ABC Triblock Copolymer Vesicles with Mesh-like Morphology

POSTER

Abstract

Polymer vesicles can be made from poly(isoprene-b-styrene-b-2-vinylpyridene) (PI-b-PS-b-P2VP) triblock copolymer under the confinement of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane. It was found that these vesicles have well-defined, nanoscopic size and a microphase-separated hydrophobic core, comprised of PS and PI blocks. Vesicle formation was tracked using both transmission and scanning electron microscopy. A mesh-like morphology formed in the core at a well-defined composition of three blocks. Confinement played an important role in generating these vesicles with such an unusual morphology.

Authors

  • Wei Zhao

    Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Thomas Russell

    University of Massachusetts Amherst, Univ. Massachusetts Amherst, Dept. of Polymer Sci. Eng., University of Massachusetts, Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, University of Massuchusetts at Amherst, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Gregory Grason

    University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst