One-pot preparation of polymer microspheres having wrinkled hard surfaces through self-assembly of silica nanoparticles

Abstract

Polymer microspheres with wrinkled hard surfaces composed of self-assembled silica nanoparticles were prepared via suspension polymerization. The polymer surface morphology could be controlled by changing the silica nanoparticle concentration in the monomer droplets. The wrinkles could trap small polystyrene particles in their grooves, thus demonstrating viability in separation science.