Abstract
Block copolymers comprising chemically different bottlebrush blocks can self-assemble in selective solvents giving rise to micellar-like solution nanostructures. The self-consistent field theoretical approach is used for predicting relation between architectural parameters of both bottlebrush blocks (polymerization degrees of the main and side chains, density of grafting of the side chains to the backbone) and structural properties of micelles as well as critical micelle concentration (CMC). As predicted by the theory, replacement of linear blocks by bottlebrush ones with the same degrees of polymerization results in a decrease in the micellar core size (in aggregation number) and extension of the corona, whereas the CMC increases. These theoretical findings are in good agreement with results of computer simulations.
Highlights
Diblock copolymers comprising chemically different blocks A and B are capable of self-assembly in selective solvent, which is good for blocks A, but poor for block B, giving rise to nanoscale micellar-like aggregates
Rational understanding of self-assembly of block copolymers in selective solvent has been achieved on the basis of existing theories [2,3,4,5,6,7] amply supported by experiments
The aim of the present paper is to develop a theory of self-assembly of diblock copolymers comprising one soluble and one insoluble bottlebrush blocks in selective solvent
Summary
Diblock copolymers comprising chemically different blocks A and B are capable of self-assembly in selective solvent, which is good for blocks A, but poor for block B, giving rise to nanoscale micellar-like aggregates. In such aggregates, insoluble B blocks associate into solvent-free core domain decorated by solubilizing corona formed by solvophilic A blocks. Rational understanding of self-assembly of block copolymers in selective solvent has been achieved on the basis of existing theories [2,3,4,5,6,7] amply supported by experiments (see, e.g., reviews [8,9]). Structure and properties of self-assembled aggregates can be efficiently controlled by DPs of blocks, as well as by tuning their solubility (so called stimuli-responsiveness) [6]
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