Preparation and characterisation of multilayer films and microcapsules containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-sodium vinylsulphonate) and applicability on controlled release

Abstract

The copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide and sodium vinylsulphonate were synthesised by free radical polymerisation. The layer-by-layer self-assembly of the copolymers with poly(allylamine) hydrochloride was performed through assembling onto silicon wafer to form multilayer films and onto CaCO₃ microparticles doped with poly(styrene sulphonate) as well as deltamethrin microcrystals to form microcapsules. The multilayer films and microcapsules were characterised by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The release behaviour of deltamethrin in the microcapsules under different conditions was also investigated by high performance liquid chromatography. Results show that these deltamethrin microcapsules have good thermo-sensitive properties and deltamethrin release can be controlled via changing temperature or self-assembly layers.

• layer-by-layer self-assembly
• polyelectrolytes
• microcapsules
• controlled release