Macromolecules, Vol.29, No.8, 2903-2908, 1996
Micellization of Omega-Functionalized Poly(Styrene-B-Isoprene) Copolymers in N-Decane
Results are presented from static low-angle and dynamic light scattering as well as viscometry experiments for omega-functionalized diblock copolymers of styrene and isoprene in n-decane, a nonpolar selective solvent for the polyisoprene block. The copolymers have dimethylamino and sulfobetaine zwitterionic groups at the end of the polystyrene block. The amine-capped copolymers show moderate aggregation in n-decane. Aggregation numbers for the zwitterionic copolymers are larger relative to the amine precursors. There is an enhancement in the degree of association arising from the presence of the highly polar group at the end of the insoluble block. Some differences in the size, shape, and hydrodynamic and thermal behavior of the micelles formed by the different species, reflecting the nature of the end group, are identified by comparing the results from the various techniques used.
Keywords:BUTADIENE DIBLOCK COPOLYMER;HALATO-TELECHELIC POLYMERS;DILUTE-SOLUTION REGION;BLOCK CO-POLYMERS;LIGHT-SCATTERING;SELECTIVE SOLVENTS;SOLUTION BEHAVIOR;MICROPHASE SEPARATION;ASSOCIATING POLYMERS;DIFFUSION MOTIONS