Microgels are macromolecular networks swollen by the solvent they are dissolved in. They are unique systems that are distinctly different from common systems, such as, e.g., rigid nanoparticles, flexible macromolecules, micelles or vesicles. When swollen, they are soft and have a fuzzy surface with dangling chains and the presence of cross-links provides structural integrity - in contrast to linear and (hyper-) branched polymers. Finally, microgels reveal interface activity without being amphiphilic.<br/>The combination of being soft and porous while still having a stable structure through the cross-linked network as well as the possibility to introduce chemical functionality at different positions will allow to tune the microgels behaving as hard or soft objects. Obviously, the degree of crosslinking is important.<br/>We will discuss the interaction of microgels of different chemical functionality and architecture as, e.g., core-shell, hollow and multi-shell hollow microgels in bulk solution as well as at fluid interfaces.<br/>The structure is probed by means of neutron scattering employing contrast variations as well as by (super-resolved) fluorescence microscopy. Properties of microgels at interfaces are determined by means of scanning force and electron microscopy as well as by compression isotherms and interfacial rheology. The experimental results will be compared to computer simulations.

Hard and soft microgels: Are they different?

255th National Meeting (2018)

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