Features of self-assembly of opal-like structures based on poly(methyl methacrylate) submicron dispersions

Abstract

Features of the formation of periodic 2D and 3D opal-like structures depending on the conditions of deposition have been investigated in this work. The subject of the experiments is aqueous dispersions of poly(methyl methacrylate) submicron particles with a narrow size distribution. The particles are precipitated by sedimentation, centrifugation, and the meniscus method. The samples are studied using electron microscopes. Significant morphological differences in periodic structures obtained by various methods are found.