Abstract
The relationship between the architecture of block copolymers and their micellar properties was investigated. Diblock, 3-arm star-shaped and 4-arm star-shaped block copolymers based on poly(ethylene glycol) and poly (ε-caprolactone) were synthesized. Micelles of star-shaped block copolymer in an aqueous solution were then prepared by a solvent evaporation method. The critical micelle concentration and the size of the micelles were measured by the steady-state pyrene fluorescence method and dynamic light scattering, respectively. The CMC decreased in the order di-,3-arm star-shaped and 4-arm star-shaped block copolymer. The size of the micelles increased in the same order as the CMC. Theory also predicts that the formation of micelles becomes easier for 4-arm star-shaped block copolymers than for di- and 3-arm star-shaped block copolymers, which qualitatively agrees with the experiments.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1684-1692 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Journal | Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics |
| Volume | 205 |
| Issue number | 12 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2004 Aug 12 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Block copolymers
- Micelles
- PCL
- PEG
- Star polymers
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Materials Chemistry
- Polymers and Plastics
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry