The Synthesis and Assembly of Mikto 8-Shaped Cyclic Diblock Polymers

Abstract

Self-assembly behaviors of special topological polymers such as 8-figure shaped cyclic polymer are interesting, but are rarely reported so far due to the limited availability. In this work, mikto 8-figure shaped cyclic copolymers are synthesized with cinnamic acid dimer junctions, in which both rings possess diblock PS_x-b-PEG_y structures. Their self-assembly in water is investigated in comparison with their corresponding linear precursors. According to scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation, both of the mikto 8-figure shaped cyclic polymers and their corresponding linear precursors can form vesicles. But those formed from the former have very smooth surfaces, while those from the linear precursors have rugous surfaces. TEM observation shows that the linear precursors form loose vesicles. The size of micelles formed from 8-shaped cyclic copolymers is much smaller than that formed from the linear precursors. The topological structure exerts a significant influence on the solution aggregation behavior and provides broad ideas for the construction of precision solution aggregates.