Abstract
We examine the phase behavior of end-functionalized diblock copolymer stars by means of Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations. We focus on solutions of diblock copolymer stars with a solvophobic outer block shorter than the solvophilic inner block, which are expected to nucleate microphase aggregates. By tuning the temperature and rigidity of the molecules, we target specific mesoscale structures, which can act as powerful rheology modifiers. In particular, we control the hierarchical self-assembly of single micelles in a "pearl-necklace'' fashion, which eventually merge into elongated, wormlike supermicelles.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3530-3535 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Soft Matter |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 18 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 103036 Theoretical physics
- 103023 Polymer physics
- 103029 Statistical physics
Keywords
- TRANSIENT NETWORK
- SURFACTANT MICELLES
- TELECHELIC POLYMERS
- LIGHT-SCATTERING
- PHASE-BEHAVIOR
- DRAG REDUCTION
- DYNAMICS
- RHEOLOGY
- SYSTEMS
- MICROEMULSION