self-assembly in solution; micelle; stimuli responsive micelle
Abstract :
[en] The dynamics of unimer exchange between aqueous micelles, formed by two amphiphilic block copolymers, i.e., poly(styrene-b-sodium methacrylate) and poly(tert-butylstyrene-b-sodium methacrylate), has been investigated by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. The kinetics are so slow at room temperature that no exchange could be detected over several hours, while at 60 °C the exchange rate constants could be estimated. These results corroborate our previous findings that the rate is slowed down by increasing the hydrophobicity of the core. In addition to the temperature, the exchange can also be tuned by the addition of either a cosolvent or a cosurfactant. The efficiency of these additives to speed up the exchange process is related to their water solubility and their compatibility with the hydrophobic core of the micelles. The most pronounced effect on the exchange process is observed when the water solubility is low and the mixing of the additive with the hydrophobic core is favorable.
Research Center/Unit :
Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Disciplines :
Chemistry Materials science & engineering
Author, co-author :
van Stam, Jan; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Creutz, Serge; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
De Schryver, Frans C; Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL) > Department of Chemistry
Jérôme, Robert ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Department of Chemistry > Center for Education and Research on Macromolecules (CERM)
Language :
English
Title :
Tuning of the exchange dynamics of unimers between block copolymer micelles with temperature, cosolvents, and cosurfactants
Publication date :
22 August 2000
Journal title :
Macromolecules
ISSN :
0024-9297
eISSN :
1520-5835
Publisher :
Amer Chemical Soc, Washington, United States - Washington
Akzo Nobel F.R.S.-FNRS - Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique BELSPO - SPP Politique scientifique - Service Public Fédéral de Programmation Politique scientifique