Polymer encapsulated inorganic black pigment nanoparticles and their electrophoretic characteristics.

Black inorganic pigment modified with poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) was fabricated via dispersion polymerization, and then the synthesized hybrid nanoparticles were examined by SEM to confirm their morphology, while their density and size were studied using a gas pycnometer and electrophoretic light scattering apparatus, respectively. We also confirmed their chemical structure and coated state via FT-IR and TGA. Electrophoretic characteristics including the zeta potential were examined via an electrophoretic light scattering apparatus, while the movement of particles was directly observed by an optical microscopy under an electric field applied. The hybrid nanoparticles were confirmed to possess an electrophoretic property as a potential candidate for the microcapsule-type electrophoretic display.