Effect of UV-irradiation on polyelectrolyte multilayered films and hollow capsules prepared by layer-by-layer assembly

Abstract

Polymer multilayered films were assembled onto planar and particle substrates by the alternate adsorption of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. Removal of the template from the coated melamine formaldehyde (MF) particles yields hollow polyelectrolyte capsules. The changes in morphology and chemical structure of the capsules after exposure to UV light over a range of intensities and time were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM). Pronounced shrinkage of the capsules was observed after UV irradiation for capsules formed with polyelectrolytes bearing aromatic groups, such as poly(sodi..