It is challenging to reliably create self-assemblies of different morphologies of the same polymer at the same final conditions (same ingredients, composition, temperature, etc.). It involves pathway-dependent preparation strategies toward defined nonequilibrium states. In the best case, the resulting metastable micelles would be kinetically stable for a long time, but would allow a triggered transition at will, which would entice pronounced property changes of the colloidal suspension on the way toward equilibrium at otherwise constant conditions. Even more challenging is the recreation of the original nonequilibrium micelles. As solution to these problems, we propose an interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) exhibiting spherical star-like or cylindrical micelles at the same conditions. It relies on a temperature-induced structural change at equilibrated conditions due to the presence of a plasticizer. Removal of the plasticizer leads to a kinetic freezing, preserving some morphological features also at other conditions, where these micelles are not the equilibrium structure. Then, addition of plasticizer allows a return to the equilibrium state. This preparation and triggering cycle can be repeated at will, envisioning possible application in nano-technology or triggered release application.

Triggering and recycling of nonequilibrium micelles

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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