Block Copolymers In Solution - Fundamentals And Applications

This unique text discusses the solution self-assembly of block copolymers and covers all aspects from basic physical chemistry to applications in soft nanotechnology. Recent advances have enabled the preparation of new materials with novel self-assembling structures, functionality and responsiveness and there have also been concomitant advances in theory and modelling.

The present text covers the principles of self-assembly in both dilute and concentrated solution, for example micellization and mesophase formation, etc., in chapters 2 and 3 respectively. Chapter 4 covers polyelectrolyte block copolymers - these materials are attracting significant attention from researchers and a solid basis for understanding their physical chemistry is emerging, and this is discussed. The next chapter discusses adsorption of block copolymers from solution at liquid and solid interfaces. The concluding chapter presents a discussion of selected applications, focussing on several important new concepts.

The book is aimed at researchers in polymer science as well as industrial scientists involved in the polymer and coatings industries. It will also be of interest to scientists working in soft matter self-assembly and self-organizing polymers.

Preface.


1. Introduction.


References.


2. Neutral Block Copolymers in Dilute Solution.


2.1 Introduction.


2.2 Techniques for Studying Micellization.


2.3 Micellization in PEO-based Block Copolymers.


2.4 Micellization in Styrenic Block Copolymers.


2.5 Determination of cmc.


2.6 Thermodynamics of Micellization.


2.7 Micellization and Micelle Dimensions: Theory and Simulation.


2.8 Micelle Dimensions: Comparison Between Experiment and Theory.


2.9 Interaction between Micelles.


2.10 Dynamics of Micellization.


2.11 Dynamic Modes.


2.12 Specific Types of Micelles.


2.13 Micellization in Mixed solvents.


2.14 Mixed micelles.


2.15 Block Copolymer/Surfactant complexes.


2.16 Complex Morphologies.


2.17 Vesicles.


2.18 Crystallization in Micelles.


References.


3. Concentrated Solutions.


3.1 Understanding Phase Diagrams.


3.2 Phase Behaviour of PEO-containing Block Copolymers.


3.3 Gelation.


3.4 Order-Disorder Phase Transition.


3.5 Order-order Phase Transitions.


3.6 Domain Spacing Scaling, and Solvent Distribution profiles.


3.7 Semidilute Block Copolymer Solution Theory.


3.8 Theoretical understanding of Phase Diagrams.


3.9 Flow Alignment.


3.10 Dynamics.


References.


4. Polyelectrolyte Block Copolymers.


4.1 Micellization.


4.2 Chain Conformation.


4.3 Theory.


4.4 Polyion Complexes.


4.5 Copolymer-surfactant complexes.


4.6 Complexation with other Molecules.


4.7 Gelation.


4.8 Hierarchical Order in Peptide Block Copolyelectrolyte Solutions.


References.


5. Adsorption.


5.1 Introduction.


5.2 Adsorption at the Air-Water Interface.


5.3 Adsorption on Solid Substrates.


5.4 Surface Forces Experiments.


5.5 Modelling Adsorption.


References.


6. Applications


6.1 Surfactancy/Detergency.


6.2 Solubilisation, Emusification and Stabilization.


6.3 Drug Delivery.


6.4 Biodegradable Block Copolymer Micelles.


6.5 Thermoresponsive Micellar Systems.


6.6 Metal-Containing Copolymer Micelles and Nanoreactors.


6.7 Vesicles.


6.8 Separation Media.


6.9 Templating.


6.10 Membranes.


6.11 Other Applications.


References.


Index.