Abstract
We report the surface behavior and morphologies of two series of pH-responsive amphiphilic heteroarm star block copolymers. In this respect, we studied polystyrene/poly(2-vinylpyridine)/poly(tert-butylacrylate), PSn(P2VP-PtBA)n, heteroarm star block terpolymers and their precursors, PSnP2VPn, star copolymers. These star block polymers differ in architecture (copolymer vs terpolymer), block topology, arm length (molecular weight of PtBA segments varies from 8 900 up to 15 250 Da), and number of arms (n = 9, 22, and 28). The π−A isotherms at different subphase pH (pH 5.8 and 2.0) exhibited strong pH dependence, leading to different limiting molecular area and surface micelle stability. Because of the pH-induced ionization of the P2VP block, the surface morphology of star copolymers bearing the free P2VP arms was strongly dependent on the pH of the subphase, whereas the star terpolymers containing the protonated hydrophilic P2VP block as midblocks maintained the same circular morphology at low pH and high pr...
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
