Light-induced Self-Writing of polymer composites: A novel approach to develop core-shell-type structures

We employ the Light-Induced Self-Writing (LISW) technique to fabricate vertically-aligned polymer composite microstructures with core-shell morphology. Nanoparticle (NP) organization occurs simultaneously with the structure growth, to form a distinct NP-rich 'shell' layer, and 'core' polymer solid. Photopolymerization-driven NP phase-separation was confirmed using in-situ Raman spectroscopy as well as ex-situ morphology analysis with EDS mapping. The microstructure array obtained consists of uniformly spaced, similar to 250 mu m tall 'pillars' that possess exemplary core-shell morphologies. Our results indicate that LISW is a highly attractive materials fabrication technique towards the development of polymer composite structures.

Automated summary

We used the Light-Induced Self-Writing (LISW) technique to fabricate vertically-aligned polymer composite microstructures with core-shell morphology. Our results indicate that photopolymerization-driven nanoparticle phase separation is possible, and LISW is a highly attractive materials fabrication technique. Through this technique, we obtained a microstructure array with exemplary core-shell morphologies.