Synthesis and ¹H-NMR characterization of amphiphilic acrylate block copolymers to investigate the effect of chain rigidity on micelle formation in solution

<p>Amphiphilic block copolymers are composed of distinct segments exhibiting different chemical properties. In solution, block copolymers may self-assemble to form micelles when triggered by a change in the environment. The effect of chain rigidity can be investigated in better detail if the molecular weights are controlled, as the polymer’s ability to aggregate is also influenced by polymer size. Acrylate and methacrylate monomers were chosen for their similar chemical properties but their difference in reported glass transition temperature (<em>T_g) </em>¹H-NMR methods were developed to measure molecular weight of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(t-butyl acrylate) homopolymers to corroborate size-exclusion chromatography measurements. Using qualitative measurements of peak broadening that occurs by the shortening of <em>T₂</em> relaxation when polymers phase-separate from solution, it was found that polymers with a more rigid hydrophobic region tend to form micelles the most readily.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Arnold, David

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gregg Wilmes, Ph.D., Chair
• Harriet Lindsay, Ph.D.
• Donald Snyder, Ph.D.

• Chemistry

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/403

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1772