Structures and Dynamics of Self-Assembled Organized Functional Polymers inSolution

摘要

Fruitful results were achieved by investigating the structure and dynamics ofself-assembled diblock and triblock copolymers by means of a combination of physical techniques, including static and dynamic light scattering, small angle x-ray scattering, small angle neutron scattering and atomic force microscopy. The polymer colloids are able to form core-shell micelles in a closed association process, as well as flower-like and more open-structured aggregates, depending on the molecular architecture, composition and solvent selectivity of the block. A detailed study on even a few selected samples of Pluronic polyols consisting of EPE type triblock copolymers in aqueous solution has resulted in the development of a new separation medium for DNA capillary electrophoresis where E and P are, respectively, oxyethylene and oxypropylene. By taking advantage of our knowledge on colloid physics, narrow size distribution polymeric microspheres with superparamagnetic magnetite cores are being developed. The polymeric shells contain active sites which can be modified chemically, making the microspheres possible candidates as drug delivery or magnetic resonance imaging agents. Finally, we have developed a centrifuge ball viscometer capable of measuring the viscosity of polymer melts, including that of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (also known as Teflon).