The small-sized polymeric Janus particles (SPJPs) are the Janus particles whose one side consists of a polymeric particle with a cross-linked structure, and the other side consists of one or a few linear polymer chains. In the common solvent, SPJPs have a size in the range from a few to a dozen nanometers, comparable to the size of a block copolymer random coil in a good solvent. Similar to an amphiphilic block copolymer, amphiphilic SPJPs have the ability of self-assembling in solution to form regularly structured assemblies that are similar in size and morphology to the assemblies of block copolymers formed in the selective solvent. However, SPJPs have the characteristics of particles, and thus their self-assembly behavior and the structure and properties of the resultant assemblies are quite unique. 1. In the solvent selective for the linear polymer chains, SPJPs can self-assemble at higher concentrations to form regular structures because SPJPs can move more freely due to the less chain entanglements. 2. The particle in the structure of the SPJP make the assemblies different. For example, the SPJPs assemblies formed in the selective solvent of the linear chains have no or much less chain entanglements, so its structure can dissociate under ultrasound; SPJP self-assembly can be used as a general method for preparing the ultrasonic responsive polymer assemblies. In addition, when the SPJP assemblies were formed in the selective solvent for the particle, the strong repulsion between the particles in the shell can lead to dissociation of the assemblies. 3. The particle in the structure of SPJPs provides a versatile platform for functionalization of the assembly. For example, slow covalent crosslinking reactions within the particles can drive morphologic transformation of the assemblies gradually and automatically. Therefore, the linear chain provides the SPJPs excellent self-assembly ability, while the particle provides a versatile platform for regulating the structure and function of the polymeric assembly.

Self-assembly of the small-sized polymeric Janus particles containing one or a few linear polymer chains

ACS Fall 2021

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