Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol.590, 268-276, 2021
Mechanistic insights into the formation of polyion complex aggregates from cationic thermoresponsive diblock copolymers
Hypothesis: The formation of polyion complexes (PICs) comprising thermoresponsive polymers is intended to result in the formation of aggregates that undergo significant structural changes with temperature. Moreover the observed modifications might be critically affected by polymer structure and PICs composition. Experiments: Different block copolymers based on cationic poly(3-acrylamidopropyltrimethylammo nium chloride) and thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) were synthesized by aqueous RAFT/MADIX polymerization at room temperature. Addition of poly(acrylic acid) in a controlled fashion led to the formation of PICs aggregates. The structural changes induced by temperature were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and scattering methods.
Keywords:Double hydrophilic block copolymers;Polyion complexes;Thermoresponsive polymers;Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy