Abstract
AbstractHere we report novel shear‐sensitive polymeric large compound micelles (LCMs) formed by self‐assembly of glutathione end‐capped poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (GP4VP) in water containing 4 vol% methanol. The amphiphile prefers to form the kinetically stabilized LCMs due to the small length ratio of the hydrophilic part to the hydrophobic part; the encapsulation of the hydrophilic part within LCMs causes only a small enthalpy loss from a thermodynamic view. Sheared by vortex flows generated by vigorous stir, the LCMs evolve to thick wall vesicles, thin wall vesicles, broken vesicles and "pearl‐necklace" structures consecutively. The high flexibility of the LCMs and the internal tension caused by the encapsulation of the hydrophilic part are responsible for the high shear sensitivity of the LCMs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
