Shape-memory nanoparticles from inherently non-spherical polymer colloids.

Yang, Z. Q. and Huck, W. T. S. and Clarke, S. M. and Tajbakhsh, A. R. and Terentjev, E. M. (2005) Shape-memory nanoparticles from inherently non-spherical polymer colloids. Nature Materials, 4. pp. 486-490. DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat1389

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Abstract

Samples of polymeric materials generally have no intrinsic shape; rather their macroscopic form is determined by external forces such as surface tension and memory of shear (for example, during extrusion, moulding or embossing). Hence, in the molten state, the thermodynamically most stable form for polymer (nano)particles is spherical. Here, we present the first example of polymer nanoparticles that have an intrinsic non-spherical shape. We observe the formation of high-aspect-ratio ellipsoidal polymer nanoparticles, of controlled diameter, made from main-chain liquid crystalline polymers using a mini-emulsion technique. The ellipsoidal shape is shown to be an equilibrium (reversible) characteristic and a direct result of the material shape memory when a liquid crystal nanoparticle is in its monodomain form.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2005 AREP 2005 P IA49 BPI
Subjects:	99 - Other
Divisions:	99 - Other
Journal or Publication Title:	Nature Materials
Volume:	4
Page Range:	pp. 486-490
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat1389
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2010 14:01
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 10:00
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/1883

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