Surfactant-Mediated Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly of Crystalline/Ionic Complexed Block Copolymers in Aqueous Solution

Langmuir. 2017 Jan 10;33(1):176-183. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.6b02905. Epub 2016 Dec 19.

Abstract

A series of crystalline/ionic complexed block copolymers (BCPs) with various compositions have been prepared by sequential reactions. The BCPs with different hydrophilic fractions can self-assemble into various morphologies, such as spindlelike, rodlike, and spherical micelles with different crystallinity of the core. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) is added as a surfactant to induce the morphological transition of BCPs in aqueous media. The introduced AOT can be tightly bound to the cationic units, and a water-insoluble unit in the corona forms, leading to a reduced tethering density. Consequently, morphological variety changing from rods to platelets to fibril to dendrite-like micelles can be observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't