Structural transitions and organization of micelles in block copolymer/hompolymer blends

Spherical and cylindrical micelles are quite common in lipid/water systems. The self assembly of amphiphilic molecules into well defined geometries has been extensively studied and is explained in terms of geometric and packing properties in addition to electrostatic, van der Waals and solvation forces. While macromolecular self assembly may seem more complex than for such small molecule systems, it is actually a simpler physical situation to model. Much can be learned from the combined study of each type of system.In block copolymer/homopolymer blends the scale of the phase separation is restricted to the radius of gyration of the polymer blocks (typically several hundred A). By varying the composition and the molecular weights of the blocks and of the homopolymer, a wide range of morphologies and therefore physical properties can be achieved.

Structural transitions and organization of micelles in block copolymer/hompolymer blends Academic Article