Generation of Hierarchical Topologies from Photocrosslinkable, Particle-Stabilized Emulsions

Published

July 1, 2006

Author(s)

Jason J. Benkoski, Haiqing Hu, Alamgir Karim

Abstract

We describe a way to obtain biomimetic, hierarchical surface morphologies while maintaining independent control over each generation of the topological hierarchy. In order to more accurately mimic natural surfaces such as lotus leaves and gecko feet, we employ a system that bears many of the attractive characteristics of natural materials synthesis: an aqueous environment, minimal waste, low energy, and low cost. The system in question consists of a photocurable monomer and water. To this quasi-two component system is added polymer latex spheres. The monomer-water interface is then manipulated according to the well-established science of complex fluids. Drawing from the rich phase behavior of particle-stabilized emulsions, we demonstrate the creation of complex biomimetic morphologies from colloidal length scales down to molecular dimensions. The resulting structures are then solidified by crosslinking the monomer with UV light.

Citation

Macromolecular Rapid Communications

Volume

27

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

colloidosome, hierarchical, interface, photocrosslinking, Pickering emulsion, self-assembly

Citation

Benkoski, J. , Hu, H. and Karim, A. (2006), Generation of Hierarchical Topologies from Photocrosslinkable, Particle-Stabilized Emulsions, Macromolecular Rapid Communications, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=852611 (Accessed May 1, 2025)