potential. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-8 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2545-2 Authors Chunming Chen, Institute of Post Doctor, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640 China Zhonghua Chen, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640 China Xingrong Zeng, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640 China Xiaoming Fang, Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640 China Zhengguo Zhang, Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer and Energy Conservation, Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640 China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The effects of draw temperature on the deformation-induced morphology evolution of isotactic polypropylene in terms of crystal orientation, degree of crystallinity, crystal size in the direction normal to chain axis, long spacing, and the deformation behavior at the crystal lattice and lamellae scale were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, two-dimensional wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and small-angle X-ray scattering, respectively. The results revealed that the thermal behaviors are associated with the deformation-induced morphology evolution, and the morphology evolution is strongly temperature dependent. At low strain, crystal fragmentation takes place at all the draw temperature range studied; at high strain, after crystal fragmentation the draw temperature shows different effects on the morphology evolution: at low temperature (25 °C), fragmentation of the crystal blocks continues; at medium temperatures (80 and 110 °C), the broken crystal blocks remain stable and the unfolded chains and disentangled chains in amorphous region crystallize into crystal blocks with crystal size almost identical to that of the original broken ones; at high temperatures (130 and 140 °C), not only the unfolded chains and disentangled chains in amorphous region crystallize into crystal blocks, but also these small broken crystal blocks melt and recrystallize and the new crystal blocks formed possess larger crystal size than those of the original broken ones. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-14 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2550-5 Authors Ruiying Bao, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Zhitian Ding, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Ganji Zhong, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Wei Yang, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Banghu Xie, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Mingbo Yang, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The characterization of a series of four poly( N -isopropylacrylamide)-based copolymers with a hydrophilic block of poly(ethylene glycol) with a variable length (MPEG n - b -PNIPAAM 71 ) has been performed by means of analytical ultracentrifugation. Molecular mass, partial specific volume, sedimentation coefficient ( s ), and hydrodynamic radius ( R h ) have been determined and successfully compared with other techniques. In addition, the self-assembly process of these four copolymers has been evaluated, finding multimeric species at temperatures lower than low critical solution temperature in the case of the longest copolymer. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2542-5 Authors Alvaro Ortega, Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain Ramón Pamies, Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain Kaizheng Zhu, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway Anna-Lena Kjøniksen, Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068, Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway Bo Nyström, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, 0315 Oslo, Norway José García de la Torre, Departamento de Química-Física, Facultad de Química, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this work, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (size 〈10 nm) were formed via precipitation in ethanolic solution. The zinc acetate and lithium hydroxide solutions in ethanol were mixed at 273 K temperatures under vigorous stirring. To study the effect of quantum dot (QD) coverage, we have prepared a colloidal suspension of capped CdSe QDs (size ~5 nm) by chemical route and anchored them to a nanoporous ZnO layer either by direct adsorption or through linker. Here a bifunctional molecule (mercaptopropionic acid, MPA, and thioglycolic acid, TGA) was previously adsorbed on the ZnO surface, which acted as a molecular cable. From TEM/SEM studies, it was observed that direct adsorption of CdSe QDs onto ZnO surface was not efficient. However, the bifunctional linker molecules particularly MPA facilitates binding of CdSe QDs to ZnO; and consequently, interparticle electron transfer is thus facilitated. The use of MPA linker despite of its long carbon chain also aids in the quenching of photoluminescence of CdSe on addition of ZnO in a more systematic manner indicating efficient charge transfer from CdSe into ZnO as compared with the without linker and with linker TGA case, respectively. Due to higher PL quenching and reduction in lifetime values, higher values of Stern–Volmer quenching constants were thus obtained for CdSe–ZnO composites with MPA as compared with TGA linker and without linker case, respectively. Nonlinear Stern–Volmer plots as observed for samples without linker case indicated heterogeneous quenching due to insufficient binding between CdSe QDs and ZnO. By means of spectroscopic (PL, UV–VIS, FTIR) and microscopic (TEM, SEM) techniques, we have demonstrated linker-dependent photosensitization mechanism of ZnO layers with CdSe QDs. Our data thus illustrate that interfacial-electron transfer kinetics in QD–linker–ZnO assemblies are almost independent of the length of alkyl-containing molecular linkers. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2517-6 Authors Aneeta Kharkwal, Physics of Energy Harvesting Group, Organic and Hybrid Solar Cells, National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi, 110 012 India Shailesh N. Sharma, Physics of Energy Harvesting Group, Organic and Hybrid Solar Cells, National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi, 110 012 India S. Chand, Physics of Energy Harvesting Group, Organic and Hybrid Solar Cells, National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K.S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi, 110 012 India A. K. Singh, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110 016 India Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this study, high oxygen permeable transparent hybrid copolymers were prepared with hydrophilic monomer such as 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) or N , N -dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) and mono- or di functional silicone macro-monomer introduced methacryl groups. In HEMA-based hybrid copolymers, di functional silicone macro-monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linker were required in order to prepare transparent hybrid materials, while high transparent DMAA-based hybrid copolymers could be prepared without EGDMA cross-linker. The polymerization kinetics investigation revealed that this difference between HEMA and DMAA in preparation condition to transparent hybrid material originated to monomer reactivity in copolymerization and DMAA showed high reactivity compared with HEMA. Moreover, DMAA-based hybrid copolymers indicated high water content and high oxygen permeability as against HEMA-based hybrid copolymers because of its low cross-linking density. Content Type Journal Article Category Short Communication Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2538-1 Authors Hideki Sugimoto, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan Go Nishino, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan Naoki Tsuzuki, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan Kazuki Daimatsu, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan Katsuhiro Inomata, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan Eiji Nakanishi, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The structure and viscoelastic properties of fumed silica gels in dodecane were studied by means of dynamic rheology. With increasing the specific surface area of fumed silica nanoparticles, the plateau elastic modulus ( G ′), which is frequency-independent and shows the characteristic of a network of the fumed silica gels, decreases. Such networks of fumed silica gels show a significant temperature-dependent behavior and a transition temperature ( T c ) related with the restructuring of nanoparticle chain aggregates of fumed silica in gels. Under oscillatory shear, the fumed silica gels experience disorganization and reorganization and present strong structural recovery ability after adjusting oscillatory shear (AOS) at small strain amplitudes (1–10%), and a more perfect network structure than that in origin gels can be induced. Elevated temperature (above T c ) improves the network structure to be more compact and stronger than that at a lower temperature, as a result, the deformation resistance during the AOS period and the structural recovery after AOS are enhanced. These results indicate that the network structure and viscoelastic properties of fumed silica gels can be tailored and optimized by performing small-amplitude oscillatory shear at a properly selected temperature. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2535-4 Authors Xiao-Jun Wu, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Yu Wang, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Min Wang, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Wei Yang, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Bang-Hu Xie, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Ming-Bo Yang, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Chengdu, 610065 Sichuan, China Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Chemically reactive particles with controllable sizes from 383 to 756 nm in very narrow size distributions (well below 5%) have been synthesized by the modified surfactant-free emulsion homopolymerization of inhibitor-free glycidyl methacrylate with the dropwise addition of ionic initiators during the initial reaction of 10 min. The effects of monomer concentration and the amount of initiator were systematically studied on the particle diameter. In addition, changes of the particle diameter and its size distribution during the whole synthesis process were also investigated. The mechanism for the formation of coalesced and highly monodisperse chemically reactive colloidal particles was discussed based on the colloidal stability governed by chemical reaction and physical interactions between the precursor or primary particles. Colloidal photonic crystals with different brilliant visible colors in a large scale were prepared by shearing assembly of such chemically reactive monodisperse particles with spin coating technique. The reflection wavelengths in the visible spectrum range are from the high-order including the second-order light diffraction of the as-prepared PGMA photonic crystals. Such monodisperse chemically reactive particles will be very useful in optical and sensing technologies, and in biochemical analysis. