Well-Defined Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Nanoobjects via Nitroxide-Mediated Emulsion Polymerization

• DOI: 10.1021/mz200035b
• Publication Date: 2011-11-09T14:03:28Z
• Authors: Emilie Groison; Ségolène Brusseau; Franck D’Agosto; Stéphanie Magnet; Rabi Inoubli; Laurence Couvreur; Bernadette Charleux
• Keywords: Molar mass; Emulsion polymerization

Water-soluble macroalkoxyamines are shown to be particularly well-suited initiators for nitroxide-mediated emulsion polymerization. They lead the synthesis of amphiphilic block copolymers that self-assemble in situ into well-defined nanoobject morphologies, agreement with principles polymerization-induced micellization. Depending on molar mass hydrophobic block, formed nanoparticles hairy spherical micelles, nanofibers, or vesicles. The nanofibers most intriguing and spectacular structure strongly affect physicochemical properties aqueous dispersions.