Preparation of Nonspherical Fluorinated Acrylate Polymer Particles by a “Surface Tension Controlling” Method and Their Applications in Light-Diffusing Films

A facile “surface tension controlling” method is proposed for the preparation of nonspherical fluorinated acrylate polymer particles (FANPPs) with four different morphologies by adjusting the compositions of polystyrene (PS) cores and monomers in shell layers. The FANPPs are fabricated through an inexpensive and template-free emulsion polymerization process that allows control of their morphologies. Scanning electronic microscopy, the Wilhelmy plate method, and differential scanning calorimetry are applied to investigate the structures and properties of the FANPPs. The formation mechanism of these unique morphologies is rationalized in terms of a selective wetting process, whereby surface tension and incompatibility between the PS cores and fluorinated shell layers are modified. These novel nanoparticles are first applied to fabricate light-diffusing films that show both high transmittance and high haze value. The light-diffusing properties are tested by means of a haze meter. The nonspherical structure of the FANPPs greatly influences their light-diffusing properties.