Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-3-trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate) was pre
pared by radical polymerization and was grafted onto the surface of spheric
al colloidal silica. The copolymer, which had on average 1 silyl group per
chain, condensed on the silica dispersed in THF at 60 degrees C. The result
ing particles had a critical coagulation concentration of calcium chloride
of 500 mM I at room temperature, indicating robust colloidal stability. By
contrast, heating the suspension to 50 degrees C lowered the critical coagu
lation concentration by more than three orders of magnitude, giving a value
of 0.1 mM. Thus, the PNIPAM shell induced temperature-sensitive colloidal
stability in the silica dispersion. The coated silica particles were also s
urface active. However, the surface tension of 50 mJ/m(2) at 25 degrees C i
s 15% higher than the corresponding value for PNIPAM solutions. (C) 2000 Ac
ademic Press.