Characterization of Micelles of Polyisobutylene-block-poly(methacrylic acid) in Aqueous Medium

Four amphiphilic block copolymers polyisobutylene-block-poly(methacrylic acid) (IBm-MAAn; m = 70−134, n = 52−228) were synthesized and transferred into aqueous medium at pH 10−12. Their structure in solution was characterized by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), static and dynamic light scattering (SLS, DLS), analytical ultracentrifuge (AUC), and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with freeze-fracturing and staining techniques. DLS data, AUC sedimentation traces, and TEM images indicate at least two different kinds of particles. TEM shows spherical micelles; however, especially for polymers with larger hydrophobic blocks, additional particles are observed. FCS shows extrem…