N‐doped C‐dot embedded fluorescent and thermo‐responsive p(NIPAAm) microgel composites

In this study, the synthesis of N‐doped C‐dot embedding poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (p(NIPAAm)) particle composites via surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization technique was reported. The fluorescent property of N‐doped C‐dot combined with thermo‐responsive properties of p(NIPAAm) particles (p(NIPAAm)/C‐dot) render smart materials with intriguing properties. The particle size and volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) values of p(NIPAAm) based particles was altered in accord with the amount of embedded N‐doped C‐dot within p(NIPAAm) particles between 1,000–750 nm and 35.4–37.2°C, respectively. On the other hand, N‐doped C‐dot within p(NIPAAm) particles was afforded fluorescent properties with emission peak at around 460 nm. The effect of the amount of N‐doped C‐dot within p(NIPAAm) particles, temperature and pH were investigated on the fluorescent properties of N‐doped C‐dot embedded p(NIPAAm) particle composite. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:3895–3903, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers