Large-Scale Fabrication of Polymer Microcavities with Adjustable Openings and Surface Roughness Regulated by the Polarity of both Seed Surface and Monomers

Abstract

Polymer microcavities with adjustable openings and surface roughness are fabricated on a large scale via single-hole poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) swelling seed particles. The size of openings of these microcavities can be adjusted by changing the amount of hydrophilic monomer, and the degree of surface roughness is easily regulated relying on the adjustment of the polarity of monomer. Furthermore, the morphology of PGMA/poly(styrene-methacrylic acid) (PGMA/P(S-MAA)) microparticles from microcavity to erythrocyte shape is controlled by the polarity of seed surface. From transmission electron microscopy images of PGMA/P(S-MAA) microparticles, a fresh polymer particle appears in the cavity. To confirm this phenomenon, thermal annealing process in dioxane/water solution is carried out. Considering the flexibility of polymers, the openings and closing of the prepared microparticles are regulated following the increase in volume ratio of dioxane/water. Ball-in-bowl-shaped PGMA/P(S-MAA) microparticles are further presented, which proves secondary nucleation of monomer in the polymerization stage.