In our work, I chemically modify the surface of polystyrene-based latex microbeads with diameters of 5 µm and 1 µm. Although both products are described as having identical specifications, I observe notable differences in their chemical behavior. Has anyone else encountered this issue? I considered the possible influence of different stabilizers (e.g., surfactants) in the dispersions and therefore thoroughly washed both samples several times by centrifugation. However, this had no noticeable effect.
Differences in surface chemistry, such as size-dependent oxidation and surface morphology, cause 1 µm and 5 µm polystyrene beads to behave differently despite identical specs. Additionally, residual surfactants or stabilizers may adsorb differently due to size-related surface curvature effects.
Anna Týčová
Specific area for 1 µm particles: σ1 ≈5.70×10 4 cm2 /g
Specific area for 5 µm particles: σ2 ≈1.17×10 4 cm2 /g
The specific area is larger for 1 µm particles compared to 5 µm. Therefore, their properties differ.
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