The synthesis, characterization, and properties of colloidal nanostructures in hydrocarbon media are reported.
These sterically stabilized structures are unusual in that the stabilizing arms are attached to the particle by
photoactive groups, and the arms can be cleaved through irradiation, leading to photoinduced flocculation.
In the first step of the synthesis, cross-linked poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) latex particles with controlled
functionality (−COOH and −OH groups) were prepared by emulsion polymerization. The purified PBMA
latex was neutralized with Cs2CO3 and then transferred to an organic medium (dimethylformamide), where
it was converted to lipophilic nanoparticles through chemical modification with 2-bromo derivatives of long-chain 1-phenylalkyl ketones or nitrobenzyl ether derivatives of polyisobutylene. The particles can be dispersed
in hydrocarbon solvents. Irradiation leads to flocculation, except that in the presence of hydrocarbon-soluble
polymers bearing amino groups, the unprotected particles can be intercepted and flocculation inhibited. These
particles serve as an interesting model for precursors to sludge formation in motor oil.