Density functional theory studies on the microphase separation of amphiphilic comb copolymers in a selective solvent.
The density functional theory was used to study systematically the microphase separation of amphiphilic comb block copolymers with hydrophilic backbone and hydrophobic side chains in a selective solvent. The effects of the length of backbone and side chains, the grafted density, as well as solvent quality were investigated, and a phase diagram was mapped out. In addition, several novel morphologies, such as toroidal micelles, cage-like micelles, and "sphere-in-vesicle" nanostructure, were identified. The knowledge obtained may provide useful information for future experimental investigations.
Qi
Hongfeng
H
Department of Chemical Engineering and Key Laboratory of Bioprocess of Beijing, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China. qihf_buct@yahoo.com
Zhong
Chongli
C
D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D011789:Quantum Theory; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry*; D013816:Thermodynamics
D011108:Polymers; D012997:Solvents