Spontaneous formation of complex micelles from a homogeneous solution.
We present an extensive computer simulation study of structure formation in amphiphilic block copolymer solutions after a quench from a homogeneous state. By using a mesoscopic field-based simulation method, we are able to access time scales in the range of a second. A "phase diagram" of final structures is mapped out as a function of the concentration and solvent philicity of the copolymers. A rich spectrum of structures is observed, ranging from spherical and rodlike micelles and vesicles to toroidal and net-cage micelles. The dynamical pathways leading to these structures are analyzed in detail, and possible ways to control the structures are discussed briefly.
Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, 300072 Tianjin, China.
Xuehao
X
He
Friederike
F
Schmid
D003198:Computer Simulation; D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D008823:Micelles; D008956:Models, Chemical; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012996:Solutions
D008823:Micelles; D011108:Polymers; D012996:Solutions