Reversible film formation from PS doped PNIPAM particles in various compositions

Abstract

Film formation from polystyrene (PS) doped poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) particles was studied using photon transmission technique. The transmitted light intensity, Itr, was monitored during film formation process. Films were prepared by mixing PS and PNIPAM particles in various compositions ranging from 5 to 50 %. Samples were separately heated and cooled in constant rate at temperatures ranging from 10 to 100 C. The increase and decrease in Itr during heating-cooling cycles were explained by void closure and void reconstruction processes. The corresponding activation energies were measured during the reversible film formation process. Percolation model was used to interpret the distribution of PS particles in PNIPAM lattice.