The effect of PEO block lengths on the size and stability of complex coacervate core micelles

Adams, D. J. , Rogers, S. H. and Schuetz, P. (2008) The effect of PEO block lengths on the size and stability of complex coacervate core micelles. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 322(2), pp. 448-456. (doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2008.03.010) (PMID:18394639)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

We report on a series of polyion complexes from mixtures of poly(ethylene oxide)-block -poly(N,NN,N-diethylaminoethylmethacrylate) (PEO–PDEAMA) and poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(aspartic acid) (PEO–PAsp). As expected, the micelle size, polydispersity and stability are dependant on the relative and absolute lengths of the polyelectrolyte chains. However, we also demonstrate that whilst the length of the charged polyelectrolyte blocks is important, the length of the PEO chains is an equally relevant variable in determining both the size and stability of the final micelles as well as the degree of charge neutralisation at which micellisation occurs. We also show that the kinetics of formation can result in very different stability of the final micelles.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Adams, Dave
Authors: Adams, D. J., Rogers, S. H., and Schuetz, P.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0021-9797
ISSN (Online):1095-7103
Published Online:16 March 2008

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record