Facile Fabrication of Amorphous Colloidal Array Patterns with Good Mechanical Stability via an Infiltration-Driven Mayer Rod Coating Method

In this study, cationic monodisperse polystyrene (PS) microspheres and polybutyl acrylate (PBA) nanoparticles were synthesized and used in combination to fabricate various steady amorphous colloidal array (ACA) patterns via an infiltration-driven Mayer rod coating method. During the rapid assembly process, PBA nanoparticles were embedded in PS microsphere voids to lock the colloidal array, thereby promoting its mechanical stability. Meanwhile, the fabricated ACA patterns could still exhibit bright angle-independent structural color when moderate PBA nanoparticles introduced. In summary, this study provides a convenient and fast method to fabricate steady ACA patterns, which is a promising potential substitute for traditional ink printing.

Automated summary

This study introduces a convenient and fast method to fabricate steady ACA patterns using cationic monodisperse polystyrene microspheres and polybutyl acrylate nanoparticles. The mechanical stability of the colloidal array is enhanced by embedding PBA nanoparticles in PS microsphere voids, while still exhibiting bright angle-independent structural color when moderate PBA nanoparticles are introduced. Overall, this method shows promise as a potential substitute for traditional ink printing.