In PNIPAM microgel crystals, we observe at a volume fraction in which the particles exhibit sub-diffusive behaviour, the structure of the crystallites are found to be HCP co-existing with FCC structure. It is not mere stacking fault. Both crystallites co-exists.
PNIPAM has a phase transition depending on temperature, pH value ... It can be in a compressed state with water and an expanded state. At the phase transition region subdiffusion may occur. The duality is observed, apparently all microgel. We watched it from simple micelles of sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Best regards.
Thank you Mr. Yuri Mirgorod. But will such a behaviour will affect in their crystal structure?
If the substance has a crystalline structure, then it is not a microgel.
We are looking at the self assembly of these microgel particles. In such self assembly, whether the sub-diffusive dynamics will influence their crystal structure?