Janus and Strawberry-like Particles from Azo Molecular Glass and Polydimethylsiloxane Oligomer

This study investigated Janus and strawberry-like particles composed of azo molecular glass and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) oligomer, focusing on controllable fabrication and formation mechanism of these unique structures and morphologies. Two materials, the azo molecular glass (IA-Chol) and PDMS oligomer (H2pdca-PDMS), were prepared for this purpose. The Janus and strawberry-like particles were obtained from the droplets of a dichloromethane (DCM) solution containing both IA-Chol and H2pdca-PDMS, dispersed in water and stabilized by poly(vinyl alcohol). Results show that the structured particles are formed through segregation between the two components induced by gradual evaporation of DCM from the droplets, which is controlled by adding ethylene glycol (EG) into the above dispersion. Without the addition of EG, Janus particles are formed through the full segregation of the two components in the droplets. On the other hand, with the existence of EG in the dispersion, strawberry-like particles instead of ...