Effect of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide on the Ordering and Aggregation of Polystyrene Latex Particles

Monodisperse latex particles microspheres of controlled size and variable composition have been produced in three-dimensional ordered arrays.[1] These materials can be used as templates for structured porous material including inorganic oxides, carbons, metals and polymers. Structure of the polymeric template can be altered by compressed gases and supercritical fluids. In this communication, we study the effect of supercritical CO2 (scCO2) on polystyrene (PS) latex particles decorated with different polar groups. Crossed-linked PS particles have been also studied. SEM pictures of the materials after CO2 treatment unravel a delicate balance between particle aggregation and electrostatic interactions.