Temperature-sensitive poly(N-Isopropyl-Acrylamide) microgel particles: A light scattering study

We present a light scattering study of aqueous suspensions of microgel particles consisting of poly(N-Isopropyl-Acrylamide) cross-linked gels. The solvent quality for the particles depends on temperature and thus allows tuning of the particle size. The particle synthesis parameters are chosen such that the resulting high surface charge of the particles prevents aggregation even in the maximally collapsed state. We present results on static and dynamic light scattering (SLS/DLS) for a highly diluted sample and for diffuse optical transmission on a more concentrated system. In the maximally collapsed state the scattering properties are well described by Mie theory for homogenous hard spheres. Upon swelling we find that a radially inhomogeneous density profile develops.