Characterization of cross-linked poly(N-isopropylmethacrylamide) microgel latexes

This article reports the colloidal and physicochemical characterization of crosslinked poly (N-isopropylmethacrylamide) (poly[NIPMAM]) latexes. The la tex particles were first characterized by determining the lowest critical s olubility temperature by measuring the optical density Variation as a funct ion of temperature. In addition, the electrophoretic mobility behaviors of all latexes were examined as a function of pH and temperature. Finally, the colloidal stability was investigated by determining the critical coagulati on concentration and the critical flocculation temperature, and the corresp onding results were discussed by taking into account both the effect of sal inity and temperature on the solvency of poly[NIPMAM].