We present results from experiments on nano-encapsulated binary hydrocarbon solutions (n-Hexadecane and 1-Octanol). Droplets with varying size and binary composition are encapsulated within nanometer thick poly(alkyl methacrylate) shells via mini-emulsion polymerization. The thermal behavior of the encapsulated droplets is investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Composition of the oils during thermal transitions is investigated by Variable Temperature NMR spectroscopy (VT-NMR).  The variation of capsule size allows us to probe the effect of curvature on the phase transition, but our synthetic method allows us to vary the type of polymer used to encapsulate the oil droplets, and thus the interfacial tension between the oil and the polymer. The polymers are insoluble in the oils, which allows us to assume that the interface is static, or solid. The formation of the solid phase within the capsule should therefore be closer to what is observed in solid-mixtures than what is seen in surfactant stabilized emulsions.

Effect of surface tension and curvature on the phase behavior of encapsulated liquid volumes in polymer nanocapsules

242nd National Meeting (2011)

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