Modification of the sedimentation method for PMMA photonic crystal coatings

The high technological applications promised by the three-dimensional photonic crystal materials increase the attractiveness of the subject day by day. In this study, it is aimed to obtain regularly arranged photonic crystal coatings in large areas and relatively in a shorter time by modifying the sedimentation technique that is used in the production of direct and indirect photonic crystals. In addition, parameters such as the amount of initiator and temperature in PMMA sphere production were investigated for the colors of the photonic crystal coatings and the effect on the size, morphology, and arrangement of PMMA spheres were scrutinized in details. Consequently, regular arrayed photonic crystal coatings were produced in large areas in a shorter time by the heat triggered the sedimentation method. The resulting color was strongly related to PMMA particle size while the clarity and vividness of color were related to the regular arrangement.