1202.2303 (Alexander Muratov et al.)

Degradation versus self-assembly of block copolymer micelles    [PDF]

Alexander Muratov, Vladimir A. Baulin

The stability of micelles self-assembled from block copolymers can be altered
by the degradation of the blocks. Slow degradation shifts the equilibrium size
distribution of block copolymer micelles and change their properties.
Quasi-equilibrium scaling theory shows that the degradation of hydrophobic
blocks in the core of micelles destabilize the micelles reducing their size,
while the degradation of hydrophilic blocks forming coronas of micelles favors
larger micelles and may, at certain conditions, induce the formation of
micelles from individual chains.

View original: http://arxiv.org/abs/1202.2303