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