Solvent Induced Inversion of Core–Shell Microgels

Abstract

The morphology of core–shell microgels under different swelling conditions and as a function of the core–shell thickness ratio is systematically characterized by mesoscale hydrodynamic simulations. With increasing hydrophobic interaction of the shell polymers, we observe drastic morphological changes from a core–shell structure to an inverted microgel, where the core is turned to the outside, or a microgel with a patchy surface of core polymers directly exposed to the environment. We establish a phase diagram of the various morphologies. Moreover, we characterize the polymer and microgel conformations. For sufficiently thick shells, the changes of the shell size upon increasing hydrophobic interactions are well described by the Flory–Rehner theory. Additionally, this theory provides a critical line in the phase diagram separating core–shell structures from the distinct two other phases. The appearing new phases provide a novel route to nano- and microscale functionalized materials.