Fig. 9. Laser confocal images of emulsion polymer (GF-1) and mechanism of polymer swelling and phase inversion. (a) Original emulsion polymer with oil-soluble fluorescent dye; (b) emulsion polymer and water as oil–water ratio is 3 : 1; (c) emulsion polymer and water as oil–water ratio 1 : 1; (d) micelle containing polymer molecules dispersed in oil phase; (e) swollen micelle containing polymer molecules (intermediate state); (f) polymer dispersed in water phase encapsulating oil droplets.
