Fabrication of honeycomb-structured porous film from polystyrene via polymeric particle-assisted breath figures method

Polymeric particles were utilized as a second component to assist polymer patterning via the breath figures (BF) method. Polymeric constituents lessen the incompatibility between particles and polymers, which brings new characteristics in both pattern fabrication and particle allocation. The influence of the experimental parameters for two kinds of polymeric particles on the pattern morphology of the obtained film was investigated. Different assembling characteristics of particles under different circumstances are also discussed. Polymeric particles are proven to be able to function as BF array stabilizers and assist in pattern formation. Also, polymeric particles enriching the patterned pores present unique assembling characteristics which are much different from previously reported inorganic particles. The possibilities for the functionalization of BF arrays utilizing functional microgels were also tested. These results demonstrate a study in the polymeric particle-assisted BF method, which may provide new insight into novel functional material preparation methods via self-assembly. [graphic not available: see fulltext]