Flow-induced deformation of microcapsules

Abstract

The radical polymerization of surface-active aminomethacrylates can be used to synthesize ultrathin crosslinked membranes at the interface between oil and water. We have systematically measured the kinetics of the surface gelation and the rheological properties of the stabilized films. The membranes, thus prepared, exhibit striking rubber-elastic properties. These are ideal conditions for the formation of a new type of microcapsule. In a series of experiments we have investigated the influence of the membrane elasticity on the shear-induced deformation of these artificial cells.