Synthesis, self-assembly and pH sensitivity of a novel fluorinated triphilic block copolymer

Abstract

A novel fluorinated triblock copolymer incorporating 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA), tert-butyl methacrylate (tBMA) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate (FA) (PEHMA-b-PtBMA-b-PFA) was first synthesized using three successive reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and the subsequent hydrolyzing at acidic condition. The as-fabricated triblock copolymer exhibited an interesting morphology evolution from the multi-compartment rod-like structure to spherical structure along with the addition of a selective solution. At the same time, a visible phase separation domain could be seen in the core area due to the existence of fluorocarbon segments. Furthermore, the self-assembly behavior of the triphilic copolymer at different pH was also verified by transmission electron microscopy, as well as the dynamic light scattering. These stimuli-responsive multi-compartment nanostructures may have potential applications in drug delivery.