Multiple Micellar Morphologies from Tri- and Tetrablock Copoly(2-oxazoline)s in Binary Water–Ethanol Mixtures
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Fustin, Charles-Andre; Thijs-Lambermont, Hannneke M. L.; Höppener, Stephanie; Hoogenboom, Richard; Schubert, Ulrich S.; Gohy, Jean-Francois
- Abstract:
- We report on the micellization behavior of tri- and
tetrablock copoly(2-oxazoline)s in water–ethanol mixtures. The
copolymers are based on different combinations of 2-methyl-,
2-ethyl-, 2-phenyl-, and 2-nonyl-2-oxazoline. The solvophilic/
solvophobic balance of these copolymers can be tuned thanks
to the solubility dependence of the poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline)
block on the solvent composition. Characterization of the
obtained micelles by dynamic light scattering and transmission
electron microscopy revealed that their size and morphology
depend on the solvophobic content of the copolymers and on
the block order. Spherical micelles are always obtained when
poly(2-nonyl-2-oxazoline) is the only solvophobic block. When
the solvophobic fraction consists of both the poly(2-phenyl-2-
oxazoline) and poly(2-nonyl-2-oxazoline) blocks, spherical
and cylindrical micelles as well as vesicles have been
observed.
- Year:
- 2010
- Type of Publication:
- Article
- Keywords:
- amphiphiles; amphiphilic copolymers; micelles; morphology; poly 2-oxazoline
- Journal:
- Journal of Polymer Science: Part A: Polymer Chemistry
- Volume:
- 48
- Pages:
- 3095 - 3102