Abstract
Mechanical properties of polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules were studied using a new method combining atomic-force microscopy and reflection interference contrast microscopy. By measuring the force vs. deformation for poly(styrene sulfonate)/poly(allylamine) capsules the existence of different deformation regimes depending on the applied deformation was shown. The present paper focuses on the small-deformation regime. The elastic response of the deformed capsule was studied as a function of the wall thickness and the capsule size, and showed the theoretically expected variations. The Young modulus obtained from the experiments ranges between 1.3 and 1.9 GPa.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Evaluation Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Validation Study
MeSH terms
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Capsules / chemical synthesis
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Capsules / chemistry*
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Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemical synthesis
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Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemistry*
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Elasticity
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Electrolytes / chemical synthesis
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Electrolytes / chemistry*
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Materials Testing / methods*
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Microscopy, Interference / methods*
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Microspheres
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Polyamines / chemical synthesis
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Polyamines / chemistry*
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Polystyrenes / chemical synthesis
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Polystyrenes / chemistry*
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Reproducibility of Results
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Sensitivity and Specificity
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Stress, Mechanical
Substances
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Capsules
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Coated Materials, Biocompatible
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Electrolytes
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Polyamines
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Polystyrenes
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polyallylamine
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polystyrene sulfonic acid