Abstract
A block copolymer of hydrophilic poly-(ethylene oxide) and a hydrophobic poly(alkylene oxide) can associate in dilute aqueous solution to form micelles. The results of recent investigations of the micellisation behaviour and micelle properties of such copolymers are described. Copolymers of ethylene oxide with propylene oxide, 1,2-butylene oxide or styrene oxide are considered, including aspects of their preparation. Experimental methods for determination of critical conditions for micellisation, micelle association number and spherical-micelle radius are summarised. Effects of temperature, composition, block length and block architecture (diblock, triblock and cyclic-diblock) are described and, where possible, related to the predictions of theory. Brief consideration is given to the dynamics of micelle formation/dissociation, to cylindrical micelles, and to effects of added salts. © Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 2000.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 501-527 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | Macromolecular rapid communications |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| Publication status | Published - 20 Jun 2000 |