Temperature-Induced Ordering and Gelation of Star Micelles Based on ABA Triblocks Synthesized Via Aqueous RAFT Polymerization

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Abstract

The reversible formation of ordered physical gels from stimuli-responsive ABA [A poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA), B = poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)] triblock copolymers is investigated utilizing dynamic light scattering, small angle X-ray scattering, and low-shear rheometry. As the temperature is increased above the phase transition temperature of the PNIPAM segment, triblock copolymers under a critical molecular weight are capable of packing into body-centered cubic arrays. Rheometric tests indicate that the storage moduli of the gels at 50 degrees C are inversely related to the molecular weight of the polymer.

Publication Title

Soft Matter

Volume

5

Issue

11

First Page

2179

Last Page

2182

Find in your library

Share

COinS