Lu, Y.; Ballauff, M.: Thermosensitive Core-Shell Microgels: Basic Concepts and Applications. In: Lyon, L.A.; Serpe, M.J. [Eds.] : Hydrogel micro and nanoparticlesWeinheim: Wiley-VCH-Verl. , 2012. - ISBN 978-3-527-33033-1, p. 33-61
Abstract:
We review recent research work in the field of core-shell microgels, which consist of a well-defined solid core onto which thermosensitive PNIPA networks are directly grafted. The morphology of microgels has been investigated in situ, that is, in their swollen state, by means of cryo-TEM. In addition, the cryo-TEM micrographs have been evaluated in a quantitative manner, which can be compared directly to the data deriving from scattering methods. Microgel particles act as “reversibly inflatable spheres”. The fundamental studies of the crystallization and the rheology of concentrated colloidal suspensions based on microgel particles have been discussed. Very recently, these microgels particles have become model systems for reversible association and hydrophobic attraction. Moreover, recent attention has been focussed on the 2-D self-assembly of polymer microgel particles. Finally, core-shell microgel can work practically as an “active” carrier system for the immobilization of metal nanoparticles and enzymes.