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2532-7 Authors Zhenyu Luo, Department of Chemistry, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA Chunxiao Zou, Department of Chemistry, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA Saad Syed, Department of Chemistry, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA Luthfia A. Syarbaini, Department of Physics, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA Guofang Chen, Department of Chemistry, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The aqueous mixed systems of twin tail cationic surfactants didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, ditetradecyldimethylammonium bromide, and dihexadecyldimethylammonium bromide with pluronic L64 have been studied to determine the bulk aggregation and interactional behavior. Various experimental techniques, namely small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), fluorescence, conductivity, and surface tension, have been employed to investigate the mixed micellization. The SANS data analysis has been employed to determine the shapes of different aggregates formed. Pure twin tail cationic surfactants form vesicles whereas the micelles of pure pluronic L64 are spherical. The mixed systems (surfactant + L64) also form spherical micelles, and the spherical shape of mixed micelles is predominantly controlled by pluronic L64. Various interfacial parameters such as surface excess ( Γ max ), minimum area per molecule ( A min ), and thermodynamic parameters such as the standard Gibbs free energy of micellization ( D G mic 0 ), Gibbs free energy of adsorption ( D G ads 0 ), and effective Gibbs free energy ( D G eff 0 ) have been determined from the surface tension measurements. The results were interpreted on the basis of pseudophase separation model and regular solution theory. The interactions of each surfactant with pluronic L64 are found to be nonideal and antagonistic. The repulsive nature of the interaction is explained on the basis of the changes in the microenvironment of micelles of pluronic L64. Micelles of pluronic L64 are less hydrophobic and contains significant amount of water, and inclusion of hydrophobic alkyl chains of twin tail cationic surfactants disturbs this microenvironment of pluronic L64 micelle. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-13 DOI 10.1007/s00396-011-2526-5 Authors Rajwinder Kaur, Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005 India Sugam Kumar, Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085 India Vinod K. Aswal, Solid State Physics Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 400085 India Rakesh Kumar Mahajan, Department of Chemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, 143005 India Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Tetraethoxysilane reacted with silica nanoparticles in the presence of a variety of ionic liquids such as phosphonium-, ammonium-, and imidazolium-type ionic liquids under alkaline conditions to afford the corresponding ionic liquid/silica nanocomposites with a good dispersibility and stability in numerous solvents. It was demonstrated that these ionic liquid nanocomposites can be classified into the nanocomposites possessing no weight loss and weight loss characteristics after calcination at 800 °C, respectively, according to the ionic liquid structures in the composites. The ionic liquids except for 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate were found to afford the corresponding ionic liquid/silica nanocomposites possessing no weight loss characteristic even after calcination at 800 °C. Figure  Tetraethoxysilane reacted with silica nanoparticles in the presence of a variety of ionic liquids Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-9 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2608-z Authors Hideo Sawada, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8561 Japan Takahiro Sasaki, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Hirosaki University, Bunkyo-cho, Hirosaki, 036-8561 Japan Masakazu Nishida, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 2266-98 Shimoshidami, Moriyama-ku, Nagoya, 463-8560 Japan Shun Kodama, Research and Development Division, Nippon Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd., Koto-ku, Tokyo, 136-8515 Japan Masashi Sugiya, Research and Development Division, Nippon Chemical Industrial Co., Ltd., Koto-ku, Tokyo, 136-8515 Japan Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    Copper, nickel and copper–nickel nanoparticles were prepared by solution combustion method for use in direct write printing. Structural (X-ray diffraction) and morphological (transmission electron microscope) investigations showed that pure metal (Cu and Ni) and CuNi alloy particles with face-centred cubic crystal structure were formed. Atomic absorption spectrometer studies confirmed that the nanoparticle compositions corresponded to the initial Cu/Ni molar ratios selected for synthesis. Particle size and morphology were significantly influenced by