Recent advances in living polymerization techniques and efficient macromolecular coupling chemistries have enabled the rapid synthesis of many complex polymer architectures. Some of these structures are expected to have unique properties and useful applications that will justify the effort required in their synthesis. This paper will focus on two particular case studies where polymer architecture results in promising physical properties.  The first case study involves the synthesis of amphiphilic star block copolymers with a branched core and multiple amphiphilic arms. The assembly of these structures was studied, with respect to the number of arms, and their utility for encapsulating guests was explored. When comparing the efficiency of these structures for encapsulating dyes and transporting them through viable dermis, the multi-arm amphiphilic structures out-performed simple linear block copolymers.  The second case study explores the preparation and characterization of well-defined amphiphilic cyclic block copolymers.  By comparing these structures with exact linear analogs, the effect of the cyclic architecture on self-assembly could be isolated. The reduced size and enhanced stability of the more exotic cyclic amphiphilic polymers confirms the unique physical properties imparted on them by the cyclic topology.

Investigations of the effect of architecture on the self-assembly and guest encapsulation in cyclic and branched macromolecules

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.