Due to their large size and densely grafted architecture, amphiphilic bottlebrush block copolymers exhibit unique self-assembly behavior. For example, in solution, amphiphilic bottlebrush block copolymers self-assemble to form large micelles due to their larger size compared with linear polymers (Figure 1). They also tend to form micelles with critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) significantly lower than those of comparable linear block copolymer amphiphiles. Here systematic studies of both cylindrical and tapered bottlebrush polymer self-assembly will be presented. The bottlebrush block copolymers polymers were prepared using norbornene-functionalized polystyrene and poly(acryloylmorpholine) macromonomers, accessing the tapered versions using the SAM-ROMP technique. Analysis of assemblies by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) will be discussed, supplemented by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, CMC measurements, dynamic light scattering studies, and transmission electron micrographs.

Aqueous self-assembly of amphiphilic cylindrical and cone-shaped (tapered) bottlebrush polymers prepared by sequential-addition of macromonomers ring-opening metathesis polymerization (SAM-ROMP)

2019 Spring National Meeting

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