composition, with high Cu content coinciding with small, spherical particles as opposed to larger, irregular shapes observed at high Ni concentrations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements revealed that after the reduction process the surface of the alloy nanoparticles was partially oxidised in air and the amount of metallic surface species decreased, while the concentration of oxidic surface species and hydroxides increased with increasing Cu concentration (i.e. decreasing particle size). Dispersions of CuNi nanoparticles have been deposited by use of AerosolJet® and sintered under reducing atmosphere at 300–800 °C in order to prepare conductive structures. Resistivity measurements and microscopical studies (SEM-FIB) of printed and sintered CuNi structures showed that the sintering properties of nanoparticles were dependent on their chemical composition. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-12 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2612-3 Authors Edit Pál, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, FB 04, Wiener Str. 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany Robert Kun, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, FB 04, Wiener Str. 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany Christina Schulze, Institute of Applied and Physical Chemistry, University of Bremen, Leobener Str. NW2, 28359 Bremen, Germany Volker Zöllmer, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials, Wiener Str. 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany Dirk Lehmhus, ISIS Sensorial Material Scientific Centre, University of Bremen, Wiener Str. 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany Marcus Bäumer, ISIS Sensorial Material Scientific Centre, University of Bremen, Wiener Str. 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany Matthias Busse, Faculty of Production Engineering, University of Bremen, FB 04, Wiener Str. 12, 28359 Bremen, Germany Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    The interaction of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the cationic surfactant hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide with poly( N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAM) microgels with and without poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was investigated by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, and turbidimetry measurements. The DLS results show that the PNIPAAM microgels with PAA will contract when an anionic or cationic surfactant is added to the suspension, while the PNIPAAM microgels without PAA expand in the presence of an ionic surfactant. A collapse of the PNIPAAM microgels is observed when the temperature is increased. From the zeta potential measurements, it is observed that the charge density of PNIPAAM microgels in the presence of an ionic surfactant is significantly affected by temperature and the attachment of the negatively charged PAA groups. The turbidity measurements clearly indicate that the interaction between PNIPAAM and SDS is more pronounced than that of the cationic surfactant. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-10 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2607-0 Authors Nodar Al-Manasir, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, N-0315 Oslo, Norway Kaizheng Zhu, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, N-0315 Oslo, Norway Anna-Lena Kjøniksen, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, N-0315 Oslo, Norway Kenneth D. Knudsen, Department of Physics, Institute for Energy Technology, P. O. Box 40, N-2027 Kjeller, Norway Bo Nyström, Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1033, Blindern, N-0315 Oslo, Norway Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X

Description:    In this work, chitosan nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate (TPP). The effects of the ionic strength of the solvent employed in the particle preparation on the average size and compactness of the particles were investigated. In addition, the effects of the chitosan concentration and the crosslinker to polymer ratio on the particle characteristics were studied. The chitosan–TPP nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and turbidity measurements. The compactness of the nanoparticles was estimated with a method based on the size of the nanoparticles and the turbidity of the nanoparticle suspension. All the investigated preparation parameters, i.e., the ionic strength of the solvent, the chitosan concentration, and the TPP to chitosan ratio, affected the particle characteristics. For instance, smaller and more compact particles were formed in saline solvents, compared to particles formed in pure water. Further, the addition of monovalent salt rendered it possible to prepare particles in the nanometer size range at a higher polymer concentration. Solvent salinity is thus an important parameter to address in the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles crosslinked with TPP. Content Type Journal Article Category Original Contribution Pages 1-11 DOI 10.1007/s00396-012-2604-3 Authors Helene Jonassen, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway Anna-Lena Kjøniksen, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway Marianne Hiorth, Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068 Blindern, 0316 Oslo, Norway Journal Colloid & Polymer Science Online ISSN 1435-1536 Print ISSN 0303-402X