Self-assembly of linear-dendritic diblock copolymers

Linear-dendritic diblock copolymers combine the properties of dendritic macromolecules with the morphology of block copolymers, making it possible to create nanostructured materials which self assemble in the bulk state to form ordered thin films, and in solution to form highly functional micellar systems. The linear-dendritic system described here consists of 2000 molecular weight linear polyethylene oxide (PEO) with a polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendron covalently bonded to one chain end. Specular neutron reflectivity has been used to investigate the structure of monolayers formed at an air-water interface. The dendritic end groups were functionalized with deuterated stearic acid to make the dendritic block hydrophobic, resulting in a macroamphiphile. Results indicate that stable monolayers are formed with PEO resting on the subphase and stearate groups extending into the air. Surface concentration and dendrimer generation were both found to impact monolayer formation.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Chemical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2002

Author dc:creator

• Johnson, Mark Alan, 1975-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Paula T. Hammond.

• Chemical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/8533

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/8533